lap dog

15 Small Dog Breeds That Like To Be Held (Explained)

Lap dogs are very small and can be handled in the hand or lie comfortably near a person’s lap and highly temperamentally disposed to do this. Lap dogs aren’t a specific breed, though is a general term for any kind of small-sized dog and particularly friendly toward humans. Below you find a list of the most common small dog breeds that like to be held.

Maltese

Maltese
Image by RitaE from Pixabay

The Maltese, is a highly intelligent breed of canine in the large toy group. It’s believed to have originated in southern-central Europe, from tiny dogs of spaniel kind. Despite its name, however, it really has no confirmed historical or scientific link to this island of Malta. Maltese have a reputation for being friendly, playplayful, quiet yet sturdy, and brave companions.

Today, the Maltese dogs are kept by those who want to enjoy having a companion that’s lively and intelligent and at the same time sensitive and friendly. They’re also very popular with those who want a dog but don’t want any aggressive tendencies and some people even choose them for their security dogs.

Bolognese

Bolognese
Image by Martin Hruška from Pixabay

The Bolognese, is one of my most favorite Italian breeds and a real cute, playful companion, who I enjoy ever day of the year. They’re great with children and other pets and can really stand up to larger dogs. They tend to be somewhat sensitive at first, but with constant training, they become as friendly and welcoming as any other regular dog.

Although these dogs do tend to be a little on the sensitive side, if you make sure to start training them when they’re young and keep up a consistent training routine, they’ll grow into strong, sturdy dogs with a friendly disposition.

Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon
Image by Matthew Henry from Pixabay

The Brussels Griffon, is a highly intelligent and loyal family pet. They are also very brave and will not hesitate to face life with a battle-hardened attitude. This breed was developed to be an assistance dog and a companion dog.

They are bred to be gentle, loving and very devoted to their owner. If you are a first time dog owner, they may seem a bit daunting but if you are dedicated to training and feeding them right, they can become great companions and enjoyable family members.

Japanese Chin

japanese chin
Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay

The Japanese Chin, better known as the Japanese Greyhound, is an exceptional dog recognized for its important role to Japanese royalty. Characterized by silky smooth coat and a short stubby tail, the Japanese Chin is a beautiful dog with a friendly nature. Some of the most common traits of the Japanese Chin include intelligence, good temperament and elegant appearance.

They are eager to please with regular training and possessive devotion to their owners. However, they are also a bit suspicious about outsiders and may be somewhat shy or have a defenseless personality. 

Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Spaniel
Image by Kirsi Kataniemi from Pixabay

The Tibetan Spaniel, is an extremely intelligent breed of tiny, bold, assertive dogs originating from Tibet. This breed possesses many of the characteristics common to purebred spaniels: powerful, assertive and energetic, and highly responsive to their owner’s needs and desires.These dogs are extremely loyal and adoring, and prefer a family with many children over an alone pack.

Their loyalty and love for children extend into other aspects of life, as they make wonderful traveling companions or house dogs. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living, where they will get a chance to spend time with many people.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua
Image by Zozz_ from Pixabay

The Chihuahua is one of those dogs that make a great family pet. Not only do they look good, but they are also easy to train and smart. They have an energetic, friendly, playful nature, which makes them great companions for children of all ages. These dogs can be very protective of their owners, so they need to be trained properly as well as socialized properly with other dogs.

While being small in size, the Chihuahua dog still has many of the same characteristics of any other large dog. They are naturally gentle and sweet, making them fun to be around. Small in size, but big on spirit, the Chihuahua dog is one of the most lovable dogs around. 

Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher
Image by Ida Damkilde from Pixabay

The Affenpinscher,  is a small toy dog breed of dog originally bred in Germany.They are muscular and well-balanced dogs that can be used in numerous different activities. They were originally bred for hunting; they have an uncanny ability to track small animals and are great watchdogs.

In captivity, Affenpinscher are affectionate and lovable, and they make wonderful pets. Because of their size and personality, they do well with young children. This is one breed that does not require frequent washes, or additional care, making it perfect for first-time dog owners, as well as people who have the time and patience to devote to a pet.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an exceptional and magnificent small breed of spaniel. These dogs are very affectionate, adoring, and loyal to the family and extremely intelligent. The American Kennel Club classifies the Cavalier King Charles as “a moderately popular breed, with good health and temperament.

These spaniels are extremely affectionate, energetic and a joy to have around.” The dogs have a sweet nature, lively disposition, and an eagerness to please that makes them a joy to own and to be trained. The American Kennel Club lists the Cavalier King Charles as a “firm, honest, and intelligent breed, with moderate bearing, a keen memory, and alert.

Pug

Pug
Image by Tobi Berger from Pixabay

The Pug is a very popular breed of dog characterized by a short, wrinkly, cocked tail and a square, well-defined face. The breed usually has a medium, dense coat which comes in a beautiful range of colors, usually black or brown, and an even, compact, square body with tightly developed muscles. The Pug puppy may not be the cutest looking puppy in your bunch, but he will make up for it with his ever-smiling, lively personality.

However, the Pug dog can often be rather delicate, especially if he hasn’t been properly socialized when he was a puppy. The Chinese pug is a very good-natured dog, but like most working dogs he requires a certain amount of stimulation and exercise to remain happy and healthy. It’s important that your pugs are given plenty of opportunities to run around, play with other dogs, and go for long walks.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu
Image by Cesar Abud from Pixabay

The Shih Tzu is a fun and lovable toy breed developed originally in China. These dogs are very energetic and like to play, run, and explore – so a Shih Tzu  may be taken on several family trips per year. While temperament is not as crucial as many factors when it comes to choosing a breed of dog, the personality factor is critical, and the personality of a Shih Tzu  will determine both its success and potential for future behavior problems.

This breed is intelligent, eager to please, and quite vocal when seeking attention from its owners, so owners who are confident in their ability to make the right decisions will have a winning breed. The personality makes this a breed that will suit almost any home.

Havanese

Havanese
Image by Pezibear from Pixabay

Havanese is a dog breed that was first bred in Cuba. This breed is lively, alert, and very protective, although not overly aggressive. They are also very loving and loyal, making them a great choice for family dogs. Havanese are very affectionate dogs that make great companions. They have a strong-willed personality that makes them great companions for walks, but they are also very sensitive and need lots of attention.

Havanese are generally good-natured, energetic, and intelligent, but they can get bored if the training atmosphere becomes repetitive, so it is important to socialize your dog with people who won’t exploit their natural traits. Havanese can also be slightly unpredictable, but they usually become friendly once they sense that you love them.

Pomeranian

Pomeranian
Image by Purplehorse from Pixabay

The Pomeranian dog is an exceptional example of ancient working dog breeds. Originating from Pomerania region in north-west Poland and North-East Germany. The Pomeranian dog was originally bred to be a companion and guard dog. Domesticated since the 17th century, today Pomeranian dogs are mainly used for their beautiful, friendly personality and for their obedience.

They are extremely intelligent, obedient and friendly, and should be around people who are responsible and loving towards it. Aside from its sturdy temperament, another characteristic of Pomeranian dogs is that they are highly trainable. Pomeranians should be trained and socialized properly, ths will improve its communication and relationship skills with other people and pets.

Bichon Frisé

A Bichon Frisé makes a great family pet. This small dog is known for their friendly nature and adorable looks. They are also well known for their intelligence and attention to detail. The downside to these traits is that they need a lot of exercise and socialization to stay healthy and happy. When looking for a Bichon Frisé for a pet, it is important to look for a good breeder. A good Bichon breeder will also work with you when it comes to the grooming, health and behavior problems of your Bichon puppy. 

A Bichon Frisé can make a perfect small dog breed for those who do not have a lot of room. The Bichon Frisé has a very loyal personality and makes a great family pet. Unlike many other small dog breeds, the Bichon Frisé makes an excellent watch dog. They are also very well-balanced, with a gentle temperament that makes them easy to train

Pekingese

Pekingese
Image by alohafamily1 from Pixabay

The Pekingese dog is basically a companion breed originated in China.  They are active, intelligent and loyal companions and were also proven to have high intelligence and ability to bond with their owners. They have a strong loyalty towards humans and can be house trained. These dogs are good-natured, well behaved and very lovable pets. Historically, the Pekingese was originally bred to be a companion or watchdog breed.

Today, many Pekingese are used as show dogs and for training purposes. In fact, Pekingese are so well suited to such use because of their large eyes and keen sense of smell which make them excellent detection dogs. They also enjoy spending time on and off the fence, chasing balls, and searching for unfamiliar objects. They have high intelligence and make good pets for families with children.

French Bulldog

French Bulldog
Image by Mylene2401 from Pixabay

The French Bulldog is an exquisite breed of dog, mainly bred for to be companion animals. The breed is likely to have come from Ratters imported from England in the 1800’s or from local pet ratters in Paris, France. They’re sturdy, compact, fairly happy dogs with a gentle, kind-hearted disposition. They mix readily with other breeds of dogs and make excellent family pets.

Also, because the French Bulldog has such a good reputation for being obedient, calm, and friendly you should ensure that your dog gets daily exercise, so he doesn’t become bored or stressed out. A well socialized and exercised French Bulldog will be an enjoyable and wonderful addition to your family.


Author

  • Karin S

    Welcome to All About My Small Dog, where my love for small dogs and years of hands-on experience meet your need for trusted information. As a dedicated small dog enthusiast and pet parent, I'm deeply committed to sharing expert insights, reliable advice, and a community of support. Every blog you read here is crafted with the utmost care, guided by my passion and expertise. You can trust that you're in the right place for valuable insights and a warm community that understands the unique joys and challenges of small dog ownership. Together, we'll make sure your small dog's world is filled with love, care, and knowledge.

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