Many people opt for large dog breeds when looking to adopt, while others may want to go for a small dog breed. But there are a few of you who will choose a pet from the middle. These dogs belong to the medium-sized category, and they are gentle and playful like the larger dogs while also being cute and cuddly like the little dogs.
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- Choosing the Right Dog for You
- The Comprehensive Overview on Different Dog Breeds
Usually, a medium-sized dog can weigh anywhere between 25 to 70 pounds. But many people also search specifically for dogs under 40 pounds. If that is the case, then read on below to find out the characteristics of dogs under 40 pounds that can be the perfect choice for your home.
1. Basenji
This dog has its origins in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the main reason to breed them was for hunting small game animals. Basenji are independent, smart, poised, but they are also quite stubborn due to their curious and independent nature. Their quiet and reserved nature makes them a perfect choice for those of you who are looking for calm dogs. These hypoallergenic dogs usually weigh around 22 to 24 pounds and can live up to 10 to 12 years.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 87 of 197 ( AKC Rank)
Height: 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female)
Weight: 24 pounds (male), 22 pounds (female)
Life Span: 13-14 years
Group: Hound Group
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2. American Eskimo Dog
Despite what you are thinking, The Eskimo dog has nothing to do with the actual Eskimos. They are playful, perky, and smart. These dogs were more popular in the US, walking across tight ropes and performing tricks in the circus. That’s why they make fantastic family dogs. They are intelligent and playful and are also very easy to train. The American Eskimo Dog weighs between 25 to 35 pounds, thus making adorable snuggle companions.
Height: 9-12 inches (toy), 12-15 inches (miniature), 15-19 inches (Standard)
Weight: 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-35 pounds (standard)
Life Span: 13-15 years
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 122 of 197
Group: Non-Sporting Group
Source: AKC
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3. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a small, brilliant, energetic, and agile herding dog from Scotland’s remote and rugged Shetland Islands. They are great herd dogs because they have the ability to run gracefully very quickly. They are also small enough, allowing you to cuddle with them by swooping them up at the end of the day. Shetland Sheepdog usually weighs between 15 to 25 pounds, making them an easy pick in the dogs under the 40 pounds category.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 25 of 197
Height: 13-16 inches
Weight: 15-25 pounds
Life Span: 12-14 years
Group: Herding Group
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4. Cocker Spaniel
The cocker spaniel dogs are known for their sporting nature. These dogs are gentle, happy, and very smart. Despite their active temperament, they still get along very well with the kids in your house and other animals you may have. The cocker spaniel breed of dogs usually weighs between 20 to 30 pounds.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 30 of 197
Height: 14.5-15.5 inches [male], 13.5-14.5 inches [female]
Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
Life Span: 10-14 years
Group: Sporting Group
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5. Icelandic Sheepdog
These dogs were believed to arrive in Iceland in boats by the early Viking settlers during the 9th century. They were initially bred to herd sheep in the countryside of Iceland. These tough dogs are very energetic and friendly. This dog is not at all hypoallergenic and sheds a lot. They barely make the medium-sized dog category as they weigh around 25 to 30 pounds and are just 12 to 16 inches in height. The Icelandic sheepdog is expected to live up to 12 to 15 years.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 155 of 197
Height: 18 inches (male), 16.5 inches (female)
Weight: 30 pounds (male), 25 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Herding Group
6. Brittany
If you are looking for a dog to be your running and hunting partner, look no more. Britanny is famous as a field dog as they have endless energy. They need to be adequately socialized, or they can appear to get somewhat reserved. Brittany dogs love a challenge and are very quick to learn. Brittany dogs usually weigh between 30 to 40 pounds, so it will be a good pick when looking for dogs under the 40 pounds category.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 26 of 197
Height: 17.5-20.5 inches
Weight: 30-40 pounds
Life Span: 12-14 years
Group: Sporting Group
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7. Kerry Blue Terrier
These dogs were initially bred to get pesky animals such as foxes, badgers, rabbits, and rats under control. These dogs are very gentle and can be fiercely loyal and strong-willed. If anyone in your family has an allergy to dogs, you can choose this dog as hypoallergenic. This dog is one of the most prominent members of the AKC terrier group, with its height coming in about 17 to 20 inches and weighing at about 33 to 40 pounds. These terriers can be expected to live up to 12 to 15 years.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 129 of 197
Height: 18-19.5 inches (male), 17.5-19 inches (female)
Weight: 33-40 pounds (male), females weigh slightly less than males
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Terrier Group
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8. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
A Wheaten Terrier is an Irish breed and is very well known for its deep devotion to its owners. These fuzzy little creatures will show you very enthusiastically how much affection they have for you. They usually weigh between 30 to 40 pounds, and you will love to snuggle up with one of them on the couch after a hard day’s work.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 53 of 197
Height: 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)
Weight: 35-40 pounds (male), 30-35 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Terrier Group
9. Finnish Spitz
This one is Finland’s national dog, and they have pointed ears and a fiery orange coat. They look more like a fox than a dog, and they make for excellent watchdogs. For people who are ok with the look, the spitz makes for excellent playmates for the children. The Finnish Spitz weighs around 25 to 33 pounds.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 184 of 197
Height: 17.5-20 inches (male), 15.5-18 inches (female)
Weight: 25-33 pounds (male), 20-28 pounds (female)
Life Span: 13-15 years
Group: Non-Sporting Group
10. Tibetan Terrier
As the name suggests, these dogs come from the central Asian region of Tibet. Interestingly, these dogs are not terriers at all; rather, they are herding dogs. They are very intelligent and energetic and can make their owners very happy with their active and agile temperament. These dogs were mostly used as watchdogs in Tibet, where they were considered holy dogs of Tibet. They are 14 to 17 inches in height and can weigh around 20 to 24 pounds. This dog is hypoallergenic and can live up to 12 to 15 years.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 96 of 197
Height: 14-17 inches
Weight: 18-30 pounds (male), slightly smaller (female)
Life Span: 15-16 years
Group: Non-Sporting Group
12. Pyrenean Shepherd
These shepherds usually love to herd, and they are very cheerful and active. Their coats come in two varieties, either rough or smooth. The Pyrenean Shepherd will make a great companion for you as they bond with a human very intently. These dogs are also very wary of strangers. The Pyrenean Shepherd can be your choice when looking into dogs under the 40 pounds category as they usually weigh between 15 to 30 pounds.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 181 of 197
Height: 15.5-18.5 inches (male rough-faced), 15-18 inches (female rough-faced), 15.5-21 inches (male smooth-faced), 15.5-20.5 inches (female smooth-faced)
Weight: 15-30 pounds
Life Span: Late teens
Group: Herding Group
13. Whippet
If you want a dog that does not bark frequently and remains quiet and calm indoors, then you can easily go for the Whippet. These pups are agile and can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour. They weigh between 25 to 40 pounds so it would be an excellent choice for you.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 61 of 197
Height: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
Weight: 25-40 pounds
Life Span: 12-15 years
Group: Hound Group
14. Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is the official dog of South Carolina. If you are looking for a furry companion for one of your hunting trips, then this souther spaniel is an excellent choice. These dogs are endearing, full of energy, and are eager to please. They also have great swimming abilities and weigh between 25 to 40 pounds.
Breed Popularity: Ranks 100 of 197
Height: 15.5-18 inches (male), 14-16.5 inches (female)
Weight: 25-40 pounds (male), 25-35 pounds (female)
Life Span: 10-15 years
Group: Sporting Group
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