People who have never pet a dog mostly have the misconception that dogs are always alert and active! They think a dog is always on his toes, roaming around, making sure his family members are safe and well-provided. Or, they are running around the backyard and playing fetch for hours.
Well, that’s not true, really!
A lot of dogs love to nap. Just like us humans who can’t wait to hit the bed again right after waking up from a nap, dogs also love to sleep. A lot of them prefer finding a cosy space and napping over running after a squirrel on a hot afternoon. They value good sleep and are mostly found curling up on a rug and sleeping.
In this article, we shall talk about some dogs that value a peaceful nap and would always prefer it over chaos.
Frequently Napping Dog Breeds
1. Great Pyrenees
This giant loves to sleep!
If you have a Great Pyrenees, you will notice it mostly sleeps during the daytime. When the sun is up and blazing, this dog is usually sleeping!
Originally bred as livestock guarding dogs, they sleep during the day and perform their duties at night. While they sleep, they conserve their energy and are heroes at guarding the sheep and cattle at night.
These dogs are super-low-energy dogs.
The adult dogs sleep at least 10-18 hours a day, as per PetMD. They prefer a sedentary lifestyle over an overactive one. Rather than a large dog that would run after wolves and chase them for many km, these ones would prefer finding a cosy space and having a long slumber.
But that doesn’t mean the Great Pyrenees doesn’t exercise. Adequate daily exercise is a MUST to keep this dog mentally and physically stimulated.
2. Bulldog
If you are looking for an active dog, a Bulldog surely doesn’t fall into the category!
English bulldogs are lethargic dogs who love to sleep. Puppy Bulldogs sleep most of the time, as this rest is required to help them grow well. For their bone development, sleep of at least 20 hours a day is necessary.
However, as these dogs with a calm disposition grow, their sleep requirement reduces. When they turn oldies, they again start sleeping for 18-20 hours.
One of the sleepiest dog breeds, the Bulldog doesn’t take long periods of sleep in a single go. Rather, they take various naps throughout the day.
This is a brachycephalic breed, which means it has a smushed nose. Long sessions of exercise are suitable for them. Rather, they have moderate exercise needs. Also, as they are super small in size, they are apt for apartment living.
3. Greyhound
Another dog that loves its nap time and takes it really seriously is the Greyhound.
These dogs make sure they sleep for as many as 20 hours a day. They love having extensive sleeping sessions, especially during the warm weather.
Find them a warm space, and you will see them having a long sleep session without a break. Well, they don’t do this out of habit. Rather, sleeping for long hours is engraved in their genes. It is a part of their regular canine behavior.
That one time when this dog really goes to a proper slumber party is after it gets its regular dose of exercise. Though they are known to be excellent racing dogs, they still get tired after their exercise session and want to sleep immediately.
They have moderate exercise needs. Make them walk for at least twelve minutes a day, and it would be enough to keep them physically stimulated.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu has a stocky build and a calm disposition. However, just like many other small dogs, they also love to sleep.
These dogs prefer a calm lifestyle. Their daily routine includes multiple hours of sound sleep in which they do not disturb anyone, and don’t want to get disturbed themselves. They can easily sleep for 18 hours a day.
After a course of exercise, they get really exhausted and all they look for is a cozy space to rest. These dogs with super short legs are the best example of couch potatoes and sleep enthusiasts.
But let me warn you: they snore a lot!
Yes, you read that right. You will always hear this dog snoring cutely, thanks to its facial features. Also, at times, there are certain allergies that can make this dog snore a lot. Their sleeping durations can alter according to their health, level of activities performed in the day, and age.
5. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is another dog that can easily sleep for at least 10 to 14 hours a day. This dog comes with a gentle temperament. Just like other dogs, the puppies need more sleep when compared to adult dogs. This is because small dogs require sleep to ensure good development of their body.
A usual behavior of this dog is that it wakes up after a short time, moves around the house, checks out what’s there to eat, and then goes back to sleep.
This means it takes multiple sessions of naps rather than sleeping continuously.
Also, these dogs drool A LOT! Even when they are sleeping, you can see a river of saliva coming out of their mouths. Alongside this, they shed a lot and need regular grooming.
Still, this is one of the most sought-after dogs out there with its calm and gentle demeanor. They are great strolling partners who don’t create a fuss when taken out for a walk.
6. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are massive in size! It is adorable how they love to sleep most of the day, despite being so gigantic. These gentle giants love their nap times as much as an adult human with a hectic job does!
These big dogs are low in energy. Rather than playing fetch in the backyard, they choose to keep an easygoing lifestyle that mostly involves sleeping on their favorite rug in the house.
You will find your Chow Chow sleeping for at least 15-18 hours a day, which is most of the day. If given a choice, they would always pick a deep sleep session over being marathon runners and winning medals.
Being calm yet independent dogs, they have moderate exercise requirements. They tend to choose their favorite humans, and spending time with them is their best use of time!
Apart from their favorite humans, they mostly stay aloof from others.
They are low-maintenance dogs. Also, thanks to their well-mannered attitude, they are easy to maintain outdoors as well as indoors.
7. Great Dane
If you think the massive Great Dane is one of the most active working dogs out there, you are wrong!
This dog loves to sleep and can extend its sleeping sessions for as many as 20 hours a day. Their sleep patterns change as they age. Puppies sleep a lot, adult dogs sleep a bit less, and seniors spend most of their day dozing!
Moderate exercise is necessary to keep them active. However, if you are trying to bring some change into their physical exercise routine, you need to do it at a slow pace. Otherwise, you may end up injuring them.
Where a lot of people call them lazy, the actual dog owners say this dog is not lazy, but a bit lethargic. Once they are done with a long exercise session or brisk walk, they may need their power sleep to rejuvenate themselves!
8. Pekingese
Pekingese can sleep as soon as it shuts its eyes. There is no need to take turns and wait for sleep to arrive. Being one of the sleepiest dog breeds out there, strong naps come naturally to them.
This toy breed has a super-fast metabolism. This is why these dogs need to sleep more than others, even humans, to recharge their bodies.
Their exercise needs, however, are moderate. You can make them work out for just twenty minutes a day, and that would be enough for their stimulation.
However, once they have completed the exercise, they would want to lie down and sleep immediately.
These dogs love sports and are active when their sleep needs are fulfilled. Otherwise, don’t consider them to be clingy and attention seekers like most small dogs. Park Wood Animal Hospital says they don’t look for consistent attention.
9. Mastiff
Did you know that despite being huge in size, the Mastiff needs around 12-18 hours of sleep each day?
Compared to small dogs that are always ready to do something, this one prefers conserving its energy by staying asleep most of the day. If you want a calm home, keep a Mastiff as your pet, and you will never be annoyed by a dog running around the house and making a mess.
Mastiffs are incredible family pets. Families with big kids can have this dog and will never regret their decision.
Despite being lazy, these dogs are extremely intelligent. They love mental games and regular exercises that sharpen their brains. Give them some puzzles and you will be amazed at how well they perform. However, during the cold weather, they would choose a good night’s sleep over playing puzzles.
Conclusion
Dogs that love to sleep are some of the calmest and peaceful dogs you can have in your home. They make excellent friends who are always there for you, but let you have a quiet life as well. They find joy in spending a serene evening in the night, watching the humans move around the house doing their things while they slowly drift off! They won’t be running marathons, but they will always be there to protect you!
