Breeds of dogs of medium size: common features, species with a description, selection, care

Medium-sized dogs are popular because they can be kept not only in the yard, but also in the apartment. Most of these breeds have a friendly disposition, but they require careful care, especially food.

Depending on the breed, the weight of an average-sized dog is 9-22 kilograms. At the withers they reach 50 centimeters, and 80 centimeters in length.

Such animals are most popular in many countries, because they have several advantages:

• have good health;
• emotionally stable;
• take up little space;
• require less feed;
• active and friendly.

As for diseases, medium sized dogs have virtually no joint problems, including arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia. Less often, the owner has to deal with the disorder of the digestive tract, expansion of the stomach and volvulus, which are characteristic of large dogs.

Among such breeds there are both good hunters, and excellent shepherds, sportsmen. If a pet is given enough time, he is easily trained, and at home it becomes not only a friend, but also a guard and protector.

There are many friendly breeds that can be attributed to medium sized dogs. Among the most beautiful:

• spaniel;
• beagle;
• basset hound;
• collie;
• bulldog;
• shar pei;
• Dalmatian;
• lapphund;
• Finnish Spitz;
• pinscher;
• terrier;
• Retriever;
• shepherd;
• husky
• schnauzer

Consider the most popular breeds for home content.

Airedale Terrier is one of the most versatile dog breeds in the world. He is known as an excellent hunter and has a good-natured disposition.

Among the existing species of terriers, this is the largest. Males at the withers reach 58 centimeters, females are slightly smaller. The dog is covered with a dense wool of brown color with black markings. Long muscular legs give animals a regal bearing, and a long head with a beard and mustache, dark eyes and neatly folded ears make it especially attractive.

At the withers, these dogs reach 66 centimeters. These are excellent athletes who can develop great speed. Their heads are wide with a domed skull, low-hanging ears and dark brown eyes.

American English raccoon dogs possess gentle characterwhen not in service, but they are very tenacious and stubborn in pursuit of their prey. They are overwhelmed with energy, but at the same time they have the necessary patience, so they are easily trained. In some countries, they are used to hunt raccoons.

Smooth-haired hunters, known for their speed and endurance. You can distinguish the American Foxhound from his British cousin along the length of his legs. The Americans are longer and thinner. Also a distinctive feature is the slightly arched waist of the American.

This dog is required constant load, training, walkingOtherwise, she may become depressed or start to bully.

Stocky muscular animals with a broad head, well-defined jaw, pronounced cheekbones, dark round eyes that are wide apart on the muzzle.

The animal moves gracefully, has a springy gait that demonstrates innate confidence.

Spaniels are medium-sized muscular dogs, not distinguished by their outstanding appearance or performance, but are recognizable by their wavy hair and long ears.

Were withdrawn for hunting, therefore they are ideally suited even for bad weather conditions.. They have a dense waterproof coat. In some species, the limbs are short, thick, the fingers are webbed, and the body is rather small, so that the dog can jump after the duck into the water without swinging the boat.

Beautiful herding breed. These are cheerful, self-confident, reliable and fearless assistants. These are great watchdogs that you can't bribe with a treat.

High intelligence of the breed makes it representatives very capable students.

The Australian dog is often used as a shepherd, as it can follow the cattle. She has a strong muscular body, great strength and agility. Puppies are born with a light color, then it changes to gray or brown. In both colors there are spots.

Their limitless energy and flexible gait make dogs excellent running partners. These animals are loyal friends, intelligent and alert watchmen.

As a shepherd’s dog, the Australian Kelpies are very dedicated and always carry out their task. They have a natural instinct and the ability to work with sheep in open fields and pens. The breed originated from the collie, which was brought from Scotland, but was modified by crossing, so that animals could withstand the heat and lack of moisture in Australia.

This is a good medium sized caretaker. Representatives of the breed are always very piercing eyes. Their color may be different depending on the type.

Dogs demonstrate overwhelming desire to care for someonetherefore, they can be trusted with the protection of a child or animals. They are surprisingly smart, quite capable of deceiving the unsuspecting owner.

A distinctive feature of a small dog is thick curly woolthat covers it from crown to tip of a bent tail. It can be black, gray, brown or pale yellow, sometimes with white markings.

This is a strong, well-built dog that was bred for several centuries. The result was a confident hunter and a tireless swimmer.

Around this dog has formed the opinion that it has a special bloodthirstiness and aggressiveness. In fact, this is not the case, although there have been isolated instances of attacks on humans, like other breeds.If it is right to take up the upbringing of an animal, then it will be obedient, affectionate and peaceful.

Dog needed constant increased training, with improper feeding, animals may suffer from obesity.

Calm dogs that are distinguished by a truly royal temper. They are lazy, stubborn, but calm. Bringing a representative of this breed from yourself is quite difficult.

Animal does not tolerate high humidity, extreme cold or heat. They do not like to walk for a long time, sleep most of the time. Special care they do not need, enough from time to time to bathe the dog. Even if the owner was away for a long time, the animal will sleep, and not suffer from waiting.

This breed was brought to our country from Switzerland, where it was used for centuries as a herdsman for livestock. Dogs are more faithful not to find, but it is important to educate her properly, otherwise she will become lazy and demanding.

Also a good hunter who can withstand difficult conditions. He is well oriented even in unfamiliar areas, has a keen sense of smell. If we talk about health, then these dogs are disease resistant.

Animals of the breed fearless, have a special devotion to the owner, can get along fine with other animals. Their coat is short.

These athletic folded animals have short legs. Breed attributed to the hounds. Of the unpleasant qualities of their character, stubbornness can be distinguished. Dogs are difficult to train, so it’s better to give them up for professional training.

Of the other shortcomings can be identified flatulence, strong salivation. If the dog stays alone in the house, starts howling loudly in the apartment, many neighbors do not like it. When walking, do not let the animal off the leash, because it can sense the trail and run away.

She needs to walk every day.otherwise the dog will be uncontrollably plump.

Representatives of this breed can adapt to any weather conditions, and this is their advantage. In addition, they are easy to learn and are happy to learn new teams. With such a partner is interesting to run, because the dog is ready to play and play for hours.

This dog loves children very much and can be friends with other animals, but not with strangers. Squirrels, alien cats and birds must flee. The animal will not live on the chains, it prefers to spend more time next to the person.

One of the most good-natured breeds, which also has a funny appearance. The dog's body is rather muscular, the coat is thick, soft, has a dense undercoat. On the face there is a small beard.

Dogs are very attached to the person, love to play and have a good-natured disposition. They interact carefully with the child and if they harm him, it is not on purpose.

This dog should be kept by a person who is confident in his abilities and can raise it properly, because the dogs are very stubborn and self-willed.If the animal is held by someone with a weak character, then it grows into an aggressive dominant in the family.

To keep such a dog in a house where there is a child is not worth it, as the dog will not control its physical strength.

Due to the lack of long hair, the animal freezes in the cold, so it is necessary to walk it in winter in special clothes. Often you can see a small rash on the dog's skin - an allergy that occurs from insect bites.

Bold and hardy hunters at the withers range from 45 to 60 centimeters, while their maximum weight is 27 kilograms. Their coat is short, smooth.

By the nature of this is not the aggressors, they easily learn new commands and always listen to the host. From the dog will not be able to make the guard, because even to strangers she shows friendliness. When only the threat to the life of the owner and his family occurs, the animal becomes in a fierce advocate.

With this dog you need to remember that she loves freedom and can not be long in a closed small space. As soon as she is alone for a long time, she starts barking loudly. Likes in a husky cause a state of stress, which is why she is often a hooligan.

In a relationship with the owner, the dog will always feel the person's mood. She is smart enough to learn the rules of behavior in a short time. To subordinate it completely because of the wayward nature will not work, but it remains good-natured and not aggressive.

The animal rarely dies due to illness, because it has excellent health.

Very energetic dogs that are distinguished by courage, intelligence and devotion. They can play with the child for a long time, which gives them great pleasure. If the owner is resting, the animal will simply lie nearby.

If the dog is bored, it becomes harmful, may even show aggression. It is best to keep the dog in a private house where he can walk. High-quality care involves combing wool, good nutrition.

This is not just an animal, but the real heritage of the northern people, because it helps people in everyday life and on the hunt. In relation to the wild beast, it is ruthless, fearless, aggressive, but with the owner remains affectionate, good-natured. To strangers is treated with great suspicion, when walking will sniff everyone.

This is an excellent hunter and protector of a private house., but a person will need to carefully care for animals.

The animal was brought from Ireland, where it played the role of a rat-catcher and a good shepherd. From the positive qualities of the dog, you can select the mind, the rapid development of commands, good nature. These animals get along very well with children, do not show aggression, but cannot interact with other dogs and are often provocateurs themselves.

When choosing a suitable breed for the house is required to rely on several factors. How responsibly a person approaches this issue depends on the emotional state of the animal and the safety of the occupants.

Some people find tiny dogs cute, but they are very fragile and difficult to train.If the breeder does not have enough time and patience to raise and care for a tiny dog, it is better to start a medium-sized individual.

Large animals grow slowly, require a lot of food, and it is almost impossible to control them. Unfortunately, when large puppies grow, their bodies quickly grow old and they develop serious health problems by the age of 6-10.

Some breeds require minimal maintenance and do not shed too much, and sometimes they do not shed their wool at all. This usually applies to short-haired dogs. Other animals have a long luxurious coat that needs regular cleaning and care.

This factor needs to be taken into account when it comes to buying a dog. If it is wrong to care for a long-haired dog of medium size, then rolled up lumps will appear on the surface of her body, ulcers will eventually form under them, as a result, the animal will be sick and may even die.

The dog must walk, train, otherwise its body will quickly become unusable, the muscles will atrophy, obesity may be observed. The inability of a person to meet the needs of an animal for physical activity is still one of the most common causes of behavioral problems in dogs.

Some breeds, such as German Shepherd Dogs or Pit Bulls, cannot psychologically develop normally without complex exercises. From here instability of a nervous system, aggressiveness concerning the owner and people around.

Purebred dogs are usually quite predictable - for example, poodles are very emotionally sensitive. Almost all dogs love to howl or bark, frolic. Huskies like to search for adventures and often run away, get lost, Weimar’s nervous and fearful.

Each breed of dog has its own specific features that need to be taken into account when purchasing an animal.

When choosing the right breed you need to ask a few questions.

• Is there time to socialize a breed that has antisocial tendencies?
• If there are children, does this breed tolerate their games?
• When there are other dogs, is this breed compatible with other animals?
• How stubborn is the breed and does the breeder have the necessary experience in dog training?
• How strong is the breed, can it be physically controlled?
• How often will the animal be left alone and will it calmly bear it?

The dog is usually started up as a guard, friend, helper. This should be taken into account, since each of the breeds is the best in only one quality.

Sheepdogs are excellent advocates, they get on well with children and make sure that outsiders do not approach them. In addition, they instantly react to the mood of the owner and rush to his defense without fear.

Labradors and retrievers are good friends.. They are not aggressive, get along with children.

Low-income people will have difficulty keeping a dog, which requires a lot of care. This animal needs to buy expensive feed, do timely vaccinations, haul on a haircut, buy clothes, toys.

All dogs shed, but fluffy leaves wool on furniture, palace and floor. Animals such as golden retrievers, Newfoundlands, Dalmatians, are forced to spend a lot of time cleaning.

Caring for a dog is in many ways similar to caring for a child. It takes time, patience, love and understanding. The first thing to do is to make sure that all the basic needs of the animal will be met in the future. Regardless of the breed, she will need to put two tanks: one for fresh water and the other for food.

At first, when the puppy's teeth will be cut, you need to provide it with chewing toys, tendons, otherwise slippers and upholstered furniture will suffer.

Schooling to the toilet is a separate moment. You can first use tray and special napkins. For walking, a leash and collar are purchased in size.

For domestic pedigree dog requires special care. In the first place in this issue is a diet with a high content of protein, because medium-sized animals are very active and expend a lot of energy.

A healthy, medium sized adult dog requires 922 calories per day. Those that have been sterilized or are in old age, a little less.

Puppies of medium breeds are undemanding to food, it should just be well balanced. It is worth avoiding ready-made low-quality feeds, as they negatively affect the health of the animal. It is important to regulate the portion and not to give too much food at a time, because then there will be food that will disappear after a while.

For breeds of medium-sized dogs, there is a list of common health problems that may arise during the life of an animal. Most often, breeders have to deal with elbow dysplasia. Often there are problems with the eyes, such as progressive retinal atrophy, autoimmune thyroiditis. In short-haired animals are allergic reactions, itching from insect bites.

For dogs that are prone to bloating, it is better to offer food with natural ingredients. This will improve the immune system of the animal. In the food should not be soy and wheat, which irritate the intestinal wall. Often, dog breeders have to deal with food allergies of pets, which often occurs on and gluten.

Medium sized dogs may be prone to skeletal problems. The breeder is required to follow the nutrition of the animal and not to allow the pet to become obese. Too much weight of the dog creates an additional burden on his bones and joints, and this, in turn, leads to arthritis.

Proteins and fats are the main nutrients in the diet of dogs. Ideally, you should choose food in which there are two or three types of meat protein. In this case, the best suited for feeding meat dishes. If possible, in the dog's diet Beef, lamb and fish should definitely be included.

Dogs also need in a good source of fat. You can use fish oil, in which a lot of nutrients. Docosahexaenoic acid, which is a specific form of omega-3 fatty acid, is required by pups. This component has a positive effect on brain and eye development.

It is equally important to know which foods are toxic to dogs. Potatoes, tomatoes and chocolate top this list. Unfortunately, all breeds love sweets and convenience foods just like people, and chew pizza, spaghetti and french fries willingly, but they don’t have any benefit, only obesity in the future.

Sugar-free chewing gum contains artificial sweetener, which can be lethal to dogs, even in small quantities. Unlike chocolate, it does have a high toxicity. Dogs, as a rule, are not attracted to chewing gum, but it is better to keep it aside just in case.

From time to time, representatives of some breeds of medium height begin to bully in the absence of the owner. This is because they do not like to be alone. Shouting at a dog or, even worse, hitting it, will not save such incidents. Plant animal You should always be ready to calmly deal with some inconveniences. It is better not to regret the money and buy at the pet store special bone made from tendons. Such a toy will take an animal for a long time. Dogs usually choose it, and not their shoes or pillow, if they have a choice.

Experts advise to be very attentive to indoor plants. Some of them are very toxic to animals, although they love to chew on their leaves. Usually dogs like to eat lemon balm and sometimes geranium, but they are always sick of them. therefore it will be better if the animal will not be able to reach the flower.

On the features of the breed Staffordshire Terrier, see below.