There are certain lap dog breeds that are more affectionate than others. Admit it, there is nothing more soothing than the comfort of having your furry buddy on your lap. Here’s the list of the 9 best lap dog breeds.
Charmingly affectionate ‘small’ lap dog breeds
Small breeds are the lap dogs that fit just right on your lap.
1st Place for Best Small Lap Dog – Pug
The clown of the canine world has taken a spot as one of the best family dog breeds. Pugs originated in China and enamoured the royal members of the Shang Dynasty. And they were initially bred for exactly that purpose, which is to be the cosy companions of the Chinese emperors.
This affectionate wrinkly-faced pooch is sensitive to heat. As such, keeping him cool should be a priority whilst snuggling or exercising.
2nd Place for Best Small Lap Dog – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel, with all its elegance, is actually one tiny pooch full of energy. They always take every opportunity to be on the couch or doing outdoor adventures as long as he is with his owner. With their sweet temperament, they make great therapy canines.
The ideal owners for this lap dog are those with stay-at-home parents, seniors, or families who have one person that stays at home. The Cavalier enjoys the company of children. They are flexible to play around young children and sit quietly with the older ones. Just remember to train him to tame its stubborn character.
Read: 9 Best Small Dogs for Kids
3rd Place for Best Small Lap Dog – Maltese
Maltese are said to be the favourite of seniors and for good reasons. They are easy to handle and light to carry around. On top of that, they are happy to sit and lounge in the company of their owners. They easily thrive in small spaces, which make them one of the best apartment pets.
A Maltese has a beautiful long, flowing coat. This means you need to provide it with daily brushing to keep its coat in good condition.
4th Place for Best Small Lap Dog – Shih Tzu
Another breed that hailed from ancient China is the shih-tzu. They are amongst the highly valued lap dogs long before they surged in popularity. They are affectionate and sweet-natured companions. However, they’re not only lap warmers but they also demand daily walks outside.
It is worth noting that these wonderful companions are also known as watchdogs. That said, expect a lot of barking sessions, especially in the presence of strangers. Proper training should keep this behaviour in check.
5th Place for Best Small Lap Dog – Chihuahua
One of the smallest dog breeds is the proud and mighty chihuahua. Don’t get fooled by their pint-sized stature, this breed is full of personality. They make the perfect loyal and long-term companion.
They always give you the assurance of their furry love by never leaving your side. They love to sleep next to you or on your lap. They love to follow their humans around the house and act as personal guard dogs.
They require minimal exercise as they already get their daily workout from romping around your house. They should not be kept as an outdoor pooch as they have little tolerance for cold weather.
Read: 10 Not-So-Subtle Signs Your Dog Loves You
6th Place for Best Small Lap Dog – Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has the perfect size for a lap dog. In addition to that, they are happy and content to be lounging on your lap. They are the perfect choice for families for their affectionate temperament. They crave companionship as much as you do.
With that, they love being a part of a pack. These fluffy pooches require regular but moderate exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Best large lap dogs
Yes, there are many dog breeds that often forget their large size and like to think of themselves as lap dogs. Nothing can stop them from curling up on your lap, not even their massive size.
1st Place for Best Large Lap Dog – Great Dane
Great Danes are massive and muscular and yet they remain unaware of their gigantic size. The Great Dane can reach a height of over 6 feet, which earned them the title of the biggest lap dogs. They want nothing but to remain attached to their owners. Perhaps, they realised that the best way to do it is by ‘lap-sitting’. Just be aware that their loving personality makes them prone to anxiety attacks when left all alone.
2nd Place for Best Lap Dog – Bernese Mountain Dogs
If you want a living teddy bear then try getting a Bernese mountain dog. These snuggly giants also make the perfect therapy dog, playmate, and family pooch. They are often seen as a farm dog, not for herding, but to guard the livestock.
However, don’t mistake this breed for having an all-work personality because it is quick to jump onto your lap for snuggles and love. However, just like any large dogs, the Bernese mountain dog has a short average lifespan of six to eight years.
3rd Place for Best Lap Dog – Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is an enormous lap dog famous for its gentle disposition. They make the best buddies for people of all ages, especially children. They have a special affinity for water which should be unsurprising considering that they are known as water rescue dogs.
They were initially tasked to save people from icy waters. Early socialisation is critical to boosting their stable temperament as they grow up. Note that they are independent by nature, so training them requires time and patience.
