We’ve already told you some fascinating tidbits about popular small breeds and shared plenty of cool trivia about the top large dog breeds.Now it’s time to learn fun facts about the 10 most popular medium-size dog breeds. Even if you regularly peruse our dog breed profiles, we may have some interesting info you’ve never heard before. For instance, do you know the origins behind the Cocker Spaniel'sname? Are you familiar with the correct way to hold a Dachshund? Well, get ready: You’re about to discover 10 little-known facts about the top medium-size breeds.
Test Your Medium-Size Dog Breed Knowledge

Anna Pozzi, Animal Photography
Border Collie
You may have heard that Border Collies are one of the smartest dog breeds. And for the most part, they live up to their brainy reputation. For instance, a Border Collie named Chaser knows more than a thousand words and can make inferences about words she doesn’t know.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel, who is a member of the Sporting Group, gets his name from his talent for hunting woodcock, a type of wading bird.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
English Springer Spaniel
There are two types of Springer Spaniels: those from hunting lines and those from show lines. So what’s the difference? English Springers from show lines have solid patches of color next to their solid white fur; long, flowing coats; and heavier bodies. Springers from hunting lines have coats of moderate length and lots of brown ticking in their white fur.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Brittany

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
According to Welsh legend, Corgis were a gift from the fairies, who rode them like horses. Need proof? Some Corgis wear a “saddle” on their backs, and others have white “harness” marks behind their shoulders.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Shetland Sheepdog

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Dachshund (Standard)
There's a right way to hold a Dachshund: Help protect his back by tucking one arm beneath his hind end and supporting his front end at the chest with your other arm, while keeping his body in a horizontal position.

Robin Burkett, Animal Photography
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog originated in England but became popular in his adopted homeland of
France after the Industrial Revolution. When lacemaking became mechanized, many
English lace workers lost their jobs and moved to France, where their skills
were still in demand, and they took their beloved Frenchies with them.

Leesia Teh, Animal Photography
Beagle
Thanks to their generally friendly disposition and excellent scent-detection skills, Beagles are often used at airports to sniff out weapons, drugs and illegal food items without making passengers nervous like a large police dog might.

Leesia Teh, Animal Photography
Bulldog
The Bulldog is relatively easy to groom, but his facial and nose wrinkles may require special care. Depending on the individual dog, you may need to clean his wrinkles a couple times a week or every day with a soft damp cloth or baby wipe, then dry them thoroughly.
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- 5 Cool Dog Breeds You've Probably Never Seen
- Most Popular Names for the Top 10 Medium-Size Breeds