Top 10 Lap Dogs

As its name suggests, the Boston Terrier is an all-American dog. It’s part of the toy group, but this Beantown baby is a lot tougher than it looks. When the American Gentleman was first bred in the 1860-70s, it was used for pit fighting! Over time, Boston Terriers were bred down to the small companion dogs we know today. They’re friendly and easy to train, which makes them perfect therapy and family dogs. Boston Terriers rarely bark, but they do tend to snore because of their short faces and flat noses. Still, this dog can live up to thirteen years, and some a little more, making it a long-time and loyal companion.

From ancient China to Queen Victoria, these dogs were royal favorites, and it’s easy to see why! Those wrinkly faces are part of what makes them so lovable. But while these add into their cute factor, they have to be cleaned regularly to ward off infections. Even so, the Pug’s affectionate nature makes it a great companion. Pugs always want to please their owners and tend to follow their lead. They’re natural couch potatoes, but appreciate a good walk too. They can be quiet, spunky, and everything in between. This versatility makes the Pug a welcome addition to any family.

Another noble favorite, this beautiful breed found mainstream fame after appearing on “Sex and the City.” Cavs come in many colors, and are known for their big, brown eyes. This is a breed that loves attention – in more ways than one. First, those wavy ears and that silky coat won’t untangle themselves, so prepare to take out the brush! They’re also very affectionate, and thrive on interacting with people of all ages. And because they’re so eager to please their owners, training Cavs can be a walk in the park. The breed is prone to heart disorders, though, so look into your Cav’s bloodline for any issues. All the same, Cavs are pampered pooches – and they’ll love you for it.

Now a celeb staple, the Maltese has been a beloved lap dog for centuries. They’re usually less than ten pounds, making them easy travel buddies, and are known for their long, white coats and cute button noses. Maltese also don’t shed much, so if you’re allergic: no worries! The long show coat needs a lot of grooming, but it can be kept short too. Maltese dogs are full of energy, but don’t need lots of exercise, so they’re perfect for apartment living. They’re notoriously affectionate, although they might be too delicate for little kids. Overall, Maltese are just as friendly as they are fancy.

With its confident stance and long, flowing hair, this beauty’s name comes from the Chinese word for “lion.” Shih Tzus were originally bred as companion dogs, and not much has changed since then. Their favorite spot is right beside you, whether you’re chilling on the couch or out for a walk. While they don’t need much exercise, they do need a lot of grooming, so many owners choose the puppy cut to keep it simple. Early training is a must with Shih Tzus, since they tend to be stubborn. But if you’re patient and encouraging, they’ll reward you with many years of unconditional love.

Sure, it could fit in your purse, but the Yorkie is still one tough cookie. These dogs were bred to hunt rats, and one was even a war hero! Today, Yorkies are mostly companion dogs. Averaging five to seven pounds, you can take them almost anywhere. This small size means that Yorkies are prone to some health issues and genetic disorders, especially if they’re of the teacup variety. So if you’re thinking of getting a Yorkie, check its family history first. Still, they’re quick learners, friendly, and full of energy. It’s no surprise that this big dog in a lap dog body is the 7th most popular breed in the USA, according to the American Kennel club!

Named for its curly white hair, the Bichon Frise is one of the heavier lap dogs on this list. Bred down from Poodles and Barbets, they usually weigh between 10 to 20 pounds. While Bichons don’t shed much, their hair keeps growing, so they need haircuts every six to eight weeks. This may be the only downside to the Bichon. They’re one of the healthiest breeds, easily reaching their early-to-mid teens. They’re also extremely smart, and love flaunting their skills. And because they’re playful and energetic, they’re great with kids too. This puffball of energy will love and entertain you for years to come!

Those stubby legs and its sausage-shaped body are unmistakable, and for good reason. Inside this lap dog beats the heart of a hunter. With a name that literally means “badger dog,” Dachshunds love following their nose. They come in two sizes, standard and miniature, and in three coat varieties. As hunters, Dachsies are brave, but also quite stubborn, so it’s best to train them early. And yes, whether it’s earth or your couch, they love digging. Luckily, while it can suffer from slipped discs and other back problems, the Dachshund is an otherwise relatively healthy breed. Dachsies can be reserved towards strangers, but are loyal members of their families. Hunter and hound, this is a lap dog like no other.

These little fur balls are cute and cuddly, but they weren’t always that small. In the 1700s, Pomeranians weighed around 40 pounds! Largely thanks to Queen Victoria, who preferred a 12 pound Pom Pom, the breed is now the 4-to-7 pound lap dogs we know and love. There’s a lot of energy in that tiny body, so Poms are very agile dogs. Poms are also social butterflies, so they work well with human families. While Poms are known to bark a lot, this can be kept under control if they’re trained early. Whether they’re running laps or sitting on your lap, Poms prove that good things come in small packages.


Before we get to our #1 celebrity pet, here are few honourable mentions:


• Brussels Griffon [aka Griffin Bruxellois]

• Japanese Chin

• Papillon

• Pekingese

• Miniature Schnauzer

• Toy Poodle

Our top dog is also the smallest of them all! From Tinkerbell to Taco Bell, the Chihuahua is a pop culture darling. While those two had short, tan hair, Chihuahuas can also have long coats. Either way, grooming is a breeze. Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they think they’re big – so owners should be careful around other dogs and small kids. But in that little body is a powerful brain, which you should train the earlier, the better. Chihuahuas are also known for being very close to their owners, and these are long friendships. If they’re healthy, they can live up to twenty years! Inside and out, the Chihuahua embodies the term “lap dog.”

Do you agree with our list? Who’s your top dog? For more adorable Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.