You are a dog lover but you already know there are 39 best lap dog breeds: The final list surprises everyone. nht

‘Lap dog’ means just that – a dog made to sit on your lap and provide you with soft, warm, and fluffy company. And, there is no other job or duty that this dog has to do. It is not a breed, but a lot of breeds that are suitable for such a task.

To get on the list of the best lap dog breeds, a dog has to be small for the first instance because how would he otherwise fit on a lap? Then, he has to have a nice temperament, so he won’t bite his owner.

He also has to know how to comfort and cuddle, and he has to be cute. Many lap dogs are within the toy breed group, and you can find them among the breeds that are accepted by the American Kennel Club.

Their popularity is not recent. These dogs were beloved on the European royal and less royal courts. And, they were the favorite companions of many queens, princesses, and dutchess back then.

Here is the list of the best lap dog breeds I could find. Now, come with me… we have to pet them all!

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is what I think of when someone says lap dog. They are the prototype of one, and they truly are royal.

These dogs got their royal title because they actually were lap dogs of the dutchess of the Marlborough while she was waiting for her beloved husband to come back from the battlefield.

These adorable dogs were her only comfort during those hard times. One of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel colors – Blenheim, is named after the Duke of Marlborough.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are indeed small dogs, and therefore, they are considered toy breeds. But, there is an even smaller version – the Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

The lifespan of these Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is under question because they are more prone to diseases and genetic issues.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

2. Shih Tzu

‘Shih Tzu’s name means little lion, and there is a story hiding behind this name. Shih Tzus, as the story says, saved Buddha from robbers on one occasion by transforming into a lion.

I bet that he started off as a lap dog exactly in Buddha’s lap.

In order to prolong a Shih Tzu’s lifespan, feed your dog with the best food. Quantity is also important, and you can check how much you should feed him in this Shih Tzu feeding chart, so it can grow happily, of course.

Do not worry – your cute little pup will stay little even as an adult. You can check this in the Shih Tzu growth chart. There will be plenty of time to snuggle.

There is even a smaller version called the Imperial Teacup Shih Tzu. I know that Shih Tzus are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, but make sure you bathe it regularly in order to keep your Shih Tzu hairstyles sharplooking.

Besides great food, in order to cuddle with your Shih Tzu as long as possible, one must take care to choose the right Shih Tzu breeder.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

3. Bichon Frise

‘Bichon’ means little dog, and ‘frise’ means curly. And, that is exactly what you imagine when someone says the name of this breed. The Bichon Frise comes in all shades of white, but there are a few more Bichon colors.

You can pick a male or a female Bichon Frise. Or, you can even choose some of the Bichon Frise mixes. Whichever you choose, you will do no wrong because they are all great lap dogs.

This dog has a French name, but it is of Spanish origin. Both countries had strong royal houses, and it was royalty once again that popularized this breed as a court companion dog.

And, we can’t blame them – these toy dogs are almost irresistible.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

4. Havanese

This supercute watchdog is the perfect family pet. It is a popular choice of many dog lovers out there, no matter if it is a female or a male Havanese.

They are almost the perfect lap dog because there are a few more traits to them except for just being cute. Havanese are hypoallergenic, which makes them perfect family dogs where there is someone with allergies.

This pooch is the kind of dog that needs fine Havanese haircuts to stay sassy. That means regular grooming, too. Make sure you get the best brushes for your furry friend to keep his silky coat at point.

Your sweetheart from Cuba will not grow big (you can check this in the Havanese growth chart), but still make sure you feed him with the best food to prolong his health, and at the same time, prolong the Havanese lifespan.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

5. Maltese

There is no way we could not include an aristocrat Maltese on the list of the best lap dog breeds. This dog has had his status for a long time because this popular dog breed has existed for a long time.

This royal lap dog has some spicy numbers behind him, meaning the Maltese cost as royal as he is. Make sure to choose your male or female Maltese from a reputable breeder.

This low-maintenance dog comes to you with a beautiful white coat that is low-shedding, but also needs the best brush to remain pretty. Maltese colors are… well, typical, to be honest, but that does not take away anything. It is one gorgeous white dog.

To keep your royal lap dog strong and healthy, make sure you give him the best quality food adjusted to keep him living long and beautifully.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

6. Pug

Remember those dogs from the commercials that were advertising serums against wrinkles? Well, those are our little friends here. These dogs are well known because of their smushed face. They need some extra skin care because of their skin problems.

It would be wise to get the best brushes and shampoos for a Pug in order to keep his Pug colors shiny and on point. Since health comes from the inside, it is of great importance to provide your dog with the best Pug food out there.

The Pug is the ultimate lap dog, and this happy pooch will become your best friend in no time. Make sure you choose the best Pug breeders to purchase from because a Pug cost is not low. That will give you plenty of playtime with your cute dog. Get a few toys for your Pug immediately.

Even though Pugs are considered as cute and feisty dogs, and they definitely are among the best lap dog breeds, maybe you should get a quality collar and the best harness to keep him on guard. There are some people who are equally afraid of both large dogs and small ones.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

7. Chihuahua

Do you know how big a Chihuahua can get? Well, not very big – it is one of the small dog breeds. I think it is considered the smallest, actually, which makes it perfect as a lap dog. Yes, I know it has the reputation of a dog with an attitude, but a Chihuahua is a softie when it comes to its favorite human. It is strangers that it does not prefer.

But, there is an even smaller dog than a regular Chihuahua, and it is a Teacup Chihuahua. It is a dog that is prone to a lot of genetic issues, so it is utterly important to get it from a responsible breeder. Chihuahuas cost a bit, so that is another reason.

This dog has a reputation, and many wonder why Chihuahuas are so aggressive? However, it has fairly good health, and a respectable lifespan. But, there are a few issues it could encounter. Some Chihuahuas can even get fat.

But, all in all, no one can deny that this popular dog is so cute. I do not know if that is because of their personality or their smallness or just because they are so fluffy.

To keep them so cute and fluffy, it is important to take care of their double coat. Chihuahua shedding can be a problem if there is an irregular grooming schedule.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.8. Chinese Crested

8. Chinese Crested

Besides being on this list of the best lap dog breeds, you will find this dog on the list of best spotted dog breeds, too. These interesting looking dogs are perfect companions for an afternoon siesta.

They are native Mexicans, and therefore, they like to get some rest during the hot hours of the day. Even though they have all the abilities, and they are agile, you won’t see them jumping around unless it is necessary. They are more of a couch potatoes.

This is perfect if you prefer a dog for non stop cuddling. Being a toy breed with a silky coat or without a coat makes it perfect for that role.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

9. French Bulldog

Well, this is not much of your common bulldog – this French version can sometimes get aggressive, but only when there are other dogs or small animals around. But, this does not mean they are not well suited for our best lap dog breeds list.

These dogs make perfect lap dogs for a few reasons. French Bulldogs are hypoallergenic, there is even a fluffy Frenchie, and even the Frenchie mixes are equally adorable.

But, it is a pricey dog. A French Bulldog’s cost is pretty high, so make sure you get one from a reputable Frenchie breeder. And, when you do, feed your Frenchie with fine food to prolong his life.

No matter if you have a male or a female French Bulldog, get the best collar and keep him on a leash because he has a drive for small animals. And, get him a fine brush that will help you keep his coat on point.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

10. Pekingese

Besides being among the best lap dog breeds, you will find this cute to be among the best medium energy dog breeds, too. The first thing you notice about this sophisticated dog of Chinese royalty is that he is utterly cute.

A friend of mine has this dog, and it is named “Flippy”. It is very old now. I believe he is like a hundred years old when you translate it into human years. It is the most endearing creature once you get to know him.

He is not actually very friendly with strangers, which makes him perfect as a watchdog. They have an aristocratic attitude, and this is no surprise because this breed is used to palaces and royal treatment.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

11. Dachshund

Oh, isn’t it the most adorable pup ever? It is the cutest and funniest looking dog breed ever. Even Dachshund mixes are equally adorable, and they come in many colors. Do you wonder how it is to live with a Dachshund? I bet it is a delight no matter if it is a male or a female Dachshund.

There are a few undesirable traits like a Dachshund’s barking, and the fact that they can be a bit aggressive, but hey… who doesn’t have some undesirable traits. No one.

It is one fine lap dog. A Dachshund won’t grow very big, which means it will always fit in your lap. Just make sure you get him good Dachshund food, a soft bed, and a lot of fine toys in order to keep him healthy, and to prolong your Dachshund’s lifespan.

There is one common problem that Dachshunds have – sometimes they shake. But, doesn’t that make you want to hug and pet them even more?

Even though they are small dogs, some people can be scared of them – not to mention that they have a high prey drive, so better get the best harness because if some small animal comes around, you will have to chase them both.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.

12. Italian Greyhound

It is not all gray in Greyhounds because they can come in a few more Greyhound colors. There are certain differences between the Italian and the regular version. One thing is certain, though, at least when it comes to its coat – the Greyhound doesn’t shed a lot.

Whether you are getting the regular or the Italian version, make sure you get it from a reputable breeder.

The Italian version is the one that is like a shrunken version of the regular Greyhound. And, that makes it perfect for sitting on your lap for endless cuddling.

It is a proud and elegant dog that has many good traits, like alertness and fine manners.

These cute dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard.