If you have a dog, you are probably well aware of how affectionate they can be. In general, most dogs have very warm personalities and love developing bonds with other animals and with humans. If you have a big dog, such as a Greyhound or Golden Retriever, you may be confused why they cuddle up into your lap. Despite their large size, just about all dog breeds love to sit on humans laps. In this article, we will explain why big dogs think they are lap dogs despite their giant size.

Why do big dogs think they are lap dogs?

Unaware of their size:

While it might sound crazy, there are many breeds of large dogs that do not realize how big they are. This is because they grow so quickly as a puppy. For example, a golden retriever reaches its adult size when it is only 1 to 2 years old. Therefore, it takes this big dog a long time to realize that it is no longer a small puppy anymore. In a matter of months, a big dog can go from fitting in your hands to barely fitting on your lap.

The intimacy of touch

Dogs frequently communicate with touch. This is why when dogs first meet each other they frequently touch heads or gently bite each other. For dogs, touching another animal or human is usually a sign of intimacy or security. This is the reason why dogs also stick their paws out. 

They like the attention

Some dogs just love when you give them any sort of attention. And what better way for a big dog to get your attention than to jump right up on to your lap unannounced. They also probably enjoy it when you pet them while they sit on your lap. If you have other pets in your house, big dogs might jump onto your lap to make the other pets jealous.