Medium dog breeds: list, name, description and interesting facts

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Many do not dare to get a four-legged pet because of unsuitable living conditions. Of course, big dogs, accustomed to open spaces, will hardly fit in a small-sized Khrushchev. Fortunately, along with large ones, there are also medium breeds of dogs, which will need much less space. Maybe that's why these individuals have gained such popularity?

Main dog breed classifications

All varieties of dogs have their individual differences in temperament, appearance and purpose. As a result, the International Cynological Federation put forward a single list of dog breeds according to their mission:

1. Dogs for herding and cattle breeding. The group excludes Swiss cattle dogs. The category contains many types of shepherd dogs that successfully help shepherds to monitor and protect flocks and herds of farm animals. Representatives of this category are distinguished by endurance and speed.
2. Pinchers and Schnauzers make up the second group of pets. Same wayand includes all Great Dane and Swiss skotogony. The peculiarity of the section is that its representatives can be service, decorative and shepherd dogs.
3. Terriers ("boules", "toys", etc.). These dogs are excellent hunters and companions.
4. Dachshunds are distinguished by a separate clan, which differ in the type of wool and size. Dachshunds are good burrowing dogs, bred primarily for hunting foxes and other burrowing animals. Today they are used as decorative pets.
5. Primitive dogs and all types of Spitz. This includes riding, hunting, herding and guard animals.
6. Hounds and relatives. Representatives vary in size and are used in hunting swift-footed game (for example, hares).
7. Point dogs have a well-developed hunting sense. The group includes Setters (English and Irish) and Continental Pointers.
8. Dogs that are designed to hunt waterfowl. The section consists of spaniels of all kinds, retrievers and other water dogs.
9. The room-decorative group of pets is distinguished by a calm, docile nature and extraordinary beauty. 10 types of dogs are marked here.
10. Greyhounds are characterized by strength and endurance. The refined graceful constitution promotes fast running at game hunting. The division along the length of the fur suggests the presence of three sections.
11. A separate section consists of dogs of unrecognized breeds. This includes those individuals that are recognized by the Russian Cynological Federation, but have not yet been highly rated by the FCIreceived.

Features of dogs of medium size

Another popular classification of four-legged pets is the division of breeds according to size. According to this, dog breeds for a medium-sized apartment are divided into:

• Small breeds of dogs weighing no more than 12 kilograms and less than 28 centimeters tall. Fluffy "kids" are intended for keeping only at home. Among small dogs, there are both hunters (dwarf dachshunds) and fighting breeds (for example, pugs). Due to circumstances, these breeds are used today as pets.
• Large size dogs. They are intended mainly for service and guard purposes. Such giants can reach a body weight of up to 25-30 kilograms. The growth of individual breeds can exceed 60-70 centimeters at the withers. Large dogs can easily endure being outside, so it is recommended to keep them in spacious aviaries in the yard. Strong, with a good reaction, they are excellent defenders of the owner and his home.
• Medium dog breeds. Universal in nature. On the one hand, they can protect a person with dignity. In addition, they are quite calm and friendly, they will make great friends for children. However, the main advantage is that small pets are quite compact. Their weight in most cases ranges from 12 to 25 kilograms, and their height is 28-58 centimeters. The range of medium sized dogs includes both hunting, service and toy breeds.

Hunting medium breeds

The names of medium-sized dog breeds that are intended for hunting are as follows:

• Dachshunds.
• Russian Spaniels.
• English and American Cocker Spaniels.
• Like.
• Setters (Irish, Scottish and English)
• Retrievers (Golden and Labrador).

Such dogs have great physical endurance. Many breeds are used today as pets. When getting a medium-sized hunting dog, you should remember that the pet needs long walks. For example, a Cocker Spaniel needs to walk for at least an hour twice a day. Otherwise, the animal may get sick. Also, small hunters cannot perform the duties of guards. Of course, they can notify the owner with a loud bark about the arrival of a stranger. But the pet will not be able to fully protect the home.

Decorative Pets

The names of medium and small breeds of decorative dogs are often confused due to ignorance. Sometimes the same breed is referred to both small and miniature dogs. Small decorative pets are:

• Chihuahua.
• Russian Toy Terrier.
• Yorkshire Terrier.
• Japanese Chin.
• Pekingese.
• Pomeranz (miniature spitz).
• Bolonka (all types).

Decorative dogs of medium size are considered:

• Poodle.
• Dalmatians.
• Basset Hound.
• Fox Terrier.
• Shih Tzu.
• Bichon.
• Gryphon.
• Kerry Blue Terrier.
• Mitte Schnauzer.
• Large German Spitz (Grossspitz).
• Dutch Spitz (Keeshond).

It is noteworthy that many of the named breeds are hunters. But thanks to their magnificent appearance, the owners prefer to see their pets as pillow decorations. However, these plush miracles require long walks and outdoor games. Only then will the pets be cheerful and energetic.

Small service dogs

Both large and medium breeds of dogs are excellent guards and watchmen. The difference between selfless protectors is the size of the animal. Among the medium service dogs can be distinguished:

• Doberman.
• American Staffordshire Terrier.
• American Pit Bull Terrier.
• Swiss Mountain Dog.
• Chow-chow.
• German boxer.
• Bull Terrier.
• Shar pei.

Small guards are well trained, clearly follow commands and get along well with all family members, as well as other pets. They rarely bark and have excellent intuition: they are sharpened to protect their owners, easily calculate the source of danger and selflessly engage in battle. They can also be entrusted with the protection of a large territory. In the moments of their duty, they can be aggressive and ferocious.

Rare Medium Size Dog Breeds

Among small dogs there are also little-known representatives. Specifically, unique varieties include:

The American Hairless Terrier is an animalpossessing devotion and good hunting intuition. The dog, which is a direct descendant of the Rat Terrier, is great for people with allergies. And this is not surprising, since the pet has practically no wool cover. Since the homeland of the naked terrier is the warm state of the USA (Louisiana), the animal is very susceptible to cold and requires keeping in an apartment. In addition, during walks in the winter, he will need special clothes for dogs of medium breeds. The ancestors of the American Hairless Terrier were excellent rat-catchers. Therefore, the owner should not be surprised when one day the family's favorite returns from a walk with gray prey in his mouth. Thus, he demonstrates his devotion and good hunting qualities. By the way, the breed is so rare in our time that there are no more than 70 individuals left on earth

• The next endangered medium dog breed is the Norwegian Lundehund. A descendant of the hunting dogs of the islands of Vara and Rost, the animal still retains the ability to catch gorge birds. Since hunting for the latter (due to their disappearance) is prohibited, the lundehund has to be content with cheerful outdoor games on the lawns. Pets have an easy complaisant character, friendliness and willingness to support the company. However, they are suspicious of strangers, whether human or animal. Today, there are about 200 Lundehunds, most of which live in Norway.
• Perhaps the most unusual representative of rare breeds of medium-sized dogs is Catalburun. A distinctive feature of the dog is its forked nose. Catalburun (another name is Turkish Pointer) is an excellent hunter. The birthplace of the breed is the ancient Ottoman province of Cilicia (modern Tarsus region). It was there that dogs with an exotic appearance were bred, which were intended to hunt partridges, hares and other small game. Today, Catalburun dogs are almost impossible to meet on the streets of megacities in America or Europe. And the very name of the variety (which means “fork-nosed” in Turkish) is unusual for the European ear. The breed of dogs is so small that its representatives can only be found in their homeland - in the province of Tarsus. Here they are used both as hunting dogs and as decorative dogs.

Pet care

Like small, medium breed dogs require careful grooming. Since many small dogs have long hair, it needs to be brushed quite often (about 3-4 times a week, and in the case of curly fur, every day).

A dog should have its own place in the apartment. It is unacceptable when a dog (no matter how beloved he was) slept in the same bed with the owner. It is best to place the pet's litter in a little-visited corner so that pets do not cause inconvenience to the animal, and it, in turn, does not prevent people from moving freely around the room. Well, if for comfort you can put a small house where the dog will feel like a full owner. The place of the dog should be away from heating appliances,refrigerator and adequate natural light.

No matter how many dogs there are in the house, each should have an individual bedding. Since dogs are quite tall, bowls in which food is placed and water is poured are best placed on a small stand. In this way, the development of an incorrect posture of the animal can be prevented. In addition, it is more convenient for a dog to absorb food from a bowl on a raised platform. It is advisable to have a separate bowl for food and water.

Pet equipment is varied. The main equipment of the dogs is a collar or harness and a leash. Collars for large, small and medium breeds of dogs should be comfortable and not rub the animal's neck. It is best to purchase a two-layer tie made of leather or a quality substitute. However, it is also possible to use nooses made of tarpaulin and other durable fabrics. The length of the collar should be at least 40-60 centimeters, and the width - 4-5. In this case, the resistance to tearing should be several times the weight of the pet.

Leashes and belts can also be different. For smaller dogs, a leash can also be purchased. And for hunters and watchmen, it is best to buy a leather rein 1.5-2 meters long with a loop-handle at the end. A chain 2-2.5 m long can also be used as a leash. It must have a counterweight for breaking, which corresponds to 100-150 kg. On the chain it is convenient to drive service dogs, hunting dogs and dogs with a difficult character.

Muzzles should be worn on medium-sized dogs in crowded areas. When transporting a pet on public transport, breeding on guard or when working inthe owner of the field is obliged to protect others from possible aggression. The best and most comfortable is a soft leather product that securely covers the muzzle of the animal. At the same time, an excessively tight fit of the accessory to the skin is undesirable, otherwise it can cause chafing and other inconveniences. It is undesirable to keep a dog in a muzzle for a long time.

It is recommended to bathe short-haired breeds of medium-sized dogs at least once every six months. Water should be running, clean, moderately warm (20-22 ° C). When washing, use special shampoos or other detergents. You need to bathe dogs only before feeding, since water procedures on a full stomach are difficult for a pet to tolerate. After the procedure, the animal must be thoroughly dried. You can also use a hair dryer. Long-haired and curly-haired representatives are well combed after bathing to avoid tangles.

Many breeds of medium-sized dogs require grooming. This grooming procedure is best done by a specialist, especially when the dog is going to participate in the exhibition. Some breeds (for example, fox terriers) are subjected to model plucking of wool - trimming. If the owner does not plan to exhibit a pet and has some skills, you can trim the dog at home.

Feeding pets

Medium breed dogs for an apartment, like large dogs, must move a lot. At the same time, they spend a lot of energy, which must be replenished through nutrition. It happens that two representatives of the same breed can eat differently. It all depends on the wayanimal life. An active, mobile pet, performing direct duties, absorbs more food than its relative, leading a calm lifestyle.

For feeding small dogs with organic (live) food, it is recommended to use only fresh products. The pet should be given food 2-3 times a day in small portions. The diet should include raw or boiled meat of cattle and poultry (except pork). A useful addition to the diet will be boiled fish - sea or river. You can also give offal in boiled form. For better saturation and replenishment of the body with useful carbohydrates, cereals can be added to meat at the rate of 2 parts of fillets and 1 part of cereals. Almost all types will do, but oatmeal, rice, millet, buckwheat will be especially useful.

The list of acceptable pet foods includes:

• Biscuits.
• Stale bread made from a mixture of rye and wheat flour.
• Vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes and cabbage of all kinds) that are lightly boiled in water.
• Greens (lettuce, parsley, young nettle).
• In order to strengthen and prevent damage to the bones of the skeleton, bone meal can be mixed into food.
• For better wool, add brewer's yeast.
• In order to prevent heavy molting, a small amount of pharmaceutical sulfur is mixed into food.

Manufacturers of non-natural food also produce special dry food for dogs of medium breeds. You can also use canned meat for animals. Whereinit should be remembered that the combination of natural and industrial food is unacceptable.

Top 10 Popular Medium Size Dogs

Each era dictates its own fashion for many things, including pets. Today, the most popular medium sized dog breed names are:

• The Labrador Retriever is a good-natured, flexible, cheerful favorite of the whole family, especially if young children live here. A good companion and good watchdog, the Labrador is often used as a guide dog.
• Golden Retriever is a close relative of the Labrador. As family traits, he has a cheerful disposition and friendliness.
• Recently, beagles have been very popular - dogs with a sharp sense of smell and rather wayward character.
• The Cocker Spaniel captivates with its luxurious appearance and cheerful character. When starting a spaniel, it should be remembered that, in addition to a decorative purpose, the dog has a wonderful character. Without periodic trips to nature and work for the purpose, the animal will be bored in a city apartment.
• Fans of dog fighting without rules, and just a safe existence, get an American Staffordshire Terrier. The dog has a special ferocity and great devotion to the owner. All other surroundings are perceived as enemies - it is worth the owner to give the appropriate command. In some European countries, as well as in the USA, the breed is equated to a personal weapon, and its acquisition requires a special permit.
• Dalmatians are the favorites of aesthetes. Spotted animal fursuitable for any situation, and a cheerful disposition will help get rid of depression. In addition, they are excellent companions and smart intellectuals.
• Husky - charming blue-eyed dogs, designed for transportation and sleigh racing. However, recently they are often used as home-decorative pets. When starting a husky, it should be remembered that in order to avoid animal diseases, it must be provided with as many walks and outdoor games as possible.
• Luxury German Spitz - dogs are not for the poor. The high cost of the pet is justified by its magnificent appearance and friendly character. They are happy to accompany their glamorous owners to all kinds of parties. When buying a Spitz, one should not forget about careful care and special feeding of the dog, otherwise the pet risks losing its brilliant appearance.
• The poodle is back in fashion. A decorative dog, the owner of a luxurious curly hair, the poodle conquers with its cheerful disposition and beauty. In addition, he practically does not shed, which is his additional advantage.
• Dobermans are distinguished by their proud posture and watchdog intuition. The owner of a dog of this breed is in the reliable "paws" of his pet, which will protect him under any conditions.

How to choose a puppy

Comparatively small pets are a good choice for a family with young heirs. Medium breeds of dogs are especially suitable for children, who simply cannot cope with large dogs, and small ones can be tortured by their obsessive desire to play.

Choosing a pet should be based on itsdestination. If the future owner is a fan of hunting and fishing, you can stop at a Cocker Spaniel, Setter, Dachshund. In the case of assigning an animal as a plush toy, it is more expedient to purchase a spitz, poodle or bichon. "Staffs" and "pitas" will become good defenders of the owner and his home. You should choose active puppies of medium breeds of dogs. Lethargic and ultra-calm cubs should arouse suspicion. It is better not to take such dogs, because excessive calmness may indicate he alth problems.

Interesting facts about the life of small dogs

In the history of cynology, unusual episodes from the existence of medium breeds of dogs are known. Here are a few:

Man did not participate in the development of the Basenji. The dog was formed absolutely independently, by natural selection. Also, this dog can't bark. In case of anxiety or joy, he gives out special rumbling sounds

• Fox hunters known today - dachshunds - were originally bred as badger chasers.
• Poodles are the most crossed dogs. The labradoodle and the cockapoo are considered descendants of the poodle.
• The medium short-haired Dalmatian dog breed is born completely white. The famous spots appear on the coat as the dog grows up.

The dwarfism gene is inherent in a single breed - Bassets. This is evidenced by undeveloped short limbs, which, at first glance, do not harmonize with a large head and a long torso.