By Janice Jones |Last Updated 04-23-2021
Does lap dog come to mind when you think about a small breed dog?
I for one, love the idea of a dog snuggled on my lap while I read or watch television, especially on cold winter nights.
That feeling of calm, relaxation that accompanies a tiny canine nestled on my lap is pure bliss. I don’t think I’m alone.
Many people believe that all the little dogs should be passive, laid back couch potatoes whose sole mission in life is to keep our laps warm and toasty.
Not so.
Lap DogsAll Small dogs make excellent companions, but
some prefer a more energetic lifestyle.
For those of us who happen to
love that extra warmth, a small breed snugly dog is just the thing.
So which breeds make the best lap dogs?
- Small and light enough to fit on most laps
- Affectionate personality; moderate activity level
- Long history of being bred as a lap/companion dog
If
I’ve forgotten any, please feel free to add your two cents to the form
at the bottom of the page. Be sure to tell us why your dog breed should
be listed in the lap dog hall of fame.
Favorite Lap Dogs (Listed in Alphabetical Order)
Bichon Frisé
Group: AKC Non-sporting
Size: 10 to 14 pounds
Maintenance: High Temperament: Gentle, Affectionate, Playful
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Barking: Some
Activity: Moderate
Brussels Griffon
Group: AKC: Toy
Size: 8 to 12 pounds
Maintenance: Minimal (Smooth Coat) to Moderate
Temperament: Intelligent, Confident, Alert; Can be Stubborn
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Barking: Can be vocal
Activity Level: Low
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Group: AKC: Toy
Size: 13 to 18 pounds
Maintenance: Moderate
Temperament: Gentle, Friendly, Easy-going
Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years
Barking: Quiet
Activity Level: Low
Chihuahua
Group: AKC: Toy
Size: 2 to 6 pounds
Maintenance: Minimal
Temperament: Sensitive, alert
Life Expectancy: 14 to 18 years
Barking: Can be vocal
Activity Level: Low
Chinese Crested
Group: AKC Toy
Size: 10-14 pounds
Maintenance: Varies; Powderpuff requires more than Hairless
Temperament: Playful, inquisitive, Friendly
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Barking: Some
Activity Level: Moderate
Havanese
Group: AKC Toy
Size: 7 to 13 pounds
Maintenance: Moderate
Temperament: Affectionate, curious, clownish,
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Barking: Some
Activity Level: Moderate
Japanese Chin
Group: AKC: Toy
Size: 4 to 7 pounds
Maintenance: Moderate
Temperament: Playful, sensitive, Devoted
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Barking: Quiet
Activity Level: Low
Maltese
Group: AKC Toy
Size: 4 to 7 pounds
Maintenance: Moderate to High
Temperament: Bold, Feisty, Playful, Sweet, reserved with strangers
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Barking: Can be very vocal
Activity Level: Low to Moderate
Pekingese
Group: AKC Toy
Size: Less than 14 pounds
Maintenance: Moderate to High
Temperament: Courageous, independent but devoted to family; stubborn
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Barking: Can be vocal
Activity Level: Low
Pomeranian
Group: AKC Toy
Size: 3 to 7 pounds
Maintenance: Moderate
Temperament: Bouncy, Curious, Playful, Attentive
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Barking: Can be vocal
Activity Level: Moderate
Pug
Group: AKC Toy
Size: 13 to 18 pounds (6 to 8 kg)
Maintenance: Minimal
Temperament: Comical, playful, confident, can be headstrong
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Barking: Moderate
Activity Level: Moderate
Shih Tzu
Group: Toy
Size: Under 16 pounds
Maintenance: High
Temperament: Sweet, Playful, affectionate, can be stubborn
Life Expectancy: Upward of 16 years
Barking: Moderate
Activity Level: Low to moderate
Toy Poodle
Group: Toy
Size: 5 – 10 pounds
Barking: Can be vocal
Temperament: Intelligent, alert, playful, sensitive, devoted
Maintenance: High
Life Expectancy: Upward of 15 years
Activity Level: Moderate
Yorkshire Terrier
Group: Toy
Size: 4 to 7 pounds
Maintenance: High
Temperament: Inquisitive, bold, sweet, assertive
Life Expectancy: Upward of 16 years
Barking: Can be vocal
Activity Level: Moderate to active
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Tell us about Your Lap Dog and Share Some Photos. We’d like to get to know your dog. Don’t forget to tell us his name, breed and age and share a tale or two about why he is such a great lap dog. We reserve the right to remove any inappropriate material.
Your Small Lap Dog
Do you have a little dog that loves to sit on your lap or cuddle with you? We’d like to hear about them. Please tell us the name of the breed, age, gender and the dog’s name. Tell us about your dog’s personality and anything else you’d care to share. Don’t forget to upload a few photos.
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page…
Lap Dogs Helped me Heal: A true story Not rated yet
I have always had dogs from 2 Great Pyrenees, I moved on to three Westies, then 3 Yorkies, 2 Maltese, 2 toy poodles & 1 Imperial Shih Tzu love them all. …
She loves to cuddle Not rated yet
I have always had big dogs. My last big dog, Bear, a Golden Doodle. He thought he was a lap dog. I loved all 95 pounds on my lap. Bear passed away years …
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