Many large dog breeds have a desire to be lapdogs despite their massive stature. Big dogs love being close and getting attention, often trying to squeeze onto their owners’ laps or claiming a spot on the couch.
Newfoundland, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, and Irish Wolfhound are some examples of lovable giants, showing no dog is ever too big to be a lap dog!
A closer look at 12 large dog breeds happy to take your lap as their favorite place.
Big Dog Breeds That Think They’re Lap Dogs
It appears that most dogs are unaware of their size. Even though they are large and heavy, some gentle giants will fit onto your lap for a cuddle.
These lovable dogs bring the heart of a lapdog into their heavyweight body, proving that no dog is ever too big for cuddles.
1. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a gentle and loving breed best known for its heroic rescue work; however, they are relaxing, cuddly dogs inside the house.
They weigh from 120 to 180 pounds, but the Saint Bernard does not think they are a big dog and is a lapdog at heart.
With their calm demeanor, sweet temperament, and love for family time, these dogs are happiest when they’re showering you with affection and soaking up every bit of attention you give them.
2. Alaskan Malamute
A powerful, wolf-like sled dog, the Alaskan Malamute was developed for the severe winter climate.
However, don’t let their body fool you. Malamutes are devoted, energetic, and behave like large lapdogs.
They love cuddling regardless of whether they are at your feet, next to you, or stretched halfway across your lap.
Malamutes thrive on companionship and are happiest when they are with their owners.
3. Great Dane
Known as the “Apollo of dogs,” the Great Dane is a giant breed that proves that dogs can be large and lovable.
Great Danes can be as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh over 140 pounds.
They are often unaware of their size, and are notorious for climbing on laps or stretching on their humans for a cuddle.
They form bonds with their families and love nothing more than playing together, proving that even the big dog breeds think they are lapdogs.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a durable working dog from the Swiss Alps that has a muscular body, but don’t let their build fool you; they are softies at heart.
These dogs can weigh up to 115 pounds; they love nothing more than climbing on your lap for a cuddle.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is affectionate and easy-going, and as such, they form deep bonds with their families.
Whether lounging indoors or resting after outdoor adventures, they’ll happily lean in for hugs and cozy moments.
5. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a massive, elegant dog, and is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, yet these dogs are sweet and cuddly.
They are often called gentle giants; they have an urge for human companionship and will fit their large bodies onto your lap.
Although they are large dogs, they are sensitive, calm, and thrive on bonding with their owners. It should not surprise you if your noble hound leans in for cuddles like a puppy.
6. Bullmastiff
An enormous, powerful breed to guard estates, the Bullmastiff is affectionate during family time. Weighing between 100 – 130 lbs, they see themselves as a cuddly, lap-size breed.
Bullmastiffs are loyal companions and want to be close to their family members.
Whether it’s resting their head in your lap or sprawling out on the couch, Bullmastiffs enjoy being next to their owners and show that larger breeds can be sweet and lovable lapdogs.
7. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound may be small in stature, but they happily consider themselves a lapdog. These elegant, slender cuties, who love to cuddle, are known for their affectionate nature.
Italian Greyhounds only weigh 7-14 lbs, but they feel obligated to curl up on your lap and enjoy being pampered.
They will gladly snuggle up next to you, seeking warmth and comfort, and they are quick to form a bond with their family members.
Their calm, sweet temperament makes them perfect companions for anyone looking for a snugly lapdog.
8. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a noble and majestic breed that was first developed to protect flocks in rugged mountain terrain.
Despite their enormous size, these dogs are renowned for being kind and loving. Great Pyrenees, which weigh between 85 and 115 pounds, prefer to curl up in your lap because they feel much smaller than they are.
Their affectionate nature and serene disposition make them great companions, and their readiness to settle down next to you demonstrates how big their hearts are.
9. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is known for their intelligence and working ability, but beneath that strong exterior lies an affectionate lapdog in disguise.
German Shepherds are athletic dogs, and they want nothing more than to hang out with their family.
They often think they are small enough to curl up on your lap or at least hang out beside you.
Their loyalty, playful behavior, and desire to be involved in everything make them feel as if they are still a puppy.
10. Doberman Pinscher
Known for its sleek, muscular appearance and willingness to protect, the Doberman Pinscher may seem intimidating, but they are softies at heart. Dobermans are extremely loving, and affection is extremely important to them.
These dogs often believe they’re lap dogs, curling up beside their owners or attempting to nestle into small spaces for attention.
Dobermans are loyal and enjoy spending time with their loved ones.
11. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a large, majestic breed. Their soft, affectionate demeanor makes them think that they are much smaller than they are.
They love affection from their humans and like to curl up next to you or lie their head on your lap. Their desire for closeness and warmth leads them to believe they can act like a small lap dog, even though they’re one of the tallest dog breeds around.
For anyone searching for a large dog with a big heart, they are the perfect companion due to their kind and affectionate nature.
12. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an intelligent hunting breed, but like most breeds on this list, it also has a sweet, loving side that makes them think they are lap dogs.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers love to snuggle and be close to you.
They will sit on your lap, put their head on your lap, or snuggle up to you like they are some small dog breed.
These dogs are loyal and affectionate, so if you love big and loving dog breeds that enjoy being near you, then the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the perfect breed for you.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, these big lapdogs, which are often just big teddy bears, think they are small lapdogs.
These gentle giant dogs need love and companionship and will often try to curl up in your lap.
So if you are ready for a giant dog with a gigantic heart that will attempt to fit in your lap, then these dogs will gladly accept the invitation to sit there. They only want to be close to you.
