Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a favorite of King Charles I and II in the 1600s. Their long, silky coats of fur may have tan markings and can be black and white, black and tan, chestnut and white, and ruby in color. Cavaliers are gentle, sweet, and loving dogs that get along very well with other dogs and children.
The Chihuahua originated in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico and has origins as far back as a thousand years ago with the ancient Toltecs. They are famous as the dogs that can fit in a purse (they weigh no more than 6 pounds) and have long and short coats that come in many patterns and colors. Chihuahuas are very confident, loyal, and intelligent tiny dogs.
The Chinese Crested is an ancient breed that goes so far back that no one really knows its origins. It’s believed they came from Africa and were brought to China, where they were miniaturized. They are both hairless with tufts of fur on the ankles, tail, and head as well as coated with silky, soft fur that comes in a large variety of colors. Cresteds are playful, affectionate, and sensitive dogs.
Bred as companion dogs to wealthy, powerful families in ancient China, Pekingese pups give off an unmistakable confidence. So confident, in fact, that training them can be a feat. They are, however, incredibly loyal and affectionate and agree there’s nothing better than a comfy lap to lounge in (as long as it’s yours and not anyone else’s).
A lap dog is pretty much what it sounds like: a dog who sits in laps. Big surprise, huh?! But, beyond that obvious definition, lap dogs are not only small enough to fit on laps, but their personalities and genes also make them predisposed to actually prefer lounging in laps to just about everything else (OK, maybe except that T-bone steak). There are many toy breeds who aren’t really considered lap dogs because they are more independent or energetic (you’ll notice Havanese and Papillon pups aren’t on our list). There are also several larger breeds who think they’re lap dogs but are probably too big for that to be comfortable for anyone (we’ll let you be the judge of that). The lap dogs on this list are tiny pooches who will happily spend their afternoon glued to you and your warm legs. Many were bred hundreds of years ago to do just that: sit on their owners and look pretty.
These are some of the most versatile dogs out there (and are more forgiving than the Bolognese if you’re a 9-to-5er). Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will be by your side whether you want to live on your couch or at the park. Athletic, yet calm. Energetic, yet gentle. Cavs truly make terrific lap dogs.
Though they’re prone to being lazy, cuddly couch potatoes, Italian greyhounds can go zero to 60 at the drop of a hat (aka, if they see potential prey bolting away from them). Generally speaking, these teeny tiny pups are content chilling in your lap and basking in your warmth.
Don’t expect a Bolognese to be forgiving if you leave them home alone all day. This is a dog who adores its humans and needs to be around them frequently. Like the Biewer, if their coat is kept short, grooming is a breeze. Another perk? They don’t shed, which makes them ideal for folks with allergies.
1 Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd had their beginnings as smaller sized Australian Shepherds in the 1960s in U.S. rodeos. They were bred to even smaller sizes and gained popularity in the States. They have thick, double coats of medium-length fur and come in black, blue merle, red, and red merle. Minis are smart, friendly, and active dogs that are unfortunately shedders, and are adaptable to their family’s lifestyle.
The Miniature Dachshund originated in Germany about 600 years ago and was bred to oust the badger from its den. The name “Dachshund” actually translates to “badger dog” in German (‘dachs’ means badger and ‘hund’ means hound). The Miniature is 11 pounds and under and can be smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired and comes in many different patterns and colors. They are courageous, intelligent, and friendly dogs.
The Miniature Schnauzer was bred from the larger Standard Schnauzer as far back as the 16th century in Germany, where farmers shrunk down the standard to miniature size to work as ratters. They have shaggy eyebrows and beards and have rough, wiry coats that come in salt and pepper, black and silver, and black in color. The Mini is an intelligent, friendly, and outgoing dog that gets along famously with children and other dogs.
The Papillon was popular in France as royal lapdogs in Renaissance times, but the Papillon that we see today were bred by breeding centers in Spain and Italy. They are famous for their large and wing-like ears from which they were named (‘papillon’ means ‘butterfly’ in French). Papillons have a long, silky coat that comes in a number of colors, and they are upbeat, friendly, and eager to please companion dogs.
The Pekingese is an ancient dog that originated in China by nobles keen to breed dogs with flat noses (such as the Pug and the Shih Tzu). They are long, and low-bodied dogs with a lion’s mane of fur around their shoulders and necks, and they come in a variety of colors. Pekes are devoted, loving, and confident companion dogs that are good with children but do not enjoy rough play.
The Pomeranian is a tiny version of the spitz dogs of the North and was named after Pomerania, which is an area that incorporated Poland and western Germany. These small dogs weigh no more than 7 pounds and have thick double coats that are usually red or orange but do come in a large variety of colors. Poms are frisky, intelligent, and happy companion dogs that are easy to train and do best with families with older children.
The Pug is a very ancient Chinese breed that goes back as far as 2,000 years to the time of emperors that preferred flat-faced small dogs. They are known for their curled tails and wrinkled brows and have short coats that are either fawn or black in color with a black mask. Pugs are very loving, charming, eager to please dogs that are prone to obesity, so watch those treats!
The Rat Terrier is an American dog bred as ratters for farms and used for hunting as well as guardians and watchdogs. They have sleek, shiny coats that come in a large variety of pied colors. Rat Terriers are playful, intelligent, and loving dogs that are patient with children but wary of strangers.
Top 10 Best Lap Dogs for Cuddly Owners
What’s better than sitting down in your favorite comfy chair with a cuddly and adorable dog on your lap? Maybe you’ve been thinking about finding yourself a small dog to bring home and become a part of your family, but you’re not sure which one would be the best fit. Well, we’ve done the work for you and have created a list of lap dogs that includes just enough information for you to get to know these fantastic pint-sized pups.
So, here are 32 dog breeds that make some of the best lap dogs in alphabetical order: