If you’re looking for medium dog breeds between 20 and 40 pounds, you are SO in luck!
Dozens of wonderful and popular dog breeds fall right in the mid-range!
From the active Brittany to the mellow Whippet, you’ll find exactly the right dog for your family in the medium dog breeds list!
Let’s check out the top ten!
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Medium Dog Breeds Between 20 and 40 Pounds
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Dogs are basically categorized into 4 sizes- small, medium, large and giant.
Examples of these categories are:
- a Pomeranian is a small dog breed
- a Basenji is a medium dog breed
- a Rottweiler is a large dog breed
- and a Great Dane is a giant dog breed.
Today, we’ll be focusing on medium dog breeds, specifically ones that weigh in the range of 20-40 pounds.
Medium dogs are ideal because they aren’t too small, and they aren’t too big, they are just right.
RELATED: Best dog couches for medium dogs
1. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog came from Germany during the 19th century. They are descendants of the Keeshond, the Volpino Italiano and the White Pomeranian.
- Height- 15-20 inches
- Weight- 18-35 pounds
- Lifespan- 12-14 years
- Coat Colors- White
- Breed Group- Non-Sporting
- Temperament- Affectionate, alert, friendly, protective and smart.
Heads up: if you have allergies, the American Eskimo Dog (aka Eskie) is not the breed for you. He’s NOT hypoallergenic. He is, however, very kid-friendly!
2. Basenji
The Basenji originated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. These dogs were initially bred to hunt small game animals.
- Height- 15-17 inches
- Weight- 22-24 pounds
- Lifespan- 10-12 years
- Coat Colors- Black & White, Black, Tan & White, Brindle & White, Red & White
- Breed Group- Hound
- Temperament- Clever, independent, inquisitive, reserved and stubborn.
If you’re looking for a quiet dog, you can’t go wrong with the Basenji. This sweet pup is also called the “Barkless Dog,” according to the AKC. They literally cannot bark due to their physiology.
Instead, they kind of yodel. They are also hypoallergenic.
3. Brittany
The Brittany hailed from the Brittany region in Northwestern France, in the 1800’s. They are the result of breeding English Setters with small Spaniels.
- Height- 17-21 inches
- Weight- 30-40 pounds
- Lifespan- 12-13 years
- Coat Colors- Liver & White, Liver Roan, Liver White & Orange, Orange & White, Orange Roan, White & Liver, White & Orange
- Breed Group- Sporting
- Temperament- Affectionate, friendly, loyal, playful and social.
This gorgeous pup is perfect for active outdoorsy families and makes a good hunting dog. Sadly, she is NOT hypoallergenic.
4. Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz stemmed from Finland, possibly as far back as 8,000 years ago. Since 1979, they have been Finland’s National Dog.
- Height- 15-20 inches
- Weight- 23-28 pounds
- Lifespan- 12-14 years
- Coat Colors- Gold, Red, Red Gold
- Breed Group- Non-Sporting
- Temperament- Independent, intelligent, loyal, playful and vocal.
Want a dog that looks like a fox? The Finnish Spitz is the pup for you! Just keep in mind that he’s a very vocal dog. In fact, there’s even a contest in Finland to crown the King Barker! He is NOT a hypoallergenic dog, however.
Related: Everything You Need to Find the Right Hypoallergenic Dog For Your Family
5. Icelandic Sheepdog
It has been long believed that the Icelandic Sheepdog arrived in Iceland on the boats of the early Viking Settlers, during the 9th century. These dogs were first bred to herd sheep in Iceland’s countryside.
- Height- 12-16 inches
- Weight- 20-30 pounds
- Lifespan- 12-15 years
- Coat Colors-Black & White, Chocolate & White, Cream & White, Fawn & White, Gold & White, Gray & White, Red & White
- Breed Group- Herding
- Temperament- Agile, energetic, friendly, hardy and tough.
As far as medium dog breeds go, this sweet pup falls just a smidge under the AKC definition of “medium,” but he’s not quite what we would call a small breed, either.
He is NOT hypoallergenic by a long shot. In fact, expect him to shed a lot, especially during his biannual shedding seasons!
6. Kerry Blue Terrier
The true origin of the Kerry Blue Terrier is not known, although numerous theories have developed over the years.
What is known is that these dogs came from the County Kerry Mountains in Ireland and that these dogs were originally bred to control pesky animals, like badgers, foxes, rabbits and rats.
- Height- 17-20 inches
- Weight- 33-40 pounds
- Lifespan- 12-15 years
- Coat Colors-Black, Blue, Gray, Silver
- Breed Group- Terrier
- Temperament- Alert, gentle, loyal, spirited and strong-willed.
The Kerry Blue Terrier IS hypoallergenic, making him perfect for families who have dog allergies. He’s also one of the largest members of the AKC terrier group.
7. Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier evolved from the Isle of Skye in Scotland during the early part of the 16th century.
According to The Kennel Club, the United Kingdom’s official kennel club, the Skye Terrier is one of the most endangered native dog breeds in the United Kingdom.
- Height- 9-10 inches
- Weight- 25-40 pounds
- Lifespan- 12-14 years
- Coat Colors-Black, Blue, Cream, Fawn, Gray, Platinum, Silver
- Breed Group- Terrier
- Temperament- Friendly, intelligent, loyal, tenacious and tough.
This breed is NOT hypoallergenic.
He’s also a sensitive breed that will not respond to harsh training methods. I always advocate for reward-based training and positive reinforcement, but with the Skye Terrier, it’s essential.
8. Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier hailed from the Tibet region in Central Asia.
Did you know that despite their name, these dogs aren’t terriers at all, but are actually herding dogs?
- Height- 14-17 inches
- Weight- 20-24 pounds
- Lifespan- 12-15 years
- Coat Colors-Black, Gray, Silver, White
- Breed Group- Non-Sporting
- Temperament- Active, agile, energetic, happy and intelligent.
This ancient breed is considered the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” and was used as a watch dog. Good news, allergy sufferers: he IS hypoallergenic!
9. Whippet
The Whippet came from England during the latter part of the 19th century. They came about as a result of breeding Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds and possibly Manchester Terriers.
- Height- 18-22 inches
- Weight- 25-35 pounds
- Lifespan- 12-15 years
- Coat Colors- Black, Blue, Cream, Fawn, Red, White
- Breed Group- Hound
- Temperament- Affectionate, gentle, intelligent, quiet and sensitive.
This is one of my absolute favorite medium dog breeds between 20 and 40 pounds!
Sadly, he is NOT hypoallergenic. FYI, if you DO get a Whippet, you’ll want to look into whippet collars or thick martingale collars
10. Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier derived from England in the latter part of the 17th century. They were first bred by avid fox hunters.
- Height- 13-16 inches
- Weight- 15-19 pounds
- Lifespan- 12-14 years
- Coat Colors- White, White & Black, White & Tan, White, Black & Tan
- Breed Group- Terrier
- Temperament- Alert, bold, energetic, fearless and intelligent.
This energetic guy IS hypoallergenic. He’s also another great companion for outdoorsy types and hunters.
11. Standard Schnauzer
Technically, both the miniature and standard schnauzer fall into the 20-40 lb range but are on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Miniature schnauzers are technically considered a small dog breed and they max out at about 20 lbs.
Standard schnauzers, on the other hand, typically weigh between 30-50 lbs. So if you have a very strict weight limit that you need to stick to (I know some apartments leave very little wiggle room there), you may want to go with a mini.
- Height- 17-19″ for standard,12-14 for mini
- Weight- 30-50 lbs standard, 11-20 mini
- Lifespan- 13-16 standard, 12-15 mini
- Coat Colors- Black, silver, salt & pepper
- Breed Group- Working for standard, Terrier for mini
- Temperament- Bright, outgoing, friendly, sporty
12. English Cocker Spaniel
The adorable & sweet Cocker Spaniel is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a loving lap dog that also knows how to have fun.
- Height- 13-16″
- Weight- 20-30 lbs
- Lifespan-10-14
- Coat Colors- Brown, black, tan, silver, and combinations of those colors
- Breed Group- Sporting
- Personality- Bright, affectionate, loving, mellow
These beauties are popular among both families and seniors alike thanks to their fairly laid-back personalities. They’re equally content chilling on the sofa with the grownups as they are playing a game of fetch in the backyard with the kids. They even get along well with other dogs!
13. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Made famous by Queen Elizabeth II, the Corgi is an athletic pooch that’s incredibly affectionate without being clingy. As herding dogs, they do need a fair amount of exercise, but they’re also content to relax on the sofa with you after a long day.
- Height- 10-12″
- Weight- up to 30 lbs
- Lifespan-12-13
- Coat Colors- Black & tan, fawn, red, sable
- Breed Group- Herding
- Personality- Bright, affectionate, loving, mellow
They may not look it, but Corgis are excellent watchdogs! These little guys once roamed the fields keeping sheep in line and making sure nothing attacked them, so they know how to raise the alarm when they sense danger.
14. Shetland Sheepdog (AKA Sheltie)
If you dream of owning a Collie but live in an apartment with a strict 40-lb weight limit, the Sheltie may be the dog you’re looking for. They share nearly all of the same traits (both personality and physical) but they’re half the size.
- Height- 13-16″
- Weight- 15-25 lbs
- Lifespan-12-14
- Coat Colors- Black & white, black white and tan, tan and white, sable merle
- Breed Group- Herding
- Personality- Extremely intelligent, eager to please, obedient, highly affectionate
Like Collies (including Border Collies), Shelties are herding dogs who are happiest when they have some sort of job to do. Make sure you play plenty of mentally stimulating games with them. They absolutely adore children and get along great with other dogs, but they do need obedience training to set boundaries. Otherwise, they’ll try to herd everyone and everything.
15. Beagles
We can’t forget the adorable Beagle with his soulful bark, now can we? These independent pups are perfect for a working family who wants a loving companion that also knows how to spend time on his own.
- Height- 13-15″
- Weight- 20-30 lbs
- Lifespan-10-15
- Coat Colors- Black & tan, brown & white, blue & tan
- Breed Group- Hound
- Personality- Soulful, independent, loyal, funny
Beagles are pretty vocal and high-energy dogs. They need plenty of mental stimulation, and their stubborn nature means that they’ll require a bit more effort on the training front. Still, their loyalty and zany antics make every moment of extra training totally worthwhile.
16. Bulldog
I saved the bulldog for last because only the females fit the “medium-sized dog breeds ranging from 20-40 pounds” criteria, and they only JUST make it.
- Height- 14-15 inches
- Weight- 40 lbs females, 50 lbs males
- Lifespan- 10-12 years
- Coat Colors- White, Fallow, Red and combinations of those colors (including Brindle)
- Breed Group- Non-sporting
- Temperament- Sweet, loyal, eager to please. LOVE to chew!
If you’re not locked into a 40-lb weight limit, bulldogs are wonderful companions. They’re fairly laid-back but also love to play, and they’re 100% devoted to their people.
There are quite a few medium dog breeds between 20 to 40 pounds, but these get our vote for the top 10!
With a great mix of hypoallergenic dogs, active pups, and unique breeds, I bet you’ll find your dream dog here!
Do you have any of these medium dog breeds? Can you share any other fun facts about them? Tell us below!
