21 Best Lap Dog Breeds: Pictures, Info & Traits

Are you looking for a furry companion who wants nothing more than to cuddle on your lap all day? If so, a lap dog might be the perfect pet for you! Lap dogs are small, affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship and love being close to their owners.

While any dog can potentially be a "lap dog" if they enjoy snuggles, certain breeds are more inclined to this cozy behavior. Here are 25 of the best lap dog breeds to consider if you want a devoted snuggle buddy:

Small Lap Dog Breeds

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Origin: United Kingdom
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-18 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
With their gentle, affectionate personalities and soft, silky coats, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the quintessential lap dog. They shadow their owners devotedly and love nothing more than cuddling up on the couch. These sensitive pups do best in a calm, quiet home.
Havanese
Origin: Cuba
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-13 pounds
Lifespan: 14-16 years
The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese was bred to be a devoted companion. These cheerful, outgoing little dogs adore their humans and will follow them from room to room. Their silky coat doesn‘t shed much but requires regular brushing.
Shih Tzu
Origin: China
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Lifespan: 10-18 years
Bred to be companions to Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus are affectionate lapdogs who love being pampered. They‘re less yappy than some small breeds and are generally friendly, good-natured dogs. However, their long flowing coat requires a lot of maintenance.
Pekingese
Origin: China
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: up to 14 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Another Chinese breed, Pekingese dogs were favored by emperors and have a regal, dignified bearing. They bond very closely with their owners but can be aloof with strangers. These snub-nosed dogs are prone to breathing issues and eye problems.
Pug
Origin: China
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Lifespan: 13-15 years
With their big, expressive eyes and wrinkled brows, Pugs have adorably human-like faces. These good-humored, even-tempered dogs want lots of attention and human companionship. Like other flat-faced breeds, they tend to snore and wheeze.
French Bulldog
Origin: England & France
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: under 28 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Frenchies are jolly, affectionate little clowns who love goofing around with their humans. While lively, they don‘t need a huge amount of exercise, so they make great city pets and couch potato companions. Their short coat is easy to care for.
Bichon Frise
Origin: Spain & France
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Lifespan: 14-15 years
These fluffy white dogs look like adorable cotton balls! Bichons are playful, curious and very attached to their humans. Their soft coats shed minimally (great for allergy sufferers) but need regular brushing and professional grooming.
Boston Terrier
Origin: United States
Height: 15-17 inches
Weight: 12-25 pounds
Lifespan: 11-13 years
Boston Terriers are lively, smart little dogs with dapper "tuxedo" coats. They have an endearingly gentle, sensitive nature and want to be with their human pals as much as possible. These brainy pups are very trainable.
Papillon
Origin: France
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 5-10 pounds
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Named for their big, wing-like ears, Papillons are tiny dogs with huge personalities. They‘re active, alert and clever, excelling at canine sports – but also love snuggling with their favorite humans. These dainty dogs can be prone to injury, so supervise them closely.
Chihuahua
Origin: Mexico
Height: 5-8 inches
Weight: under 6 pounds
Lifespan: 14-16 years
The world‘s smallest dog breed, Chihuahuas have outsized personalities and tend to get very attached to one special person. These sassy, opinionated pups need patient, consistent training and socialization from a young age. They can be too fragile for rough child‘s play.
Maltese
Origin: Mediterranean
Height: 7-9 inches
Weight: under 7 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Maltese are gentle, affectionate toy dogs with long, silky white coats. They‘re lively and playful but also love snoozing the day away on their human‘s lap. These sensitive pups are devoted to their owners and may suffer from separation anxiety.
Pomeranian
Origin: Germany & Poland
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Pomeranians are foxy-faced balls of fluff who tend to pick one favorite human to love. They can be suspicious of strangers and tend to bark a lot. These smart, active little dogs have a lot of personality in a tiny package!
Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: England
Height: 7-8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Lifespan: 11-15 years
Yorkies are small but feisty, with a bold terrier temperament. They‘re clever, independent and very devoted to their special person. These glamorous-looking pups have a long silky coat that requires regular care.
Lhasa Apso
Origin: Tibet
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Bred as sentinel dogs by Tibetan monks, Lhasa Apsos can be aloof with strangers but are very affectionate with their trusted humans. These long-haired pups are steady, independent and mellow companions.
Brussels Griffon
Origin: Belgium
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-10 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
With their bearded, human-like faces, Brussels Griffons have tons of personality. They tend to bond very strongly with one person and can get jealous of other pets or people. These sensitive pups don‘t like to be alone.
Coton de Tulear
Origin: Madagascar
Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 8-15 pounds
Lifespan: 15-19 years
The national dog of Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a beguiling bundle of white fluffy fur. These happy-go-lucky dogs are very people-oriented and make cheerful, easy-going companions. Regular brushing keeps their plush coats looking great.
Japanese Chin
Origin: China & Japan
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 7-11 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years
These elegant lapdogs were favorites among Japanese nobility. Japanese Chins are sensitive, affectionate and attentive to their special human‘s moods and wishes. They can be a little reserved or snobby with strangers.

Larger Breeds That Also Enjoy Laps
18. Basset Hound
Origin: France
Height: up to 15 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Lifespan: 12-13 years
These low-slung scenthounds are renowned for their gentle, placid, affectionate nature. While fairly large, Basset Hounds are very people-oriented and many love curling up on laps. Just watch out for drool!

Bulldog
Origin: England
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 40-50 pounds
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Bulldogs tend to be calm, courageous and very fond of their humans. Many of these sturdy couch potatoes seem unaware of their size and will happily plop onto a lap for cuddle time. They can be prone to breathing difficulties and overheating.
Greyhound
Origin: England
Height: 27-30 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Racing Greyhounds may be the fastest dogs on earth, but retired racers are often ultimate couch potatoes. These tall, lean dogs are very gentle, affectionate and human-oriented. Many love to lean against or even climb into the laps of their favorite people.
Great Dane
Origin: Germany
Height: 28-32 inches
Weight: 110-175 pounds
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Truly enormous, powerful dogs, Great Danes are surprisingly human-oriented and fond of cuddling. These gentle giants seem blissfully unaware of their imposing size and may try to climb into your lap for a snuggle. Early training is a must for these huge but sensitive pups.

Tips for Choosing a Lap Dog
When choosing any dog, it‘s important to pick a breed that‘s a good fit for your lifestyle and personality. Some additional factors to consider if you want a lap dog:

Size: Most lapdogs are small or toy-sized breeds under 20 pounds. Consider your home‘s size and whether you can handle a very tiny, fragile dog. Some larger breeds also make good lap dogs if you don‘t mind their heft.
Coat: Longer coats require more brushing and grooming to avoid painful mats. Some shorter coats shed heavily. If allergies are a concern, look for a breed with a non-shedding coat.
Energy level: Some lap dog breeds are very energetic and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Others are happy to just chill most of the day. Be honest about how much time and energy you can devote to your pup.
Sociability: Many lap dogs bond extremely closely to one special person. If you want a dog who loves everyone, look for a breed that‘s very sociable.
Trainability: Lap dogs still need training and socialization. Some breeds, like Pugs, are notoriously hard to housetrain. Very tiny dogs can be challenging to train as they‘re easily intimidated. Look for an eager-to-please, trainable breed.
Health: Small dogs are prone to certain health issues like luxating patellas (trick knees), tooth and gum problems, and tracheal collapse. Flat-faced breeds often have breathing difficulties. Research breed-specific health concerns.

Caring for Your Lap Dog
Lap dogs have many of the same needs as larger dogs, just in a smaller package. To keep your snuggly sidekick healthy and happy:

Stick to a regular schedule for meals, walks, playtime and cuddles. Lap dogs thrive on routine and attention from their special person.
Give your pup a comfy bed or den of their own for naps and alone time. Many lap dog breeds can be prone to separation anxiety if never taught to be alone.
Prevent obesity with portion control, healthy treats and regular exercise. It‘s easy to overfeed a small dog. Excess weight is terrible for their joints.
Stay on top of grooming with regular nail trims, toothbrushing, baths and coat care. Prevent painful hair mats, tooth decay and skin issues.
Give your dog a safe retreat if they seem overwhelmed by playful kids or other pets. Teach children to be very gentle with small dogs.
Schedule regular vet checkups to catch any emerging health issues early. Lap dogs have a long lifespan on average and benefit from proactive care.

The Takeaway
If you want a dog whose favorite pastime is snuggling on the couch with you, a lap dog is the ultimate companion. These affectionate, human-oriented breeds make devoted and portable pals. By choosing the right lap dog for your lifestyle and giving them the care they need, you‘ll have a cuddle buddy for many years to come.