Are Pugs good lap dogs? Nothing is better than having a small dog sit on your lap. They are perfect and will listen to all your troubles, binge watch Netflix with you, and will just comfort you when you need it.
Are Pugs Good Lap Dogs?
Yes, these small dogs can make great lap dogs because they love spending time with their owners.
Not only that, but this breed makes the perfect companion for cozy naps, cuddling, and spending quiet afternoons on the couch.
Just be aware that they can snore very loudly!
Why Pugs Make Great Lap Dogs?
As I mentioned above, Pugs absolutely love their owner. They are happiest when they get to spend time with their owners. In fact, you shouldn’t consider getting a Pug, unless you can spend time with them. When a Pug bonds with you, they will start showing signs of affection and love to show you you’re their person.
Pugs that are left home alone for long periods of time are known to suffer from separation anxiety.
If you want a lap dog, then you need to look for a small size dog. Yes, it’s possible to turn a large dog into a lap dog. However, the perfect lap dog is going to fall into the following category:
Weight: 5 – 22 pounds
Cuddle: Small enough to be held in your arms or lie comfortably on your lap.
Temperament: Has a friendly disposition and doesn’t mind being held.
Lapdogs are not contained to a specific breed but are basically used as a generic term for small dogs with a friendly disposition.
9 Lap Dog Breeds Besides The Pug
I had a Pug for 16 years, so I am a little biased towards this breed. However, there are several other small dog breeds that will make a great lap dog beside the Pug.
All these small dogs should enjoy sitting on your lap while you’re watching TV or just hanging out on a bench.
#1 Havanese
This is a small dog that doesn’t require a lot of daily exercise. They are small dogs that make great pets for anyone who lives in apartments, the city, or their own home.
A full-grown Havanese will weigh between 8 – 13 pounds.
#2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed is perfect for a family or a great companion for an empty nester. They love to cuddle and have even been described as the “perfect lapdog.”
Their weight will average between 13 – 18 pounds.
#3 Maltese
These are adorable little dogs are perfect for people who suffer from allergies, since they don’t shed very much. They are extremely lovable and good-natured and won’t mind cuddling on your lap.
A full-grown Maltese will weigh about 6-9 pounds.
#4 Shih Tzu
This pint-sized pooch will make the perfect lap dog for anyone. They are extremely affectionate, lively and have a sweet temperament.
These dogs grow to be around 8 – 16 pounds.
#5 Pekingese
The Pekingese is another great lap dog due to their calm and loyal demeanor. They won’t mind cuddling and bonding with their favorite human.
A full-grown Pekingese will weigh between 7 – 14 pounds.
#6 French Bulldog (Frenchie)
While this isn’t the typical small lapdog, as they can weigh about 28 pounds. However, they make a great lap dog because they are extremely affectionate and can make a great pet for anyone.
They will adapt to any type of environment, whether you have a small backyard or a very small one.
#7 Chihuahua
Like the Pug, Chihuahuas are excellent companion dogs. Once they bond with you, they are extremely loyal and devoted. The downside is they have a tendency to bark more than some larger dogs.
They are light as a feather and weigh between 3 – 6 pounds.
#8 Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is considered an all-all-around great pet because they have a very playful and gentle demeanor. They get along great with kids, babies and other animals.
This small dog will weigh between 7 – 12 pounds which makes them light as a feather and easy to cuddle with.
#9 Yorkshire Terrier
This toy breed makes a great lap dog and is the perfect pet for senior citizens, people with medical problems and anyone who doesn’t want a big strong dog.
These small devoted companions weigh between 4-7 pounds, sometimes they can be a little larger.
Note: Every dog has its own unique personality, which means that NOT every small dog will make a great lap dog.
How Do I Make My Dog A Lap Dog?
Unfortunately, not every small dog is going to make a great lapdog. If your dog doesn’t enjoy sitting on your lap, it could be because they are nervous they may fall?
Your four-legged friend may feel unstable on your lap, after all, it’s nothing like standing on the floor.
Don’t worry, here are some steps that you can use to train your Pug to enjoy being a lapdog.
Use The Same Seat
During the initial training, you want to make sure that you’re calling your Pug to come sit in your lap while sitting in the same seat, chair, couch, or office chair.
This will help them get used to sitting on your lap when you call them. Once they start getting on your lap without any issues or concerns, you can change your seating arrangement.
Treats
Pugs can be taught anything, especially when you have treats, so make sure you have plenty of treats to train them.
You may have to lure them on your lap by showing them the treat first, especially, if they are scared at first.
Sit
Make sure you have a sturdy place where your dog can sit without worrying about falling down. You may even want to consider using a soft blanket that your dog can use when they sit on your lap.
Call Your Dog
Start by calling your dog while you’re sitting and patting the blanket in your lap. You may have to invest in some pet stairs or pick them up so they don’t fall.
Reward
Whenever your Pug sits on your lap, give them a treat and praise to let them know they did something you’re proud of.
Repeat
Pick your pooch up and put him on the ground. Repeat the command and pat the blanket over and over. Eventually, your Pug will realize what you expect of them when you pat your leg or they see their blanket.
You can even use a command such as “lap” to help them understand what you want from them. Make sure you keep giving them a treat and praise until they jump up on your lap without any issues.
Eventually, they will jump or walk and sit on your lap whenever they see their blanket scrawled across your lap. Next thing you’ll know you’ll be looking for ways to keep your Pug off of your lap.
Final Word On Are Pugs Lap Dogs?
Pugs make excellent lap dogs and will sit on your lap whenever you want them to. The downside is that can have a tendency to get hot easily, so make sure that you have a proper room temperature set.
You also want to make sure you rub and pet them with your free hand. If you spend enough time doing this, you will quickly become their favorite person.
Allowing them to sit on your lap while you’re petting them is a sure way to win a lifelong companion!
References and Further Reading
Animal Planet – Dog Breed Selector