It’s hard to pin down exactly which are the sleepiest dog breeds. All dogs sleep a lot, by human standards. Puppies are only awake for a few hours in 24, due to this initial stage of rapid growth, but even adult dogs sleep an average 12–14 hours. Senior dogs, too, will start to slow down and spend more time snoozing.
Certainly, some breeds lie down more than others – though whether they are sleeping or have one eye open to see if you’re making their dinner or a stranger’s at the door is debatable. There are low-energy, calm dog breeds, happy to curl up on the sofa or one of the best dog beds for hours on end. Others are frenetically active when they’re out on a walk or playing but seem to have an off switch. When they get home, they head to their bed and off to dreamland to recharge their batteries ready to charge around anew. So it’s not simply the case that the calmer the dog, the more it sleeps – sometimes quite the opposite.
The breeds that tend to sleep the least are the natural watchdogs, which always have an eye open or an ear cocked so they don’t miss a trick.
And, of course, every dog is an individual. Just like people, some sleep more than others. But let’s take a look at 32 breeds that tend to be the sleepiest.
1. English Bulldog
English bulldogs are often described as lazy because they aren’t exactly canine dynamos, and they have a penchant for copious sleeping. Their stocky build means it takes that much more energy for them to undertake any activity, and naturally they need to sleep it off – especially in warm weather.
2. Newfoundland
One thing to know about Newfoundlands is that these gentle giants are strong and diligent workers, whether on land or in water, but they make sure they recharge all that expended energy with a thorough, deep sleep.
3. Shih Tzu
Who knows whether they’re actually sleeping or simply being your loyal friend, snoozing at your side, but this ultimate companion dog tends to relish plenty of relaxation with their favorite human.
4. Dachshund
One thing you'll only know if you're a dachshund owner is that they love a good old doze. Anecdotally, they can snooze for up to 16 hours a day! But it’s not because they’re lazy, far from it. When they’re on the go, they are busy and brave. But once the chance comes for a bit of a shut-eye, they’ll grab it, recharge, and be ready for the next badger hunt – or whatever the modern-day equivalent might be.
5. Pekingese
A calm, affectionate breed that has a long history as a lapdog. They have been developed not to require copious hours of exercise, instead content to lounge and sleep for long periods – or at least daydream.
6. Whippet
As quick and nimble as the whippet is, a short, sharp burst of exercise is typically topped and tailed by a lovely, long sleep. They conserve their energy so that they can out-sprint everyone in the dog park with their impressive zoomies – this is a pup that needs its beauty sleep to perform at its best.
7. Mastiff
Big dog, big sleeping requirements. The English Mastiff's ginormous size takes quite a toll on their bodies, so they need plenty of rest and recovery between exercise spurts. Due to their big build, a nicely cushioned, spacious bed is a must.
8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffies have abundant energy when they’re out and about, being an alert little dog with oodles of spirit. However, once they’re back in their safe place, assured that they and their family don’t need guarding, they recharge all that energy with some impressive kipping (and snoring!).
Watching out for them sleeping in the weirdest positions, such as belly up. Who can resist a tummy tickle?
9. Basset Hound
A low-energy breed, whose short legs and heavy bones make any exercise a marathon, one fun fact about Basset Hounds is that they need plenty of sleep to compensate for their active periods.
10. Poodle
Poodles love human company, so if you’re around, they’re quite content to lie down and chill – preferably with you in vision. With their calm, amiable, intelligent natures, they are wonderfully trainable. They save their liveliness for playtime and are happy to relax when it’s time to dial down.
11. Greyhound
The fastest dog on the planet knows the importance of R&R. Estimates suggest that greyhounds sleep for 18 hours a day! Capable of blistering speed when they want to turn it on, they’re content to doze in a warm, comfortable bed all day long when zooming around isn’t on the agenda.
12. Chihuahua
These tiny little dogs use up a lot of energy going about their daily life, and they are mini dynamos. They do everything to the max, whether it’s playtime, affection or nap time. And they love nothing better than curling up into a cosy little corner for some shut-eye.
13. Lhasa Apso
A friendly little breed that loves to head out for a walk with you, but equally relishes returning home for a nap in his bed – or, more likely, yours.
14. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a working breed that thrives on having a job, but equally needs plenty of sleep. And they are prone to snoring! Although they are not brachycephalic, they are naturally heavy breathers. This is due to their large, muscular bodies and broad chests, which can make breathing more of an effort than for lighter dogs.
15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Spaniels are typically known for being busy, working dogs, hardly associated with long lie-ins. But the diminutive Cavalier King Charles is a more restful breed. He’ll love to run through the fields, but he’ll also relish the recovery sleep curled by your side on the couch.
16. Pomeranian
When they’re up and about, Pomeranians are life and soul. They’re full of beans, famously yappy, and fabulously playful. In fact, they channel their energy so wholeheartedly into their activities, that when they’re done, they’ll be out for the count to rest and recharge.
17. Saint Bernard
Being a gentle giant is tiring work. Their calm disposition coupled with their large size that takes a lot of energy to move around, means they tend to lie down and chill out more than smaller, busier breeds. Just one of the many reasons to love St. Bernards.
18. Bull terrier
Bull terriers tend to be lively and playful when they’re “on”, but they do need to sleep a lot to recharge those batteries. It’s common for them to spend 50% of the day asleep and 25% resting. Which leaves 25% for high-energy activity!
19. Chow chow
The chow chow is not typically a very active dog. More of an observer than the type that loves to engage in energetic pursuits, they tend to lie down and chill out, away from too much hustle and bustle.
20. French Bulldog
Brachycephalic breeds, such as the French Bulldog, can struggle a little with breathing, which in turn affects their energy levels and can make them more sleepy than others. This breed is known to thrive on apartment living as it doesn’t typically need masses of exercise and is usually content to sit and chill.
21. Great dane
The ginormous great dane expends a lot of calories just moving its large physique around. And so, it conserves energy by resting and sleeping. This breed is known to be gentle and friendly; they don’t tire themselves out with anxious behavior and being over-alert.
22. Jack Russell
The Jack Russell is a highly energetic breed, always busy – barking, digging, chasing and suchlike. But all that energy does eventually burn off, and so they typically need a lot of sleep to recharge.
23. Pug
Pugs are naturally a fairly lazy breed. They weren’t bred for frenetic activity, they tend to adore food, and aren’t built for a sporty lifestyle. They’re quite happy to be a couch potato!
24. Golden retriever
Golden retrievers are working dogs, and enjoy their exercise, but they’re also faithful companions who will happily lie down for hours on end if you’re around. They might not always be actually sleeping, but when they’re not out being active, they’re content to chill out in your company – with one eye open just to make sure you haven’t gone away.
25. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees love to sleep, but not always when you are expecting. They typically have an innate instinct to keep guard, so many owners find they seem to sleep all day, but are prone to barking at night. Others find they are always snoozing in a doorway – sleeping on the job!
And as a large dog, they do need plenty of sleep to keep that big body full of energy, especially as growing pups.
26. Tibetan Spaniel
A spaniel by name, but not by nature, as these are non-sporting dogs, hailing from Tibet. They were originally favoured by monks as companion dogs, and therefore do not require masses of exercise. In fact, they are renowned as “excellent bed dogs”, being small, cuddly, and craving companionship.
27. Biewer terrier
Biewer (pronounced beaver) terriers are similar to Yorkies, being diminutive with a long, silky coat. Bred as companion dogs, they are affectionate and very playful, but make brilliant little lap dogs as they are happy to curl up and chill in your company.
28. Corgi
Corgis sleep more than the average dog, making up for their playtime with nap time. They are known for their amusing sleep positions, which include the “sploof” – a splayed out position that seems to say, “I just need to take a quick rest right now” – as well as napping on their backs for a full-on kip.
29. Havanese
Havanese were bred to be sociable companions rather than accomplishing any specific task, and so they’ll often while away the day napping, keeping you company, and generally relaxing in their comfortable environment. That’s their purpose in life. Loveable sofa spuds!
30. Leonberger
These huge, powerful dogs enjoy their exercise – especially a swim – but they are naturally calm and quiet, and need to rest their large frames after strenuous activity. Give them plenty of opportunity to expend their energy, and they’ll love nothing more than kicking back on the couch with their favorite people.
31. Irish Wolfhound
These calm, low-energy dogs tend to thrive on plenty of sleeping and resting time. That’s a big frame they’ve got to maintain! They love a good lounge and a kip on a comfy bed, being wonderfully docile and up for an easy life.
32. Clumber spaniel
A very different beast to his whizzy springer and cocker cousins, the friendly Clumber spaniel is a much heavier, less naturally athletic breed and tends to need more sleep. They do relish their daily exercise, but equally they have a phlegmatic disposition and will happily spend the rest of the day lying around and looking sleepy.
