The Ultimate Guide to Small Lap Dogs Breeds

If you're looking for a loyal companion that's compact and adorable, small lap dog breeds are an excellent choice. They're perfect for city living or for families with limited space.

These tiny dogs are incredibly intelligent and trainable, with some breeds learning over 100 words and commands. They're also known for their affectionate nature, making them great companions for people of all ages.

One of the most popular small lap dog breeds is the Chihuahua, weighing in at just 2-8 pounds and standing at 6-10 inches tall. Their big eyes and bold personalities make them a favorite among dog lovers.

Worth a look: Big Lap Dogs

Small lap dog breeds are a joy to have around, and they're typically short and lightweight, weighing less than 14 to 18 pounds.

These breeds are often bred solely for their perceived attractiveness and companionship, rather than for practical skills. They're perfect for snuggling and cuddling, and some are even super affectionate.

Some toy breeds are slightly bigger than teacup dogs, which are unusually small members of an already small breed.

Small lap dogs are prone to breathing issues and heat stroke due to their short snouts, making them more susceptible to health problems.

Brachycephalic breeds, such as the pug and bulldog, are more prone to breathing issues and heat stroke.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are predisposed to mitral valve heart disease.

The Havanese and miniature pinscher are considered to be the least problematic toy breeds.

Those tiny chompers are part of the health factor too, and periodontal issues are common in all toy breeds.

Start dental care early to prevent periodontal issues in your small lap dog.

In most of the animal kingdom, longevity increases with body size, but with dogs, it decreases with increased body size.

Toy poodles may live well into the teens, while Great Danes rarely live past 10 years of age.

It is unknown why small dog breeds live longer, but some research has found that larger dogs do in fact live shorter lives than smaller breeds.

Additional reading: How Long Do Jack Russels Live

Mixed breeds are a great option for those looking for a small lap dog. They can be a wonderful combination of two purebred parents, creating a unique and lovable companion.

One of the benefits of mixed breeds is their lower maintenance grooming needs. Since they often inherit the coat type of one parent, they may require less frequent grooming than their purebred counterparts.

Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living, and they often have plenty of energy to keep up with their owners.

On a similar theme: Shih Tzu Full Breed

Hybrid Breeds are often the result of crossing two purebred dogs, which can create a unique combination of characteristics.

These breeds can be a great option for families with allergies, as they tend to shed less than some other breeds.

A good example is the Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.

Hybrid Breeds can also inherit the intelligence and trainability of their parent breeds, making them highly trainable.

Crossbreed Breeds are often the result of intentional breeding between two purebred dogs. This can lead to a wide range of characteristics and traits.

Some crossbreed breeds, like the Labradoodle, are bred for specific purposes such as assistance and therapy work. They can inherit the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador Retriever.

Crossbreed breeds can also inherit the low-shedding coat of the Poodle, making them a great option for people with allergies. This is evident in breeds like the Cockapoo.

These breeds can be a great choice for families with children, as they often inherit the gentle and patient nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

If you're looking for a small lap dog that's a bit different from the typical Chihuahua or Pomeranian, you might consider the Affenpinscher.

This breed is known for its unique appearance, with a monkey-like face and a mischievous personality to match.

The Affenpinscher weighs in at around 7-13 pounds, making it a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.

The Japanese Chin is another small lap dog that's perfect for those who want a gentle and affectionate companion.

This breed has a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The Japanese Chin is relatively small, weighing in at around 4-11 pounds.

The Shih Tzu is a friendly and outgoing breed that's well-suited to life in a small apartment or home.

This breed has a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, just like the Japanese Chin.

The Shih Tzu weighs in at around 9-16 pounds.

The Poodle is a highly intelligent breed that's known for its low-shedding coat and high energy level.

The Poodle comes in a variety of sizes, from Toy to Standard, but the Toy Poodle is a great choice for those who want a small lap dog.

Recommended read: Breeds of Dogs under 25 Pounds