Hypoallergenic Lap Dogs — 10 Small and Allergy-friendly Dog Breeds
Are you looking for hypoallergenic lap dogs that won’t trigger your dog allergy symptoms? If you want a small and cuddly pooch, a lap dog would fit the bow-wow bill. These pint-sized pooches are not only small enough to cuddle on your lap, but they also love to relax, and don’t require much exercise.
Not all little dogs are allergy-friendly or make good companion canines. Hence, we’re going to share with you 10 of the best hypoallergenic lap dogs.
Non Shedding Lap Dogs
Every dog owner wants a pooch that’s content by their side, but if you have allergies, this can make it tricky to find the right breed for you. So, what makes a dog both hypoallergenic and the perfect lap dog?
What’s a Lap Dog?
While some larger tail-waggers like to think they are, lap dogs are typically small pooches. Yet, just because a dog is small, doesn’t mean it will make a good lap dog.
For example, high-energy dogs like the Jack Russell or Miniature Pinscher want to play more than they want to snuggle. So, if you’ve decided this is the kind of dog for you, you’ll need a breed that loves to lounge — as in, a breed that prefers to curl up and snooze with their humans.
Small dogs are considered to be breeds that weigh 22 pounds or less. However, many in this weight range wouldn’t make a good snuggle buddy — think Yorkshire Terrier or the West Highland White Terrier.
To sum it up for you — the key traits of a good hypoallergenic small lap dog include:
- Small size — sub 22 pounds in weight.
- Relaxed temperament.
- Enjoys human company.
- Affectionate and loving personality.
- Forms a strong bond with their owner.
- Minimal exercise needs.
What Type of Dog is Hypoallergenic?
Small hypoallergenic lap dogs possess all the characteristics listed above, plus they’re more allergy-friendly.
Wondering what type of dog is hypoallergenic? Let’s clear that up.
Despite popular belief, it isn’t dog fur that causes an allergic reaction in humans.
Dog allergies are caused by a protein in our furry friends’ saliva, urine, and dead skin cells (dander). If a dog drools a lot, isn’t well house-trained, or sheds a lot of dander, it will release allergens into the air and trigger allergy symptoms.
Heavy-shedding dogs are more problematic for allergy sufferers because dander is often attached to the released fur. Hence, if your dog loses a lot of hair, they’re also likely to shed more allergens than mild-shedding breeds.
You may have heard that some dog breeds are completely allergy free and 100% hypoallergenic, but this is just a myth. All dogs urinate, have saliva, and carry allergens in their dead skin cells.
While a totally allergy-free dog breed doesn’t exist, many breeds are considered hypoallergenic. Thanks to these pooches, dog lovers with allergies can live in harmony with their furry friends.
For a more detailed explanation, head on over to our article What is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Top 10 Hypoallergenic Lap Dog Breeds
Lap dogs are the perfect pets for seniors, apartment living, and those who don’t have the time (or energy!) for long, daily doggy walks. We’ve put together 10 of our favorites for you. So, which of these non shedding lap dogs will be yours?
1. Bichon Frise
Size: 9.5-11.5 inches / 12-18 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-15 years
Exercise needs: 30 minutes+ per day
The happy-go-lucky Bichon Frise is full of character. These small dogs love to play but also enjoy timeout for cuddles. This lap dog wants to be everyone’s friend and gets on well with children and other pets. The Bichon has a long and curly double coat that’ll require daily attention, but they make loyal companions for allergy sufferers.
Size: 7-10 inches / 8-10 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Exercise needs: 30 minutes per day
The Brussels Griffon is a curious little canine with a human-like complex character. They’re devoted canine companions, and while Griffs can be alert and energetic, they’ll never be far from you. Rough-coated Brussels Griffon dogs are hypoallergenic and rarely shed.
3. Cavapoo
Size: 9-16 inches / 9-25 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Exercise needs: 40 minutes per day
The Cavapoo is a non shedding lap dog hybrid — a mix of a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. These dogs look like real-life teddy bears and make wonderful snuggle buddies. The Cavapoo has a gentle and adaptable temperament and adores being a part of the family.
4. Cockapoo
Size: 9-16 inches / 9-25 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Exercise needs: 40 minutes per day
The Cavapoo is a non shedding lap dog hybrid — a mix of a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. These dogs look like real-life teddy bears and make wonderful snuggle buddies. The Cavapoo has a gentle and adaptable temperament and adores being a part of the family.
5. Bolognese
Size: 10-12 inches / 6-10 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Exercise needs: 30 minutes twice a day
Bolognese dogs have an easy-to-groom coat and won’t trigger dog allergy symptoms. These small bow-wows are devoted to their owners and will shadow you all day. They’re easy-going and quite low energy, perfect for anyone looking for one of the best laid-back non shedding lap dogs. The Bolognese has a fluffy, white coat and only sheds very mildly all year round.
Size: 13-15 inches / 7-14 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-15 years
Exercise needs: 45 mins – 1 hour daily
Italian Greyhounds may sound like bundles of energy, but they’re quite the opposite. This sighthound loves a good run every day, yet the rest of the time, they’re happy to chill. These dogs are very affectionate, loving, and unexpectedly, make excellent non shedding small lap dogs.
7. Shih Tzu
Size: 9-10.5 inches / 9-16 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-18 years
Exercise needs: 35 minutes – twice a day
The Shih Tzu is an extremely popular dog due to their need for very little exercise. These beautiful pups love to cuddle and possess a gentle nature. The Shih Tzu is happiest when they’re the center of attention and in return, will shower you with loyalty and affection.
8. Lhasa Apso
Size: 10-11 inches / 12-18 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Exercise needs: 1 hour daily
The elegant Lhasa Apso is famous for their long and flowing, silky coat. Despite the length of their hair, Lhasas are non shedding lap dogs and perfect canine companions for allergy sufferers. These tiny dogs get on well with children and form strong bonds with their owners. Once they’ve had their walkies, Lhasa Apsos relish the opportunity to leap onto your lap.
9. Maltese
Size: 7-9 inches / under 7 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Exercise needs: 30 minutes daily
Maltese dogs can be strong-willed and challenging to train, but with plenty of treats, they can learn to be adaptable and well-behaved pets. The Maltese also has a long coat made up of human-like hair, which shouldn’t cause an allergic reaction. These affectionate toy dogs have a gentle temperament and love to cuddle.
10. Havanese
Size: 8.5-11.5 inches / 7-13 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
Exercise needs: 30 minutes a day
These dogs are super intelligent and easy to train. Havanese are happy and adaptable little dogs that also don’t bark much — perfect for your neighbors. They’re loyal and affectionate little canines and often described as ‘velcro’ dogs because of their desire to be beside their owners every second.
Conclusion
Lap dogs make the perfect pets for those who want a relaxed furry friend. Whether you choose the Bichon Frise or the Bolognese, the Cavapoo or the Cockapoo, you’ll have a furry friend who thrives on affection and companionship.
If you have allergies and want a pup who loves to cuddle more than they love walkies, a hypoallergenic lap dog is a good fit. However, choose the wrong breed, and you can end up with a tiny dog with a big attitude and a high energy level — not the relaxed pup you were hoping for!
Hypoallergenic Small Lap Dogs FAQs
What Is the Most Cuddly Lap Dog?
There is no clear winner as to the most cuddly lap dog. However, if you desire a life of snuggle time, these breeds should make your shortlist:
What Small Dog is Calmest?
Ironically there is a ‘fight’ for the calmest small dog breed. The top dogs are as follows:
Are Small Dogs More Loyal?
Any dog breed owner would argue that their dog is the most loyal, and their four-legged companions would undoubtedly be behind them every step of the way! Yet no matter how ‘yappy’ small dogs are perceived to be, their devotion should never be questioned. Small dogs may be smaller in stature compared to their larger counterparts, but their loyalty is colossal.
What Is the Friendliest Lap Dog?
Some of the friendliest lap dogs are breeds, such as:
- Bichon Frise.
- Bolognese.
- French Bulldog.
- Maltese.
