16 Cuddly Dog Breeds That Always Want To Be in Your Lap

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 14–15 years
• Temperament: Adoring, smart, playful

With white, wispy curls and a rounded haircut, the Bichon Frise looks like a puffy little cloud that you just want to hold close. Most of the time, these toy dogs won’t mind. 

Bichons Frise are known to be affectionate with a playful side. This combination makes them especially good playmates for kids, but make sure you still take the time to socialize your dog properly and teach little ones good manners around pets.

• Size: Extra large
• Lifespan: 7–10 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, fun-loving, loyal

Supersized and sweet, the Bernese Mountain Dog wants to be your big best friend. These dogs can easily weigh 70 pounds or more, but they wish they were lapdogs. 

Although they’re (probably) too big to fit in your lap, don’t be surprised to find these gentle giants sliding up next to you and putting their body against yours—a move known as the “Berner Lean.”

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 8–10 years
• Temperament: Charming, cuddly, silly

The English Bulldog may have a tough-dog appearance with their stocky stature and wrinkly face, but they’re real softies inside. 

Bulldogs have a reputation for being sweet and, at times, a little silly. Their affection and antics make them great companion pets, but you’ll have to keep their skin folds clean (use a medicated wipe!) and be vigilant about  making sure they don’t overheat in warm weather.

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Bubbly, happy-go-lucky, sporty

With large, round eyes and soft, floppy ears, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel looks like the quintessential lapdog.

However, this wasn’t the breed’s first calling—they were originally bred as hunting spaniels. But their charming and affectionate nature turned them into popular lapdogs in the Victorian era. And while Cavaliers are still keen to use their sense of smell, they’d rather accompany you on a scent walk than spend time solo.

• Size: Extra small 
• Lifespan: 14–16 years
• Temperament: Charismatic, chatty, cheeky

The Chihuahua may be one of the smallest dog breeds, but they aren’t short on love to give. Chis, as they’re often called, are known to be very devoted to their pet parents and are more than happy to be in your arms. 

But don’t make the mistake of carrying your Chihuahua around 24/7. These little dogs still need exercise, such as neighborhood walks and playing fetch with their favorite toys.

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 14–15 years
• Temperament: Alert, playful, sweet-natured

Italian Greyhounds are nimble and surprisingly fast for their small size. These dogs love to zip around your yard but will just as quickly jump into your lap. 

That’s especially true if the weather is a bit chilly because these dogs don’t handle cold weather well. They become little heat-seekers and will climb into your lap or snuggle under the blanket with you.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Smart, silly, social

It’s a toss-up as to what activity would bring a Golden Retriever more joy: an endless game of fetch or nonstop cuddles. Goldens love nothing more than to chase down a ball, but these gregarious dogs crave human touch, too. 

Don’t be surprised if your Golden Retriever objects when you stop petting him, even putting a paw on your hand to say, “More pets, please!”

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10–13 years
• Temperament: Gentle, independent, laid-back

The Greyhound may be the fastest dog breed, but these racers have more than speed on their mind. When they’re not going full-tilt around the yard, these dogs love to be in close proximity to their humans. 

While they’re not lapdogs, many Greyhounds crave companionship and will frequently show affection by sliding up next to you on the couch for some cuddles.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Athletic, outgoing, smart

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the U.S., and it’s not hard to see why. These dogs have seemingly endless energy for any adventure, but they’re also very people-oriented and will want to join you on the couch for cuddles at the end of the day. 

• Size: Extra large
• Lifespan: 9–10 years
• Temperament: Charming, friendly, patient

One of the biggest—and most affectionate—dog breeds is the Newfoundland. The breed has a reputation for being patient and attentive, especially with children. 

Just make sure you have the space for a dog that easily weighs over 100 pounds. All that fluff, plus a propensity to drool, requires dedication to grooming, too.

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, social butterfly

Does it surprise you to learn that the smiley Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a personality that’s just as cheerful as their looks? If you’ve ever met a Corgi, probably not. 

These dogs seem to smile with their whole being, and although they only have a stumpy tail to excitedly wiggle, you can tell they’re thrilled to be in your presence—especially if it means cuddles are on the way. 

• Size: Extra small 
• Lifespan: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Bright, cheeky, opinionated

Pomeranians are full of pep. These spunky little companion dogs are eager to be involved in whatever it is you’re doing, and they won’t object to the chance to sit in your lap and receive praise for their beautiful, fluffy coat. 

Since these dogs have such an abundance of hair, it helps to keep a brush handy to give your Pom a daily combing during your cuddle sessions. As a bonus, this will help strengthen your bond! 

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 13–15 years
• Temperament: BFF, friendly, optimistic

Pugs are like sentient, social potatoes who follow you from room to room in search of adoration. They’ll usually accept attention from anyone who is willing to give it, but your Pug’s favorite person is you—and they’ll be happy to shadow your every activity. 

But Pugs aren’t exactly star athletes when it comes to physical exercise, and they don’t handle extreme weather well. Even still, get your Pug up and out for a few short walks each day. 

• Size: Extra small 
• Lifespan: 10–18 years
• Temperament: Social butterfly, intuitive, eager

Toy Poodles are the smallest of the three types of Poodles, making them the ultimate cuddle buddies.

But they need more than snuggles. As one of the smartest dog breeds, Poodles of all sizes benefit from regular mental stimulation—like interactive games and training activities. And because their curly coat is low-shedding, they’re often a go-to dog breed for families with allergies.

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 10–18 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, charming, playful

The Shih Tzu is one of the most affectionate small dogs. You could say that it’s in their pedigree to be sweet—for centuries, they were bred to be companions to the members of the Chinese court.

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Doting, playful, silly

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier often looks like they’re wearing an ear-to-ear grin, and their personality is just as charming. They’ve earned the nickname “The Nanny Dog” because of how gentle they tend to be around children. 

These dogs love to cuddle with their favorite people and don’t often realize they’re not quite small enough to actually fit in your lap. Just make sure you give them plenty of daily exercise so they can get their energy out—an hour a day is usually what these dogs need to stay healthy and happy.