Did you know that some dog breeds snooze off an astounding 10-14 hours. Others can go as far as 20 hours. This is way beyond what humans consider normal. They are practically out there sleeping all day! This extensive downtime is not because of laziness.
It is a blend of canine psychology, age, and routine. Puppies use all the energy in a short time and then come crashing down!
Even adult dogs and big breeds need more time to recover. A vet-backed survey revealed that dogs sleeping less than 13 hours tend to be grumpier. The more sleep it gets, the calmer the dog. So, if your four-legged friend is a perpetual sleeper and enjoys nap time, they are going to spend the rest of the day happily.
Let’s curl up and explore the 7 sleepiest dog breeds; the fairly lazy breeds that make every day look like Sunday!
Sleepiest Dog Breeds of All Time
1. Basset Hound
The Basset Hounds with droopy ears and sunken eyes look like they haven’t slept enough. But that’s exactly the opposite of what they are like. This tiny little dog sleeps for around 12-16 hours.
The older ones tend to nap for 16-22 hours. This is a testament to how low-energy dogs tend to sleep for hours. These are nature’s own polyphasic sleepers!
Originally bred to scent-track rabbits at a slow and steady pace, the Basset’s current life is much more relaxed. The ample skin on their body and the stout build support frequent snoozing.
But, don’t think that they are absolute couch potatoes. They require moderate daily exercise to stay healthy and prevent obesity, as per Purina.
But, overall, the Basset Hound perfectly embodies the title of the sleepiest dog. Affectionate, effortless, and mellow, they are always ready for a long sleep!
2. Mastiff
Weighing around 120-230 pounds and their history as Roman war dogs raised the expectation about their achievements. One of the heaviest dog breeds, they are as laid-back as possible.
Their impressive size alone demands significant rest, allowing their joints, muscles, and organs ample recovery time after brief activity.
Senior dogs may sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day, with an extended slumber of up to 16-18 hours. Unlike highly energetic breeds, Matiffs take on the role of a serene animal. They are usually found in amusing sleep positions – curled up near their human.
They do need a daily walk of 30-60 minutes to keep them healthy and naturally calm. In essence, these lap dogs are colossal in presence but are a very restful breed. This is a very different beast out there, mastering the art of beauty sleep!
3. Saint Bernard
Remember the famous Saint Bernard named Barry, who became legendary for saving lives in the Swiss Alps? He reportedly rescued between 45 and 100 people.
As mighty as these dogs appear, and despite their history as naturally athletic working dogs, Saint Bernards are true gentle giants. Their calm temperament, combined with their love for long naps, makes them wonderfully laid-back companions.
These naturally relaxing and intelligent companions typically sleep 12-14 hours of sleep. Reflecting their large dog physiology and need for recovery sleep after minimal hustle.
Bred for alpine rescue, they have an innate instinct to guard. They are sociable companions yet don’t demand excessive activity.
This affectionate breed would love to rest in a splayed-out position after daily exercise. Regardless, it is your ultimate companion dog if you wish to see how energy is coupled with gentle interaction!
4. Great Dane
What have you heard about the “Apollo of Dogs”? The Great Dane has been given this name as it is one of the tallest dog breeds! With a height of 3 ft 5.18 inches, Zeus stands shoulder to shoulder with some humans.
Despite their regal appearance, they are far from high-strung. They are a non-sporting dog and a more restful breed that thrives on companionship.
On average, adult Danes sleep 12-14 hours a day, while puppies may snooze for 18-22 hours. They are not a very active dog breed, but they love walks and dog park visits. Over-exertion can lead to anxious behavior or joint stress.
After a gentle stroll, these dogs curl up in a comfy bed, entering deep sleep without too much hustle. Great Danes are calm giants who value downtime as much as their human companions!
5. Greyhound
Though built for explosive speed, Greyhounds are far from an active breed. These are ultimate paradoxes in the canine world with a speed comparable to the Cheetah!
These slender athletes can reach speeds up to 43 mph in mere strides. But at the end of the day, they will go into recovery sleep curled up in their bed!
On average, adult dogs sleep 12-14 hours daily, but others stretch that to 14-18 hours. This isn’t your typical alert little dog, but a brilliant dog who craves cozy comfort.
Greyhounds redefine calm; they blaze one minute and nap the next. This way, they perfectly balance bursts of speed with long slumber!
6. Lhasa Apso
In ancient Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa Apas were believed to be sacred vessels carrying the souls of lamas awaiting reincarnation.
They were seen as more spiritually advanced than humans, as AKC reports. But tired of bearing the weight of this stature, the current breed loves sleeping more!
Though a less naturally athletic breed, they have surprising bursts of vitality. The love chasing dogs and darting around the home. But in the end, they will settle into their excellent bed dog persona with ease.
Rather than non-stop hustle, they thrive on brief activity followed by long sleeps. They are perfect for anyone seeking a guardian with a big heart!
7. Newfoundland
Now that we have talked about the tallest and the fastest breeds, let’s move on to the largest one. The Newfoundlands, with a weight of 100-150 pounds and a height of 26-28 inches, are just gentle giants. Bred for hauling fish and rescuing sailors, these working dogs with all that energy love to rest!
The average dog sleeps for around 12-14 hours, which helps with muscle repair and joint health. Despite their size, many Newfoundlands love to cuddle.
These oversized lap dogs often settle into deep sleep, sitting next to you. When they are awake, their work ethic shines before they go back to their cozy beds again!
Conclusion
In exploring the sleepiest breeds, we met gentle giants and agile sprinters turned nappers. From built-in recovery sleep and lap dog cuddles to intelligent natures, we have seen it all. All of these breeds share a common gift: the ability to remind us to slow down.
Perfect for families and anyone craving a tranquil companion, these breeds bring silent loyalty and soothing presence. After all, in a busy world, having a sweet-slumbering canine friend can be quite a joy. In their stillness, they teach us to cherish simple, loving moments!
