Medium Dog Breeds for UK Owners

Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a pet owner can make. For many UK households, medium dog breeds are the perfect middle ground — large enough to enjoy outdoor adventures, yet compact enough for family homes, terrace houses, and even well-managed flats. In the UK dog world, a medium sized dog is generally defined as weighing 11–24kg as an adult, a definition supported by leading veterinary nutrition brands and breed organisations.

How We Picked the List

To help UK dog owners and first-time pet owners make a confident, informed decision, we selected each medium sized dog breed using the following evidence-based criteria:

• Popularity & availability: We prioritised popular dog breeds with strong Kennel Club registration numbers, making reputable UK breeders and rescues easier to find.

• Family-friendly natures: A good family dog should be tolerant with children, strangers, and other animals when properly socialised.

• Beginner-proof temperaments: We favoured intelligent dog breeds that respond well to training and are more forgiving of first-time owner mistakes.

• “Goldilocks” energy levels: These medium dogs have enough stamina for active families but aren’t so intense that they suit only highly active households.

• Manageable grooming needs: From smooth coat dogs to those with a thick or shaggy double coat, we chose breeds that need a fair amount of brushing, not daily clipping.

• Budget check: Lifetime ownership costs for medium sized dog breeds are typically £7.5k–£11.8k, and we flag breeds that often exceed this range.

Quick Comparison: Popular Medium Dog Breeds

Insurance guide: £ = generally lower premiums · ££ = average · £££ = higher (often due to breed-linked health risks)

1. Cocker Spaniel — Britain’s Perennial Favourite

A long-time favourite among UK dog owners, the Cocker Spaniel is an affectionate, people-focused family dog. Originally bred as a hunting dog, this medium sized dog has enough energy for daily walks while remaining calm indoors when exercised. Their silky, wavy coat needs regular grooming, especially around the ears.

2. English Springer Spaniel — The Energetic Family All-Rounder

The English Springer Spaniel is a lively, friendly sporting dog known for stamina and loyalty. This medium sized breed thrives in active homes that enjoy walking and outdoor time. With proper training, Springers are gentle with children and other dogs, making them ideal companions for busy families.

3. Whippet — The Calm Athlete for Modern Living

The Whippet is a sleek, athletic dog that surprises many owners with its calm, sofa-loving nature. Despite being fast and playful outdoors, Whippets are quiet and relaxed indoors, making them well suited to UK flats. Their smooth coat sheds lightly and requires minimal grooming.

4. Beagle — The Curious Scent-Loving Companion

Friendly, curious, and food-motivated, the Beagle is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Originally bred for scent work, this medium dog enjoys exploring and needs secure outdoor exercise. Beagles are generally good-natured and sociable, but consistent training is important.

5. Miniature Poodle — The Clever, Low-Shedding Choice

The Miniature Poodle is a highly intelligent dog breed known for its low-shedding, tightly curled coat. Often chosen by allergy-aware households, this breed excels at training and adapts well to family life. Regular professional grooming is essential to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free.

6. Bulldog — The Easy-Going Urban Companion

Calm, affectionate, and people-oriented, the Bulldog is a popular choice for owners seeking a lower-energy medium sized dog. Bulldogs are well suited to indoor living and shorter walks, though owners should be mindful of heat and breathing issues common to the breed.

7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier — The Loyal Family Favourite

When responsibly bred and well socialised, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a deeply loyal and highly affectionate companion. This medium dog breed is known for its strong bond with humans and suitability as a family dog, provided children are always supervised.

8. Cockapoo — The Adaptable Modern Favourite

A popular crossbreed in the UK, the Cockapoo combines the friendliness of a Cocker Spaniel with the intelligence of a Poodle. This adaptable medium sized dog suits many lifestyles, including first-time owners. Grooming needs vary depending on coat type, but regular brushing is essential.

9. Border Collie (Show Lines) — The Intelligent Home Companion

Show-line Border Collies are slightly calmer than working lines but remain highly intelligent and trainable. This medium sized herding breed needs daily mental stimulation and purposeful exercise. Best suited to owners who enjoy training, agility, or structured activities.

10. Wire‑Haired Dachshund — The Small Dog with Big Character

The Wire-Haired Dachshund is bold, curious, and full of character. Although shorter in stature, this breed often falls into the medium dog category by lifestyle rather than size. Their wiry coat is relatively low-shedding and requires occasional grooming.

11. Australian Shepherd — The Energetic Outdoor Enthusiast

The Australian Shepherd is an energetic working breed with a strong desire to learn and stay busy. This medium sized dog thrives in active UK households that enjoy hiking or dog sports. Their dense double coat needs weekly brushing, especially during seasonal shedding.

12. Portuguese Water Dog — The Active, Low-Shedding Athlete

Originally bred to assist fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog is athletic, confident, and people-focused. Their curly or wavy coat sheds very little but requires professional grooming. This breed suits active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and water sports.

13. Bearded Collie — The Shaggy, Cheerful Adventurer

With its distinctive shaggy double coat and cheerful personality, the Bearded Collie is a lively and affectionate family companion. This breed needs plenty of exercise and daily grooming, making it best suited to owners with time for coat care.

14. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier — The Spirited, Allergy-Aware Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known for its friendly, spirited nature and soft, flowing coat. As a medium sized terrier, it offers lower shedding than many breeds but requires regular grooming to prevent mats. A good choice for active families.

15. Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) — The Gentle, Trainable Watchdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a smaller medium dog breed prized for intelligence and loyalty. This sensitive breed forms strong bonds with owners and responds exceptionally well to training. Their thick double coat needs weekly brushing.

16. Standard Schnauzer — The Alert, Confident All-Rounder

Alert, confident, and intelligent, the Standard Schnauzer is a versatile working dog breed with natural guarding instincts. Their wiry coat sheds very little but needs specialist grooming. Best suited to owners who enjoy training and structure.

Honourable Mentions

Because Britain loves variety, these additional medium sized dog breeds deserve a shout‑out—each boasting unique physical characteristics and coat types:

• Australian Shepherd, Australian Kelpie & Australian Cattle Dog — tireless working breed champions with boundless energy and trademark blue merle or tri colour patterns.

• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Airedale Terrier & Bearded Collie — spirited terrier breeds and herders with shaggy or fluffy coats that require regular grooming.

• Bernese Mountain Dog, Portuguese Water Dog, Standard Schnauzer & American Eskimo Dog — beautiful breeds with either thick undercoat or dense coat perfect for cold climates.

• Basset Hound, Finnish Spitz, Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) & Shar Pei — friendly dogs ranging from low‑slung scent hounds to independent guardians.

• American Staffordshire Terrier & Bull Terrier — muscular yet affectionate breeds that shine as loyal protectors when properly trained.

• German Shorthaired Pointer, English Setter & Golden Retrievers — versatile sporting and hunting dogs that demand a good dose of daily activity.

• Standard Poodle & Toy Poodle — curly‑coated athletes in different sizes, each boasting intelligence and low shedding reputations.

Common Health Problems in Medium Dog Breeds

Medium sized dog breeds are generally hardy, but each dog breed can face certain issues. Knowing these problems helps dog owners plan pet insurance and daily care.

• Joint pain – Hip or elbow dysplasia often troubles active dogs and athletic dogs such as the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog and other medium sized herding breed stars. A healthy weight and ample exercise on soft ground can ease the strain.

• Skin & coat troubles – Breeds with a thick double coat, shaggy double coat or fluffy coat—think Bernese Mountain Dog, American Eskimo Dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Bearded Collie—can trap dirt, loose hair and doggy odour. Weekly brushing removes dead hairs and prevents mats.

• Allergies – Terrier breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sometimes develop itchy skin. A good brush, regular grooming and a vet‑approved diet often reduce flare‑ups.

• Ear infections – Floppy eared favourites such as the Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound and English Springer Spaniel pick up moisture easily after a swim or muddy walk. Dry ears gently every day to keep bacteria away.

• Heart & eye conditions – Popular dog breeds including Golden Retrievers, Bull Terriers and Portuguese Water Dogs can be prone to heart murmurs or cataracts. Annual health checks keep problems in check and control veterinary costs.

Whether you share life with an intelligent dog breed, a hard‑working hunting dog like the German Shorthaired Pointer, or a loyal guard dog such as the Bull Terrier, simple habits—balanced food, daily brushing, plenty of exercise and regular vet visits—help these medium dog companions stay healthy for 10 years or more.

Grooming, Shedding & Coat Types Explained

Medium dog breeds come with a variety of coats:

• Double coat: Border Collie, Sheltie (seasonal shedding)

• Wiry coat: Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier

• Curly coat: Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog

• Silky coat: Cocker Spaniel, Wheaten Terrier

Regular brushing helps:

• Remove loose hair and dead hairs

• Reduce doggy odour

• Prevent mats and skin issues

Professional grooming is essential for many medium sized breeds.

Choosing the Right Breed for Your Household

1. Space & lifestyle. A Whippet lounges indoors; an energetic Aussie demands a field.

2. Exercise. Some breeds need a high energy run every day; others enjoy a fair amount of play then snooze.

3. Grooming requirements. Know the difference between a smooth coat that needs a quick rub and a wooly undercoat that requires daily brushing.

4. Health & lifespan. Most medium dogs live 10–14 years; larger, heavier builds such as the Bernese trend shorter.

5. Costs. Factor food, pet insurance, and professional grooming for curly or long coats.

6. Allergies: Go for low‑shedding breeds like Poodle mixes.

7. Legal duties: All UK dogs must be microchipped by 8 weeks, or owners face a £500 fine.

For families keen to adopt, Battersea and Dogs Trust have many medium sweethearts waiting for sofas.

FAQs

What is classed as a medium‑sized dog in the UK?

The Kennel Club labels breeds weighing roughly 11 – 24 kg and standing 35 – 55 cm at the shoulder as “medium”. Think Cocker Spaniel, Whippet or Beagle.

What is the best medium to large family dog?

For a “one‑size‑fits‑all” temperament, many UK vets recommend Golden Retrievers—technically edging into the large bracket but still manageable in suburban homes—and the ever‑popular Labrador. From our true‑medium list, Cocker Spaniels and Staffordshire Bull Terriers earn the highest family scores.

Which medium breeds shed the least?

Miniature Poodles, Cockapoos, Portuguese Water Dogs and Kerry Blue Terriers boast hair‑like coats that drop little dander when kept trimmed. Regular brushing prevents mats.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Cocker Spaniel?

According to MoneySuperMarket, the average premium in 2024 was £12.18 per month for a young, healthy Cocker Spaniel in England. Prices rise with age, pre‑existing conditions and postcode.

Are Bulldogs good with kids despite health issues?

Yes—Bulldogs are typically gentle and tolerant. Choose a breeder who tests for respiratory, skin and joint problems, maintain a healthy weight and provide moderate exercise. Families prepared for potentially higher vet bills often find Bulldogs delightful playmates.

Conclusion

The best medium sized dog is one that fits your lifestyle, time, and energy level. Whether you want a calm family dog, an active dog for hiking, or a loyal companion, medium dog breeds offer exceptional versatility.