All 45 lap dog breeds with pictures [2024] –

Lap dogs are a group of small and particularly delicate dogs. Here you will find a list of all recognized lap dog breeds:

In the past, these dogs not only served as a status symbol for the nobility, but also sometimes as lap and foot warmers in winter. However, only a few are suitable for work. [1]

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#1 Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher has its origins in Germany. When fully grown, this breed only reaches a weight of around 4 kg. They also shed very little.

However, compared to other lap dogs, they are less suitable for small children and babies. Because they are rarely accepted as part of the family.

In addition, they only bark a little but need a lot of exercise. They are also considered very curious, loving and are also suitable for first-time owners. [2]

Fun fact: You should never throw other dogs' toys to this breed. Because they will claim and defend everything that they have once gnawed on.

#2 American Toy Terrier

According to owners, the American Toy Terrier is said to have a sense of humor. Because they always seem to find a way to make their master laugh.

However, this lap dog breed doesn't like loneliness at all. They would love to lie on their master's lap or feet all day long.

They also have a strong hunting instinct and bark comparatively a lot. They are easy to train and are very friendly, playful and loyal. [3]

Fun fact: These dogs can't get enough attention. This may also explain why they were often used in circuses in the past.

#3 Australian Silky Terrier

The Australian Silky Terrier has several faces. On the one hand, the Australian breed is very cheerful, friendly and makes great family dogs.

On the other hand, these lap dogs often react very aggressively towards strange dogs. But they are usually friendly and loyal to their family.

In addition, these four-legged friends only have a simple coat and therefore shed very little. On the other hand, they bark quite a lot. But they can be trained well. [4]

Fun fact: The hair structure of these dogs is identical to that of humans. This not only explains why they shed so little, but also why they freeze so quickly.

#4 Bichon Frize

The Bichon Frisé comes from an area that is now divided between Spain, Belgium and France. Some of these animals live up to 21 years.

Unlike other lap dog breeds, they are also hypoallergenic. They are not only suitable for allergy sufferers, but are also great for beginners.

In the past, this breed was sometimes kept on ships and used as circus dogs. Because they are very easy to train and rarely bark. [5]

Fun fact: The behavior of these dogs is so affectionate that the French verb “bichonner” has evolved from their name. In German it means “to pamper”.

#5 Bolognese

The Bolognese comes from Italy and is also known as “Bolo”. When fully grown, this breed only reaches a weight of around 3 kg.

These lap dogs also get along great with children and love mental and physical activity. They are therefore the ideal playing partners.

In addition, they live up to 15 years and develop a close relationship with the family. Although these animals shed very little, they bark even more. [6]

Fun fact: Intelligent but stubborn. You will feel these characteristics at the dog school at the latest.

#6 Bolonka Tswetna

The Bolonka Zwetna has its origins in Russia. This breed lives up to 16 years and reaches a weight of between 2 and 5 kg when fully grown.

In addition, this Russian lapdog breed is considered particularly trusting, charming and playful. However, they are relatively rare outside of their homeland.

On the one hand, this is due to the fact that they only give birth to 1-3 puppies per jump. The average here is 6. This makes them ideal for apartment life. [7]

Fun fact: The Wikipedia article for this breed has only 140 words. For other races, however, the Wiki entry usually has between 3,000 and 8,000 words.

#7 Boston Terriers

The Boston Terrier comes from the USA and is also known as the “American Gentleman”. Because this breed is not only considered particularly friendly, but is also said to have manners.

These lap dogs also have a life expectancy of up to 18 years. In the beginning, however, they were primarily used to keep rats and other vermin away.

In addition, these dogs drool quite a lot. On the other hand, they shed little, have a weak hunting instinct and are easy to train. [8]

Fun fact: After eating, you can expect to hear one or two noises from these dogs. Because they often have to struggle with flatulence.

#8 Cairn Terriers

The Cairn Terrier comes from Scotland and is one of the 70 most popular breeds worldwide. Due to their size, they are usually kept in apartments and apartments.

In addition, this lap dog breed gets along great with children and develops a close relationship with the family. However, staying alone is not one of their strengths.

They are also difficult to train, bark a lot and have a strong hunting instinct. Combined with their fearless nature, they also make great guard dogs. [9]

Fun fact: This breed not only has a penchant for digging, but also has significantly larger front paws than hind paws for this purpose.

#9 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes from Great Britain and was previously used primarily as a flea magnet. Because his body temperature is higher than that of humans.

As a result, their masters were usually spared from fleas. These lap dogs not only develop a close bond with the family, but also with pets.

They are also considered very sociable, patient and playful. Even strangers are warmly welcomed by these four-legged friends. [10]

Fun fact: When they run, these dogs' long floppy ears flap wildly in the air. Sometimes it even makes loud bangs.

#10 Chihuahuas

The Chihuahua comes from Mexico and is the world's smallest dog breed. In addition, they live up to 2 years and only weigh around 2 kg.

Internationally, the lap dog breed is the 33rd most popular dog. Because they shed little, have a weak hunting instinct and are very cuddly.

Due to their size, they often become prey for birds of prey and strange dogs. They can also be injured relatively quickly by small children. [11]

Fun fact: In America, these animals are called “handbag dogs”. The smaller the Chihuahua is, the more expensive it can be sold there.

#11 Chinese Crested Dog

As the name suggests, the Chinese Crested has its origins in China. It is also the 79th most popular dog breed in the world.

Some of these lap dogs live to be 18 years old. In the past, they were often kept by sailors to keep rats away from the ship. [12]

These dogs also have the same sweat glands under the skin as humans. In summer you are usually full of beads of sweat. This is not the case with other breeds.

Fun fact: Although these dogs officially belong to the group of hairless dog breeds, these animals are also available with a complete coat of fur.

#12 Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tuléar originates from Madagascar and is considered relatively rare. This in turn also explains why this breed is comparatively expensive.

If you translate their name into German, they would be called “Cotton from the City of Tulear”. When fully grown, this lap dog breed only reaches around 4-5 kg.

In addition, they are ideal for beginners, have a weak hunting instinct and shed little. They are also considered very playful and trusting. [13]

Fun fact: This breed often jumps for joy. You see this especially when you give them food or visitors come over.

#13 Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was once bred specifically to help hunt otters and badgers. This also explains their dachshund-like physique.

Nowadays, however, the small four-legged friends are primarily kept as family and lap dogs. They also get along well with dogs and sometimes also with cats.

However, their hunting instinct is too strong for smaller pets. Compared to other breeds, they bark very little and are considered relatively rare. [14]

Fun fact: Due to their longer-than-average upper bodies, these dogs quickly develop back problems if they are overweight.

#14 English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel was originally bred for hunting, but is now kept primarily as a family dog. Because they are considered particularly sociable.

Compared to other lap dog breeds, they also weigh 2 to 3 times as much at around 13 kg. But they are very trusting and cuddly.

Because they are easy to train, they also make great first dogs for beginners. However, if you give them too much food, they will become overweight relatively quickly. [15]

Fun fact: This breed learns so quickly that they are often trained by their owners for everyday purposes. No matter whether it's bringing the newspaper or toilet paper.

#15 French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dogs in the world. More specifically, they are the 4th most popular breed internationally.

Their popularity is partly due to their cute appearance. On the other hand, these lap dogs are also particularly sociable, playful and don't bark much.

However, these four-legged friends find it difficult to stay alone. They are also not the smartest dogs and drool a lot. But all of that makes them all the sweeter. [16]

Fun fact: This breed often lacks the necessary stamina and…