Have you ever tried to wake your dog in the morning, only to find them still lost in dreams? Some dogs seem to sleep endlessly, ignoring alarms, meals, or even playtime. While sleep is important for every dog, these sleepy companions take it to the next level.
From tiny lap dogs to gentle giants, these furry friends thrive in long, uninterrupted naps. Dogs need time for relaxation, not just to recharge but to maintain their health and mental well-being. Young puppies grow during sleep, while mature dogs require extra hours to stay healthy.
In this guide, we’ll explore the sleepiest dogs who can’t wake up on time, what makes them so prone to napping, and how their habits can delight owners who love calm, relaxed companions.
Sleepiest Dog Breeds Who Can’t Wake Up On Time
1. Basset Hound
Appearance and Personality
With long ears and droopy eyes, Basset Hounds are gentle, affectionate, and calm. Their low-to-the-ground build makes them perfect indoor companions. Sometimes dubbed ‘The Clown of the canine world’, they are always up for a bit of fun, and appreciate a good mixture of company, unhurried walks outdoors, and plenty of sleep on your lap or the sofa, as per Omlet.
Sleeping Habits
Basset Hounds can sleep up to 18 hours a day, often falling into deep sleep quickly. They may relax on a couch or bed and take time to wake. Their long naps support overall fitness and mental well-being, making them less active than many other breeds.
Care and Best Fit
Light daily walks and interactive play help maintain their weight and well-being. This dog is best for owners who appreciate a calm companion that enjoys long hours of rest.
2. English Bulldog
Appearance and Personality
English Bulldogs are compact, muscular dogs with wrinkled faces and tender temperaments. They thrive indoors, enjoy people’s company, and are generally calm and friendly. Their slow pace and patient personality make them perfect companions for quiet households.
Sleeping Habits
Bulldogs are heavy sleepers, often taking frequent naps throughout the day. Their short noses can cause snoring, and mornings are usually slow as they gradually wake. Sleep is important for their overall well-being and mood.
Care and Best Fit
Short daily walks and monitoring breathing patterns are key features. This dog is best for owners who appreciate a calm companion that enjoys extended periods of relaxing.
3. Great Dane
Appearance and Personality
Great Danes are gentle giants, towering dogs with elegant frames and friendly temperaments. Despite their large size, they are known for their calm nature. They bond deeply with their families and enjoy being part of daily routines. Their loving disposition makes them approachable and loving companions.
Sleeping Habits
Great Danes require plenty of sleep, often taking long naps. They enjoy restful sleep and are slow to wake, especially after light exercise or meals. Their sleep is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being. They often prefer a quiet spot to stretch comfortably.
Care and Best Fit
Moderate exercise and regular health monitoring are key to supporting their joints. Great Danes are best-suited for owners who enjoy a calm companion that appreciates extended periods of downtime in a peaceful home.
4. Newfoundland
Appearance and Personality
Newfoundlands are large, fluffy dogs with patient, gentle personalities. They are known for their loyalty, kindness, and excellent temperament with children. Their calm, loving nature makes them perfect for families or homes that offer quiet indoor spaces.
Sleeping Habits
These dogs spend much of their time relaxing or asleep. They enjoy deep sleep, often stretching out comfortably on sofas or floors. Newfoundlands may take time to fully wake, reflecting their preference for calm, quiet environments. Proper relaxation supports their physical well-being and mental balance, especially in older dogs.
Care and Best Fit
Gentle daily walks, soft bedding, and joint care are crucial to maintain well-being. Newfoundlands are ideal for owners who value a calm, relaxed companion that enjoys extended periods of peaceful relaxation.
5. Mastiff
Appearance and Personality
Mastiffs are enormous dogs with imposing yet gentle appearances. They are loyal, affectionate, and protective, making them excellent family companions. Their calm demeanor indoors makes them ideal pets for families seeking a strong yet gentle canine friend.
Sleeping Habits
Mastiffs love long, peaceful naps and can sleep most of the time. They are slow to wake and may appear disoriented at first, which is normal for this dog. Ensuring enough rest is crucial for their health and helps prevent signs of discomfort or joint pain, especially as they age.
Care and Best Fit
Limited but consistent exercise is important for these dogs. Mastiffs tend to thrive with a gentle routine and proper care. They are best-suited for owners who enjoy calm dogs, value extended relaxation, and provide a safe, nurturing environment for their pets.
6. Saint Bernard
Appearance and Personality
Saint Bernards are massive, fluffy dogs with a kind, gentle demeanor. Saints are famously watchful and patient companions with a fondness for children, as per the AKC. Known for their calm personalities, they enjoy quiet family environments and steady routines.
Sleeping Habits
These dogs sleep 16–18 hours daily, often in relaxed states. They take their time waking up and prefer peaceful surroundings for optimal relaxation. Saint Bernards’ long naps contribute to their overall well-being and help maintain vitality.
Care and Best Fit
Soft bedding, cool, relaxing areas, and moderate daily walks support physical and mental well-being. This dog is ideal for owners who value calm, loyal companions that enjoy long periods of peaceful relaxation.
7. French Bulldog
Appearance and Personality
French Bulldogs are small, muscular dogs with playful yet calm personalities. According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog is one of the world’s most popular dog breeds in the US.
They are affectionate, enjoy human attention, and adapt well to indoor environments. Their compact size makes them perfect for apartments or small homes.
Sleeping Habits
French Bulldogs love curling up, often snore during peaceful sleep. They are slow to wake in the morning and often enter rapid eye movement cycles during rest. Their long naps help maintain their vitality and overall well-being, ensuring dogs sleep enough to support balanced temperament and health.
Care and Best Fit
Short daily walks, monitoring breathing, and cozy bedding are crucial for their well-being. French Bulldogs are ideal for dog owners who value calm companions, provide proper sleep routines, and respect their dog’s need to rest deeply.
8. Shih Tzu
Appearance and Personality
Shih Tzus are small, fluffy dogs with gentle temperaments. They enjoy indoor life, family interaction, and being pampered. Their calm nature makes them ideal lapdogs and companions for quiet homes. They may shift their position frequently when finding a cozy spot and often enjoy interacting with toys or listening to sounds.
Sleeping Habits
Shih Tzus spend much of their time napping in crates, entering peaceful sleep and REM cycles. Sometimes they appear half awake or confused when woken. Providing a quiet space helps prevent restless behavior and supports their overall health. These sleeping dogs lie peacefully, enjoying long naps that maintain vitality and well-being.
Care and Best Fit
Frequent grooming, light indoor play, and relaxing time are necessary. Shih Tzus are ideal for owners who value an affectionate companion, provide consistent schedules, and create safe environments that minimize risk and ensure contentment for their furry friend.
9. Pekingese
Appearance and Personality
Pekingese have a distinctive coat that is longest around the neck, giving it the appearance of a lion’s mane, as per PetMD. They are loving but enjoy quiet time alone. Their compact size and calm demeanor make them perfect for indoor living and small spaces.
These dogs tend to be curious about their surroundings and may shift their posture frequently when exploring a new room.
Sleeping Habits
Pekingese enjoy long naps in comfortable, quiet areas, often on soft beds or a sofa. They may sleep peacefully, dreaming while they rest. Sometimes they seem disoriented, which is normal. Their sleep habits are crucial for maintaining well-being, especially during old age or in senior dogs.
Care and Best Fit
Gentle activity, grooming, and soft bedding maintain their contentment and well-being. Providing a safe room and a consistent sleep period reduces the risk of aggressive behavior. Pekingese are ideal for owners who value a calm companion that enjoys extended periods of relaxation and minimal high-energy demands.
10. Greyhound
Appearance and Personality
Greyhounds are slender, athletic dogs with gentle temperaments. They are friendly, enjoy human interaction, and can coexist well with other dogs. Despite their speed outdoors, they are calm indoors, making them ideal companions for households seeking a relaxed yet alert furry friend.
Sleeping Habits
Greyhounds love frequent naps and can sleep for long periods on beds or couches. These sleeping dogs lie peacefully, often entering deep REM sleep that refreshes their energy. Ensuring enough sleep helps maintain their health, prevents unusual behavior, and signals a safe, calm environment for these sensitive dogs.
Care and Best Fit
Short daily runs, soft bedding, and ample relaxation support their well-being. Greyhounds are perfect for owners who respect their sleep needs, enjoy caring for a furry friend, and provide gentle routines that balance activity with rest. Proper care helps them thrive both physically and emotionally.
Conclusion
Sleep is essential for all dogs, from young puppies to senior dogs, and each dog has its unique sleep patterns. Understanding these habits helps owners provide a comfortable environment for their furry friends, ensuring enough sleep and overall well-being.
Observing signs like restless nights or unusual sleeping postures can indicate underlying health issues, and consulting a veterinarian when needed is crucial. Peaceful sleep cycles are critical for mental and physical well-being, supporting proper conduct and vitality.
By providing cozy beds, maintaining a consistent schedule, and respecting a dog’s need for good sleep, owners can help their companions thrive. Every dog, whether small or large, benefits from relaxation that hints at comfort, safety, and care, making them healthier and more playful during waking hours.
