Dogs are renowned for their love of sleep, often surprising their human companions with the amount of time they spend napping. According to Purina, on average, adult dogs sleep between 12 to 14 hours a day, with puppies and senior dogs requiring even more rest. This sleep is crucial for their physical and mental well-being, aiding in growth, recovery, and overall health.
Certain breeds are particularly known for their propensity to sleep. For instance, larger and giant breeds often sleep up to 18 hours a day. This extended rest is partly due to their larger size and the energy required to maintain their bodies.
Understanding the sleep patterns of different breeds can provide valuable insights into their health and behavior. By recognizing which breeds are more inclined to sleep, pet parents can ensure their dogs have appropriate sleeping arrangements and are not exhibiting signs of underlying health problems.
Sleepy Dog Breeds Known For Extending Their Zzz’s
Here are the 7 dog breeds:
1. Basset Hound
Quick Facts:
Low-energy, laid-back breed
Droopy eyes and long, floppy ears
Short legs with heavy bones
Requires plenty of sleep to recharge
Basset Hounds are a prime example of sleepy dog breeds known for extending their zzz’s. With their droopy eyes, wrinkled brows, and long, floppy ears, these dogs often appear as though they’ve just woken from a long nap.
Their relaxed demeanor and love for a good rest make them the perfect companions for pet parents who enjoy a calm home environment. Ensuring a cosy ball or their bed gives them the sleeping space they need to feel safe and comfortable.
Beyond their reputation for rest, Basset Hounds boast unique traits that make them stand out. Their remarkable sense of smell is second only to the Bloodhound, making them exceptional tracking dogs. Originally bred for hunting small game, they have an innate ability to follow scents over long distances.
In addition, Basset Hounds are highly social and gentle, making them excellent family dogs. Their affectionate nature and patience with children, other dogs, and humans alike ensure they form strong bonds with their human companions.
2. English Bulldog
Quick Facts:
Droopy eyes and wrinkled face
Stocky, low-slung build with loose skin
Sleeps frequently, often with tongue out
Needs plenty of rest, especially in warm weather
English Bulldogs are one of the classic sleepy dog breeds known for extending their zzz’s. With their pushed-in nose and saggy facial features, they seem to be dozing even when awake. Observing their common dog sleep positions, it’s clear that most dogs of this breed favor curling up or sprawling in a way that maximizes comfort.
Their low energy levels and slow, deliberate movements mean they spend a significant portion of the day resting, which also helps them regulate body temperature during warmer months.
Though gentle, they are surprisingly strong and can navigate different environments, from town apartments to countryside homes, with ease. In addition, English Bulldogs have a striking and unmistakable appearance. Their short, glossy coat comes in a variety of colors, complemented by a distinctive rolling gait and undershot jaw.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), despite their sturdy frame, they adore human interaction and are known to curl up in laps, offering affectionate companionship.
Regular moderate exercise keeps them healthy, but their laid-back nature ensures they remain content lounging and snuggling with their human companions.
3. Greyhound
Quick Facts:
Sleeps up to 18 hours a day
Slender, streamlined, and muscular build
Prefers a warm, comfortable dog bed
Alternates between bursts of speed and long periods of rest
Greyhounds are a remarkable example of sleepy dog breeds known for extending their zzz’s. Observing a dog lying in a cosy spot, it’s easy to see how their sleeping habits balance their energy: they can sprint at incredible speeds when needed, yet spend most of their time dozing in comfort.
Their calm and composed demeanor off the track emphasizes the importance of proper sleeping space to recharge after occasional high-energy bursts.
According to Britannica, beyond their love of rest, Greyhounds are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. With a narrow head, long neck, deep chest, and muscular hindquarters, they can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
This combination of agility and power has made them legendary in hunting and racing circles, as well as symbols of aristocracy dating back to ancient Egypt.
Despite their athleticism, they are surprisingly content to lounge and bond with human companions for hours. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors, and their lean physique allows them to curl up in small spaces, making them ideal for families who can offer both exercise and comfort in equal measure.
4. Mastiff
Quick Facts:
Requires plenty of sleep due to its massive size
Needs a spacious, cushioned own bed
Natural watchdog instincts
Ancestors date back to 2,500 BC
Mastiffs are a prime example of sleepy dog breeds known for extending their zzz’s. Their ginormous build means that even short bursts of activity can be exhausting, making a good rest essential.
With head resting comfortably on a soft surface, these gentle giants spend much of their day recharging. Large breeds like Mastiffs require longer periods of uninterrupted rest to maintain optimal health and well-being.
Beyond their impressive sleep needs, Mastiffs are natural protectors. Their imposing size and alert demeanor make them excellent watchdogs, ready to respond to any potential threats. Historically, they were employed for guarding estates, hunting large game, and even participating in battles, showcasing a fearless and loyal temperament.
Mastiffs also have a surprisingly gentle and affectionate side. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are deeply loyal to human companions and thrive on family interaction.
Owners often find that their drool, though abundant, is a small price for the companionship and trust these dogs provide. Their calm and steady nature makes them reliable and devoted furry friends in any home.
5. Saint Bernard
Quick Facts:
Known for love of lounging and long naps
Droopy eyes and floppy jowls give a perpetually sleepy look
Sleeps in a variety of positions, including sprawled or curled
Large size requires regular exercise despite a calm demeanor
Saint Bernards are a classic example of sleepy dog breeds known for extending their zzz’s. Many dogs of this breed can be found resting in a common position that suits their comfort, whether sprawled out or in a curled-up pose.
Many owners note that Saint Bernards often take a good nap multiple times a day, which is perfectly normal for this gentle giant. Providing a dedicated sleeping space ensures they feel safe and can fully recharge after their daily activity.
Originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps, these dogs possess incredible strength, endurance, and a keen sense of direction. Their calm temperament allows them to navigate challenging terrains and assist humans in times of need.
Despite their enormous size, they display a patient and loving nature, forming strong bonds with family members. Their thick fur, often tousled and prone to “bedhead,” adds to their endearing, approachable appearance, making them one of the most beloved furry friends among dog enthusiasts.
6. Great Dane
Quick Facts:
Sleeps 12–18 hours a day
Gentle giant with a calm, friendly temperament
Guards home, but isn’t an excessive barker
Known for quirky and comical sleeping positions
Great Danes are a perfect example of sleepy dog breeds known for extending their zzz’s. Owners reporting on this breed often note how much time they spend dozing, conserving energy after simply moving their massive frames.
Dogs love sprawling out in unique and comical positions, sometimes leaving humans in awe of their flexibility. Their generous sleep schedule allows them to feel refreshed and ready for the moderate bursts of activity their size requires.
Beyond their love for rest, Great Danes are guardians at heart. Their imposing size and alertness make them natural protectors of the home, yet their friendly and gentle demeanor ensures they remain approachable and affectionate with humans.
Whether interacting with humans or other pets, they are known for dreaming big—whether it’s chasing after imaginary objects or enthusiastically greeting visitors.
7. Great Pyrenees
Quick Facts:
Sleeps during the day but remains alert at night
Naturally protective and alert even while resting
Prefers sleeping close to family or under furniture
Exhibits unique Unihemispheric Slow-Wave Sleep (USWS)
Great Pyrenees are a standout example of sleepy dog breeds known for extending their zzz’s while still staying vigilant. Many owners notice that while these gentle giants may appear to be snoozing all day, they often wake or bark at night as part of their guarding instincts.
Early experiences with socialization and training are crucial in shaping their sleeping habits, ensuring that their important behaviour of protection doesn’t disturb household routines. They often enjoy curling up near the owner’s bed or in their preferred sleeping space, balancing rest with readiness.
Beyond their sleep patterns, Great Pyrenees are renowned for their protective and loyal nature. Historically bred to guard livestock, they instinctively watch over their families, making them excellent guardians in modern homes.
Great Pyrenees also have a unique ability to sleep using Unihemispheric Slow-Wave Sleep (USWS), allowing one hemisphere of the brain to rest while the other remains alert.
This fascinating trait lets them keep watch while still getting the rest they need, making them one of the most extraordinary and reliable furry friends. Their combination of vigilance, loyalty, and affectionate nature ensures they remain cherished companions for generations of pet families.
Conclusion
Sleepy dog breeds remind us of the importance of rest—not just for humans, but for our furry friends too. Observing dogs twitching during their dreams, paws stretched forward or legs extended in deep slumber, highlights just how much activity occurs even while they’re at rest. Many dogs snore loudly, a charming quirk that also signals the need for monitoring their canine health, especially in larger or brachycephalic breeds.
Recognizing and respecting these natural sleep patterns can help pet parents provide the best sleeping arrangements and care. On World Sleep Day, it’s worth celebrating the restful, rejuvenating moments that dogs enjoy daily, offering insights into their well-being and the role of sleep in maintaining happy, healthy lives.
