Most people who want a smaller dog are wanting an everyday lap companion. Like people, dogs too love affection and kindness. Having a smaller breed of dog can be a therapeutic way to relieve stress when you are holding and petting them, as they can sense your mood. If you are thinking about getting a lap dog, or already have one as a member of your family, then read on to find out a little about a few smaller lap dog breeds.
I would like to start by saying that a dog does not need to be pure breed to be loving and cute. Mixed breeds are just as lovable and need homes too. For instance, my Chiweenie Dobby is a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix and is just the cutest thing. Not only does he warm up quickly on your lap, but he’s a great guard dog too. This leads me to the first two best lap dog breeds.
Chihuahua breeds range from one to six pounds as adults and though small, are perfect little watch dogs. They are very spirited, spunky and appear to have no fear against bigger dogs. Though Chihuahuas enjoy sitting in their owner’s laps, they also crave exercise and need to be walked as often as large breeds. Chihuahua are also considered as best mid size dogs for apartments. So if you are living in an apartment, Chihuahua is one of the great breeds of dog for you.
Originally bred as hunting dogs in Germany, Dachshunds are very affectionate and seem to always be at the heels of their owners. Dachshunds are very pushy when they want attention and may nuzzle and bark at you until they get it from you. These dogs love playing when they are not napping on a lap, but both Dachshunds and Chihuahuas can be temperamental, so be cautious if there are small children around.
Weighting up to 18 pounds, the popular Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is charming and hansom. This breed is not only a constantly cheerful companion, but is also athletic. A quite dog, he doesn’t fuss, but prefers to not live outdoors. The Cavalier’s friendly and outgoing attitude makes him the perfect buddy for all ages young and old.
Most people picture a naked hairless dog when they hear Chinese Crested, and they would be right. The Hairless Chinese Crested does get cold very easily and will need a shirt or sweater to wear during the colder months. She is simple to groom, as her only hair is on her head, neck and some fur around her feet. However, the Chinese Crested breed does have a puffy-furred counterpart who is the same dog, just covered in a heavy fur giving it the name Chinese Crested Powder-Puff. Though puffy, the Powder-Puff is not difficult to groom. Both dogs are friendly, love affection and will usually get along with other dogs and children well.
The Bichon Frise is a beautiful little dog with his fluffy curly coat and small stature. If you have allergies and are wanting to add a small lap dog to your family, then this could be your dog. The Bichon Frise is recommended for people with allergies because he does not shed as frequently as most other dog breeds. Unless you want to take on the challenge of maintaining a certain look for your dog, the coat does not need to be styled like a show dog’s. Instead, all he needs is a little trim periodically. Bichon Frises have a friendly and outgoing temperament which allows for him to accommodate for living in households that are constantly busy.
A great website about smaller breed dogs to check out is PetPlace.com. To find out a little information on the breed of dog you are interested in just type a breed into the Search bar.
