There is something special about holding a dog with soft and warm paw pads. It’s a small detail. But it sure says a lot. Soft paws often mean the dog is gentle, well cared for, and used to being close to people. It is one of the sweetest things about having a pet for many dog lovers.
And here’s a fun fact: just like human fingerprints, every dog’s paw pad has a unique pattern. No two are the same. That soft touch you feel? It’s one of a kind.
Some dog breeds are known for their plush coats and kind nature. But they also have another thing in common: their paw pads are smooth, tender, and made for cuddles. These are the kind of dogs that rest quietly in your lap, follow you around the house, and never get tired of being close.
In this guide, we will take a look at the top companion dogs and lap dogs with the softest paw pads.
Dog Breeds With The Softest Paw Pads
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes from England. It was named after King Charles II, who loved these dogs so much that they often followed him around the royal court.
This small breed has a soft and silky coat with floppy ears and a calm personality. They weigh around 13 to 18 pounds and have a gentle look in their expressive eyes. These lap dogs were originally bred to be close to people. They still love that today.
Their paw pads stay smooth and velvety because of this soft lifestyle. They don’t walk on rough paths much, so their feet remain extra soft. Their paws feel warm and gentle when they rest on your lap. That soft touch is just one more reason why a dog lover can’t resist these companion dogs.
2. Havanese
The Havanese is the only dog native to Cuba and was also previously known as the Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle. PetMD mentions that these little dogs were loved by the Cuban families and are the national dog of Cuba.
They are a small breed. They usually weigh around 7 to 13 pounds. Their wavy coat feels soft and light. People love their playful and affectionate nature. They are great with families, kids, other breeds, and even cats.
Havanese dogs have very smooth and gentle paw pads. Their feet stay extra soft since they mostly stay inside or walk on soft floors. The paw pads feel warm and velvety, and this makes them even more cuddly.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu comes from ancient China. Its name means “lion dog.” But don’t let that fool you! These dogs are gentle and bred for one thing: companionship. They were once the favorite pets of Chinese royals.
Shih Tzus are small and sturdy with long coats that give them a fancy and regal look. Most weigh around 10 to 16 pounds. Their calm and friendly nature makes them great for people of all ages. They love staying close to their people and enjoy quiet time indoors.
Thanks to this pampered lifestyle, their paw pads have a soft and smooth texture. They don’t walk on rough ground often. This helps keep their feet gently cushioned. When they sit on your lap, you can feel how soft their paws really are.
4. Papillon
The Papillon is a tiny dog with big charm. The American Kennel Club states that the name means “butterfly” in French, which comes from their large and upright ears that look like butterfly wings. This breed has been around for hundreds of years and was a favorite among European nobles.
Papillons usually weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. They have a light frame and move with ease. Even though they’re small, they are full of energy and love to play. These adorable dogs are smart and often do well in agility games.
Their build puts very little pressure on their paw pads. This keeps them soft over time. Their feet feel smooth and delicate. Even with all their movement, the paw pads stay gentle to the touch.
5. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful little dog that comes from France and Spain. The name “Bichon Frise” means “curly lap dog” in French. These pups were once popular with sailors and later became favorites in royal courts.
They are a small breed. They usually weigh 10 to 18 pounds. Their fluffy white coats are soft and don’t shed much. They are a hypoallergenic breed, and this makes their coat type a good choice for people with allergies. However, their coat still requires regular grooming.
These fluff balls are mostly kept indoors, and that helps keep their paw pads soft and smooth. Their feet don’t get rough from hard surfaces, so their paws stay gentle and plush. This makes them perfect for cuddles.
6. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a graceful dog that was once loved by Japanese royalty. It was originally bred to be an indoor companion dog. Some say it came from China. However, it became well known in Japan, where nobles kept them as lap pets.
They usually weigh under 10 pounds and have a fluffy coat with a proud and gentle look. Their wide, expressive eyes and calm nature make them very easy to love.
Their paw pads stay smooth and soft because they mostly stay indoors. Their small body put little weight on their feet. This helps keep them in perfect shape. Their paws feel gentle and match their elegant style.
7. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a friendly dog that came from Spain and later became popular in England and the US. The name “Cocker” comes from the woodcock bird. These dogs were once trained to hunt. Today, they are best known as loving companion dogs and trusted family pets.
They have a wavy coat, long ears, and a gentle temperament. Most weigh between 20 to 30 pounds. They enjoy spending time with people and other animals, and do well both indoors and outside.
Their paw pads are soft and cushioned, just like their easygoing spirit. Their feet stay smooth since they are often kept indoors and don’t run on rough ground all the time. People love to hold them and feel those padded paws rest softly in their hands.
8. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is also called a Sheltie. It comes from the Shetland Islands in Scotland. These dogs were originally bred for herding sheep in rough weather. Even though they were built for work, they quickly became loved for their smart minds and gentle ways.
Shelties are small to medium-sized and have thick double coats that keep them warm. They usually weigh around 15 to 25 pounds. They are loyal and have boundless energy. Purina says that they are very loving toward their owners and take a while to warm up to strangers.
Even with their working background, Shelties can have very soft paw pads. This is especially true when they are raised as indoor pets or walked on soft ground. Their feet often feel smooth and gentle. This matches their calm and affectionate nature.
9. Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It comes from the island of Malta. It was loved by royalty and wealthy families over there. These tiny dogs are known for their long, white, silky coat and sweet nature.
They usually weigh around 7 pounds and are very light on their feet. They enjoy staying indoors, sitting on laps, and being close to their owners. Their affectionate nature and gentle spirit make them great companion dogs.
Their paw pads stay very soft because of their small size and indoor lifestyle. Their paws feel smooth and tender, which adds to their cuddly charm. You can feel the softness when they curl up next to you.
Conclusion
Dog breeds with the softest paw pads bring more than just comfort. They bring love and calmness to your life. These dogs are known for their soft touch, not only in how they feel but in how they act.
These pooches are a popular choice for dog enthusiasts who want a loving and peaceful presence in their home. They’re great for families, seniors, or anyone who wants a soft and cuddly friend to share life with.
If you’re looking for a dog with a kind heart and soft feet, one of these breeds might be your perfect match. Their gentle nature and soft paws leave a mark not on your floor, but on your heart.
