There’s something absolutely magical about watching a hundred-and-fifty-pound dog carefully position himself on your couch like he’s a delicate five-pound Chihuahua. You know that look – those hopeful eyes that seem to say, “What do you mean I’m too big?” These gentle giants have somehow missed the memo about their actual size, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. From Great Danes who genuinely believe they’re pocket-sized to Saint Bernards who insist on being the ultimate cuddle buddies, big dogs with lap dog mentality bring endless joy to our lives.
Great Danes: The Ultimate “Gentle Giant” Lap Dogs
Despite their size, many Great Danes believe they are lap dogs and enjoy sitting on their owner’s lap. Some Danes wish they were–or truly believe they are–lapdogs, and they’ll keep trying to get there even if you and your lap mysteriously keep moving. These towering beauties can reach heights of over thirty inches and typically weigh 120-200 pounds, yet they possess hearts as massive as their frames.
They’re gentle, sweet, affectionate pets who love to play and are relaxed with children. The Great Dane wants to be where the family is. Their famous leaning behavior is just another way they show their deep affection, though you might want to brace yourself when a Great Dane decides you need a full-body hug.
Saint Bernards: Mountain-Sized Teddy Bears
Saint Bernards are known for their large size, but they have a gentle and loving temperament that makes them believe they’re tiny lap dogs. These gentle giants are incredibly affectionate and love to be around their human family members. They’ll often try to curl up next to you or place their large head on your lap to seek comfort and love.
Originally bred for alpine rescues, these magnificent dogs have retained their nurturing instincts in the most adorable way possible. Their need for physical closeness, despite their size, shows that they’re more interested in being cuddled and cared for than maintaining their intimidating exterior. When a Saint Bernard gently rests his massive head on your knee, you’ll understand why they’re considered among the most loving breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dogs: Swiss Sweethearts Who Love to Snuggle
The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland as an all-purpose farm dog. But don’t be fooled by their size – Berners are known for being gentle, playful and affectionate with both friends and strangers alike. These tri-colored beauties with their distinctive white chest markings are absolute masters at looking innocent when they’re clearly too big for your furniture.
The breed is known for being particularly gentle and affectionate with children. They may even take it upon themselves to watch over the children, and they’re not rambunctious with them. Their patient nature makes them perfect lap dogs, even if they require a reinforced couch and perhaps some extra cushions for optimal snuggling comfort.
Newfoundlands: Gentle Water Bears
The massive Newfoundland is a strikingly large, powerful working dog of heavy bone and dignified bearing. The sweet-tempered Newfie is a famously good companion and has earned a reputation as a patient and watchful “nanny dog” for kids. These fluffy giants possess an almost supernatural ability to sense when someone needs comfort.
Despite their size, Newfoundlands are remarkably affectionate and often try to curl up on their humans’ laps or nestle close by. They’re especially great with kids, thanks to their calm and patient demeanor. These big, fluffy dogs are like giant teddy bears, always ready to provide warmth and companionship. Their thick, water-resistant coats make them excellent natural heating pads during chilly evenings.
Mastiffs: Couch-Conquering Sweethearts
Bullmastiffs are large and powerful dogs, but they have a gentle and affectionate nature. These dogs are known for their calm demeanor and tendency to stay close to their families. Bullmastiffs often forget just how big they are and will try to climb onto your lap or curl up beside you.
Despite their imposing appearance, they are actually very docile dogs that are affectionate towards their family and friends. With their friends and families, however, they are very gentle and lazy dogs that enjoy relaxing on the couch or taking up the entire bed. While they can adapt to apartment living with proper exercise, their large size generally makes them better suited to homes with more space. These impressive dogs have mastered the art of selective memory when it comes to their actual size.
Irish Wolfhounds: The Tallest Lap Dogs
Fun fact: the Irish Wolfhound is among the tallest breeds of dog in the world! A sighthound, Irish Wolfhounds are bred for speed rather than endurance. Surprisingly, they are actually very lazy inside the house. These gentle giants are living proof that bigger doesn’t mean more energetic.
They are playful, goofy dogs that turn into giant couch potatoes when relaxing… which is something they do fairly often! The Irish Wolfhound will form tight bonds with their families and love to chill with–or on–them. Their laid-back attitude makes them surprisingly suitable for apartment living, though you might need to invest in a king-sized couch.
Boxers: Bouncy Lap-Seekers
Boxers are known for their energetic personalities and playful nature, but they also love to cuddle. These dogs tend to climb onto your lap or sit as close to you as possible, believing that they’re small enough to be your lap dog. Their boundless enthusiasm extends to snuggle time, where they approach cuddling with the same vigor they bring to playtime.
These muscular comedians have perfected the art of selective size awareness. One moment they’re bouncing around the yard like puppies, and the next they’re attempting to become one with your favorite armchair. Their expressive faces and wiggling bodies make it nearly impossible to say no when they’re asking for lap privileges, even when your legs might disagree.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers: Water-Loving Cuddlers
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known for their intelligence and hunting ability, but they also have a sweet, loving side that makes them believe they’re small lap dogs. Despite their size, these dogs love to cuddle and be close to their owners. They’ll often try to sit on your lap, rest their head on your lap, or snuggle up to you as if they’re a small dog.
They are gentle giants that want nothing more than to be near you, acting just like a small lap dog with their loving behavior. Their calm nature and affection make them ideal for families seeking a big dog with a soft heart. These water-loving pups bring the same dedication they show in the field to their role as professional cuddlers at home.
Scottish Deerhounds: Elegant Couch Companions
The Scottish Deerhound is a large and majestic breed, but their soft, affectionate nature makes them believe they’re much smaller than they are. These dogs have a calm demeanor and often seek affection from their human family members, curling up beside you or laying 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.
These elegant sighthounds possess a regal bearing that somehow doesn’t prevent them from believing they’re perfectly sized for indoor snuggling. Their silky coats and gentle expressions make them irresistible when they’re asking for permission to join you on the couch, and their calm temperament means they’ll settle in for long, peaceful cuddle sessions.
Leonbergers: Lion-Maned Lap Lions
Leonbergers, with their lion-like appearance and majestic mane, are as kind as they are significant. They are known for their friendly and playful nature, often forgetting their size in their eagerness to be close to their humans. Leonbergers are incredibly affectionate and enjoy being part of family activities, always seeking to offer comfort and companionship.
Their preference for closeness and gentle temperament makes them perfect candidates for anyone looking for a giant lap dog who brings warmth and joy into their home. These magnificent dogs combine the majesty of a lion with the heart of a devoted companion, creating an irresistible combination that makes every family gathering more special.
Conclusion: When Size Doesn’t Matter
Living with these oversized lap dogs teaches us something beautiful about unconditional love and the power of believing in yourself, regardless of what others might think about your size. Great Danes may be large dogs, but in their minds, they fit into the lap dog category. Great Danes love to spread out on the couch or sit on your lap, if you will have them. Their capacity for affection is endless. These gentle giants remind us that love isn’t measured in pounds or inches, but in the warmth of a cuddle and the comfort of being close to those we cherish most.
Whether you’re sharing your couch with a Great Dane who thinks he’s a Chihuahua or making room for a Newfoundland who’s convinced she’s lap-sized, these dogs prove that the biggest hearts often come in the biggest packages. So next time your gentle giant gives you those hopeful eyes and starts making his move toward your favorite chair, remember – sometimes the best things in life come in sizes that don’t quite fit, but love us anyway. After all, isn’t that what makes them so perfectly, wonderfully ours?
