Breed suggestions?
I have a high-energy 45 lb dog who is fantastic & adorable. But she prefers to curl up by herself when she’s done playing. I want to get her a friend next year when I move, but I really like curling up with a dog.
So, what similarly sized dogs do you know who like to be “lap dogs” ?
One of my friends has a Basset-mix who is exactly what I’m looking for… but I’m not sure how typical he is of Bassets. I do love the long droopy ears, though!
I can only touch on the Basset part, but everyone that I know has bitten their owner, why? I’m not sure. They are really cute dogs but seem to be stubborn to the point of putting teeth on their people.
Typically males tend to be more cuddly, at least from my experience. My Boxer mix is the cuddliest dog on the planet.
I have a Chinese Crested. Perfect size to sit in my lap or in my chair or under the blankets with me at night, but still big enough to accompany me during all my farm work and help me herd the goats or turkeys.
Once she drove away an aggressive young cow who knocked me down in the barn and was intent on smashing me with its head.
[QUOTE=MustangSavvy;7395721]
Typically males tend to be more cuddly, at least from my experience. My Boxer mix is the cuddliest dog on the planet.[/QUOTE]
Oh, the next dog will definitely be a male. My girl can be a bit dominant and is much better with neutered males. (and that is why I need to wait to get her a friend b/c I don’t want dominance kerfuffles since I can’t separate them at my current place).
Epona: Interesting suggestion, but I do prefer fluffy dogs.
I bred pugs for years- awesome little cuddlers, playful and essentially NEVER bite- no matter what the kids do with them.
My retired parents have had the best luck with Shih-tzu’s. Low energy, fairly sturdy, and very happy to cuddle. They also aren’t hyper or yappy like many small breeds. They do need regular grooming, though.
I defined medium sized in my OP as approximately 45 pounds.
Pugs & Shih-tzus are way too small for my needs, although they would be fantastic suggestions for someone looking for a small dog. Shih-tzus are very talented at cuddling!
How about a Standard Poodle? Not only are they smart, and tough, but they look like big stuffed dogs already. And you get a short clip, not a fluffy show clip.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be for you. The ones I have known love to cuddle, and I believe they were actually bred to be lap dogs.
I’ve really taken a shine to the Boykin Spaniels. I’ve only met one “in person”, but everything I read about them, makes me want one. I joined a few Boykin groups on Facebook, and they sure look lovable!
I worked at a boarding kennel all thru high school. I was exposed to A LOT of various dog breeds, and the only one that ever bit me was a Bassett hound…2 different bassets on 2 different occasions. Not a breed that I would EVER consider. JMO
I think you’re just going to have to try them out. It’s not necessarily a breed thing, or even a gender thing, it’s more personality.
I have a 25 lb mix (dachsie/border collie? or sheltie? something that herds…).
He’s not quite a lap dog, but loves to lay next to you on the couch or on the back cushion of the couch, and sleeps plastered against my side all night long. My first smaller dog, and I hate to admit that I’m smitten.
I say go to the shelter and ask which dogs are lapdogs. I adopted a dog last year and he jumped into my lap as soon as I saw him.
That’s such a shame both of you ended up meeting such nasty Bassets. Their breed standard calls for a gentle personality, although strong-willed.
Standard poodle is a great option. I love Cavaliers… but they have SO many heart problems.
I’ll definitely get a shelter dog, but the “lap dog” personality depends on the breed too. I mean, my dog is a huge sweetie and will happily hop up next to me for pets, but then she goes and hangs out by herself. And that’s part of her Chow chow breed standard - sweet & aloof (although she is a mix).
Since it seems like your number one priority is a cuddled, I would absolutely recommend adopting an adult from a shelter or a responsible breeder if you want a specific breed.
Miniature Schnauzers are notorious cuddler/lap dogs. Right now my boy is crashed out in a dog bed next to me on the couch. Except for a once in a blue moon he perceives laps as places to drop toys, not cuddle. I’ve had him since 14 weeks and still cannot convince him to crash in my lap while I watch TV. If I really valued a lap dog I would look at an adult since I know his littermate sister is a huge cuddler but the other male is not (same home environment).
I have two mini poodles and a toy poodle cuddling on my bed right now. If you’re looking for a fluffy, tough, little-ish dog… I say check out a mini poodle.
Every pitbull I know is MORE than happy to cuddle allll day long! And they definitely fit into your size range.
I’d suggest contacting a few rescue groups and asking them if they have any 45lb dogs that are cuddlers in their foster homes, and seeing what they come up with.
I wish more people would contact us with specific requirements and then hone in on particular dogs rather than focusing first (first contact/inquiry) on a specific dog then asking about general temperament and personality.
I have a few reall cuddly fosters right now but one’s 11 lbs (best guess is Papillon/chi), one’s 70lbs (weimaraner), and the third one just got pre-adopted (she’s a chow mix too, but with more of a retriever face).
Best of luck!
I guess I should also toss out there that I’ve interacted with a handful of beagles, and they all fit the cuddly bill too.
But they’re just so goddamn annoying that the cons outweigh the pros. I told my little monster right to his adorable little face that he was the worst dog in the world, every single day, for 13 years straight. :lol:
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