lap dog

a small pet dog that can easily be held in the lap.

Origin of lap dog

First recorded in 1635–45

“He is the greatest liar on (H) earth”—as the cockney said of the lapdog he often saw lying before the fire.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 1, December 18, 1841 |Various
A courtier, a lapdog, an invertebrate creature without power or dignity.

The Tangled Skein |Emmuska Orczy, Baroness Orczy
Mere daintiness in feeding is characteristic of the lapdog and other over-protected animals.

Germany and the Germans |Price Collier
Why, you can't get at me, and I can tease you from here as though you were Julie's lapdog.

Short Stories |Fiodor Dostoievski

The Suffragette question has not yet invaded Yucatan, and lovely woman is content with the life of a lapdog.

The American Egypt |Channing Arnold

lapdog

/ (ˈlæpˌdɒɡ) /

a pet dog small and docile enough to be cuddled in the lap

informal a person who attaches himself to someone in admiration or infatuation