All dogs have unique personalities and needs. But, their overall energy levels are largely dictated by their breed!
Everyone loves to have a play session with a rambunctious dog every once in a while. But to deal with that chaotic energy 24 hours a day? Most of us shudder at the thought!
The key to success with any dog is to match their energy with your lifestyle.
If you’re an active person who’s constantly on the run or hiking, a high-strung dog that requires tons of exercise is a great match!
However, most people do best with breeds that are a bit more relaxed.
That’s where the medium-energy dogs come in.
A medium-energy dog is any canine that has relatively lax care requirements.
They still require exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day to stay healthy. But, their needs are nowhere near as demanding as super active dogs.
These breeds are perfect for busy individuals or large families. Down to play when you want and relax when you don’t, medium-energy dogs strike the perfect balance.
Ready to find a moderately active dog breed to adopt? We have you covered! Here are some of the most popular medium-energy dog breeds.
15 Popular Medium-Energy Dog Breeds
#1. Shiba Inu
Shibu Inus are instantly identifiable, especially if you’re a fan of Internet culture and movies!
These medium-energy dogs are pretty small, weighing upwards of 24 pounds when fully grown. But don’t let the small size fool you. Shibu Inus are anything but lapdogs.
These pups are always down to play. They’re quite active but only when you feel down for play. Thanks to their high prey drive, you must be careful with this dog when it’s off-leash.
They’ll quickly take off at the sight of a small animal.
As far as exercise goes, Shibu Inus are pretty manageable. Daily walks and a fun play session a couple of times a week is all they need.
#2. English Springer Spaniel
While not as famous as the Cocker Spaniel,
English Springer Spaniels are special in their own right. These dogs were originally bred for bird hunting. Most people associate hunting dogs with active ones.
In reality, bird-hunters only retrieved game shot out of the sky! So, they’re pretty lax.
One thing English Springer Spaniels do need, however, is mental stimulation. They require constant training and enrichment activities to stay in shape.
This breed isn’t super keen on physical exercise. Mental exercise is where it’s at!
#3. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are adorable little canines with just enough energy to go around. They are very loyal to their owners and always want to play whenever you’re up for it!
Luckily, their physical demands aren’t super high. Cocker Spaniels are just as eager to relax with you on the couch as they are to play.
Originally bred to accompany bird hunters, the Cocker Spaniel does require some exercise to stay healthy. Their activity of choice is fetching.
Despite their stout figure, these dogs are fully capable of darting across a yard to catch a ball.
#4. Dachshund
The famed “Weiner Dog” is known for its iconic shape and stubby legs.
Because of their unique body shape, Dachshunds aren’t the most physically capable. But for someone looking to find a moderately active dog, they’re perfect!
Dachshunds have plenty of energy to get rid of. However, their small stature makes it easy to deplete that well pretty quickly. Give them a good walk around the block, and they’re good to go! Even better,
let them play with other dogs or complete an agility course! Dachshunds are highly sociable creatures and do best with tons of interaction.
#5. Corgi
Corgis are another breed with an iconic shape. Like Dachshunds, they have small legs that put them very close to the ground. Stubby profile aside,
Corgis love to run and play. But of course, their energy levels are quite manageable.
This medium-energy dog breed was originally a herding dog. As a result, regular walks and runs are a must. The good news is that moderate exercise can take a lot out of them.
They enjoy agility courses and can pick up training commands well. Provide plenty of mental stimulation and social playdates, and Corgis have no problem staying in good shape.
6. Whippet
Compared to other dogs on this list, Whippets are a little more demanding. They’re considered to be like miniature versions of Greyhounds. This comparison applies in both physical prowess and appearance.
Whippets were first bred as racers and rabbit hunters. They can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour when given a chance!
All that said, Whippest do perfectly fine living a much calmer life. They require a good romp in the backyard every day. But if you have the space to let them run around, they can have fun on their own.
All you need to do is provide daily walks, which are much more manageable!
7. Saint Bernard
Looking for a dog breed that’s on the bulkier side? Believe it or not, the massive Saint Bernard doesn’t require a ton of physical activity to stay healthy.
A long walk or 30-minute play session will get them by just fine!
In fact, their physical requirements are more relaxed than most medium-energy dogs. They prefer to lounge around than anything else.
While Saint Bernards do have a lot of power, their energy levels are a lot slower.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Next up, we have the affectionate Yorkshire Terrier.
Weighing less than 10 pounds, these medium-energy pups are perpetually small! Many dog owners like to say that their energy levels fall right in the middle of super active and super lazy!
Yorkshire Terriers seem to switch with the snap of the finger.
They are bundles of energy that can do well with long walks and intense play sessions. But in the same token, they’re more than ready to cuddle up with you while you watch a movie.
9. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It’s not hard to see why. Not only are they gorgeous and lovable, but their care requirements are manageable for most people.
As a medium-sized breed, Goldies are just the right size for unique play. They love to wrestle with kids, go on long runs, or simply chase a ball around the yard.
There are a lot of ways to deplete their energy supply throughout the day. You don’t have to resort to simple walks.
Super loyal and protective, Golden Retrievers are down to do whatever you want!
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are considered by many to be one of the best family pets. They offer a nice balance between intense activity and lovable laziness.
Generally, Miniatures Schnauzers do need more exercise than a simple walk around the block. But, you can easily deplete that fuel tank with other activities!
These dogs are brilliant and highly trainable. Let them go buck wild on an agility course or give them access to a mental stimulation toy.
Whatever the case may be, these dogs will wear themselves out without being super demanding.
11. Tibetan Mastiff
That’s right: This behemoth of a dog is classified as “medium-energy!”
Tibetan Mastiffs can tip the scales at more than 150 pounds. As you would probably guess, they have tons of power in that body. But like the Saint Bernard, they are a bit slow-moving and low-energy.
Contrary to popular belief, Tibetan Mastiffs don’t require a ton of walking or intense play. They can do just fine with a long walk or about 20 minutes of fun in the yard.
12. Boston Terrier
If you have a somewhat busy lifestyle, Boston Terriers are a great choice. These medium-energy dogs like to find different ways to stay active.
They’re pretty outgoing and love to play in social settings. Even if just the two of you, there are many ways to stay active beyond walks.
Boston Terriers enjoy obedience training and take well to learning commands.
Despite their size and build, these dogs do well in agility courses and are also down for creative play.
13. Pomeranian
These spitz dogs have a reputation for being little bundles of energy.
While that is true regarding social interactions, they don’t require a ton of physical exercise. About 30 minutes of play will do.
The interesting thing about Pomeranians is that they use up a lot of energy throughout the day by just being. They’re a pint-sized breed that likes to run around. But thanks to their small stature, running around the house isn’t a big deal.
It’s a great way for them to stay fit without all of the demand from owners.
14. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a small dog that was originally meant to chase down small pests. Needless to say, their prey drive is pretty high.
These dogs require ample training to stave off bad behavior. Luckily, they take well to obedience and agility training.
Naturally intelligent, West Highland White Terriers prefer to have as much mental stimulation as possible.
Most dogs are relatively lax inside the home. But when given the opportunity to play, they’ll take advantage of it!
15. Keeshond
Keeshonden are lesser-known dogs with a deceiving appearance.
Many people assume that these dogs have similar exercise requirements as other medium-sized spitz breeds, such as a Husky. However, the truth is that a Keeshond would much rather stay by your side inside.
This breed absolutely adores human interaction. If you prefer to sit inside on the couch, a Keeshond would like to be right there next to you!
They do require a moderate amount of exercise, but that’s nothing that regular walks can’t fulfill.
Conclusion
There you have it! These dogs are all universally adored and offer a nice balance for most dog owners. They can keep up with your lifestyle and are always down for rigorous activity whenever you’re ready for it!
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