Medium dog breeds between 20 and 40 pounds are a popular choice, especially for families with kids. Big dogs can be a bit intimidating, while pint-size pups can be a smidge too delicate. Medium-sized dogs, on the other hand, offer the best of both worlds. They are big enough to play and go on long walks with, but small enough to cuddle on the couch with.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s not too big or not too small, you might want to consider one of the amazing breeds below! From the active Brittany to the mellow Whippet, you’ll find exactly the right dog for your family on our list. Let’s dive in and check them out!
Medium Dog Breeds Between 20 and 40 Pounds
Dogs are basically categorized into 4 sizes- small, medium, large, and giant. For reference sake, examples of these categories include:
- 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.
There isn’t really a single universally accepted scale, though. Ask 10 different dog experts what constitutes a “medium” breed and you’ll get 10 different answers. Some sources call anything under 35lbs a “small” breed, while others consider will tell you that a medium dog weighs anywhere from 15-50 lbs. I even have a friend who thinks that any dog weighing under 75 lbs is basically a toy breed!
Today, we’re focusing specifically on medium dog breeds, specifically ones that weigh in the range of 20-40 pounds.
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.
These beautiful dogs are known for their fluffy white coat and friendly personality. They are highly intelligent and easily trainable, making them a great choice for obedience and agility training.
These dogs are very loyal and affectionate with their families but can be reserved with strangers. They are typically alert and pretty vocal, making them good watchdogs.
American Eskimo Dogs can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, so it’s important to ensure that they receive regular veterinary checkups and proper exercise.
Overall, the American Eskimo Dog is a delightful and playful companion that thrives on attention and mental stimulation.
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, curious, 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 really are one of the coolest medium-sized dogs around!
Basenjis are independent and curious dogs, with a strong prey drive and a playful personality. They can be reserved with strangers and are often described as aloof or independent. They are highly intelligent but can also be stubborn, making training a bit of a challenge.
This breed requires regular exercise to stay healthy, but they are generally low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They are a healthy breed overall but can be prone to Fanconi syndrome, a type of kidney disease.
Overall, the Basenji is a unique and charming companion that requires a patient and experienced owner who can provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
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.
The Brittany dog, also known as the Brittany Spaniel are energetic, affectionate, and highly trainable dogs, making them a great choice for active families or individuals.
These pretty dogs have a strong hunting instinct and love to run and play, but they are also eager to please and can excel in obedience and agility training. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personality, and they tend to get along well with other dogs and children.
The Brittany is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as epilepsy. Like pretty much all dogs, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
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 (aka the Suomenpystykorva) 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.
They are friendly and outgoing dogs that make great family companions. Finnish Spitz dogs are intelligent but can be stubborn and independent.
They are also very vocal dogs and love to bark. While that makes them great watchdogs, it also makes them less-than-ideal apartment dogs.
Overall, they’re generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
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. They are intelligent, energetic, and friendly dogs, making them a great choice for active owners.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families, but they can be reserved with strangers. They have a strong herding instinct and love to run and play, but they are also eager to please and can excel in obedience and agility training.
The breed is generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems (specifically distichiasis). They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, but their thick, double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
As you can imagine, 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.
- He’s also one of the largest members of the AKC terrier group.
The Kerry Blue Terrier IS hypoallergenic, making him perfect for families who have dog allergies. However, while he may not aggravate YOUR allergies, he himself is prone to skin allergies. Their curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Kerry Blues are known for their distinctive curly blue coat and friendly personality. They are loyal and affectionate with their families but can be reserved with strangers.
Overall, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a charming and loyal companion that requires a patient and experienced owner who can provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
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.
Skye Terriers are generally good with children, but they may not tolerate rough play. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, and their long coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. 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 watchdog. They are known for their long, thick, and soft coats (which, FYI, do require regular grooming to maintain). Good news, allergy sufferers: he IS hypoallergenic!
Tibetan Terriers are also super-friendly, affectionate, and loyal dogs that make great companions for families. They are very smart and highly adaptable dogs who can adjust to different lifestyles and living situations.
While they can be independent and stubborn at times, they’re also fairly eager to please. Like all dogs, they respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Tibetan Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Overall, these beautiful pups are delightful and loyal companions that make great family pets for those who have the time and dedication to properly care for their coat and exercise needs.
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! Like most sighthounds, these little sweetpeas are known for their grace and athleticism.
Whippets are affectionate and gentle with their families and are known for being great with children. They’re generally quiet and well-behaved in the home, and are low-maintenance dogs that require minimal grooming. They do, however, require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Whippets are known for their incredible speed and love to run and play in open spaces.
They are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies.
Sadly, they are 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.
Wire Fox Terriers were originally bred in England for fox hunting. They are known for their distinctive wiry coat and their friendly and outgoing personality.
They are intelligent and energetic dogs that are always up for a good adventure, making them another great companion for outdoorsy types and hunters. They are affectionate with their families but can be reserved with strangers.
This energetic guy IS hypoallergenic.
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
Schnauzers are known for their distinctive appearance, with their square-shaped heads, bushy eyebrows, and beards. They are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs that make great family pets. Despite their very dignified appearance, they’re playful dogs who love to run and play.
Schnauzers are generally good with children, but may not tolerate rough play. They are also adaptable dogs and can adjust to different lifestyles and living situations. Schnauzers are known for their strong personalities and can be stubborn at times, which can make training a bit of a challenge. However, they are generally eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Overall, they’re pretty healthy dogs but can be prone to certain health issues such as eye problems and skin allergies. As you can imagine, their coat requires regular grooming to maintain.
Oh, and they ARE hypoallergenic! Yay!
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!
Which dog breeds are non-allergenic and medium-sized?
There are quite a few medium-sized hypoallergenic dog breeds, including the Wire Fox Terrier, the Schnauzer, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Tibetan Terrier. Noticing a trend? Quite a few members of the terrier group are allergy-friendly!
What are some medium dog breeds that don’t shed?
Again, terriers are your best bet, especially if you want a non-shedding dog that’s allergy-friendly. The Whippet is another great option if you don’t particularly need a hypoallergenic pooch. While they have real fur (non-shedders or mild shedders tend to have “hair” vs “fur), it’s very short.
What medium dog breeds live the longest?
There are several medium-sized dog breeds that are known to live longer than others. Here are a few examples:
-Australian Cattle Dog: These dogs can live up to 13-15 years on average.
-Border Collie: Border Collies have a lifespan of 12-15 years on average.
-Keeshond: These dogs can live up to 12-15 years.
-Bichon Frise: These adorable dogs have a lifespan of 12-16 years on average.
-Poodle: Poodles have a long lifespan and can live up to 12-15 years on average.
It’s important to remember that every dog is an individual, and genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors can all influence a dog’s lifespan. Providing your dog with proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care can also help to increase their lifespan and quality of life.
Do you have any of these medium dog breeds? Can you share any other fun facts about them? Tell us below!
