One of the best feelings in the world is snuggling up with your furry BFF after a long and hard day. It should be no surprise that some dogs make excellent lap dogs while others do not, even though they may think they do. If you’re looking for a cuddle buddy that will make the perfect lap warmer, it’s important that you know which breeds make the best lap dogs.
We want to help you avoid the guessing game and take the hassle out of choosing the right furry BFF for your home. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
10 Breeds That Make Great Lap Dogs
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
2. Havanese
3. Toy Poodle
4. Maltese
5. French Bulldog
6. Boston Terrier
7. Chihuahua
8. Miniature Dachshund
9. Rat Terrier
10. Pug
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This is a breed with an extensive history as a lap dog. In fact, they’ve been known as great cuddlers all the way back to the 17th century. A calm attitude and a burning desire to show love and affection make this breed perfect for families. However, their adorable look does require a lot of attention. Regular grooming is an absolute must!
2. Havanese
If you’re looking for a small BFF that will never want to leave your side, a Havanese would be the perfect fit for you. These little guys are extremely mild-mannered, are great around children and are also known for getting along well with other pets. They do require a lot of attention though so make sure you’ll have plenty of time to spend with your new buddy.
3. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are nothing less than adorable. They are also eager to please their humans. Plus, they are rather smart and love to learn new tricks. This is a breed that will surely have you smiling from ear to ear as you play and enjoy each other’s company. If you think this is the breed for you, make sure you’ll be able to socialize them at an early age. This will prevent skittish behaviors when they are older.
4. Maltese
A Maltese would be a good fit for a home without small children. This has nothing to do with aggressive behaviors, but rather how delicate they are. This breed is quite small and fragile. However, they have more love to offer than you could ever imagine. Keep in mind, a Maltese will often bark when they see a stranger or another dog. While this really shouldn’t be an issue, it is something that you should keep in mind.
5. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog may be a bit larger than the other breeds mentioned in this article, but they make incredible lap dogs! Their cute faces have a way of lighting up a room and their friendly attitude ensures there’s nothing to worry about when company comes over. They’re also great with kids. Plus, their short hair requires minimal grooming.
6. Boston Terrier
This is a breed with a lot of intelligence. They also tend to be quite energetic at the right times. Loving to play and being agile beyond belief, Boston Terriers make a great fit for someone that’s looking for a new friend that loves to cuddle and play. Their eagerness to learn also makes them easy to train which is definitely a huge plus.
7. Chihuahua
We’ve all seen that adorable Chihuahua peeking out of someone’s purse or walking along the side of their human as they complete their daily routine. There’s a good reason for that. Chihuahua’s continue to become more and more popular due to their ideal lap dog size and loving nature. However, this breed requires a lot of attention. Leaving your furry BFF alone for long periods of time can lead to undesired behaviors such as making a mess or even excessive barking.
8. Miniature Dachshund
These furballs are conveniently the perfect size to cuddle up on your lap. One thing is for certain. You’ll never have to worry about an empty lap again. This breed tends to get cold easy which means they will constantly try to snuggle up with you. Miniature Dachshunds typically have three different coat types. The good news is that these guys are usually simple to groom. However, they can shed a fair amount.
9. Rat Terrier
A small size, playful attitude and curious nature make Rat Terriers a great choice for anyone looking to add another member to their family. Just be aware of the fact that this breed is notorious for trying to get into things. Known for being friendly to people but possibly aggressive towards other animals, this breed may not be a good fit for a household with dogs or other types of pets. Simply put, they want all of the attention for themselves.
10. Pug
There’s no doubt about it. Pugs are simply awesome! It’s hard to look at one and not smile, even on a bad day. They may be stubborn and a bit challenging to train, but they more than make up for that with their adorable looks and ample love. Pugs love to play and can easily become the life of the party. They also offer a bond that many other breeds have a hard time competing with.
Now that you know a little bit about the 10 best lap dogs and can make an informed decision, do you think one of these fur babies would make a great addition to your home? The truth is there are countless dogs waiting for a chance to claim their own forever home. You may not be able to save them all, but you can certainly save at least one. Your new BFF is waiting to meet you. Get out there and make their dream come true!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lap dog?
The name is actually self-explanatory. Lap dogs are usually small and easily held dogs that fit on a person’s lap and enjoy being there. They make great companions and excellent emotional support dogs.
Are all dogs lap dogs?
Many different breeds like to cuddle with their humans. However, some breeds seem to be naturally drawn to being lap dogs. Breeds of all sizes can be amazing cuddlers, but smaller dogs tend to make better lap dogs for obvious reasons. Could you imagine a 90 pounds German Shepherd curled up on you?
Why are lap dogs lap dogs?
Dogs are often incredibly affectionate. Laying on a person’s lap allows them to be close and show their love in their own unique way. It’s also believed that being close to their owner helps a dog feel calm, happy, relaxed, and safe.
What is the best lap dog to have?
It really comes down to the type of personality, energy level, and how much maintenance you would prefer. For example, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would be the perfect lap dog for one person, but they require a lot of grooming which may be an issue for some owners. Learning about different breeds and their needs is the best way to determine which one would be best for you.
What is the smallest lap dog?
The smallest lap dogs are Chihuahuas. These little guys come in several different sizes. The most common size is between 6-9 inches, but certain breeds such as the Teacup Chihuahua can be as small as 4 inches tall and weigh just over one pound.
What is the smartest lap dog?
Miniature and toy Poodles hold the title for the world’s most intelligent lap dogs. Coming in after the Poodle would be Shetland Sheepdogs, Papillons, and Corgis.
How do I make my dog a lap dog?
Training a fur baby to sit on your lap is possible in most cases. It will take time and patience though. You’ll want to start by placing them on your lap and then giving them a command such as “Lap”, “Lay”, “Stay”, or “Sit”. Provide your furry friend with a treat and praise when they follow your command. Continue doing this several times a day.
Do dogs get more cuddly with age?
Some do and some do not. As dogs get older they often become calmer. It should be no surprise that the calmer dogs are, the easier it is to cuddle with them. However, some dogs can actually begin to enjoy having their own space as they age. It honestly just comes down to the personality of your dog and how they like to show affection.
Is a Corgi a lap dog?
In most cases yes. In fact, Corgis were once used as lap dogs for royal family members. This breed is incredibly intelligent, loyal, caring, and loving. At the same time, they can be stubborn and assertive so they may not be the best breed for a first time owner looking for a lap dog.
Why won’t my dog sit on my lap anymore?
Just because your four-legged friend enjoyed being a lap dog at one point doesn’t mean things will stay that way forever. It’s important to remember that this does not mean that they have stopped loving you. Rather, it just means that your fur baby doesn’t enjoy it anymore. Keep in mind, dogs can show their love and affection in many other ways than just laying on your lap, and their love is unconditional even if the way they show it changes.
