If you grew up with a dog in your home, as I did, consider yourself lucky. If that dog was a lap dog, well, you're doubly lucky, because you not only got dog companionship, you were treated to your own personal live version of a cuddly plush toy. My childhood home dogs were larger breeds, but when I spent summers at my grandmother's house, her Pekingese chose me as a summertime fling, settling her furry pantaloons on the couch with me or racing along with me on bayside walks. I'm not going to sugar-coat it: She was hot on my lap in those Florida summers, and that dripping tongue was messy. (Also, I've just repressed all the shedding.) But I felt so chosen, so special to have that dog waddle over to plop down on me, not anyone else in our family or my grandmother's community of retirees. Since I was kid, scientific experiments have revealed that dogs and their human companions release the feel-good chemical oxytocin when they engage with each other. And ever since, I've been looking forward to getting a lap dog of my own, whilst copping pets from my friends' dogs, like Tracy's Brussels Griffon, or Molly's Chinese Crested or Jon Paul's beloved Bichon-Maltese mix. (All of whom, I might add, have really taught me the importance of dogs wearing shoes.)
Here's a short list of dogs considered by owners and breeders to be great lap dogs, meaning they are small enough to fit on laps, as well as genetically predisposed to actually prefer lounging in laps to just about everything else (OK, maybe except that T-bone steak). These parameters for selection rule out many of the smallest dog breeds and toy dog 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 this list). These criteria also rule out types of 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.
Ideally, lap dogs live in homes where they don’t have to be left alone for long periods of time. Many of these dogs are affectionate and enjoy being close to their people as often as possible. Some may even become destructive if left alone for too long. Since many of them are toy breeds, their size allows them to thrive even in smaller apartments. Be aware, however, that outdoor exercise is healthy for all types of dogs. While some get enough activity playing fetch in the hallway, others need more rigorous cardio or lengthier walks to stay mentally and physically healthy. Talk to your vet about your dog’s particular needs!
