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Big dogs don’t always realize just how massive they are. They may tower over smaller breeds, but many still believe they’re the perfect size for lap snuggles. These gentle giants crave attention and affection, always finding a way to squeeze onto your lap—no matter how impractical. Whether you’re lounging on the couch or working at your desk, they’ll happily plop down, even if it means crushing your legs. If you want a big dog who thinks they’re tiny, these lovable giants will bring endless cuddles (occasional numb legs).

Great Dane

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Great Danes are often called the “Apollo of Dogs” due to their towering size, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to curl up in your lap. These gentle giants know they’re big, but their affectionate personalities make them act like oversized lapdogs. Despite their massive frames, they are incredibly sweet and love nothing more than draping themselves across their humans. Be prepared for a dog that thinks sitting directly on top of you is the best way to show love.

Newfoundland

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Newfoundlands may look like massive, fluffy bears, but in their hearts, they believe they’re tiny lap warmers. Originally bred as water rescue dogs, these gentle souls are incredibly affectionate and always want to be close to their humans. Their thick coats make them excellent cuddle buddies, but their sheer size can leave you gasping for air when they decide to plop onto your lap. If you don’t mind a little (or a lot) of fur and drool, a Newfoundland will happily smother you in love.

Saint Bernard

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Saint Bernards were bred to rescue lost travelers in the Swiss Alps, but their favorite mission these days is finding their way onto your lap. These massive, droopy-eyed sweethearts have no sense of personal space and will happily climb onto you, even if it means pushing you off the couch. Their affectionate nature and calm demeanor make them lovable lapdogs—just be prepared for their hefty weight and constant drool supply.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are built for hard work in the Swiss Alps, but they’re all about cuddles at home. These fluffy giants thrive on affection and will use every opportunity to lean, sit, or sprawl across their favorite humans. Their thick coats make them extra snuggly, but their size can make sitting on your lap feel more like a full-body tackle. Despite their weight, they’ll insist on being close, even if it means squishing you in the process.

Irish Wolfhound

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Irish Wolfhounds hold the title for one of the tallest dog breeds, yet they still think they’re the perfect size for lap-sitting. These lanky, lovable dogs have a gentle disposition and crave affection, often resulting in them attempting to squeeze onto their human’s lap. While they may be more bones than fluff, their long legs and massive paws don’t exactly make them the most comfortable lapdogs. Regardless, they’ll do their best to turn every cuddle session into a full-body experience.

Mastiff

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Mastiffs are powerful, muscular dogs that can weigh over 200 pounds, but that won’t stop them from climbing onto your lap like a tiny Chihuahua. These massive dogs are affectionate to the core and believe that the best way to show love is by sitting directly on top of their humans. Their deep, soulful eyes and slobbery kisses make up for the fact that they might accidentally crush your legs. A Mastiff is a top contender if you’re looking for a dog that loves to cuddle but doesn’t understand their size.

Leonberger

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Leonbergers look like regal lions, but they’re just oversized cuddle bugs who want to be as close to you as possible. These fluffy giants have a playful and affectionate nature, making them the dog that will climb into your lap at any opportunity. Their thick fur makes them incredibly warm snuggle buddies, though you might find yourself buried under a mountain of fur. They don’t realize just how heavy they are, but their love makes up for the weight.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers aren’t quite as massive as some of the other breeds on this list, but their enthusiasm for cuddling more than qualifies them. These affectionate dogs love human interaction and will gladly sit on your lap—even if they don’t entirely fit. Their warm, friendly nature means they’ll do anything to be close to you, even if it means awkwardly draping themselves across your legs like a sack of potatoes. A Golden Retriever is a perfect choice if you want a big dog who thinks they’re small.

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, and they’re convinced that no matter how big they get, they’ll always fit on your lap. These playful, lovable goofballs will climb onto you without hesitation, making it nearly impossible to say no to their big puppy-dog eyes. Labs love human contact and will wedge themselves into the smallest spaces just to be close to their favorite person. Expect to lose all personal space when a Lab decides it’s time for cuddles.

Alaskan Malamute

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Alaskan Malamutes were bred to pull heavy sleds, but they prefer pulling themselves onto your lap when it comes to snuggling. These large, fluffy dogs have an affectionate, goofy side that makes them believe they’re the perfect lap dog. Their thick double coats make them excellent snuggle buddies, but be prepared for the extra warmth—and fur—that comes with their cuddles. They may be massive, but their love for their humans is even bigger.

Great Pyrenees

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Great Pyrenees dogs are giant, fluffy protectors who love their families just as much as they love sprawling across them. These calm, gentle giants will do anything to be close to their humans, including attempting to sit in their laps despite their substantial size. Their thick coats make them incredibly snuggly, and their affectionate nature means they’ll insist on cuddles whether you’re ready or not. If you don’t mind a little weight on your legs, a Great Pyrenees will be the ultimate cuddle companion.

The Oversized Cuddle Monsters Who Just Want to Love You

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These big dogs may be the size of small horses, but in their hearts, they’re tiny lapdogs who crave closeness with their humans. Whether it’s a Great Dane draping over you like a weighted blanket or a Saint Bernard squeezing onto the couch like they’re still a puppy, these lovable giants have no sense of personal space. They don’t care about their size—only that they’re near their favorite person. If you want a dog that insists on being a lapdog, these cuddle monsters are ready to smother you with love!