Medium Dog Breeds

Often confused with its colonial counterpart, the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is somewhat shorter but equally strong and muscular. Commonly known as "Stafford," this breed is celebrated for its lively and playful demeanor. While it does not actively seek out conflict, it is steadfast when challenged. Initially bred for dog fighting and ratting, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier underwent a transformation in its role after such cruel practices were banned in England. Despite its tough image, early breeding focused on cultivating gentler characteristics, which enhanced its loyalty and protective instincts towards its family. Today, this loving breed is an excellent companion for energetic families, full of vitality and enthusiasm for play.

The Golden Sheltie is a mixed breed dog that emerges from the combination of a Golden Retriever and a Shetland Sheepdog, often called a Sheltie. The Golden Retriever is celebrated as the quintessential companion, recognized for its sharp intellect and steadfast loyalty, making it a beloved friend to all it meets, despite its tendency to shed. In contrast, the Sheltie, which resembles a smaller version of a Collie, was originally developed for herding sheep in Scotland, particularly on the Shetland Islands. This unique crossbreed results in the Golden Sheltie, a lively and clever dog that cherishes its family and is generally straightforward to train.

The Borgi is a hybrid breed that results from the combination of a Border Collie and a Poodle. The Border Collie, which became well-known in the early 19th century, has its roots in the British Isles. This breed was created from various sheepdog types to perform exceptionally as a herding dog. In a similar vein, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is also classified as a herding dog and has a deep-seated history that is closely linked to Welsh folklore. Although the exact ancestry of the Corgi is somewhat ambiguous, it is understood that farmers selectively bred these dogs for particular roles, often without keeping detailed records. Today, the Corgi is celebrated as one of the top fifty breeds preferred by families as pets.

The Koolie is an energetic, medium-sized herding breed that originated in Australia in the 19th century. It has significantly influenced the development of both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Kelpie. Renowned for their exceptional drive and strong work ethic, Koolies excel at herding a diverse range of animals, from ducks to cattle, and are also adept at managing other pets and even people. While many Koolies traditionally exhibit merle coat patterns, concerns about the link between this coloration and congenital blindness or deafness have led to a rising preference for solid-colored dogs. Although their inherent friendliness may reduce their effectiveness as guard dogs, their sharp intelligence and vigilance make them excellent watchdogs.

The Vizsla Staff is a mixed breed resulting from the cross between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Vizsla. Renowned for their athletic build, these dogs are full of vitality and have a joyful personality. Typically weighing around 50 pounds, they are surprisingly loving and enjoy snuggling with their owners, often behaving like lapdogs. Their short, low-shedding coats are easy to maintain, and although they may be susceptible to certain health concerns, they are generally quite sturdy. Their intelligence and strong connection with people make them excellent candidates for service roles, making them a wonderful option for active families in search of a devoted companion.

One of the most notable features of the Chow Chow is its distinctive blue-black tongue. This breed is also recognized for its unique, stilted walking style and the lion-like "mane" that frames its neck. As a member of the Spitz family, the Chow Chow is thought to have originated in the cold northern regions of China. Throughout history, it has fulfilled various roles such as hunting, herding, pulling carts, and guarding homes. This medium-sized dog is characterized by its broad head and deep muzzle, along with small, triangular ears that perch on its double-coated neck. Chows are available in a range of colors, including red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream.

Schnorgis are an enchanting hybrid breed created by crossing a Corgi with a Schnauzer. These dogs are known for their loving yet determined personalities, thriving on companionship—whether that means accompanying their owners on a run, playing in the yard, or just relaxing together. Their appealing looks are paired with low-shedding fur, which makes grooming relatively simple. Schnorgis are versatile and can adapt to different living environments, including both houses and apartments, as long as they have plenty of opportunities to play and burn off energy. Generally, this breed is quite healthy, with a typical lifespan ranging from 12 to 15 years.

The Munsterlander is a dynamic sporting breed that comes in two sizes: small and large. Although it is relatively new to the United States, it has long been favored for hunting in Europe. Both size variations require considerable attention and training to develop into well-adjusted family companions. With a strong hunting drive, the Munsterlander thrives when involved in meaningful activities. It is crucial for this breed to reside indoors, allowing for plenty of interaction with family members. If left unsupervised in the backyard, a Munsterlander may engage in mischief and potentially cause damage to your landscaping, as they are adept at finding ways to entertain themselves.

The Husky Jack is an energetic hybrid breed created by crossing a Siberian Husky with a Jack Russell Terrier. Renowned for their spirited personalities, these dogs exhibit traits of boldness, loyalty, and affection. Generally, they are medium-sized, weighing between 30 and 40 pounds and standing 17 to 19 inches tall, with a lifespan of approximately 11 to 16 years. Their coats are short and smooth, showcasing a variety of colors, including white, black, gray, red, sable, and agouti, often highlighted by markings in shades of black, brown, tan, cream, or even tri-color combinations. While the Husky Jack has become increasingly popular since the late 20th century, it is not officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) due to its ongoing development and lack of standardization.

The Bull Chow Terrier is a hybrid breed resulting from the combination of two purebred dogs: the Bull Terrier and the Chow Chow. This distinctive breed is believed to have emerged in the United States during the 1990s. Generally, Bull Chows are large dogs, weighing between 55 and 70 pounds. Both parent breeds exhibit characteristics such as independence, stubbornness, and a strong sense of territory, while also being exceptionally loyal and protective of their families. With its unique look, the Bull Chow is bound to turn heads wherever it goes. Although this breed can adapt to a variety of living environments, owners should be aware of their sensitivity to high temperatures.

The Elk-Kee is a hybrid dog breed that results from crossing a Norwegian Elkhound with a Keeshond. Typically, these dogs weigh around 45 pounds, placing them in the medium size category. Their coats are generally short, thick, and smooth, with common hues such as black, silver, gray, and cream. Renowned for being excellent family pets, Elk-Kees are particularly affectionate with children and are usually quite trainable. Although the Keeshond is often regarded as the more trainable of the two parent breeds, both are suitable for first-time dog owners, indicating that the Elk-Kee would likely share this trait. Regular physical activity is crucial for this breed, and due to the shedding characteristics of both parent breeds, consistent grooming is important to keep their coat in good condition.

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a classic scent hound, celebrated for its exceptional sense of smell. This breed is full of energy and can travel long distances if not adequately exercised. Because of its high activity requirements, it is not ideal for apartment living and needs plenty of daily physical activity to flourish. Expect a lively and talkative personality from this dog. While it is typically sociable, it may be somewhat cautious around strangers. Notably, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound should never exhibit aggression and is a wonderful companion for children.