Small to Medium Dog Breeds (20-40lbs / 9-18kg)
Small to medium sized dogs can make ideal companions as they are easy to handle, house and feed, while being larger than small dogs and therefore robust enough for more physical activities, such as jogging.
American Eskimo Dog
Available also in other sizes, this American bred dog was never actually used by the Eskimos!
American Water Spaniel
Another dog from America, and although eager by nature, this one can tend to be a whiner.
Australian Cattle Dog
Also calle the Queensland Heeler, this good all rounder was bred to withstand the harsh conditions of Queensland in Australia.
Australian Kelpie
This is a tireless working dog from Australia, but with its roots in the North of England.
Basenji
Once known as the Congo dog, this former pack hunter from Africa sure loves to chew.
Beagle
A British dog dating back to the time of King Henry VIII, and another animal that can be prone to chewing.
Bedlington Terrier
Named after Bedlington in England, this terrier is blessed with a calmer disposition than most of its type.
Border Collie
Developed on the borders between England and Scotland, this highly trainable dog is used extensively by sheep farmers for herding.
Boston Terrier
A popular breed in America, this is an active terrier that can like to nip if not properly trained.
Britanny Spaniel
This French former pointer retains the high energy levels it was orignally bred with.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
This welsh dog needs firm leadership to prevent heel-nipping, as it still retains its herding instincts. Also good for repelling stray cats!
Cirneco dell Etna
Despite growing up around one of the most active volcanos on the planet, these is a gentle natured dog that tends to develop a strong bond with its owner.
Dachsund
A short legged former hunter of badgers from Germany, this dog loves to be around others of its own kind.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This strong willed little dog is the anscestor of many other UK terriers, and takes its name from a work of fiction.
Drever
A Swedish dog with German origins, this happy dog is known for having a constant wagging tail.
Dutch Smoushond
Here we have a dog from the Netherlands with unclear origins, although it is likely descended from terriers.
English Cocker Spaniel
This well known pendulous-eared dog originates from Spain, despite the name.
Finnish Spitz
This fox-like dog from Finland can often appear aloof, but in fact it makes a loyal companion.
French Bulldog
This little dog from France was originally bred as a lapdog, despite the name conjuring up images otherwise.
German Pinscher
The ancestor of many other pinchers, this dog almost became extinct aftet the Second Word War.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
This hardy little Irish terrier comes from a beeed that can vary in temperament, but it do not tend to bark needlessly.
Hellenikos Ichnilatis
This Greek hound is an old breed little changed over the centuries due to a lack of competition.
Hungarian Pumi
This hard-working, multi-purpose farm dog has bags of energy and intelligence but can be very vocal.
Irish Terrier
One of the oldest terrier breeds, this dog from County Cork in Ireland can also be a bit impulsive and reckless at times.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Ireland's National Terrier, this is a loyal and spirited dog.
Kooikerhondje
A spaniel type dog from the Netherlands, this breed has a history stretching back some 500 years.
Mudi
A relatively new breed from Hungary, the Mudi seems to have come about around a century ago without being planned.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
This shaggy haired dog from Poland was bred for herding, as suggested by its name, and is an old breed almost made extinct following the Second World War.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
A seperate breed to the Cardiagn Corgi, this dog has a history stretching back to the 1100s.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Known as the Happy Dog due to its tail-wagging nature, this dog from France was bred originally as a hunter.
Puli
This old Hungarian breed dates back to the 9th century, and is pretty easy to train by most standards.
Rat terrier
Often mistaken for another British dog, the Jack Russel, this dog is small but stockily built and was bred for what its name implies.
Schapendoes
This dog from Holland was the first breed to have almost become extinct following the Second World War.
Scottish Terrier
One of the oldest terrier breeds, this dog originates from Aberdeen in Scotland, and was bred like many terrriers for controlling vermin.
Shiba Inu
One of Japan's oldest dog breeds, and one almost wiped out by disease in the 1900s.
Skye Terrier
This little dog from the Isle of Skye in Scotland is fiercely loyal, as depicted in the film "GreyFriar's Bobby" (based on a true story).
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
An Irish-bred farm dog, this dog makes an excellent guardian.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This former bull-baiter from England is firecely loyal and would remember its tough roots if called upon to protect a loved one.
Swedish Vallhund
Despite resembling a Corgi, this breeds has unclear origins but was used for controlling vermin and for herding.
Tibetan Terrier
Once considered to be lucky charms, this breed has been bred by Tibetan monks for some 2000 years.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Related to the English Springer, this pendulous-eared dog thrives on companionship.
Whippet
Capable of great speed, this sighthound is sensitive to touch and so is quite easily startled.