15 Dog Breeds Known for Unusual Sleeping Habits

Have you ever caught your dog snoring louder than a freight train, or found them in a sleeping pose that would make a yoga instructor jealous? Dogs are full of surprises, especially when it comes to their sleeping quirks. Some breeds are notorious for their bizarre nap routines, from sleeping upside-down to curling into the tiniest of balls. Get ready for a tail-wagging journey through the world of canine snoozing oddities as we reveal 15 dog breeds with the most unusual sleeping habits. You might just recognize your own pup on this list—and finally understand that head-under-the-couch nap!

Bulldog: The Snoring Champion

Bulldogs are famous for their thunderous, comical snoring. If you’ve ever shared a room with one, you probably know what a sleepover in a sawmill feels like! Their short noses and squished faces make them prone to noisy breathing and deep, rumbling snores. But it’s not just the noise—Bulldogs love to sprawl out on their backs, legs in the air, looking like they’ve just fainted from a long day. They often nap in the strangest places, from cold kitchen tiles to the middle of the hallway. Their love for deep sleep means they can nap for hours, barely moving a muscle except for that wiggling nose. In the world of doggie dreamers, Bulldogs take the crown for the most memorable and loudest sleeping habits.

Greyhound: The Couch Potato Sprinter

Despite being known for their racing speed, Greyhounds are actually world-class nappers. They spend the majority of their day lounging around and can sleep up to 18 hours! What makes them unique is their “roaching” position—lying on their backs with long legs flopped in every direction. It looks awkward, but for a Greyhound, it’s pure comfort. They often seek out the softest couch in the house, and once they find their spot, it’s nearly impossible to persuade them to move. It’s both hilarious and endearing to see a breed built for speed so completely dedicated to laziness the rest of the time.

Shih Tzu: The Pillow Hoarder

Shih Tzus have a love affair with softness. These little dogs will go to great lengths to create the coziest nap spot, sometimes stealing pillows right from under your head. They adore snuggling into piles of blankets or burrowing into laundry baskets. What’s especially funny is their tendency to arrange their sleeping “nest” just so, spinning in circles before finally collapsing in a fluffy heap. Shih Tzus can sleep in odd positions, sometimes with their faces squished against something soft, as if they’re determined to dream in maximum comfort.

Corgi: The Sploot Master

Corgis are known for their adorable “sploot” sleeping position—lying flat on their bellies with back legs stretched out behind them like frog legs. It’s a pose that never fails to bring a smile. Corgis seem to prefer hard floors for their naps, possibly to cool their bellies, and can sleep just about anywhere, from under tables to the middle of doorways. Their habit of dozing off in the busiest part of the house, completely unbothered by passing feet, shows just how comfortable they are with their surroundings. Corgis’ sleeping style is as quirky and charming as their personalities.

Dachshund: The Burrower

Dachshunds love to burrow—it’s in their DNA. Originally bred to hunt badgers, these little dogs instinctively dig their way under blankets, pillows, and even clothes. It’s not unusual to find your Dachshund completely hidden under the covers, with only a twitching nose poking out. They feel safest when cocooned in warmth, and some will even tunnel into your bed at night. Their sleeping habits can look odd to outsiders, but for a Dachshund, being tightly wrapped up is the ultimate comfort.

Pug: The Snuggly Sneezer

Pugs are cuddly little sleep experts, often seeking out the closest warm body or cozy nook. Their unique breathing makes them prone to snorts, snores, and the occasional sneeze during sleep, which can be both hilarious and a little startling. Pugs often sleep with their heads propped up, as if they’re using an invisible pillow. They love to nap in the sun, soaking up the warmth like little solar panels. Their funny faces and sleepy noises make them one of the most entertaining breeds to watch while they snooze.

Border Collie: The Watchful Dreamer

Border Collies are workaholics, even when they’re asleep. Don’t be fooled by their resting appearance—they’re often in a state of “half-sleep,” with one eye slightly open and ears twitching at every noise. You might catch them running in their sleep, paws paddling as if herding sheep in their dreams. They sometimes curl up in tight balls, conserving energy for their next burst of activity. Border Collies’ alert sleep habits show just how deeply their working instincts run.

Basenji: The Silent Sleeper

Basenjis are famously quiet dogs, and their sleeping habits are just as unique as their personalities. They often curl into impossibly tight balls, tucking their nose under their tail for warmth—a habit inherited from their African roots. Basenjis sometimes sleep in odd places, like perched on the back of a sofa or balanced on narrow ledges, always seeking the highest vantage point. Their silent, motionless sleep can make you wonder if they’re napping or just deep in thought.

Labrador Retriever: The Flopper

Labrador Retrievers are the kings and queens of the “flop.” These friendly dogs will drop down and sleep wherever and whenever the mood strikes, even if it means blocking the hallway or lying right in front of the TV. Labs often sleep on their sides, legs stretched straight out, looking completely relaxed. They’re also known for their “running” dreams, where their paws twitch and tails wag mid-nap. Labradors’ easygoing sleeping habits perfectly match their laid-back personalities.

Chihuahua: The Lap Napper

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with big personalities, and they love to sleep snuggled up on their favorite lap. They seek warmth and comfort, often burrowing under blankets or into the crook of your arm. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas can take up a surprisingly large part of the bed, stretching out to claim their chosen spot. These little dogs are also notorious for shivering while sleeping, sometimes making you wonder if they’re dreaming of chilly adventures.

Great Dane: The Giant Sprawler

Great Danes are gentle giants who need a lot of sleep, but finding a bed big enough for them can be a challenge. They often end up sprawled across couches, beds, or even the entire living room floor. Great Danes can sleep in positions that seem impossible for such huge bodies, sometimes with their heads hanging off the edge of furniture or legs sticking straight up. Their size makes their sleeping habits extra entertaining, and they’re not above stealing your spot if it looks comfortable enough.

Samoyed: The Fluffy Curler

Samoyeds are known for their beautiful, fluffy coats, and they use all that fur to their advantage when sleeping. These dogs love to curl into tight, fluffy balls, often sleeping with their tails wrapped around their noses for warmth. Samoyeds sometimes dig at their beds or the floor before settling down, as if trying to create the perfect snow nest. Their peaceful, cloud-like appearance while napping makes them look like something out of a fairy tale.

Beagle: The Co-Sleeper

Beagles are social sleepers who love nothing more than curling up with another dog—or a human. They often pile on top of each other or snuggle close for warmth and security. Beagles are also known for their “burrowing” instincts, sometimes pushing their way under blankets or pillows until only their tails are visible. Their pack mentality shines through in their sleeping habits, always seeking closeness and companionship.

Newfoundland: The Deep Dreamer

Newfoundlands are massive dogs with equally large sleeping needs. They’re known for falling into deep, almost comatose sleep, sometimes snoring so loudly you’d think an engine was running in the room. Newfoundlands have a habit of drooling while they nap, leaving behind wet spots as proof of their latest dream adventure. Because of their size, they often need extra-large beds, but they’ll happily take over your couch if given the chance. Watching a Newfoundland sleep is like witnessing a gentle bear in hibernation.

Italian Greyhound: The Sun Worshipper

Italian Greyhounds are sleek and slender, and they absolutely adore sleeping in the sun. You’ll often find them stretched out in the brightest patch of sunlight, sometimes contorting themselves into improbable shapes to soak up every ray. Italian Greyhounds are sensitive to cold, so they’ll wrap themselves in blankets or snuggle close to their humans for warmth. Their love of warmth and comfort leads to some of the cutest, most unusual sleeping poses you’ll ever see.

Jack Russell Terrier: The Power Napper

Jack Russell Terriers are known for their boundless energy, but when they finally do slow down, they fall into deep, intense naps. Jack Russells can sleep in the oddest positions—half on the couch, half on the floor, or even balanced on the back of a chair. Their power naps are short but effective, allowing them to recharge quickly before jumping back into action. Jack Russells’ quirky sleeping habits are a perfect match for their playful, unpredictable nature.