Medium dog breeds are those pets whose height at the withers reaches 30-60 cm, and their weight is about 10-25 kg. They are a kind of golden mean between miniature breeds that are suitable for small apartments and large dogs that need a spacious area. Among representatives of medium breeds there are both smooth-haired and long-haired dogs; both hunting and working breeds. This allows you to choose a dog that best suits the lifestyle of a particular person. So today we will find out what is so special about these dogs, which breeds are the most popular and how to care for them.
Why are medium-sized dogs popular among dog owners?
Medium-sized dogs are wildly popular. This is not surprising, because they have a good combination of traits that make them suitable for both people with and without families.
One of the main reasons can be considered their optimal size. Medium breeds feel great in private homes. They enjoy playing in the yard, running and exploring the area. At the same time, these dogs can adapt to limited space and living in an apartment. It is only necessary to devote enough time to their physical activity.
You should also pay attention to their universal nature. Medium breeds can be both calm and active, depending on the situation. They happily accompany the owner on a run, a long walk or a hike, but after an active day they don’t mind lying next to you on the sofa.
These pets cope equally well with the role of a family dog and a service dog. They can be bodyguards, outdoor partners or even therapists for people who need emotional support. For families with children, this balance weighs a lot. And, of course, popularity is also growing due to moderate financial costs. Medium breeds consume significantly less feed than large breeds and their medical expenses are usually lower. For example, scheduled vaccinations or treatment of diseases are cheaper, because the dosage of drugs primarily depends on the weight of the animal. In addition, most medium breeds have short coats, making them less expensive to groom than long-haired breeds.
Popular dog breeds are medium
If you’re dreaming of a new addition to your family, but can’t decide on a breed, let’s take a look at four popular medium-sized dog breeds: Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie and Shiba Inu. The choice of breed will depend on your lifestyle and expectations from the dog.
The Beagle is an energetic, inquisitive and friendly breed. They have a compact but strong body, large expressive eyes and a characteristic tricolor coat. Beagles love long walks, play outdoors and have an innate talent for exploration, not forgetting their hunting roots. These dogs get along well with children, making them suitable for families. At the same time, they need patience in training, as their independence can complicate the learning process.
Cocker Spaniels are energetic and friendly dogs with luxurious coats that require regular grooming. The breed is suitable for those who are looking for a sensitive pet that easily adapts to life both in an apartment and in a private house. They are extremely social, adore company and subtly respond to their owner’s emotions. Cocker Spaniels get along easily with children and other animals, and their love of play makes them great partners for active entertainment.
The Border Collie is a breed that has earned a reputation as one of the smartest in the world. These dogs have a strong build and thick hair that needs regular brushing. Their natural agility, energy and intelligence make them ideal for owners who are ready to give their dog a fulfilling life. However, it is worth considering that physical and mental loads must be constant. Without an active lifestyle, border collies can show destructive behavior.
Shiba Inu are dogs whose charming appearance hides a strong and independent character. They adore going for walks, but at the same time they also love a quiet rest at home. These dogs get along better with adults than with children. The breed is suitable for owners who are ready to work on raising a pet with patience and persistence. The thing is that Shiba Inu are able to make decisions on their own, and this sometimes makes training difficult.
So, when choosing the same pet, you should consider the following. If you are an active person who loves walks and sports, a beagle or a border collie will become your partners. If you are looking for a gentle and sensitive dog that will create coziness at home, pay attention to the cocker spaniel. And for those who dream of an independent but devoted pet, the Shiba Inu will be a good choice.
Care of medium breeds
In order for a pet to be happy and healthy, it needs to be taken care of. That is, take care of his health, what he eats, and groom yourself or with the help of a specialist.
Health care begins with regular visits to the veterinarian. It is important to adhere to the vaccination schedule, prevent parasites, and regularly check your weight, the condition of your teeth and joints.
In order not to provoke the dog to gain excess weight, you need to choose a balanced diet that will take into account its physical activity, age and state of health. If your pet leads an active lifestyle, he needs food rich in proteins. For a less active dog, a moderate diet should be followed. In addition, it is worth consulting with the veterinarian about supplements that can keep the joints, coat and skin in good condition.
Let’s start the topic of grooming with the fact that small dog breeds can have different coats: from short to long. It depends on what procedures can be recommended for your pet. For example, if the dog has short hair, then it is necessary to pay attention to combing to help the wool coat to change in time and to stimulate the blood circulation of the skin. For a dog with long hair, this procedure is also aimed at avoiding mange and skin problems. Therefore, the coat will have to be combed much more often than a short-haired dog.
Despite the fact that we first talk about combing the fur, the most interesting topic for the owners is the haircut of the dog. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the haircut can only be recommended for medium breeds with long hair. Usually, its main purpose is to keep the coat in good condition and reduce the dog’s discomfort. For example, the coat of cocker spaniels is constantly tangled as it grows and can interfere with movement. For the Border Collie, clipping is not a frequent occurrence, because the double type of coat performs too many vital functions to disturb the balance laid by nature. A specialist can only edging the wool without touching the undercoat.
Grooming is not limited to combing and cutting. Short-haired breeds of medium-sized dogs usually need a bath every 2-3 months, while dogs with longer coats can be bathed more often, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Ears should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Claws should be trimmed. If this procedure is ignored, the claws grow back, twist, dig into the pads of the paws, which causes discomfort and even pain. Also, medium breeds can be prone to tartar formation. Brushing your teeth regularly or using special treats will help keep your mouth clean.
Taking care of your dog at home is great, but certain procedures are better left to the professionals. At V.O.G DOG SALON, we offer a comprehensive approach to caring for your Pet. Our masters have experience working with different breeds, know how to properly care for the coat, trim the claws or clean the ears, so that it is safe and comfortable for the dog. And a small plus – the groomer, having a lot of knowledge, can draw your attention to the dog’s health problems, which will allow you to consult a veterinarian in time and prevent complications.
High-quality cosmetic products, modern equipment, constant training and love for animals – this is what makes our services useful for you.
