Dogs have long been lovingly referred to as man’s best friend. What makes dogs so great is that they come in so many different sizes, and varieties. From tiny little dogs that fit right in your lap, to the larger breeds with extra to love.
Right in the middle are medium-sized breeds that are just the right size for many dog lovers alike. These furry friends are often more manageable in not only their size, but their temperament, as scientists have identified them as calmer, and more relaxed in nature.
While there are several dog breeds that are recognized in the medium-sized class, some are notably calmer than others. For this article, we will be focusing on these medium sized dogs that are calm.
7 Medium Sized Dogs That Are Calm
The seven medium sized dogs that are calm that we will be focusing on today are: the Basset Hound, Clumber Spaniel, English Bulldog, Sussex Spaniel, French Bulldog, Chinese Shar-Pei, and the Bergamasco.
1. Basset Hound
Height: 11 inches – 14 inches
Weight: 44 pounds – 64 pounds
Life Span: 10 years – 12 years
When talking about medium sized dogs that are calm, the Basset Hound certainly makes the list.
The American Kennel Club lovingly refers to the Basset Hound as a perennial favorite among dog owners. Although small in stature, they are solid in stature with powerful little legs, and paws
This breed requires minimal grooming and maintenance, as they are shorthaired. In addition to the many remarkable and attractive physical traits that this breed boasts, they certainly do not fall short when it comes to their personality.
The Basset Hound makes a great family dog due to their friendly, kind, and spunky nature. Basset Hounds are one of the most even-tempered dogs ever owned as reported by pet owners. They are also great with kids, which is a favorite quality amongst parents.
2. Clumber Spaniel
Height: 17 inches – 20 inches
Weight: 55 pounds – 85 pounds
Life Span: 10 years – 12 years
A breed of the Spaniel type, the Clumber Spaniel is lovingly referred to as an amusingly best friend. Often seen at breed shows, this is not only a beautiful medium sized dog that is calm, but this breed responds easily to training, and follows commands eagerly.
These dogs may require love and care in the grooming department, as they are long-haired, and do need to be brushed often to maintain their luscious, and healthy coat.
Clumber Spaniels are a favorite among families as well, and are often referred to as a great playmate. Swimming, running, and playing fetch are among some of their top favorite activities to pass time.
Another benefit of this breed is that they rarely bark, which is often seen as a plus for many dog owners.
3. English Bulldog
Height: 16 inches
Weight: 50 pounds – 54 pounds
Life Span: 8 years – 10 years
English Bulldogs have recently become very popular medium-sized dogs that are calm, and for no surprise. These medium-sized creatures are often referred to as a powerhouse with their solid legs, and wide jaw.
Although this breed has little-to-no hair, maintenance is a daily part of caring for this animal. Their skin is very loose, creating heavy wrinkles, which appear as “folds” that need to be cleaned, and even sometimes applied with lotion or various ointments.
English Bulldogs are people-oriented as a breed, and therefore, have a sweet, and gentle disposition. They are also wonderful family pets, and great with children. Another plus of this specific breed is that as they are not particularly energetic, or high-strung, they are perfect dogs for apartment owners, or those in smaller living quarters.
4. Sussex Spaniel
Height: 15 inches – 16 inches
Weight: 45 pounds – 50 pounds
Life Span: 12 years – 15 years
Words such as loyal, even-tempered, placid, affectionate, and true-blue are often used when describing the Sussex Spaniel. This breed is easily described as long and low, as they maintain their long, horizontal length – almost that of a rectangle.
As this is a Spaniel breed, grooming is an integral part of their daily care to maintain a healthy coat. They also have long ears, which need to be cleaned to reduce the risk of illness. The Sussex Spaniel maintains such a friendly, and outgoing temperament that they make excellent candidates for therapy dogs.
They have such an unending desire to be around, and with people, that they are easily desirable as family pets by many. Sussex Spaniels are one of the calmest medium-sized canines.
5. French Bulldog
Height: 11 inches – 14 inches
Weight: 20 pounds – 28 pounds
Life Span: 10 years – 14 years
Referred to as one of the most popular medium-sized dogs that are calm, it is easy to see why the French Bulldog is loved, and adored by so many.
Their large heads, and bat-shaped ears are hallmark features of this breed. Although they are probably among the smallest of these medium-sized calm dogs, the French Bulldog is very compact and muscular.
French Bulldogs have very short coats, and shed minimally. This makes them a desirable breed for those with allergies, or for those looking to care for an animal with minimal grooming, and maintenance.
Their calm, playful, and affectionate nature, coupled with their adorable looks is what makes this breed so desirable. French Bulldogs hardly bark, which makes them ideal for families, and homeowners. They also get along extremely well with other animals, and adapt seamlessly to change.
6. Chinese Shar-Pei
Height: 18 inches – 20 inches
Weight: 40 pounds – 65 pounds
Life Span: 9 years – 11 years
This medium-sized breed, with their wrinkly, folded skin, is undeniably recognizable, and loved by many. As they age, they can actually lose some of their wrinkles. Their skin, although appearing soft, actually can feel rough, similar to sandpaper.
Despite being short-haired, the Chinese Shar-Pei does require grooming, and skin care maintenance, similar to that of the Bull Dog. As their skin wrinkles are folded over one another, they do need to be cleaned, and sometimes maintained with lotions.
The Chinese Shar-Pei is known for their devotion, and undying protection of their family. This breed does bark, but typically often when worried, or in a playful, energetic mood.
They are extremely intelligent, have a remarkable memory, but can be very stubborn. Otherwise, this breed maintains their distinct level of calmness, and is why it certainly makes the list of medium-sized dogs that are calm.
7. Bergamasco
Height: 21 inches – 24 inches
Weight: 57 pounds – 84 pounds
Life Span: 13 years – 15 years
The Bergamasco Shepherd, or Bergamasco for short, is an Italian medium sized dog that is calm with long, shaggy hair.
This breed is very robust, and solid in stature – typically standing between 21 inches to 24 inches, and weighing in at 57 pounds to 84 pounds. This breed is on the larger end of medium-sized dogs.
Due to their shaggy coat, this breed requires extensive grooming, and care. Daily brushing of their coat to reduce matting, and knotting is a requirement to ensure that your animal remains in good standing health.
As their coat grows long in all areas of their body, it is also important to trim their fur, especially around their face, and eyes. This breed is among one of the most determined, vigilant, intelligent, albeit patient and protective animals.
The Bergamasco is extremely sociable, and is generally quite happy around children, people, and other animals. They are very compliant, and eager to work, and reply favorably to commands. Their calm nature, and medium build make them a favorite among pet owners.