When deciding on getting a dog, one of the things you should look more into is their energy levels. A dog can be anything from low energy, to medium energy, and super hyper dogs with a lot of energy. Depending on your lifestyle, some of the breeds will suit you better while others won’t.
When talking about medium-energy dog breeds, they are perfect for bigger families that love to spend some time outside doing various activities, but also love to enjoy a nice, quiet, and calm time snuggled with their pets.
Like every dog, medium-energy dog breeds need some exercise as well because it is beneficial for their health. It is easier to make them exercise than low-energy dog breeds since they enjoy being active from time to time, but are not as demanding as high-energy dog breeds.
These dogs are the perfect balance – they can thrive in any environment. A lot of them that belong to the bigger categories are considered to be great dogs for apartments.
Medium-Energy Dog Breeds: The Best Dog For You?
These types of dogs come in all packages, from small to medium to big. Dogs with medium energy tend to make the best pets for the majority of people and families. This doesn’t include people who live very active lifestyles since this type of dog might just slow them down.
If you find yourself suitable for a medium-energy dog, you’re in luck. We made a list of big, medium, and small dogs that are of medium energy. We hope this list will help you with your decision on what dog to get.
Side note: every dog needs at least an hour a day of either long walks or a bit more intense playtime. This is very important, especially for their health.
Big Medium-Energy Dog Breeds
People tend to link big dogs with a lot of energy, which is not the case in some big-dog breeds. Here is a list of big dogs that don’t have a lot of energy.
1. Saint Bernard
These gentle giants are truly the best lounge buddies you can have. Even though they are big and strong dogs, they don’t need a lot of exercise. They do enjoy long walks, but a lot of jumping and running is not their thing.
The best time for them is lying beside you, giving and receiving affection. Since these dogs do better in colder weather, when the summertime comes, give them a lot of water after a walk, and provide them with a cold room where they can chill.
2. Greyhound
This one might be a shocker to some people. A lot of people know these dogs as racing dogs and generally fast dogs. Yes, they can reach speeds from 45 to 50 miles per hour, but that doesn’t mean they need a lot of exercise.
They are known to be couch potatoes. They love to lay around, and because of that, they make great apartment pets, which usually doesn’t work for big dogs.
They have energy bursts where they show off their ability to run fast, but they last very briefly. Even though they aren’t high-level energy dogs, they don’t like to be alone for longer periods of time. Another thing to keep in mind is that they have a higher prey drive so having a cat or some other small animal might be a problem.
RELATED: The 8 Best Greyhound Breeders In The States
3. Great Dane
These dogs can be intimidating since they are the biggest breed in the world. However, as big as they are, they are equally as calm and sweet. These gentle giants are perfect family dogs. They get along with kids amazingly, and sometimes short and easy playtime with a child is all the exercise they need.
They are playful, but are one of the goofiest breeds out there. Because of their size, they are used as guard dogs, but beware that their lazy side kicks in when they are on duty, and they might just sleep if a potential intruder arrives.
Like every dog, Great Danes need their active time, but don’t do anything strenuous because their bones can’t handle the pressure. Luckily, mother nature made them on the lazier side.
RELATED: 10 Best Great Dane Rescues For Adoption: Top Groups That Save Gentle Giants
4. Mastiff
This breed is a big cuddle partner. They have low energy and a low need for any kind of activity. The favorite thing for them is to lay by your side and have lots and lots of cuddles. They are great guard dogs. Even if they don’t really like being active, the role as guardian of the home suits them very well.
Even though they are pretty big, they make amazing family pets. They love being around kids, having an eye on them, and even sometimes having a little playtime because they can’t resist the little human energy when invited to play.
They do drool a lot even without any physical activity, so keep an eye on them when you see them being a bit more active, and offer them a lot of water.
Also, make sure that they have at least an hour of exercise a day because if they are left being lazy, they can develop a bit more of a territorial side, and even gain weight.
5. Newfoundland
These huge dogs are considered to be great family dogs. The American Kennel Club has named them as ˝nanny dogs˝ for kids since they have such a gentle personality. Even though they are big dogs, they don’t need much exercise.
In fact, they love to lounge around. They can take a longer walk, but anything more intense is just not for them. They can be held in bigger apartments because of their calm nature, but be aware that they drool a lot.
Sadly, they also don’t live very long – a mere 8 to10 years.
Medium-Sized, Medium-Energy Dog Breeds
We present you with medium-sized dogs that have medium energy levels.
1. Golden Retriever
This dog is more of the medium- to high-energy dog breeds. They have moments when they can run and play all day. If you give them a lake or any water where they can swim and run around, they won’t even notice you.
But, after that activity, they tend to take a couple of days to rest. If you live a bit more of a casual lifestyle, your Golden Retriever will be an amazing partner in crime when it comes to lounging around.
It always depends on what dog you get and how you live your life. But, make sure that the ratio between playtime and rest time is manageable for your Goldie.
RELATED: Golden Retriever Breeders In New York: Top 7 Breeders
2. English Bulldog
This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to you, but Bulldogs are notorious for being on the lazy side. But, don’t be fooled – this dog has some tricks up its sleeve. They tend to have bursts of energy, and usually when you least expect it.
They love to play with other dogs and take long walks, but be prepared. When they decide it’s time to rest, they usually don’t move from that spot. We hope you have the strength to carry your Bulldog all the way to the house.
Since they have a flat snout, make sure that they don’t get overstimulated, especially in warmer weather. Try to take a couple of pauses between playtime, and offer him a lot of water and a light snack if he’s not too tired.
When lounging at home, they are mostly right there next to you. Their bursts of energy may also appear when at home, but it’s rarer than when being outside. So, cuddle up with your Bulldog and take a nice long nap together whenever the opportunity arises.
3. Basset Hound
These dogs are known for loving to nap. Whether you live in a big house or a small apartment, you will mostly see your Basset Hound laying around, changing positions throughout the day.
They don’t show a lot of interest when it comes to training as well, even though they are highly intelligent dogs. The thing they will show interest in are treats, but not the learning part, so don’t let them fool you.
Since they have amazing nose power, they love taking long walks and sniffing around, which sometimes is the only thing that can get them moving.
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4. Whippet
A lot of people mix Whippets with Greyhounds. They do look similar, and can reach high speeds, but they have some differences. They both have medium energy levels, but Whippets have even less of a need for active time.
They, of course, should have at least an hour of exercise, but if you have a busy day, they can adjust, and are fine with lounging at home. They are really easygoing, and they don’t mind having a long walk, having a bit more intense exercise, or just lying around.
They don’t like to be left alone for a long time, so either having another dog or leading a life that doesn’t require a lot of absence from home is more suitable for Whippets. Having a small animal as another pet isn’t good because they have a prey drive.
RELATED: 11 Best Whippet Breeders And The Signs Of A Good Breeder
5. Brittany Spaniel
These are the perfect medium dogs. They were bred to be hunting dogs and to retrieve birds for their owner while hunting. They have medium to high energy levels. They do love long hikes, playtime with other dogs, and games that require mental stimulation.
They are a little less active, and thus, require less exercise than an Australian Shepherd, for example. They are perfect dogs for a house with a bigger yard because they love to explore. Even though they don’t need a lot of exercise, they love to roam around, which, if you live in an apartment, isn’t necessary for them, but they do enjoy it.
Besides the purebred Brittany Spaniel, today we have many amazing Brittany Spaniel mixes we suggest you take a look at!
6. Beagle
This dog is usually used as a hunting dog. But, they are interesting when it comes to their energy levels and their need for being active. Since they are hunting dogs, they can go exploring, sniffing, and hunting in nature for hours.
But, being a medium-energy dog breed, they don’t actually need all that much active time. This doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy it, or that they are forced to do it – it just means they are resilient, and they love to spend time with their owner.
They love to lay around and have some nice quiet time with their owner. They are suitable for one person the best, but don’t mind being surrounded by a bigger family, including kids.
RELATED: The Top 5 Most Reliable Beagle Breeders In Ontario
7. Shetland Sheepdog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuaIKzZrKoQ
These dogs are good both for a bigger family or a single person. They can live in a house as well as in an apartment, even though a house might be more suitable. They don’t need a lot of exercise. A half an hour or an hour a day is just fine for them.
They sometimes get nervous so playtime with other dogs and people might not be for them. But, we suggest getting them used to others while young so they don’t develop this problem.
8. Poodle
Even though we put them on the list of medium-sized breeds, this popular dog can also either be small or big. Another thing is that Poodles are considered to be a medium-energy breed for the most part, but they can also come as a higher-energy breed.
These hypoallergenic dogs love to swim, run around, and always learn new tricks since they need their mental stimulation. We suggest daily exercise of one to two hours a day, so that during the rest of the day, you can enjoy some peaceful lounging around.
Here is an example of a mixed breed that also has medium energy levels like both of its parents. This mixed breed is the Goldendoodle. As the name suggests, this dog is a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle.
9. English Springer Spaniel
These dogs were used (and still are being used) as hunting dogs. Even though they enjoy their outside active time, they also love their time in the house where they just hang out.
These dogs are best for people who are single or live with one other person, and don’t leave their house for long periods. They don’t love to be alone, so either get a pet that can keep them company or get this dog if you don’t have a busy lifestyle.
Related: Top 5 English Springer Spaniel Breeders In Ontario In 2022
10. Chow Chow
These dogs are perfect for people who don’t live an active lifestyle. They’re the happiest when it comes to lounging around in the apartment or house. But, on the other hand, they don’t mind a walk or a play date.
They have a stubborn side that you should keep in mind if you decide on taking a pretty long walk. If they get tired during that walk, they tend to sit or lay down, and refuse to move until they gather their energy back. Maybe, a day later, you will see them play for hours with other dogs.
RELATED: Male Vs Female Chow Chow: Who Will Win This Battle?
Small, Medium-Energy Dog Breeds
Small dogs don’t mean small energy levels. They can get quite energetic, even though they have medium energy levels. We made you a list of a couple of small dogs that have medium energy levels.
1. Pug
This cute dog with an even cuter face doesn’t fit the athletic type. They are considered playful dogs, but don’t need a lot of exercise, and tend to get tired pretty quickly. They get along with kids and other animals very well.
They don’t like the types of exercises or playtime where they need to learn new things, or that occupy their mind a lot. One of the reasons for this is that they get distracted easily.
One of their favorite types of ˝exercise˝ is following your every step. They don’t mind if it is a long or short walk – just being your shadow in your own home is good enough for them.
Even when they have a bit longer playtime, you always need to make sure that they have some rest time. Since the way their cute face is built, they tend to have respiratory problems, and breathing is sometimes hard for them.
When the weather is warm, always offer them water and a place where they can cool down a bit.
RELATED: 5 Of the Best Reputable Pug Breeders In Maine
2. Dachshund
These guys are a bit tricky. When talking about their energy level, it might go on the high side. They love to play, whether it is with kids or other dogs, catching a ball or going for long walks.
But, the tricky thing is that they have such short legs that they get tired very easily. So, when you are taking a nice, slow, short walk, it sometimes feels like a marathon to them. When it comes to Dachshunds, you can say that they are active dogs, but they burn their energy very easily.
That being said, a half an hour of daily exercise is more than enough for this cute little breed.
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3. Boston Terrier
These cuties love being around you at all times. They are mostly on the chill side, but sometimes they have bursts of energy, a.k.a., the zoomies. They do need at least an hour of a bit more intense exercise, but once they are done with it, they love to just sleep around.
Their burst of energy doesn’t necessarily happen every day, but still, try to make them have a bit of exercise every day for at least half an hour, or even better, an hour. They also have a flatter snout, and sometimes this can make their breathing even more difficult than usual when being active for a long period at once.
RELATED: Male Vs Female Boston Terrier – Which One Should You Choose
4. Pekingese
This small dog has a face that just melts your heart. When it comes to their exercise needs and energy levels, they are sometimes a bit tricky. They are a medium-energy dog breed, but sometimes they have a rush of energy.
When that comes, they tend to over-exercise themselves – in other words, they play too much and have so much fun that they forget that they are tired. That is why you always need to monitor them during playtime, and give them a lot of water and recess.
On the other hand, they also have moments when they don’t want to move. But, one thing they are always willing to do is train with some bribes in the form of treats. So, when you see them having a couple of days when they don’t feel like moving, bribe them with treats, and maybe teach them a new trick or two.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These small dogs are very adaptable. If you have a bit more of an active lifestyle, they will be right by your side, but also, if you love being at home, they will love it as well. Since they have medium energy levels, they don’t need a lot of exercise, but they sometimes don’t mind doing it.
They are the happiest when they snuggle all day and have a walk or some playtime for an hour or even less. They are eager to please, so they are perfect dogs for learning new tricks, and that might also be kind of an exercise for them.
A side note for these dogs is that they have some genetic health problems, and you need to carefully select a reputable breeder.
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6. Cocker Spaniel
These dogs are a bit more active than their cousins, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are really friendly dogs, and they love to play with people, kids, and other dogs. They need half an hour of exercise a day.
Daily walks are just enough for them when it comes to active time. They make perfect family dogs, especially for apartments. Whenever you call them for playtime, they are more than happy to participate, but their physical demands aren’t high.
Another mixed breed that has a medium energy level is the Cockapoo, a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. As both parents are laid-back dogs, this is one of the examples of mixed breeds that inherit their parent’s traits and end up with medium energy levels.
RELATED: Male Vs. Female Cocker Spaniel: The Sweetest Dilemma Ever
7. French Bulldog
These cute little dogs can vary when it comes to energy needs. They are typically low-maintenance dogs that need maybe half an hour to an hour a day of exercise, like taking a hike. They make the perfect lapdog since they really enjoy laying around with their favorite human.
Sometimes, they have bursts of energy, and love to sprint around the house or a dog park. They love to play with other dogs, and also kids. Other times, you can barely make them go out to do their business.
There are a couple of examples where owners of this breed had to put a diaper on their dog because they didn’t want to go out. And, no… they weren’t senior dogs.
RELATED: 10 Best French Bulldog Breeders In Texas
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This is one of the most popular breeds in the UK. They are known to be playful, friendly, and sometimes stubborn. They love their playtime, but they can’t endure it for a long time.
One of the reasons is their short legs, which tend to get really muscular. When they have a burst of energy, they love to run around and play with other dogs, but they do get tired quickly.
They were bred to be herding dogs, which is why a longer walk is the best kind of exercise for them. They also enjoy agility courses, playdates, and learning new tricks.
When they are finished with playtime, they love to cuddle with people and sleep all around the house. They also love their alone time, which they either spend sleeping, laying around, or observing you from afar.
RELATED: The Top 8 Corgi Breeders In Virginia
9. Yorkshire Terrier
These small dogs fit just perfectly between being crazy active and super lazy. Even though they don’t need a lot of exercise, they do tend to change their mood with a snap of the finger.
At one moment they are small balls of energy that love to run and play, while moments later, they turn into a lap dog that just wants to sleep and lay by your side.
So, when it comes to these dogs, they can either be fine with short but intense play dates, or long walks and long sleeping sessions.
RELATED: How Much Do Yorkies Cost? Yorkshire Terrier Costs Explained
To Sum It Up
When talking about the energy levels of dog breeds, there are varieties. If you live a lifestyle that isn’t on the active side, but you enjoy a hike, a walk, or just hanging out with your pet, medium-energy dog breeds are the best fit for you.
Even though we made a list of medium-energy breeds, you have to keep in mind that you can never be 100% certain as to what you will get. Mostly, all of these breeds come with the characteristics that we mentioned, but there are always exceptions.
You may end up with a more energized dog or a lazy dog. My personal experience is with a Lagotto Romagnolo. They are considered to be more on the active side, but my Lagotto ended up being the most laid-back dog I ever met, which, to be honest, I didn’t mind at all.
We wish luck to all future dog owners, and we hope you will end up with a dog that our list provided you with.
Read Next:
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