These are the pooches that make the best lapdogs.These are the pooches that make the best lapdogs.
These are the pooches that make the best lapdogs.

Top Lapdogs: Here are the 10 adorable breeds of dog who will snuggle up for hours on your lap - including the loving Pug 🐶

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 26th Aug 2021, 11:05 BST
Updated 31st May 2024, 10:44 BST
If you are looking for a dog that will love nothing more than curling up on your lap for hours on end, these are the breeds that should top your wishlist.

The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club has dog ownership soar to record levels.

But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed. There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.

While many dogs have been bred to carry out specific jobs – from hunting foxes to pulling sleds – others have simply been created to be perfect companions for humans.

Affectionate, calm, happy, gentle and eager to please, lapdogs have been around for centuries and are perfect for those seeking a dog that will happily curl up with you for hours.

Here are 10 of the breeds that make the best lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

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The Toy Poodle was bred specifically from the larger Standard Poodle to be a lapdog in the 18th century. They tend to bond particularly strongly with one person.

1. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle was bred specifically from the larger Standard Poodle to be a lapdog in the 18th century. They tend to bond particularly strongly with one person. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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Originating in China, the Pekinese was favoured by royalty of the Chinese Imperial Court to act as lap-warmers.

2. Pekinese

Originating in China, the Pekinese was favoured by royalty of the Chinese Imperial Court to act as lap-warmers. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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A combination of its small size, sociable temperament and soft coat makes the Bichon Frise a highly sought after lapdog.

3. Bichon Frise

A combination of its small size, sociable temperament and soft coat makes the Bichon Frise a highly sought after lapdog. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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Named after King Charles II, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been one of the most popular breeds of lapdog since the 17th century, with a silky coat that's perfect for patting.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Named after King Charles II, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been one of the most popular breeds of lapdog since the 17th century, with a silky coat that's perfect for patting. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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