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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.
Lap DogsAll 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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Your Small Lap Dog
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What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Not all Dogs are Lap Dogs 
Our 7 year old Shih-Tzu is an 8 lb Imperial. She is female, was spayed @ 9 mos, and prefers to be with us both no matter where we are, indoors or outdoors. …
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 …
About Janice (author and voice behind this site)
Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, Janice served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.
Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master's in Mental Health Counseling.
She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu, but she has also lived with Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, English Bulldogs, Carin Terriers, and a Cocker Spaniel.
When not writing, reading, and researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, husband, and family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu and Smart-Knit-Crocheting
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