14 Favorite Small Lap Dogs


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. 

A small Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is snuggled on a woman's lapLap Dogs

All 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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