Best MEDIUM Dog Breeds

Australian Cattle Dogs are a brave, intelligent and energetic herding dog that was developed in Australia for driving cattle. They have high energy levels and active minds, and therefore need plenty of exercise as well as a job to do, such as learning tricks, or other activities like playing Frisbee ball – a sport that requires a lot of speed agility, and intelligence in coordinating timing in which to excel. Be warned, Cattle Dogs who do not receive appropriate exercise and stimulation will invent their own activities. They’re naturally cautious, making them perfect watch dogs, though be warned Queensland “Heeler” is so named for good cause: they drive cattle by nipping at their heels or tails. Though not from an intent to attack but heard, I’ve seen one of these dogs “heel” both friends and strangers (the former, a close family friend well known by the dog, the latter, an understanding electricity meter-reader). They’re neither mean nor aggressive, but they are assertive and have strong herding instincts. That said, they’re still worth it. They rank 10th in Stanley Coren's “The Intelligence of Dogs”, making them one of the brightest dogs ranked. In my personal experience, they have personality to spare and intelligence to match; they’re a breed that you can see thinking.

According to 2008 American Kennel Club registration statistics, Boxers are the 6th most popular breed in the U.S. for the 2nd year in a row—after holding the 7th spot since 2002. Boxers are renowned for their great love and loyalty to their humans and their household. Though utter friendly towards their family, they tend to be distrustful of strangers, making them good alarm systems. They’re friendly and highly intelligent – a breed you can often see thinking – but they’re considered brave and determined when challenged, making them good protectors of children without needing to worry of an ill-fated attack. They are considered a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion, and they remain so even in old age. They are active and energetic, and they typically respond better to positive reinforcement techniques, which affords them to exercise their intelligence and to problem-solve (yes, they really do it). In fact, Boxers have a strong resistance to repetitive and punishment-based training, but respond extremely well to reward-based training methods. Boxers are generally patient with smaller dogs and puppies and are generally more comfortable with companionship, in either human or canine form. No real downer to be found, one of the very best breeds to be found.

Border Collies are herding dogs and are widely considered to be the most intelligent dog breed. Though these dogs can be protective of their human family, they are usually very affectionate to those they know making them a good family dog – though they do not fit well with families who do not have plenty of time to spend with their pet. Border Collies are very intelligent breed and have an instinctive desire to work closely and intensely with a human handler. They absolutely live for activities such as Frisbee and retrieving a ball. Though they can be a wonderful choice for some households, Border Collies are not a perfect fit for all people. As with many working breeds, Border Collies can be motion-sensitive and may attempt to control the movements (“herd”) of family members, cats, bicycles, cars, or anything else that moves IF not given enough mental and physical stimulation, and they are also generally not the best choice for households with small children.

aceptional loyalty and courage. One of the most intelligent breeds. Not to mention its looks....

Australian Shepherds are highly valued for their inherent versatility and trainability along with an eagerness to please. Aussies have considerable energy and drive, and excels – in fact, needs to be working, whether learning and practicing tricks or at dog sports such flyball, and Frisbee. They are also highly successful search and rescue dogs, disaster dogs, detection dogs, as well as guide, service, and therapy dogs. And, above all, they are much beloved family companions, being loyal and usually stay by their master. There are 2 common personality types with most being very calm and learn very easily, while other Aussies would rather be with their humans and enjoy quiet household life. Aussies are usually very sweet and affectionate, as well as faithful to their humans, and they are great with children, making wonderful family dogs, provided there is at least one “shepherd-figure” who acts as a leader and mentor to the dog.

Dalmatians are extremely smart, energetic and loyal, making them great family dogs. They are actually very good watchdogs, and were useful to fire brigades as guard dogs to protect a firehouse and its equipment, as fire engines used to be drawn by fast and powerful horses, which made a tempting target for thieves. Though the horses have long since gone, Dalmatians, by tradition, have stayed. As a result, in the U.S. Dalmatians are commonly known as firehouse dogs and are still chosen by many firefighters as pets, in honor of their heroism in the past. They are a very old (purposefully bred) breed, which has resulted in long-lived breed, generally free from common dog ailments, such as hip dysplasia (almost unknown in purebred Dalmatians). Their average lifespan is 12 years, although some live as long as 17 to 18 years – a very long lifespan for any dog, but especially so for a large breed.