Recommend a lap/companion dog

[Anonymous]

We want to get a small lap/campion dog. What are some breeds we should consider? Any thoughts about a cavachon, havanese, or miniature goldendoodle? Ideally, we want an easily trainable, affectionate dog that doesn’t require a lot of exercise. A short walk or two is fine.

[Anonymous]

Cavaliers are a delight. They were literally bred to sit in laps and are smart, snuggly little loves. When you go to the breeder just let them know what you are looking for so you get a lower energy one.

The cardiac issues are the only reason i don't have one

[Anonymous]

My low energy cav hates lap sitting.

[Anonymous]

We have a petite Goldendoodle. We love him to death. Tons of fun. Very affectionate. Super snuggly.

But he’s hyper and needs lots of exercise. Not a lap dog.

[Anonymous]

I’m weirded out by the mini golden doodles. I think breeding that quickly for size in that few generations is a bad idea.
I’d do the cavalier or cavapoo. Or maybe a pug.
I also wonder about Westies and scotties—I’ve only known geriatric ones but they were so sweet.

I’d avoid Maltese or chihuahuas—I known some really bad tempered ones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cavaliers are a delight. They were literally bred to sit in laps and are smart, snuggly little loves. When you go to the breeder just let them know what you are looking for so you get a lower energy one.

The cardiac issues are the only reason i don't have one

Agree with all of this, including the concerns about cardiac issues. They don’t live very long.

We have a cavalier-poodle mix, and I didn’t know about the heart issues with cavaliers until after we had him for quite a while. He’s ten years old now, and very healthy, so I hope the poodle genetics have won out? He is very much a “people” dog and lives to sit in someone’s (anyone’s) lap. We’d take him to the dog park, and while our other dog was playing, he’d be snuggled up in some stranger’s lap, or trying to get some other stranger to pick him up. Our only concern was that someone was going to take him home with them (many people threatened).

[Anonymous]

I have a maltese Yorkie mix who is calm, very sweet and a total lap dog.

[Anonymous]

I wanted a Havanese for years because I loved my the Havanese of a close friend. He’s still the best dog ever at 15...lap content, so smart and trainable, so focused on his human.

But we got a Havanese last year from a local AKC breeder and it was really shady and strange experience, and the dog turned out to have serious temperament issues and we returned him on the advice of the vet, who said she had only ever made that recommendation a few times in her career. The breeder was very defensive and unhappy but she had one bad review that was a very similar experience and I should have listened to it. It’s soured me on the breed but it may have just been the breeder.

[Anonymous]

Pug

[Anonymous]

Italian greyhounds make fantastic lapdogs. They are very delicate and need winter clothing. They are not low maintenance dogs, but if you have the time to devote to them, you will be amply rewarded with endless love and cuddles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m weirded out by the mini golden doodles. I think breeding that quickly for size in that few generations is a bad idea.
I’d do the cavalier or cavapoo. Or maybe a pug.
I also wonder about Westies and scotties—I’ve only known geriatric ones but they were so sweet.

I’d avoid Maltese or chihuahuas—I known some really bad tempered ones.

Our beloved and long-departed Westie is my favorite dog ever -- and I've had the joy of owning 5 dogs (1 childhood dog and 4 dogs as an adult). But Westies are in no way lap dogs and they're not anybody's companion either. They're not bad-tempered, but I wouldn't call them sweet. Your Westie believes you are there to serve her and be her companion; not the other way around.

[Anonymous]

I have an 11 pound miniature poodle. I called him my pitten as he’s part of pup and part cat. His favorite place to be is curled up next to me with his head in my lap or curled up entirely in my lap. I give him one 3-4 mile walk almost every day which is a breeze for him. so if you are unable to give a dog at least one good walk a day, a poodle might not be for you. But if you can, I highly recommend the breed. Poodles are smart, eager to please, and highly trainable.

[Anonymous]

I met a Coton de Tulear the other day and now I’m in love. Sweet, affectionate, easy to train, softest fur in the world, healthy breed, they want to be your constant companion.

[Anonymous]

Pug. They are like cozy, soft little hot water bottles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m weirded out by the mini golden doodles. I think breeding that quickly for size in that few generations is a bad idea.
I’d do the cavalier or cavapoo. Or maybe a pug.
I also wonder about Westies and scotties—I’ve only known geriatric ones but they were so sweet.

I’d avoid Maltese or chihuahuas—I known some really bad tempered ones.

Our beloved and long-departed Westie is my favorite dog ever -- and I've had the joy of owning 5 dogs (1 childhood dog and 4 dogs as an adult). But Westies are in no way lap dogs and they're not anybody's companion either. They're not bad-tempered, but I wouldn't call them sweet. Your Westie believes you are there to serve her and be her companion; not the other way around.

This is my experience with Westies, too