Seeking a furry, four-legged cuddle buddy? Look no further! We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the seven best lap dog breeds perfectly designed for snuggling. From fluffy clouds of fur to sleek and sophisticated companions, these breeds offer the ultimate comfort and affection. Whether you live in a small apartment or a sprawling house, there’s a perfect snuggle partner waiting for you. Get ready to meet your new best friend and experience the pure joy of canine companionship.
A lap dog is a small, affectionate dog that loves nothing more than being close to its owner, whether curled up in your arms or resting comfortably on your lap. Throughout history, these charming companions have been cherished by people from all walks of life, especially those who enjoy the constant companionship of a dog without the need for a working animal.
Lap dogs are known for their gentle, loving nature and strong bonds with their humans. They have been around for centuries, making them one of the earliest types of dogs to live closely with people. Today, most lap dogs are part of the toy breed group, known for their small size and big hearts.
In this guide, we’ll explore 7 of the best lap dog breeds—each one a perfect snuggle buddy and loyal companion. Whether you’re looking for a canine friend to share quiet moments or a playful pup to brighten your day, these breeds offer the perfect balance of love, warmth, and companionship.
Best Lap Dog Breeds
1. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are small, elegant dogs, standing just 13-15 inches tall and weighing between 7-14 pounds, making them the perfect size for a lap dog. With a history that stretches over 2,000 years, according to AKC, these gentle dogs are known for their affectionate and loving nature. They adore snuggling up with their owners, making them one of the best lap dogs around.
Although they aren’t high-energy, Italian Greyhounds still need regular exercise and enjoy short walks or playtime outside. They’re also well-suited for apartment living, as long as they get a chance to stretch their legs.
While they are generally good with children, it’s important to supervise playtime to ensure everyone is gentle and safe. Their sweet and cuddly personality, combined with their compact size, makes the Italian Greyhound a fantastic lap dog for anyone looking for a loving companion.
2. Chihuahua
If you’re looking for a small dog breed with a big personality, Chihuahuas are the perfect match. Affectionately known as “Chis,” these tiny dogs are incredibly loyal and bond deeply with their families, making them excellent companions and even better lap dogs.
According to PetMD, Chihuahuas love nothing more than curling up with their loved ones, earning them the nickname “lap potatoes.” Because of their size and low exercise needs, Chihuahuas do well in apartments and can get most of their exercise indoors.
However, they can be a bit snappy with strangers or small children, so they may not be the best fit for homes with very young kids. Chihuahuas are also known to bark more than larger dogs, but with proper training and socialization, they can be wonderful, loving companions who fit right into a cozy home.
3. Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a true companion dog, known for its playful energy and affectionate nature. While they enjoy staying active, once they’ve had their fill of fun, they love to settle down on your lap or in their cozy bed. However, these little dogs are not the type to lounge around all day, so it’s important to be around often or have another pet to keep them company.
Despite their mischievous, childlike curiosity, Biewer Terriers are relatively easy to train and have a mellow, easygoing temperament, making them great for families. They get along well with other animals, and their playful, fun-loving nature is easy to fall in love with.
Their single coat, which is similar to human hair, does require daily grooming to keep it healthy. To avoid damaging their coat, it should never be groomed when completely dry.
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds are affectionate, loyal, and playful, making them wonderful lap dog companions. While they love to cuddle, they also need to know that you’re in charge. Their small size makes them ideal pets for apartments or small homes, though they do tend to bark frequently. With a lifespan of up to 16 years or more, Dachshunds offer long-term companionship.
These charming little dogs come in three coat types: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired, adding variety to their adorable appearance. Dachshunds are playful and enjoy regular walks and playtime, making them active companions.
According to Orvis, they are also protective of their owners, which makes them good watchdogs. Although they may be a bit wary of strangers, Dachshunds generally get along well with older children who know how to respect their space.
5. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a small, fluffy white dog known for being an excellent lap dog and a loving companion. Weighing between 6-14 pounds and living 10-14 years, these dogs are calm, reserved, and serious but also playful and easy-going. They are incredibly loyal and affectionate, forming deep bonds with their owners, which makes them perfect for those seeking a close, loving relationship with their pet.
Purina notes that the Bolognese is intelligent and eager to please, which makes training them a relatively simple task. However, their beautiful long coats require regular grooming to prevent matting. Trimming their coat to about 1 inch around the body and legs, while keeping the hair around the head longer, can make maintenance easier.
Health-wise, Bolognese dogs are prone to issues like allergies and ear infections, so regular vet check-ups are important. Despite these challenges, their affectionate and loyal nature makes them a wonderful lap dog and companion.
6. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a gentle, affectionate, and playful dog, making it a wonderful lap dog companion. Known for their cheerful and energetic nature, Bichon Frises love spending time with children and other pets, making them a great addition to family life. This breed thrives on activity and enjoys regular exercise, while their friendly and eager-to-please attitude makes them easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement.
Bichon Frises are small, standing under one foot tall and weighing between 12-18 pounds. They’re also considered hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies. However, their fluffy white coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting.
One thing to keep in mind is that Bichon Frises can be prone to separation anxiety and don’t like being left alone for long periods, so they need an owner who can give them lots of attention and love.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an ideal family dog or companion for empty nesters, known for its love of cuddling and reputation as the perfect lap dog. While they may greet visitors with excitement, Cavaliers are not particularly protective, focusing more on affection than guarding. Their sweet, playful, and intelligent nature makes them incredibly devoted to their owners, showering them with love and loyalty.
Shyness and aggression are rarely seen in this breed, and Cavaliers are known for their friendly, happy demeanor. They are excellent with children and thrive on interaction with their family, making them delightful household companions.
According to Hill’s Pet, to maintain the Cavalier’s beautiful coat, regular grooming is essential, with a simple weekly brushing being sufficient to keep their fur soft and shiny. Overall, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a loving and easygoing dog that brings joy to any home.
Conclusion
Companion dogs make wonderful additions to any home, especially when it comes to finding the perfect lap dog. Many of the popular toy breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. Breeds like the Shih Tzu are excellent examples of friendly toy dogs that thrive as loyal companions.
These small dogs, despite their size, have big hearts and are always eager to form close bonds with their families. Their ability to participate in dog sports or simply relax on your lap makes them versatile pets that suit a variety of lifestyles.
While big dogs have their appeal, lap dogs from toy breeds are often better suited for apartment living and make great family pets. Many of these breeds, such as the Shih Tzu, sport a double coat, which requires regular grooming but adds to their charm. When choosing a lap dog, it’s important to adopt from a reputable breeder to ensure the health and temperament of your pet.
Whether you’re looking for a national dog of a particular country or simply a loving companion, these small breeds bring endless joy and companionship to their owners.
Ultimately, the “best” lap dog is subjective and depends on individual lifestyles and preferences. While these seven breeds—from the fluffy Bichon Frise to the devoted Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—are known for their affectionate natures and compact sizes, research is crucial. Consider grooming needs, exercise requirements, and potential health concerns before welcoming a new furry friend into your home. With the right match, a lap dog can bring immeasurable joy and companionship, providing endless cuddles and strengthening the human-animal bond.