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Lhasa Apso
> Weight: 12-18 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed from Tibet, where it served as a companion and watchdog in isolated monasteries. It can be cute, mischievous, and deeply devoted — and frolicsome as a puppy or adult. In fact, it’s difficult to tell a puppy from an adult because of the breed’s extensive facial hair and floor-length coat.
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Maltese
> Weight: Under 7 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
The Maltese is an ancient breed and a classic lapdog. It’s small, like the island from which it got its name, dainty, and proud. It also has a fairly long life expectancy. It has a reputation for being affectionate and perky, which are endearing puppy qualities.
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Miniature Schnauzer
> Weight: 11-20 pounds
> Life expectancy:12-15 years
Despite its old man face, walrus mustache, and bushy eyebrows, the miniature schnauzer has many qualities that earn it a place on our list. It’s small and sturdy, intelligent and affectionate, energetic and playful. It’s classed by the AKC in the terrier group, and while it has different traits from the terrier breeds on our list, it shares their puppy qualities and appeal.
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Pekingese
> Weight: 14 pounds or less
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
The Pekingese was bred to be the lapdog for Chinese royalty and to be small enough to fit inside the huge sleeves of ancient Chinese garments. Surprisingly, it was used as a guard dog and can have an un-puppy like fierceness. It’s a survivor. One of the two dogs to escape from the Titanic was a Pekingese named Sun Yat-sen.
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Pomeranian
> Weight: 3-7 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-16 years
The Pomeranian is the smallest of the spitz breeds, weighing from 3 to 7 pounds. It was made popular by Queen Victoria, who was smitten by its puppy qualities. She had as many as 35 Pomeranians in her kennels and died with one by her side.
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