Best Medium-Sized Dogs for Anxiety (20+ List)

This is an extensive list of all the best dogs for anxiety that are neither too big nor too small. These furry friends will help ease your symptoms and make you feel calmer. A medium size makes them easier to take care of.

What are the Best Medium-Sized Dogs for Anxiety?

Some of the best medium-sized dogs that you can have as a calming pet for anxiety are:

• Corgi
• Beagle
• Poodle
• Mini Schnauzer
• Brussels Griffon
• English Toy Spaniel
• Cocker Spaniel
• Havanese
• Coton de Tulear
• Border Collie
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Greyhound
• Shiba Inu
• Australian Labradoodle
• Bichon Frise
• Bulldog
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Vizsla
• Pomeranian
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Affenpinscher

Dogs for Anxiety That Aren’t Too Big

Dogs can help people with anxiety disorders, especially children. That’s because these pets are highly affectionate, playful, and loyal. They make one feel less lonely, taken care of, and secure. The world may be full of uncertainties but your dog’s love and general behaviour is quite reliable and predictable.

A pet dog will encourage you to move around more as it will want to play and exercise. Physical activity helps anxiety by releasing nervous energy and by producing endorphins. Research suggests that dog-owner interactions lead to better cardiovascular health. DOgs can even improve family functioning according to this publication.

Pet therapy has been found to be an effective therapy for many behavioural issues including anxiety. Some people prefer larger dogs while others like them tiny. Here is a list of some of the best medium-sized dogs that can ease your anxiety:

Corgi

Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness. Most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression. 

Spirited and athletic, steady and dependable, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a true “big dog on short legs.” Herding, obedience, agility, or chasing balls (with surprising speed) are enjoyable outlets for his enthusiasm and desire to work.

Beagle

Anxiety is an isolating disease that can make you pull away from friends, family, and society in general. Your dog provides you with unconditional acceptance and helps you feel like you are not alone. 

No matter what’s going on in your life, your dog’s life revolves around a few basic needs. Sticking to your dog’s schedule helps you stay on your, too. This helps manage anxiety, as a fixed routine grounds you. Beagles are gentle, sweet, and funny. They will make you laugh, forget your worries and feel positive emotions.

Poodle

The next cutie on the list is the Poodle. They are notorious for their intelligence and ease of training. They are lively, active, fun-loving dogs with a desire for fun and games. Poodles thrive on attention and are very affectionate. 

You will be their whole world and they will guarantee that you do not stress or brood too much. One game with them after a long day of gruelling work, can guarantee a fresh mood and feeling of rejuvenation. Do not forget about the kisses too!

Mini Schnauzer

Robust in body and mind, the Miniature Schnauzer is a lively, feisty, smart, happy, vocal, affectionate, low-shedding dog. They are a naturally lovable and social breed. Additionally, they love to cuddle up to their owners on the couch in the evening. 

So if you feel dread when it is time to go home, you might consider adopting this sweet pup. There will always be someone ready to welcome you home with all their energy and enthusiasm. We promise, it will light up your life!

Brussels Griffon

Often, we get consumed with our lives and problems. We get fixated on them, which make them seem huge and without solution. This gives rise to anxiety. If you are facing the same problem, consider adopting this cute dog! 

Brussels Griffon is small, but extremely lovable. Affectionate and lively, their intelligence, sense of humor, and air of self-importance keep them one step ahead of their people. You will not be able to keep yourself from pampering them all day.

English Toy Spaniel

English Toy Spaniels are moderately active. When they are outdoors exercising, they are alert, playful, and energetic, while at home they are sedate and dignified. They are easy going dogs who make excellent companions for city dwellers who can provide the dogs with daily walks. 

Anxiety can make people procrastinate healthy behaviours like going out of the house or exercising. With this little munchkin by your side, you will have no more excuse. Live your healthiest life along with them!

Havanese

The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm. The native dog of Cuba, they are beloved as a friendly, intelligent and playful companion. If you want a cuddly dog, the Havanese are perhaps one of the most cuddly dogs out there. 

These dogs are a lot of fun to cuddle due to their silky smooth fur. Sensory stimulation from patting them and cuddling with them can be used as an effective grounding exercise during anxiety attacks. They can be a great support in your mental health journey.

Cocker Spaniel

If you have been worried because your child has been showing symptoms of anxiety, you can consider adopting a dog. A new study showed that children who live in a home with a pet dog score far lower on clinical measures of anxiety. 

The typical Cocker Spaniel is gentle, a loving and trustworthy family companion who is good with children. Never more pleased than when they’re pleasing you, they’re happy to snuggle on the couch or romp in the yard. They are highly trainable and adaptable, so you wont need to spend too much time on them.

Coton de Tulear

Dogs definitely help alleviate the suffering that accompanies anxiety. More than that, they give you an object to love and care for, which affects your mental well-being positively. The Coton aims to please, and whatever makes you happy makes him happy as long as they are with you. 

They like to “talk” to his people, using his own special language of unique vocalizations, including grunts and growls. Talk back, and they will be overjoyed!. The well-socialized Coton loves everyone.

Border Collie

Border collies are active, working dogs best suited to country living. The breed is highly intelligent, learns quickly and responds well to praise. Because of their herding instincts, they are protective of their family and territory and make excellent watchdogs. 

They will look out for the family kids. If your children’s safety and well-being has been bothering you to the point that it makes you anxious, consider them. They will protect and provide company to your kids and make you relaxed and calm.

Jack Russell Terrier

This amazing pup is famous for being highly spirit and enthusiastic. With them, there will be no dull moment in your life. Often loneliness and lack of brain stimulation can cause anxiety to creep in. You might be filled with dread and fear over nothing. 

Let this wonderful dog help you through this tough time. The energetic and spirited Jack packs a lot of personality into their small body. Loving, devoted, and endlessly amusing, they enjoy life. They will also make sure you do too!

Greyhound

Greyhounds generally have a wonderful temperament, being friendly and non-aggressive. They’re intelligent and independent, even catlike in many ways. Give them a treat, though, and they’re likely to become a friend for life. 

A friend, who will be there for you, supporting you during your tough times, without any judgement. People with anxiety often lack that. They get overwhelmed by the multitudes of advice, opinions and commentaries from people around them. Forget that! Find a safe space with this sweet buddy.

Shiba Inu

The well-bred Shiba Inu is good-natured, alert, and bold. They are strong-willed and confident, and often have their own ideas about things. Loyal and affectionate with their family, Shiba Inus tend to be suspicious of strangers. 

If you are someone who gets anxious of strangers too, you both are perfect for each other! Times are tough, people can be rarely trusted. Your Shiba Inu will have the perfect radar for suspicious people and they will protect you.

Australian Labradoodle

Australian Labradoodles are gentle, loyal, and sociable. They are not aggressive and are very good with children. Plus, Australian Labradoodles are intelligent and quick to learn. In fact, they are widely used as therapy and service dogs. 

Their fluffy and furry coat will give you a relaxing tactile stimulation. You will feel lost and tranquil in their gaze, which might help ground you during anxiety attacks. Wonderful to be around, these little puppies will make you feel alive with love!

Bichon Frise

Dogs can contribute to your happiness. Studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve your all-around health. They can wonderfully detect anxiety and stress in their owners before the person themself can. 

This dog loves to play. They are always happy, except when they miss you terribly, and their demeanour is affectionate and gentle. Because they don’t shed like other breeds, Bichons often are recommended for people with allergies.

Bulldog

The English bulldog has a gentle disposition. Dependable and predictable, the bulldog is a wonderful family pet and loving to most children. They are sociable and sweet, but with a reputation for courage that makes them an excellent watchdog. 

Beautifully said by someone, the Bulldog is a lover, not a fighter. Experience their positivity towards life, as they play with you, cuddle with you and love you unconditionally. Your worries and anxieties will look really tiny when you will be floating on that “cloud nine”.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers are energetic and enthusiastic in everything they do and remain on alert, even in repose. This breed’s temperament is described as tough, courageous, stubborn, and curious. 

They will make you get out of your bed every morning, if it is time for their daily work. You will be infected with their robust personality, which will prevent you from dwelling on your dreadful thoughts. A people-loving personality also makes them a good caretaker of their family.

Vizsla

Vizslas make wonderful, affectionate companions. They are just as happy snuggling up as a lap dog as they are going for a long run with you. However, they need an engaged owner who will provide them with the exercise and mental enrichment. 

Caring for someone other than yourself can greatly improve your mental health. Instead of living in your own head, where anxious thoughts are cooked up, you get to live out loud. By caring for your Vizsla, you will have a healthy outlet for your feelings and emotions.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are known for being smart, curious, energetic, feisty, and bold. They are typically very playful and love to be the center of attention. Pomeranians can make wonderful therapy dogs, as they are easy to train. By remaining calm to touch, they provide space to a suffering human. 

PomPoms, as they are adorably known, have the kind of energy that will melt your heart. They will make you feel love, joy and happiness. You will always have a smile on your face whenever you think of these little munchkins!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Often called a “sporting toy breed” because of his combination of traits, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is sweet-tempered. This comfort-loving breed adores cuddling in laps and snuggling on soft pillows. They are sweet and gentle, yet rowdy when it comes to playing outside. 

You will get your essential exercise along with them, and you won’t even procrastinate. Because, who doesn’t want to spend time with their lovely Spaniel? Your physical health will pave the way for a better, more sound mental health.

Affenpinscher

Lastly,  we have the very lovable Affenpinschers. They prefer the company of adults. They don’t take well to rough play, chasing, or being held without the freedom to jump down when they want. But grown-up pet parents will find that these dogs are loving, loyal, and protective despite their small size. 

So, if you have anxiety or are routinely stressed, this dog might be the perfect option for you. You can turn to them whenever you need a calm, comforting support and find your centre through the process.

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

Conclusions

This was an extensive list of all the best dogs for anxiety that are neither too big nor too small. These furry friends will help ease your symptoms and make you feel calmer. A medium size makes them easier to take care of.

Breeds mentioned here were Corgi, Beagle, Poodle, Mini Schnauzer, Brussels Griffon, English Toy Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Greyhound, Shiba Inu, Australian Labradoodle, Bichon Frise, Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Vizsla, Pomeranian, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Affenpinscher.

FAQs (Best medium-Sized Dogs for Anxiety)

Citations

• https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/5/483