Ever caught your dog treating another pup like a footstool? It’s not rude—it’s a hilarious and surprisingly common behavior among certain playful temperament breeds. While it might look like doggy domination, sitting on other dogs is often a form of affectionate play or social bonding. Some dogs just like to be on top—literally.
This quirky habit can be a sign of confidence, sociability, or simply a desire to be in the middle of the action. You’ll notice it most during playdates, when the wrestling turns goofy and one pup suddenly becomes a throne for another. It’s especially common in outgoing breeds who are equal parts comedian and cuddle-bug.
Here, we’ll introduce you to the dog breeds that love this playful perch-and-sit behavior. Whether you find it funny, puzzling, or a little bit bossy, these breeds know how to turn playtime into a performance. So get ready to laugh—and maybe watch your dog a little differently next time they hop on a furry friend!
Dog Breeds That Sit On Top Of Other Dogs Playfully
1. Beagle
If there were an Olympic event for “most likely to turn a fellow dog into a beanbag,” the Beagle would proudly take the gold, silver, and bronze—all while sitting on a teammate.
These floppy-eared charmers have a reputation for being affectionate, social, and full of bounce, but what people don’t always tell you is that Beagles are also stealthy little seat-thieves.
One moment your Labrador is stretched out enjoying a nap, and the next—plop!—a 25-pound Beagle has claimed the summit like it’s Mount Dogmore.
Why do they do it? It’s part instinct, part entitlement, and a big part “I love you so much, I must sit on your spleen.” Beagles are pack animals through and through.
In the wild (or, let’s be real, on the couch), they snuggle with their littermates for warmth, comfort, and bonding. Sitting on another dog isn’t dominance—it’s just a Beagle’s way of saying “You complete me. Also, you’re really squishy.”
Owners often spot their Beagle treating the family Golden Retriever like a La-Z-Boy or using a Husky as a heated yoga mat. The best part? They do it with zero shame and 100% joy.
Fun Fact: Beagles are scent hounds, but apparently, they also enjoy the scented cushion experience. Who needs memory foam when you’ve got a German Shepherd to perch on?
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Don’t let the elegant name and silky ears fool you—this breed may have royal roots, but when it comes to snuggling, they have zero dignity and even less awareness of personal boundaries.
In fact, Cavaliers are the type of dog that will delicately tiptoe around a muddy puddle and then plop their 15-pound royal behind squarely on a sleeping Labrador’s face. Long live the King (Charles)!
These pups are famously affectionate and live to be as close as possible to their people, or fellow pups. If a Cavalier sees another dog lying down, their brain immediately thinks: “Ah, a warm, living mattress. I must sit on it. For cuddles.”
It’s not dominance, and it’s certainly not an accident. It’s just Cavalier etiquette—if you like someone, you sit on them. Or next to them. Or drape yourself dramatically across their neck like a furry feather boa.
Cavaliers are all about companionship. They don’t just want to be near you—they want full, squishy, snuggle-body contact at all times. Other dogs in the house? Great. That just means more perches to rotate through during their reign of cuddles.
Fun Fact: This breed was a favorite lapdog of nobility. Now, instead of Queen Victoria’s lap, they’ve upgraded to your Great Dane’s hindquarters. Evolution? Absolutely.
3. Cocker Spaniel
Ah, the Cocker Spaniel—a dog so sweet and sociable, they’ll greet both friend and furniture with a full-body tail wag and possibly a wet-nosed kiss.
But if there’s one thing these feather-eared floofs love more than playing fetch or giving you puppy eyes for your sandwich, it’s plopping their adorable butt on a fellow dog like it’s a heated loveseat.
While they may not be as bold about it as a Beagle, don’t be fooled: Cocker Spaniels are low-key snuggle stalkers. PDSA noted their friendly, people-pleasing nature doesn’t stop at humans. Nope. If they’ve been well-socialized (which they usually are, thanks to being top picks for first-time dog owners), they see other dogs as not just friends, but also furniture.
A snoozing Labrador? Perfect. A chill Beagle? Even better. That tail-wagging, silky-haired Cocker will spin in a circle, politely consider their options, and then—boop—lower themselves delicately onto their unsuspecting buddy like a polite yet firm pancake.
They don’t mean to invade personal space. They are personal space. They exist to be close. And when you’re that sweet, no dog minds being turned into a dog bed.
Fun Fact: Cocker Spaniels were bred as gundogs and love working closely with others. That sense of teamwork apparently includes strategically using other dogs as body pillows.
4. Border Collie
The Border Collie is often called the smartest dog breed on the planet. But don’t let their IQ fool you into thinking they’re all business.
These brainy furballs aren’t above indulging in a little playful mischief, especially when it involves turning their doggy siblings into furry ergonomic furniture.
Border Collies are known for their energy, intensity, and laser focus. But once the sheep are herded, the tennis balls are chased, and the humans are properly supervised, guess what they do to unwind? That’s right—sit on their fellow dogs like judgmental, agile throw pillows.
And here’s the thing: they don’t just flop down lazily. Oh no. A Border Collie will analyze the situation like it’s a geometry equation:
They’re extremely affectionate, incredibly attached to their families (furry and human alike), and love to cuddle—but often on their terms. So if you see one planting itself firmly on a Labrador’s back leg or a Corgi’s belly, it’s not just affection—it’s strategy.
Fun Fact: Border Collies can learn over 1,000 words… but they still choose to communicate love by squashing a Chihuahua into the carpet.
5. Papillon
Don’t let their dainty butterfly ears and pint-sized bodies fool you—the Papillon is a tiny monarch who believes the world is their chaise lounge. Including other dogs.
With energy levels that rival a double espresso and confidence that would make a lion blush, Papillons are the kind of dogs who will boldly climb onto their much larger dog siblings like they own the place. And in their minds, they do.
Picture this: a 6-pound Papillon sashaying across the living room and casually hopping onto the back of a 90-pound Golden Retriever like, “Hello, my furry Uber has arrived.”
They’ll sit, sprawl, or even knead their way into the fluffiest, warmest nook of another dog and stay there like royalty on a heated throne.
Papillons are extremely social and affectionate, and while they’re dainty in size, they’re bold in behavior. If a bigger dog gives them a comfy spot to perch, they will take it without hesitation, often with a look that says, “This is my seat now. You may stay. As my cushion.”
Fun Fact: The name Papillon means “butterfly” in French, but with how often they perch on other pups, they might as well be called “tiny dog-shaped hats.”
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu may be tiny, fluffy, and often decked out in bows, but don’t be fooled—they’re ancient royalty in a dog body and will absolutely claim your lap, your couch cushion, or, yes… your other dog as their rightful throne.
Shih Tzus were literally bred to warm the laps of Chinese emperors, so the concept of not sitting on someone—whether human or canine—just doesn’t compute.
It’s in their DNA. Why sit next to another dog when you can sit on top of them and absorb both warmth and dominance in one cozy package? But it’s not just about being spoiled (though they are experts at that, too). Shih Tzus are incredibly loyal and happiest when close to their pack—human or dog.
If they’ve been well-socialized early, they’re usually great with other pups, especially if those pups are willing to double as dog beds, Petplan noted. With their calm, cuddly energy and “pillow-like” build, Shih Tzus are both the sitter and the sittee.
You may find a Shih Tzu nestled on top of your Labrador’s belly like a furry marshmallow, completely unbothered, eyes half-closed in royal bliss, while the Lab stares at you like, “Help me.”
Fun Fact: Shih Tzus are wary of strangers, but once they’ve accepted you—or another dog—into their inner circle, congratulations: you are now an honorary ottoman.
7. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is beloved for being loyal, gentle, endlessly patient, and—let’s be honest—completely oblivious to their size. These lovable goofs are walking sunshine, and they’ll happily park their golden behinds anywhere, including right on top of their dog siblings.
And no, it’s not a dominance thing. It’s a “love you so much I must merge with your body” thing.
Despite their large size, Goldens tend to believe they are the same size as a Cocker Spaniel and thus are entitled to all small dog privileges—like being lap dogs, climbing into baby strollers, and using your 12-pound Papillon as a plush throw pillow.
Got a Golden and a second dog? Congratulations, you’ve now got a stackable pet system. The Golden Retriever will often approach their canine roommate with tail wagging, eyes gleaming, and absolutely no awareness that they are about to smother someone with love (and 70 pounds of golden fluff).
These cheerful pups are incredibly social and thrive on being around people. They love building strong bonds with their humans and are just as happy in a bustling family as they are by the side of a solo adventurer.
They’re also famously tolerant, so when the tables are turned and a Beagle or Cavalier decides to use them as furniture? No problem. They’ll just lie there, smiling, probably assuming it’s some new form of friendship.
Fun Fact: Golden Retrievers are often therapy dogs, which makes sense—they sit on you, look into your soul, and fix your life. Even if you’re a fellow dog just trying to nap.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds, especially fun-loving, great companions like Labrador Retrievers and Australian Shepherds, are known to playfully sit on top of other dogs during playtime, especially at a dog park or when socializing with friends’ dogs.
This behavior often begins at an early age, particularly among puppies, and is typically not aggression, but a sign of dominant, playful interaction. It’s more common in dog-friendly, healthy, well-trained dogs raised in a house with children, cats, or other animals.
Small dog breeds, especially little dogs, may also do this to assert their place, though careful supervision ensures things stay gentle and safe. Whether a pet sitter or owner, knowing your pets’ behavior helps prevent misunderstandings. Dogs taught calm behavior, exposed to other pets, and given enough exercise are usually calm, wonderful company, and rarely aggressive. This quirky act is just another way dogs love to bond and prefer fun over fuss, proving again that animals, like kids, find joy in the oddest toy or course of play.
