Medium small dogs: The 33 most popular dog breeds for the family

Medium small dogs breeds stand about 10-20 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 20-40 pounds. Below is a list of 33 dog breeds of medium size suitable for families.

Dachshund

Standard Dachshunds of all breeds (Smooth, Wirehair and Longhair) typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds.

Generally speaking dachshunds are excellent family dogs. They are loyal and extremely loving and affectionate towards their families. They are also very protective and don’t trust strangers.

The Dachshund is a small medium dog breed
The Dachshund is a small medium dog breed

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are about 11 to 12 inches tall. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, females 16 to 24 pounds.

The French Bulldog is a cute, affectionate dog that makes a great pet for every family. Their small size means they can perform well in smaller homes, but they are tougher than average small dogs.

French Bulldog dog
French Bulldog dog

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog

Adult Pembroke Welsh corgis are about 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 23 and 28 lb(10 to 13 kg).

Corgis are known to be intelligent, playful and loyal to their families. However, since they are raised for herding, they can be very bossy and try to get things done their way. Because of this assertive temperament, Corgis is not recommended for families with children under 5 years old.

Beagle


The Beagle is a small medium dog breed
The Beagle is a small medium dog breed

Beagles come in two sizes: 13 inch and 15 inch. The smaller ones include Beagles that are no taller than 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 22 – 30 lb, while the larger ones include Beagles 13 inches taller but no more than 15 inches tall and weighing up to 35 lb.

They make great family dogs because they are nice to children and very playful.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog dog
Shetland Sheepdog dog

The Shetland Sheepdog, sometimes known as the Sheltie, is a breed of shepherd dog. They are small to medium-sized dogs, and come in a variety of colors, such as mink feathers, calicoids, and crayfish.

The Shetland Sheepdog is a dear companion to all family members, including children, but they can be reserved or even shy about meeting strangers.

Basenjis

Basenjis dog
Basenjis dog

Basenjis typically weighs around 9.1–10.9 kg (20–24 lb) and 41–46 cm (16–18 in) tall at the shoulders.

This dog will bond with his family and is a curious and affectionate pet but he may be wary of strangers.

Bichons Frises

Bichons Frises dog
Bichons Frises dog

Bichons love to play with other dogs and they can get along well with cats and other pets.

The Bichon Frise is a small dog, weighing about 5–10 kg (10–20 lbs) and measuring 23–30 cm (9–12 in) in height at the shoulders, but slightly older dogs are not uncommon.

Boston Terriers

The Boston Terriers are small medium dogs
The Boston Terriers are small medium dogs

The Boston Terrier comes in three weight types: under 15 pounds (7 kg), 15 to under 20 pounds (seven to nine kilograms) and 20 to 25 pounds (nine to 11 kilograms).

The Boston Terrier is an excellent family dog. They are affectionate and friendly. Boston’s welcomes both friends and family to their homes, making it easy to invite people over.

Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniel dog
Brittany Spaniel dog

Brittanys are medium sized dogs, with American lines 17.5–20.5 inches at the shoulders according to AKC standards. Tends to be larger and has a more cubic head than the French 17–20.5 inches

The Brittany is an intelligent, easy-to-train and very sociable dog. They are usually good with other pets and are comfortable with home visitors.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis

Cardigan Welsh Corgis dog
The Cardigan Welsh Corgis is a small medium dog breed

Cardigans are generally friendly with other pets in the house, as long as they have gotten along with them. They can be aggressive with dogs that are not in their family, but they prefer to have a second or third dog in the family to play with, especially another Corgi.

Cesky Terriers

Cesky Terriers dog
Cesky Terriers dog

Cesky becomes a great pet in the family. They are sweet and moderate and want to please. They yearn for attention and dislike being left alone, but are very adaptable and will feel at home in the county or city.

Cirnechi dell’Etna

Cirnechi dell'Etna dog
Cirnechi dell’Etna dog

Although Cirnechi were originally bred as fast-moving hounds, they can be calm, low-maintenance domestic dogs, perfect for active families or families with older children.

Dandie Dinmont Terriers

Dandie Dinmont Terriers dog
Dandie Dinmont Terriers dog

This breed is tough but generally friendly and suitable for older children. It is both a good companion and a guard dog but one of the most obedient of all terriers; they usually don’t ask for their owner.

Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a small medium dog breed
The Finnish Spitz is a small medium dog breed

Finnish Spitz have a lively, light gait, and are as intelligent as they are animated. They make good companions for active families. Friendly, they get along well with children. They’re good watchdogs and protect their families, but they rarely show aggression unless it’s warranted.

French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs dog
French Bulldogs dog

An excellent breed for children. Their small size, gentle disposition and large heart make them adorable and gentle dogs, perfect for families with children or older.

German Pinschers

German Pinschers dog
German Pinschers dog

The German Pinschers are usually not good to children when they grow up with them from a young age. But because of their decisive nature, they do best with older children, preferably those over the age of nine.

Icelandic Sheepdogs

Icelandic Sheepdogs dog
Icelandic Sheepdogs dog

The Icelandic Shepherd Dog is adorable, friendly and playful. These affectionate dogs love to be central to family life and to be very loyal friends. They are good for children and since they are only 18 inches long, they are small enough not to pose a danger to young children.

Irish Terriers

Irish Terriers dog
Irish Terriers dog

Irish Terriers are excellent dogs as they are socialized early and this makes them great family companions. They are best suited for families with someone at home during the day.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo dog
Lagotto Romagnolo is a small medium dog

They are very loyal and loving, making them a perfect family companion. The Lagotto makes an excellent family companion and a good warning dog.

Miniature American Shepherds

Miniature American Shepherds dog
Miniature American Shepherds dog

The miniature American Shepherd can be a great pet and companion. They are usually good for children and other animals.

Miniature Bull Terriers

Miniature Bull Terriers dog
Miniature Bull Terriers dog

Miniature Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They tend to behave well with young children, but would be better if placed in larger middle-aged families. Less likely to be aggressive with older kids who know how to respect them.

Norwegian Buhunds

The Norwegian Buhunds breed is a small medium dog
The Norwegian Buhunds breed is a small medium dog

A Norwegian Buhund is a good, friendly family dog, and is usually good-natured and loyal.

Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens

Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens dog
Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens dog

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small medium-sized breed. They are cute and playful, and are good for children.

Pulik

Pulik dog
Pulik dog

Best known for his long, stringed coat resembling the scared dog, Puli is a hardworking dog and a good family companion.

Pumik

Pumik dog
Pumik dog

These dogs are not likely to accidentally knock or harm a child. Their playful personality is great for active families and they will love having kids to play with.

Pyrenean Shepherds

Pyrenean Shepherds dog
Pyrenean Shepherds dog

The Caucasian shepherd dog can be a great family companion and should stay indoors with humans as much as possible.

Sealyham Terriers

Sealyham Terriers dog
The Sealyham Terriers breed a small medium dog

Although Sealyhams thrive in a busy family environment, they’re one of the more self-contained breeds of terrier, very happy amusing themselves if necessary. 

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu dog
Shiba Inu dog

The Shiba Inu is a good family dog ​​- it is loyal and devoted – and treats children well as long as it is properly socialized and trained, and the children treat it with kindness and respect. Spaniels (Boykin) 30-40 pounds 25-35 pounds

The typical Cocker Spaniel is a gentle dog, a reliable and loving companion in the family, good with children, other pets and the elderly.

Skye Terriers

Skye Terriers dog
Skye Terriers dog

A Skye Terrier can make an excellent companion for older children if he’s properly socialized. The Skye Terrier can be aggressive toward dogs he doesn’t know, but he should get along well with dogs and cats he’s raised with.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog

Strong and cheerfully loving, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a friend to all. They are relatively easy going for a terrier, need moderate exercise and can be a great family dog.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Staffordshire Bull Terriers dog
Staffordshire Bull Terriers dog

There’s really no better companion than a Staffy, especially for families with kids. They’re known for their caring, affectionate and trustworthy nature

Swedish Vallhunds

Swedish Vallhunds dog
Swedish Vallhunds is a small medium dog

Vallhund Sweden is generally sociable with everyone, including children and respectful, as well as most other pets.

Whippets

Whippets dog
Whippets dog

Whippets are natural family pets and are good with both small children and other dogs. They make a great breed to keep the kids tired and older dogs energized.

Published by

Henry Mark

Mark is Editor at dognamesbest.com covering Information about breeds, naming dogs. He's a graduate in veterinary medicine at the agricultural academy.