21 Best Lap Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures, Origin & More

We certainly love dogs! One of the best things about them is that they can be so downright cuddly. If you want nothing more than to have a best buddy by your side at all times, you might be on the search for a lap dog, sometimes also called a Velcro dog.

You're in luck because we have a list of the absolute best lap dog breeds here! You're probably in search of a small pup that can fit comfortably on your lap, but we also listed big dogs that have lap dog tendencies. So, without further ado, let us introduce you to the best lap dog breeds.

The 17 Small Lap Dog Breeds

1. Bichon Frise

The fluffy Bichon Frise makes a wonderful lap dog. These cuddly little puppies want nothing more than to be a part of their owners’ lives. They tend to be spoiled rotten and definitely get used to the royal treatment, so expect them to be a little high maintenance.

So, if you want a “baby” dog, your Bichon will certainly fill the role. You can carry them around or keep them on your lap—and they will want for no more!

2. Bolognese

The little agreeable Bolognese really loves attention, and they aren’t afraid to show it. These dogs tend to be incredibly dependent and affectionate toward their owners but can be a bit shy with strangers.

Even though they are a little timid at first, they want nothing more than to make friends with everyone around them. If you have one of these dogs, you can expect to have them attached to your hip. They form intense bonds and tend to be gentle and good-natured with all!

3. Boston Terrier

The fun, loving little Boston Terrier is lazy at heart. Even though these little dogs love to run around and have fun, they are ready to be attached to their owner’s hip, no matter what they’re doing. So, if it’s time to take a break, your pup will gladly hop on board.

The Boston Terrier is known for being a cheerful, good-natured dog. They might be a little hard to housetrain, but they will eventually catch on with consistency.

4. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is highly interesting-looking pup. With their big scruffy beard and pushed-in face, they can look like an Ewok from "Star Wars" or another otherworldly creature. While these dogs tend to be a little hard to train, they are exceptionally connected to their people.

Even though these dogs tend to take the world by storm, they are actually quite submissive and relatively dependent by nature. So, you are sure to have a suitable lapdog anytime you choose this breed in particular.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a real sweetheart! These docile, quiet little dogs make excellent pets for people who love having a constant companion. These little dogs tend to be sensitive and sometimes a little shy.

But if they are used to you and know you well, they are always up for a cuddle. You’ll barely even notice they’re there, as these little dogs are known for staying small. They also carry a puppy-like look throughout their life.

6. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is known for being the ultimate purse dog. All throughout the early 2000s, girls everywhere were putting these little dogs into their purses with their heads popping out. They didn't mind either! In fact, these dogs love being toted around, permitting that they love the person handling them.

Chihuahuas have a reputation for being quite particular and even aggressive. These spirited little dogs tend to get extra connected to one person and may just hate everyone else. If you’re the lucky winner, they will want nothing more than to be glued to your side at all times.

7. Chinese Crested

The interesting Chinese Crested is a dog that will certainly captivate any onlookers’ attention. Most of the time, they are fully hairless on their body and legs, with fringe on their ears and around their ankles. Because of that, it looks like these little dogs are wearing their very own wigs!

As far as personality is concerned, these small dogs are well known for being extremely attached to their owners. They are quiet, agreeable, and gentle and certainly make fantastic lap companions.

8. Dachshund

The Dachshund, otherwise known as a wiener dog, captivates everyone’s attention immediately. Even people who don’t know much about canines can point a Dachshund out of a crowd.

With their unique appearance and their independent nature, you might be surprised to see this breed on the list of lap dogs. As much as they love getting involved in everyone’s business, they equally love taking a snooze in the warmth of their human’s body.

9. French Bulldog

It seems that the little French Bulldog is getting all the attention these days! Dramatically rising in popularity, the Frenchie is stealing hearts everywhere because they are playful and ultra-compatible with just about any lifestyle.

These little dogs are short enough to keep you in stitches with their entertaining antics. They are known for being clownish goofballs that tend to get along with everyone. Even though these little dogs can try to act like they are totally independent and brave, they are big babies!

They take their naps seriously and would love nothing more than to snuggle up on your warm lap for a snooze.

10. Havanese

The Havanese is one of the friendliest, most attached dogs of all! In fact, these dogs were bred explicitly for the purpose of being companions.

These adorable little dogs don’t get very big, they have plush, teddy bear-like fur, and they are so stinking cute! They’re basically the perfect lap dog companion. This pup will want to follow you wherever you go and be a part of all of your activities.

These bright-eyed little dogs tend to be intelligent, easy to train, and highly devoted to their humans. If you have children, they can be exceptional dogs because they are gentle, patient, and playful.

11. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a surprisingly tiny dog that is extremely lightweight and thin-bodied. While they are known for being masters of speed, they love their downtime too. These relaxed, docile dogs are gentle and love to feel connected to their people.

Italian Greyhounds are definitely not creatures of chaos, so they need their house to reflect that. If you have a calm home, this dog will acclimate quite well. Outside, they can run intensely at great speeds, but indoors, they tend to be relaxed and absolutely love curling up for a snooze.

12. Pekingese

The spirited little Pekingese is a dog of royalty. With their long lustrous coat and hot attitudes, one would think they were king or queen. Even though this little dog can be quite finicky sometimes, they thrive on being close to their humans.

This is the kind of dog that definitely can pick favorites, and once they do, they never want to be away from their person.

13. Pomeranian

The fluffy, spunky Pomeranian is an energetic ball of fluff. They love bouncing around and barking at everything that moves, constantly loving to be on the go. However, they follow suit with their owner. Where you are, they will be.

If you’re going in the car, you can bet they’ll be on your lap. If you’re in the house, they are right there beside you. They have quite an adventurous spirit, but you can bet they’ll never go far.

14. Poodle (Toy and Miniature)

The Poodle is a favorite for a reason! These dogs come in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Both the Toy and Miniature Poodles are incredibly affectionate and love to hang out with their human companions at all times.

In fact, these little guys are so attached to their owners, they can get separation anxiety if they are alone for too long too often. These dogs are fantastic for a number of reasons. The Poodle is often used in hybridized breeding because of their hypoallergenic qualities.

If you live in a home with allergy sufferers, even though these dogs aren't truly and completely hypoallergenic, they certainly will cause a lot less irritation!

15. Pug

You’ll never have a dull moment with a goofy Pug around! These cheerful, lovable little companions will gleefully walk by your side all day, every day. If you hit the couch, they might have already jumped onto your lap before you can even protest.

These sidekicks make excellent additions to almost any home because they are compatible with so many different lifestyles. Plus, we absolutely love their adorable snoring, gurgling, and all those other noises they make thanks to their smooshy faces.

16. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is notoriously attached to their people. These long-haired, smooshy-faced little dogs can be the most personable, affectionate pups with a low tendency to bark. They are also relatively easy to potty train.

The sweet Shih Tzu is a relatively common breed that is easy to find. They tend to be friendly little dogs that get along with everyone, from kids to seniors.

17. Yorkshire Terrier

The little Yorkshire Terrier is certainly bold and brave, with a twist! These little dogs love pretending like they rule the roost and aren't afraid of a thing, but the reality is that they depend on their owners very much.

They look to them for guidance, affection, and attention. Anytime you sit down, your Yorkie is probably right by your side, ready for hugs and kisses. So, they like to seem big and bad, but they are babies at heart.

The 4 Big Dogs That Think They Are Lap Dogs

Many of us have big dogs that can’t quite seem to grasp that they aren’t puppies anymore! Here are a few giant lap dogs that will want nothing more than to crush you with their love.

18. Golden Retriever

Have you ever heard anyone say that someone is like a Golden Retriever? Usually, when someone says this, they're referring to their happy-go-lucky and gentle personality. For a good reason, these dogs are always in the top five favorite canine companions on the AKC breed list.

These dogs are highly versatile, incredibly intelligent, skilled, and easy to train. Since they are so heavily connected to their owners, they want nothing more than to be at their side at all times. If you let them, they will ever so sneakily try to creep on top of your lap.

19. Great Dane

The Great Dane is known for being loving and protective of owners. What might be a little less known is that they mistake their horse-sized bodies for those of mere toddlers. You can scour the web for pictures of Great Danes sitting on people's laps—it’s a thing!

These dogs are usually big babies and love to be around their people. They would love nothing more than snuggling up on you—but you might disappear underneath them!

20. Mastiff

Mastiffs are known for being ultra gentle and protective of their families—motherly, even. They are docile, and they’re known for being quite big babies sometimes! Drooly and adorable, these big pups would love nothing more than to try to fit their big bodies on their owners' laps.

Mastiffs are generally easy to train and make excellent watchdogs. They usually love children and keep a close eye on them to make sure they are safe. They certainly make wonderful family companions.

21. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a big ball of fluff. They make the best cuddle companion because essentially, it's them cuddling you. If you can get past all the slobber and convince them not to sit directly on top of your body, you will realize that these dogs love nothing more than to be directly connected to their people.

Newfies are known for being gentle giants, and they aren't just good with the people they live with. These dogs also tend to get along remarkably well with strangers and have a special affinity for children.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a lap dog, you can find one without a problem! Some dogs are meant for service, others for work-related tasks, and some are simply 100% attached to their owners and live for nothing more. If you like the idea of having a dog on your lap every time you sit down (big or small), one of the dogs on this list is bound to be a good fit for you.

Featured Image Credit: Drazen Zigic, Shutterstock