Isn’t it wonderful to watch your dog sleep at night? Seeing them resting peacefully is a source of comfort, and deep down, brings that sense of security. Sometimes, though, it gives you a good laugh. Dogs can have weird ways of sleeping, and it’s fun to watch their little quirks as they get a good night’s sleep.
On the other hand, dogs’ sleeping positions and other habits can also tell a lot about their state of mind, personality, and even health. So as much as your pup’s sleeping habits are adorable, they could also be insightful. If you’re curious about the dog breeds with the most unusual sleeping habits and what they mean, you came to the right place. Ready to uncover something new about your pup and other dog breeds? Let’s dive in!
15. Dachshund
There’s no better way to start this list than with a dog breed that sleeps so much. Dachshunds are excellent in the sleeping department, and could get in a good 14 hours of sleep or more! That’s 2+ hours more than the average, and the reason behind it is their natural instinct. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers or crop destroyers, which was a pretty demanding and tough job that required lots of rest.
Even though Dachshunds have been domesticated, their instinct to rest up for a hunt remains. Remember, protecting you is a big job for them, too. Plus, they love playing that hunting game with rabbits and squirrels outside!
14. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have a knack for finding soft spots when they’re ready to sleep. Some of them even choose to sleep on pillows or elevated beds like the Chinese royalty they are. However, there could be a health-related reason behind this. Due to their flat-faced nature, it could be easier for them to breathe during sleep when they’re in a slightly elevated position. Shih Tzus also crave company when sleeping, so you might find them curled up with their paw-rents or other dogs at home.
13. Great Dane
Despite being a large dog breed, Great Danes are known for getting into awkward sleeping positions. Most of the time, they’re found sleeping on their backs or contorted into a weird shape. Any position wherein their paws are facing up could be linked to the dogs’ need to cool off. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs perspire through their foot pads, unlike us humans who sweat to regulate body temperature. Additionally, Great Danes tend to sleep more than other dog breeds, but this time, it’s because of weight.
12. Mastiff
Similar to the Dachshund dog breed, a Mastiff is considered to be one of the sleepiest dogs out there. A Mastiff’s massive size contributes to its higher sleep requirements, and they could reach 18 hours of sleep per day. Despite being a large dog breed, a Mastiff loves to cuddle, so it won’t be surprising if they sleep next to their owners.
11. Basset Hound
If you think a Mastiff could be labeled as “couch potato”, wait until you hear about Basset Hounds. This breed is also capable of sleeping for long hours because they don’t have a very active lifestyle. The fun fact is if you try to take them for a walk, there’s a huge chance they’ll go back to bed afterward and sleep again!
A Basset Hound may also exhibit social sleeping habits. Meaning, they would sleep near other pets or their owners for safety and warmth.
10. Corgi
Corgis are famously known for their “sploot” or Superman sleeping position. To sploot means to sleep with their belly flat against the floor while their hind legs are stretched away from the body. According to experts, most dogs sploot to stay cool, stretch, and relax. Dog breeds with short legs may also choose splooting as their go-to position, just because it’s easier for them to stretch their hind legs. Those breeds include Corgis, Dachshunds, and French Bulldogs.
9. Chow Chow
A Chow Chow is a low-energy dog with an aloof or independent personality. With these traits, it’s safe to say that this dog breed is also a professional sleeper. They could sleep for an average of 12 to 16 hours, but puppies could keep their eyes shut much longer. Chow Chows are also often found in the most awkward sleeping positions; snoring is also part of their DNA because of their short snouts.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog is a calm dog breed who likes relaxing on the couch and getting attention. That said, they enjoy sleeping next to their owner. Since a Bernese Mountain Dog is large in size, they may also require more shuteye than other breeds. Berners have a thick coat that makes it hard for them to cool down, so you might find them sleeping on their backs or on their sides with legs extended for comfort.
7. French Bulldog
A Frenchie, which is another flat-faced dog, may have trouble sleeping because of their head shape. According to a study, this breed may experience daytime sleepiness when they don’t get enough night-time sleep. Flat-faced breeds like Frenchies also have a longer phase of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which suggests that their sleep patterns are similar to those of puppies. Simply put, night-time sleep is often shorter. Also, due to their anatomical features, Frenchies can snore a lot!
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6. Boxer
The Boxer dog breed is known for their protective and playful nature, which is why you’ll often find them snoozing in a semi-alert position. They were bred as working dogs, so they always seem like they’re ready to spring into action. Of course, not all Boxers are the same. Some get into quirky sleeping positions, feet up in the air, backs and legs relaxed. This happens when they’re super comfortable with their owners and environment.
5. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is another dog breed that loves to sleep in. Adults can sleep more than 14 hours per day, while puppies could push it to 20 hours a day. This is probably why this breed has also acquired the nickname “mat dog.” Saint Bernards also have a tendency to spread out while snoozing, so they need a lot of space to sleep comfortably.
Some owners also find the snoring of Bernards endearing, which sounds like a small engine. This dog breed can also produce grunts and sighs—a symphony that’s quite soothing for some!
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4. Italian Greyhound
An Italian Greyhound was originally bred for hunting and racing, which is why they have a natural instinct to sleep in small and protected spaces. Some have developed a habit of sleeping in a crate because they were often crated when racing. Meanwhile, other owners claim that their Iggys tend to hide and sleep anywhere that’s warm, potentially because they have fine coats and little body fat that allow them to feel the cold easily.
3. Bulldog
Ever saw a Bulldog sleeping while in a sitting position? That may look adorable, but there’s actually a logical reason behind it. Sitting up allows them to breathe more comfortably and get better airflow. When lying down, it could be harder for them to breathe, which might lead to discomfort and overheating.
Bulldogs are also capable of sleeping in the oddest positions. They could snooze with their head up to get more air, or flop sideways with their legs all stretched out, which is a sign that they’re totally at ease.
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2. Border Collie
Border Collies were also bred as working dogs and they sure are highly active. This is why they sleep less than other dog breeds. Some owners find themselves asking: “Does a Border Collie even sleep?” It’s important to note that this dog breed requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation to get tired. So if you’re lacking in that department, a Border Collie may feel less sleepy and restless at night.
Additionally, because Border Collies are alert and lively dogs, you may find them snoozing in areas of the home that are near the center of action. This breed also loves to cuddle so they might curl up with you when they’re ready to sleep.
1. Siberian Husky
Taking the top spot on this list is a dog breed that could sleep comfortably during the winter season: Siberian Husky. This is another working dog breed from Russia, with a history of pulling sleds over long distances. Huskies are well-adapted to cold weather and can sleep on snow. Sometimes, they choose to bury themselves under the snow to stay warm. Their secret? The thick fur and padded paws that act as natural insulation.
Indoors, a Siberian Husky would find cool spots like a tile floor or near the window when they want to nap. They may also curl up like a ball to conserve body heat. And since Huskies also have a strong pack-bonding instinct, they could choose a sleeping spot next to their owners.
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From The Club
Watching how our pups sleep can be a silent conversation with them. Sleeping patterns and behaviors of dogs can reflect how they’re feeling and may even give us clues on deeper concerns that might need addressing. Sometimes, though, their sleeping habits show us more information about their ancestry and natural instincts. For instance, if you own a Husky, you can address their needs by offering them a cool spot to sleep on. And as with other dog breeds, it’s equally important to give them the most comfortable sleep based on their habits.