Medium-sized smooth-haired dogs – 33 breeds

Pinchers

In the 19th century, hardy, energetic pinschers lived in stables. They served as guards and rat catchers, accompanied passenger and mail stagecoaches, tirelessly running tens of kilometers a day. Now they have turned into ideal residents of city apartments, friendly and sociable.

German pinscher

Smart, obedient dogs 45–50 cm tall, weighing up to 20 kg. The smooth, shiny coat is colored solid red-brown or black with bright tan. German Pinschers became the founders of other popular breeds in their group: miniature miniature pinschers and large Dobermans.

Austrian Pinscher

A versatile farm companion dog with the skills of a shepherd, guard, and rat catcher. Height at the withers is 42 – 50 cm. Colors are red-brown, black and tan. Purebred Austrian Pinschers are rarely found outside their homeland.

Portuguese water dog

• Height: from 43 to 57 cm
• Weight: from 16 to 27 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Portuguese Water Dog was originally bred to help fishermen, hence the name. And hence, they usually love to spend time in the water. Their webbed feet, strong body, and waterproof coat make them excellent swimmers .

These are very smart dogs, easy to train and love to please their owners. Their curly, hypoallergenic coat does not shed much, and their docile and affectionate nature makes them excellent family dogs. However, the brave and active Portuguese Water Dog requires daily activity.

Hounds

All hounds descended from the same ancestors, so regardless of size, they have common external characteristics - a strong, toned body, hanging ears, bright colors. They are famous for their excellent sense of smell, ringing voice with expressive intonations.

Working hounds are bred exclusively for hunting. The dogs help to find prey by smell and chase the animal until its strength runs out or the hunter arrives in time.

Some breeds are adapted for home keeping. They adapt to city life and become good family companions provided they get regular exercise.

Bavarian mountain hound

Photo of Bavarian mountain hounds from the breeder's website bavarian-hound.com
Light, agile dogs from Germany. Height at the withers is 44 – 52 cm. Color – from pale fawn to dark red-brown with a mask and black velvet ears.

Bavarian hounds have always worked in pairs with a person. They are easy to train and adapt to city life. Smart dogs achieve outstanding results in agility and freestyle. In the USA, China, Italy they work as police bloodhounds.

Beagle

Good-natured, unpretentious dogs of small and medium size come from Great Britain. In medieval England they helped hunters track game, now more often they are domestic companions.

The height of beagles is from 33 to 41 cm.

French breeders crossed beagles with the English hare hound Harrier and got a larger breed with a height of 45 - 50 cm. Sociable, balanced beagle harriers do not like loneliness and fit into any family.

The Beagle Harrier is sometimes called the French Beagle.

Dachshund brakk

Short-legged, strong dogs with an elongated body resemble both a dachshund and a beagle. In European countries, 3 independent breeds of dachshund Brackets were bred:

• Alpine. It first appeared in the mid-19th century in the mountainous regions of Austria.

The height of the Alpine Dachshund Bracket is 34 – 42 cm.

• Westphalian. The German dog is an excellent hunter and friendly companion.

The height of the Westphalian Bracket is 30 – 36 cm.

• Swedish . The second name is drever. A relatively young breed, bred in the 20th century.

The tree's height does not exceed 38 cm.
Dachshunds have not lost their skills in chasing animals; they are bred both for hunting and for domestic keeping.

Istrian shorthaired hound

The oldest breed from Croatia. Height at the withers is 44 – 53 cm. The thin, glossy coat is snow-white with yellow-orange spots.

Basset Hound

Basset hound translated from English is a low-set hound.
Short but heavy dogs from the group of small hounds. With a height at the withers of 30–38 cm, body weight reaches 20–30 kg. Basset Hounds are the slowest, but most resilient and persistent hounds.

Calm Basset Hounds do not like to be left alone and build peaceful relationships with all households, including animals. They treat children kindly and carefully.

Blue Gascony Basset

Compact dog of French origin. Height at withers 33 – 42 cm. Color – blue with black specks and spots. Previously, hardy dogs were taken on hunts to find hares. Nowadays they are more often adopted as lap dogs.

See on topic: Review of small dogs with big ears.

Dunker

The breed was named after its founder, Wilhelm Duncker.
Sturdy, strong hunters come from Norway. The unique color of the Dunker is as if written by an artist - black, blue or marbled with light fawn markings. Height at the withers is 47 – 58 cm.

An even temperament and non-conflict character make the Dunker a good companion. He gets used to living in an apartment and becomes a true friend to family members, but feels better in a country house.

Estonian hound

The height of Estonian hounds is from 42 to 52 cm.
Estonian hounds are a cultivated breed. Short tricolor dogs were bred in Estonia between the world wars of the 20th century in response to the ban on hunting ungulates with large dogs.

They train well, are content with two standard walks, and know their place. When kept in apartments surrounded by people, they grow up more intelligent than working dogs living in cages. In 2022, the breed was recognized in the FCI on a preliminary basis.

Saluki

• Height: from 58 to 70 cm
• Weight: from 18 to 27 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years

The Saluki is one of the oldest breeds in the world, with roots dating back to 7000 BC. They have impeccable vision and their sleek bodies are built for speed. Salukis used to hunt gazelles, so it is not surprising that they are very athletic and love the outdoors. Salukis are intelligent and happy to receive regular mental stimulation.

Their silky coat requires weekly brushing, but Salukis are also known to be very clean dogs , requiring only occasional baths.

Terriers

Terriers were bred to hunt in burrows and catch rodents, which affected their temperament. Despite all their diversity, they share common features. These are restless, hardy, stubborn, passionate, brave dogs. Of the more than 30 types of terriers, there are 5 breeds that fit the definition of “medium smooth-haired”.

Parson Russell Terrier

The closest relative of the Jack Russell Terrier. Both breeds were bred by the English priest and passionate hunter John Russell in the 19th century. In 2001, they were separated and separate standards were published.

The ideal height for female Parson Russell Terriers is 33 cm, for males 36 cm.

Dense, thick wool comes in two types: smooth and hard, shaggy. Colors – solid white or with colored spots.

Hunters value Parson Russell Terriers for their speed of reaction, endurance, and tirelessness in work. Domestic dogs need regular walks and exercise. Parson Russells rarely get sick and live an average of 15 years.

Manchester Terrier

The oldest officially recognized breed from Great Britain.
Manchester Terriers were bred at the turn of the 18th – 19th centuries specifically for rodent extermination tournaments. The fast, agile dog could destroy a hundred rats in 6 minutes.

Now the Manchester Terrier is a loyal, friendly house companion. The ideal height for girls is 38 cm, for boys 41 cm. The only color is blue-black with rich tan. Manchester Terriers became the ancestors of English Toy Terriers.

Smooth Fox Terrier

A strong, agile dog originally from Great Britain. The maximum height of fox terriers is 39 cm, weight – up to 8 kg. The smooth short coat is colored solid white or with colored inclusions. The literal translation of the name of the breed is “fox terrier”.

Fox Terriers have retained their working skills. Temperamental dogs are bred for hunting and as domestic companions. Smooth Fox Terriers became the ancestors of the American Toy Terriers.

A famous representative of the breed was Admiral Baird's fox terrier Igloo. The dog accompanied the owner on an expedition to Antarctica. He became famous as the only dog ​​to survive in such extreme natural conditions.

Rat Terrier

American Pied Terriers, registered in the USA but not recognized by the FCI. The height of standard rat terriers is 33 – 46 cm, but the breed includes mini dogs with a height of 25 cm.

Rat terriers are bred not only for home keeping. In the USA, they work in hospices and nursing homes as psychotherapy dogs. They serve as sniffers for prohibited items in the police: it takes less than 3 weeks to learn how to search.

In the 70s of the 20th century, based on Rat Terriers, a new hairless breed was developed - the American Hairless Terrier.

Brazilian Terrier

The breed was formed at the beginning of the 20th century and received international recognition in 2007. Height 33 – 40 cm. Color white with brown, black, blue spots.

Energetic, cheerful Brazilian terriers are famous as skilled burrow hunters of small animals, vigilant watchmen and faithful companions. The breed is rare, but its popularity is growing.

Australian Shepherd

• Height: from 46 to 58 cm
• Weight: from 16 to 32 kg
• Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years

Despite the name, Australian Shepherds are actually native to the American West and were originally bred to herd sheep. Australian Shepherds are great for families or single people who have an active lifestyle and have room to run.

Fun fact: Australian Shepherds are intelligent working dogs with strong herding and guarding instincts. They also work as therapy dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs and drug detection dogs.

They need to do it for at least an hour every day. They are easy to train and, with regular exercise, will be discreet and excellent companions. If Australian Shepherds are not exercised enough, they can become destructive and develop bad habits. So if you want to get an Australian Shepherd, make sure you have time to be active. Another trait that some owners view as a downside to Australian Shepherds is that they shed heavily and require regular brushing and grooming.

Molossians

This group includes the descendants of ancient fighting dogs with common external characteristics:

• powerful physique;
• massive head;
• wide muzzle;
• strong jaws.

Molossians accompanied warriors on campaigns. In peacetime, they fought with bulls, bears, and lions for the amusement of the public.

English bulldog

National breed of the English.
During selection, bulldogs lost their fighting qualities and were retrained from aggressive baiting dogs into balanced domestic dogs.

The height of English bulldogs is 50 – 55 cm. Colors are fawn, brindle, red-brown, plain or in combination with white.

English bulldogs gave rise to new popular breeds: the American and French bulldogs.

Bulldog skateboarder Otto is registered in the Guinness Book of Records. In 2015, a dog rode a four-wheeled skateboard through a “tunnel” of 30 people’s legs in 10 seconds. Otto moved at high speed and did not hit anyone.

American Bulldog

Ambuli are medium-large sized dogs. Height at the withers is from 52 to 68 cm. Within the breed, there are 2 types of dogs, named after the first breeders:

• Johnson or classic - massive, heavy dogs with a short muzzle. Good guards and companions.

• Scott or standard - with lightweight bones, elongated limbs, elongated muzzle. Helpers for hunters and farmers.

Over the last decade, the popularity of hybrid ambulas obtained by crossing the classic and standard types has been growing. Due to the diversity of dogs, the FCI refuses to register the breed.

German boxer

The first boxers appeared in 1850 in Munich.
The breed was developed from the English Bulldog and the lost Bullenbeiser. The height of German boxers is 53 – 63 cm. Colors are red, brindle solid or with light inclusions or pure white.

Boxers learn quickly and easily master the course of protective guard duty. They work as police officers, security guards, and bodyguards. Domestic Boxers become attached to family members, love children and are considered the most playful among guard dogs.

Boston Terrier

Smart, smooth-haired dogs from the group of small mollosoids. The breed was developed in the USA based on the Bull and Terrier, an Old English White Bulldog.

Boston Terriers have become the symbol of Massachusetts.

The international standard divides Boston Terriers into 3 classes:

• light – up to 6.8 kg;
• medium - from 6.8 to 9 kg;
• heavy - from 9 to 11.3 kg.

Colors – brindle, black, dark brown with mandatory white inclusions.

Hungarian Vizsla

• Height: from 53 to 64 cm
• Weight: from 18 to 29 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Hungarian Vizslas are known for their reddish-brown coat. Since they were originally trained as hunting dogs, they like to stay close to their people. They are loyal and affectionate companions, but often do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.

Did you know that by the end of the First World War, the Hungarian Vizslas were almost extinct.

This is an active, energetic dog with great strength, drive and determination. Lively, affectionate and obedient, the Hungarian Vizsla thrives in an active family. Gentle and sensitive, yet fearless and assertive, this breed excels as a guard dog . The Hungarian Vizsla is easy to train. Its coat does not require special care.

Bull type terriers

Crosses of bulldogs and terriers were bred in Great Britain throughout the 17th and 18th centuries specifically for baiting animals - the national pastime of the British. Outwardly inconspicuous bull and terriers have absorbed the best fighting qualities. Hunting terriers have inherited agility, speed, passion, and flexibility. From bulldogs they adopted tenacity, a “death grip”, and immunity to pain.

Four breeds became direct descendants of bull and terriers. Aggression is regarded as a serious defect; evil individuals are simply excluded from breeding.

English bull terrier

English bull terriers mini and standard.
In addition to fighting bulldogs, the now lost white English terriers and Dalmatians took part in the selection. Initially, only white bull terriers were recognized. In the 20th century, colored individuals were introduced into breeding.

The breed includes a miniature group of dogs. The height of a standard bull terrier is up to 51 cm, a mini one is up to 35.5 cm.

English Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The smallest representative of the bull type terrier. Height at the withers is 35 - 40 cm. Education and selective selection have turned fighting dogs into lovely home companions.

American Staffordshire Terrier or Amstaff

The first name of the breed is pit bull terrier, from the word “pit” - pit for baiting. In 1936, a separate AKC standard was drawn up for Amstaffs and recognized as an independent breed.

Amstaffs are larger than their English relatives, height at the withers is 43 – 48 cm.

The first registered representative of the breed was the American Staffordshire Terrier named Pete. In the 30s, he starred in gangster comedies and was considered a real star.

Initially, the Amstaffs' element was dog fighting. Now they are companions and show dogs. Owners call their pets good-natured hulks at home and brave defenders on the street.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Pit bull terriers are similar in appearance to Amstaffs, but are more diverse. The breed includes bulldog and terrier type dogs.

American Pit Bull Terriers are banned in many countries around the world. Scary stories are told about the unpredictability and viciousness of dogs. However, many owners emphasize the restraint and good nature of their pets and insist that the character of dogs depends on their upbringing.

The height of pit bulls is from 40 to 60 cm, but there are real giants. The world's largest pit bull terrier, Hulk, weighs 80 kg.

The breed is recognized by the only cynological organization - UKC. The founder and president of the club, Chauncey Bennett, registered his own pit bull terrier under No. 1 in 1898.

Poodle

• Height: from 35 to 45 cm
• Weight: from 15 to 19 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Standard Poodles are generally classified as a medium dog breed. They are very smart , excellent swimmers and very easy to train.

Did you know that the majestic, elegant and affectionate poodle was bred in Germany as a water retriever.

Their coat requires careful grooming, including daily brushing to prevent matting and monthly trimming. However, their fur is good because it practically does not shed! Additionally, poodles of all sizes require a fair amount of exercise. Swimming, running and searching for objects are some of their favorite activities.

Primitive breeds

The primitive type of breed developed over centuries without human intervention. During natural selection, the strongest and healthiest individuals survived. Therefore, dogs look like hundreds of years ago and do not suffer from serious hereditary diseases.

Basenji

Ancient native dogs of Central Africa. Presumably they appeared 5 thousand years ago. Colors: red, black, brindle, black and tan with white markings. Thin skin on the head gathers into wrinkles.

The height of the Basenji is 40 – 43 cm.

Basenjis do not bark, which is why they received their second name - African non-barking dog. They are clean, know how to wash themselves with their paws like cats and do not smell. Emotions are expressed in clear sounds, similar to a mixture of grunts and Tyrolean throat singing.

See other breeds of white and red dogs.

Thai Ridgeback

An indigenous breed of Thailand, preserved in its original form. Despite their ancient origins, the FCI recognized the Thai Ridgeback in 2003. The standard describes 4 colors: solid black, red, blue, isabella.

Height at withers 51 – 61 cm.

Thais have 2 types of coat: short velor up to 3 mm long and standard – from 2 mm to 2 cm. A ridge stretches along the back - a strip of hair directed against the growth of the coat.

Ridge of the Thai Ridgeback.

Pharaoh Hound

Hunting breed from the island of Malta. The dogs got their name due to their external resemblance to images of the ancient Egyptian deity Anubis. However, they never lived on the banks of the Nile, which is confirmed by DNA analysis.

Slender, long-legged pharaoh dogs grow up to 53 – 63 cm. Thin, short hair is colored a bright red-chestnut color. Amber eyes and brown nose are in harmony with the tone of the coat. When excited, the ears and nose of the “pharaohs” turn red.

Cirneco dell'Etna or Sicilian Greyhound

An ancient breed from Sicily. The ancestors of the Cirneco lived on the island supposedly 2.5 thousand years ago. Externally, the Sicilian Greyhound resembles a smaller Pharaoh Hound. Height at withers 44 – 50 cm.

Breton epañol

• Height: from 46 to 52 cm
• Weight: from 14 to 18 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

An adult Breton Epagnole weighs between 14 and 18 kg, making it an ideal medium-sized dog breed, not too small and not too large. They are intelligent and loyal dogs that are very easy to train, but do not require as much exercise or time as the Australian Shepherd.

The Breton epagnole was originally developed in France to help hunters locate and capture birds, and can be found in many French paintings and tapestries that date back hundreds of years.

Whippet

The graceful English Greyhound occupies an intermediate position between the large Greyhounds and the small Italian Greyhounds. The height of whippets is 44 – 51 cm, body weight is up to 13 kg.

Owners see pure merit in their pets. Whippets are clean, do not smell, rarely bark, and are well trained. They behave friendly at home and get along with children.

Whippets are natural runners. In a straight line they reach speeds of up to 70 km/h.

Bearded Collie

• Height: from 51 to 56 cm
• Weight: from 18 to 27 kg
• Life expectancy: 14 to 15 years

The Bearded Collie is one of the oldest breeds in Great Britain. Originally bred as a working dog, active and always up for adventure , Bearded Collies are great for an active single person or family from any climate.

Fun fact: They were originally called "long-haired collies", the name "bearded collie" was given to them later due to their long facial hair.

Bearded Collies are descended from another European shaggy herding dog, the Komondor. Their shaggy coat and thick undercoat require careful grooming and frequent brushing. They are known for their playfulness and constantly wagging tail . The Bearded Collie is an active, intelligent and loyal companion. But, since this is a herding breed, it is not recommended for families with small children.

Labrador Retriever

Talented dogs from medium to large sizes. According to the standard, the ideal height at the withers is 54 – 57 cm.

Classic colors of Labradors are black, chocolate, fawn of all shades.

The coat of a purebred Labrador Retriever is short and smooth throughout the body. Repels water and dirt well. Dogs with combing, wavy or curly hair are rejected.

Labrador retrievers are famous for their intelligence and tact. They work as guides and water rescuers. They are popular all over the world. In the United States, every year they take 1st place in the ranking of the most common domestic dogs.

Medium-sized, smooth-haired dogs live happily in city apartments and rural houses. They do not require complex care and quickly adapt to the family’s lifestyle.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

• Height: from 25 to 30 cm
• Weight: from 10 to 14 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a medium-sized dog breed with a dense build and short legs. When fully grown, they usually weigh between 10 and 14 kg, or maybe less, depending on the height of the parents. Despite the fact that Pembroke Welsh Corgis are stocky and short-legged dogs, they have quite muscular legs and remarkable agility. They are known for their friendly, playful, and sometimes a little stubborn nature.

English Springer Spaniel

• Height: from 46 to 56 cm
• Weight: from 18 to 25 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years

English Springer Spaniels are another medium-sized breed bred to be working dogs. Their original purpose was hunting. Springer Spaniels are extremely friendly, trainable and enjoy spending time with their owners.

English Springer Spaniels are people oriented ; they become unhappy if left alone for too long and too often. These pets are well suited for families with children and thrive with active owners who offer them long walks and playtime.

French lap dog

Many dog ​​breeders call French lap dogs miniature plush antidepressants. And for good reason! Their literally airy fur and small size make lapdogs look like soft toys. An adult individual often does not exceed a length of 0.3 m, reaching a maximum weight of no more than 5 kg.

The base of the muzzle of French lap dogs is wide; it gradually tapers towards the nose. The transition is not clearly expressed. Like the whole body, the tail of French lap dogs is covered with thick hair, its length does not exceed half the length of the body. The average coat length is 8 cm, the undercoat is very thick.

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General recommendations for caring for a furry cat

When breeding shaggy dogs, it is important to adhere to two rules: regularly care for the coat and provide adequate nutrition. If a pet is deficient in any element, this will certainly affect its main advantage - its coat.

The diet should contain foods rich in the following substances:

• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• sodium;
• potassium.

If you decide to use store-bought feed, then take premium complexes. For care you will need special brushes and shampoos.

Regardless of what kind of pet appears in the house, you need to remember that it requires not only care, but also attention. There are breeds that have a hard time withstanding loneliness and prolonged separation from family members. These and other facts are important to consider when choosing a pet.

How to choose

There are certain rules that you should consider when going to buy a puppy. When choosing a long-haired pet, several other aspects are taken into account.

First of all, you need to ask the seller about the parents of the baby you like, since it will depend on them what kind of character the dog will have.

Note ! You need to take a puppy that has a similar temperament. It is unlikely that a person who loves to relax will like it when a restless fluff dog is running around him.

There are large nurseries in Moscow, Samara, Nizhny Tagil. There are branches in all major cities that will be happy to help you find a suitable puppy. In addition, in most cases, pets are already vaccinated.

It is best to buy fluffy puppies from specialized nurseries, and not from hand; unverified sellers often sell defects.