Choosing the best Lap Dog breed
Before choosing any dog to suit your lifestyle requirements you should read our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog to get an overall view of the many areas you should consider before making your final decision to get the right pet dog for you.

Dogs types suitable as lap dogs Lap dogs aren’t just small dog breeds that fit comfortably into a flat. Some are big and game enough to catch and kill mice, rats and other vermin.
These little creatures are loved by the the couch potato, the elderly, and anyone else who for whatever reason of their own, spends a lot of time sitting. whether in the fgarden in the living room, kitchen or bedroom. It doesn’t really matter.
 They are affectionate, loving companions, loyal to their owner and his or her lap and they don’t ask a lot more from life.

There are some basic areas that anyone, whatever their lifestyle requirements, should consider before making the choice of what type of dog would be most suitable.
These start with details about your lifestyle:- (Previous dog owners will probably have assessed these points already but their lifestyle and requirements may have changed).

Our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog contains a further, broader, range of information that you should consider before choosing any new pet dog.


  • How active are you, what are your energy levels? The activity levels of dog breeds will vary, many dogs require long walks and outside exercise (boredom and bad behaviour often result from lack of exercise}

  • What size of dog would suit your lifestyle:- (dogs fall into three size groupings- small, medium and large),
    Is your accommodation and outside space sufficient for a large dog?
    Are you able to handle a larger dog on walks?
    Could you lift or carry a larger dog if necessary?
    Small dogs can also be full of energy and busy dogs at home can cause all sorts of problems

  • How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time.
    Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training.
    Little or no grooming may be a factor.
    Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?

  • Noise levels…many dogs react to unfamiliar noises, some by barking or growling and others who may be more shy or reserved can become frightened. Extreme barking can obviously cause problems for you or your neighbours.

  • Will you need to leave your dog alone for short periods? (Doctor or hospital visits even social visits to “dog free” zones). Some dogs can cope with this, others, unless trained, find it difficult and can get bored.

  • Will the added cost of keeping a dog fit in with your lifestyle and circumstances?



Some suggestions for Dog Breeds that make good lap dogs.

Dog Breed
 

Bichon Frise -
Good natured small dogs that make excellent pets . Very attractive and distinctive with a predominately white coat and a pocket-sized appeal, they do not need particularly long walks and are just happy in big houses or small flats Good with children and other pets they make excellent gentle and loving companions.

Border Terrier
Alert and playful, small physically but a big dog in personality, and well able to stand up for themselves. Attractive dogs that need little grooming.
Great dog for families with active children, sweet natured, playful and easy to train.

Cairn Terrier
The cairn is typical terrier; plucky, spirited, inquisitive, hardy, clever, stubborn and scrappy. It is responsive to its owner's wishes with a desire to please. It enjoys playing with children and is tough enough to withstand some rough friendly play. Not requiring lots of exercise they are happy in big houses or small flats

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -
A generally playful dog that likes human company, but are sometimes reserved with strangers. Affectionate and devoted to owners and children, good with other pets and friendly towards unfamiliar dogs, thrives on human contact and will love being part of your family. They are happy in big houses or small flats and are intelligent and easy to train.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier
It is a loyal companion suitable for people of all ages, but it does need daily exercise to keep it from becoming frustrated. It is intelligent and very independent. It tends to be reserved with strangers and can be aggressive toward strange dogs.

Lhasa Apso
A medium szed dog that is a very friendly and popular dog it is alert, reserved and vocal which can make them good watchdogs.Devoted and loyal to owners whilst remaing independent (likes to be his own dog).
Good with childre but often frightened of toddlers and babies. It does well living indoors, as long as it is walked daily. The Lhasa Apso sheds really heavily, though, so it needs to be professionally groomed every 8 weeks to prevent matting.

Pinscher (Miniature)
Feisty, independent, brave, curious dogs that are constantly busy, Intelligent and easy to train, a good family dog easy to train and god with children and other animals

Papillon -
A small pretty and lively dog ideal as a companion or as a loving easily socialised dog for families Its beautiful coat is prone to frequent shedding and needs to be combed at least daily. These dogs make wonderful lapdogs, and they are relatively quiet, compared to other small breeds.The breed is also relatively hardy.

Poodle (Miniature) -
The miniature poodle is lively, amiable, playful, eager to please, responsive and obedient making it one of the most popular varieties of dog. Quite sensitive, tending to be devoted to one person, may be reserved with strangers. It is good with children, other pets and dogs. Some tend to bark a lot.

Pug -
A small dog that is sociable, homely, companionable and friendly , their playful and clownish nature makes them ideal family pets.
Not overly intelligent which means patience is required when training..Has a low exercise requirement but can be high-energy dogs that love to cuddle. Can shed quite a bit which mighy require regular grooming.

Schnauzer Miniature
Alert and playful enjoys human company. Intelligent they are reasonably easy to train good with children and other pets make good watchdogs

Shih-Tzu -
Active, friendly, alert little dogs with an independent nature.Affectionate and devoted to their owners, good with children and other animals They live for human companionship; and have a have a sweet, gentle disposition Their long coats can require high-maintenance grooming, or they can be trimmed in a "puppy cut" which requires less

West Highland Terrier
Very popular pets, active and playful they can sometimes be feisty and independent but they are also affectionate and loyal.
Alert dogs they make good watchdogs.
Affectionate and loyal towards owners and great with children if raised with them.
Friendly with strangers and other dogs if well socialised. .

Yorkshire Terrier -
Small but feisty, tenacious and courageous.
Popular dogs that are intelligent and easy to train, learning commands quickly .They love human companionship without being too clingy Good with children and strangers
Very affectionate and loyal. Their long coat can be trimmed to a shorter length for ease of maintenance. They do not shed and are good low-allergy dogs.
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