Why do bulldogs sleep so much

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Cascades Legendary Yeti

If you have a bulldog, what do you think hes probably doing right this minute? Werewilling to bet most bully owners answered with sleeping! Experts arent sure exactly why bulldogs snooze so much, but they average about 12 hours of shuteye a day.

A Lack of REM Sleep

Why do bulldogs sleep so much? Heres one popular theory: Your average human spends about 25 percent of their sleep in the deep Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage. This is because, unlike dogs, humans dont get the luxury of taking naps during the day and have to catch all their Zs in one long stretch at night. Bulldogs, on the other hand, only spend 10 percent of their dozing time in the restorative REM stage due to their shorter sleep stints. In a nutshell, that means our bulldogs have to log in a lot more snooze time to reap the benefits their humansget during one night of sound sleep.

The Genetic Factor

Thebulldogs wild ancestors were nocturnal, hunting under the cover of darkness and resting while the sun was up. After humans decided to domesticate canines, dogs had to adapt by changing their habits to fit their familys schedule, and that meant sleeping through the night. Their wild wolf cousins still get to howl at the moon while our bulldogs are nice enough to keep it to a low snore when their owners are in bed.

Snow Whites adorable sleeping puppies.

How Much Sleep is Normal?

The average dog sleeps for 12 to 14 hours a day. Puppies need 18 to 20 hours a day since they wear themselves out running and playing. Older dogs and certain breeds on both ends of the size spectrum need more rest. Giant breeds like Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, and Great Danes clock in the most nap time.

A Dogs Day

Bulldogs spend 50 percent of the day asleep, 30 percent hangingaround the house, and only around 20 percent being active. Unlike their human buddies, dogs are flexible sleepers who can easily pop up when they needto (like when the mailman is at the door) and snooze when theyre bored. A hard days work, like that of a police dog or one who herds sheep, means less sleep since they have more to do than the average Chihuahua who lounges the day away on the couch.

When To Be Concerned

While your bulldogs sleep schedule can vary from day to day, theres usually no reason to be worried about all the snooze time hes getting. A red flag would be if your usually active dog suddenly sleeps all day long, if he becomes difficult to wake up, or if he goes the other extreme and is staying awake and anxious most of the time. Then you would need to take the pooch to your veterinarian to rule out any major health problems and help get him back on track.

For more answers to frequently asked questions, visit our Bulldog FAQ page or follow us on Facebook.

Bulldog Complete Sleeping Guide (Timeline, Problems, Solutions)

Whether you are a first-time Bulldog owner or a long-time lover of this energetic and intelligent breed you may wonder what is normal for sleeping patterns and behaviors for your Bulldog. I did some research and reached out to other Dachshund owners and this is what I found out.

Adult Bulldogs will sleep on average 12-14 hours a day. Bulldog puppies will sleep 18-20 hours a day in a 24 hour period. How much your Bulldog sleeps depends a lot on their personalities. Bulldogs also tend to develop sleep habits similar to their owners.

If you are fit and active, your Bulldog will be also. If you are relaxed and laid-back, chances are your Bulldog will be similar to you. But how do you know if your Bulldog is getting too little or too much of those precious zzzzzzs? Continue reading to find out.

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How Much Sleep Do Bulldogs Need? Puppies, Adults, Seniors

Bulldog Newborn Sleep Patterns

This stage of life is very short and full of lots of shut-eye! For the first week of their life, Bulldognewborns will be sleeping anytime they arent nursing.Newborns generally nurse every 2 hours but even while doing so they will have their eyes shut and look as though they are eating in their sleep.

As they grow, they will slowly start to spend more time awake.Around 3 weeks old they will have around 2-4 hours of active time a daybroken up into small spurts of energy and exploring their world.

Bulldog Puppy Sleep Patterns

Puppies are quickly growing and changing. They need plenty of sleep to fuel and recharge their growing bodies.From 2-5 months old, Bulldog puppies will generally sleep around 18-20 hours in a 24-hour period.This includes sleeping at night and daytime naps.

Your puppy will sleep in longer stretches at night but will still need to get up to relieve its small bladder and stretch. He may even have a burst of energy and seem like he wants to play. With some patience and guidance,your puppy can learn to sleep through the night by 4 months old, maybe even sooner.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission.

Older puppies from around 6-12 months old will sleep about 14-16 hours throughout a 24 hour period.At this point, they should be more active and inquisitive during the day and will be better about sleeping through the night in 6-9 hour stretches.

They will also take multiple naps during the day, as well as times of rest when they appear to be just lying around, but somewhat alert as well as high energy awake time when they will want to play and train.

When Will My Bulldog Puppy Sleep Through the Night?

Bulldog puppies will generally sleep through the night by about 4 months old, but it can range from 8 or 9 weeks old all the way through 6 months old. Some puppies may also go through a sleep regression when going through a growth spurt or teething.

There is a lot that you can do to nurture your puppys sleeping patterns and help them to sleep better at night. Towards the end of this article, we will discuss those in the heading sleep problems and solutions.

Fun Fact:Senior dogs, as well as puppies, tend to twitch more in their sleep! This is due to a part of their brain called the Pons which regulates muscles and keeps them still while they sleep. This part of a puppys brain is underdeveloped and for older dogs, it works less efficiently.

Adult Bulldog Sleep Patterns

Your adultBulldogswill normally sleep around 12-16 hours in a 24-hr period, but more as he ages.In this study,researchers found that older and middle-aged dogs slept more during the day than young adult dogs.

This was because they took more naps, not because their naps were longer.They tend to run out of energy and need to rest more often than the younger group.Older and middle-aged dogs also slept more at night than younger dogs because they had long stretches of sleep at night (waking up later) and woke up fewer times during the night.

Its important to remember that this can greatly differ depending on the personality and temperament of each dog as well as the atmosphere/lifestyle of your home. When I asked Bulldog owners what their dogs behavior was like they covered all the ranges of this 12-16 hr span. A big factor was how active and attentive the owners were.

Bulldogs typically have a little less energy than other dog breeds. This means they may sleep more often than your other dogs if they have pet brothers and sisters.

Some owners I talked to did say that their Bulldogs tend to sleep more when left home alone for long amounts of time, (like when their owner is at work). This is most likely because there is no one there to engage them with play or give them a reason to get up and move around. So, as you can see their sleep schedule greatly depend on the kinds of habits you develop for your dog.

Senior Bulldogs Sleep Patterns

YourBulldog is considered a senior sometime between 7 and 10 years old. At this time, you will probably start to see your dog slowly increasing the amount of time it is resting and sleeping.

It wont happen all at once, but just like humans as they age, they tend to slow down and not have quite as much energy as a young pup.SeniorBulldogs will sleep 14-16 hrs a day on average as they get to be 10-14 years old and older, they could be sleeping up to 18 hrs a day.

At an older age, your Bulldog sleep patterns may change as well. Its normal for your Bulldog to take more naps during the day and have a few wakeful periods at night. This change will probably happen slowly and should be nothing to worry about unless its a sudden or significant change.

If your Bulldog has sudden orsignificant changesin their patterns of sleep, its best toconsult your vet. For older Bulldogs, these could besigns of more serious issuessuch as dementia, arthritis, hypothyroidism, or other conditions associated with older age.

Your Bulldog may be waking up more at night because its bladder is getting older and they need to use the potty more often. You can try and help with this by taking them out right before bed and limiting their water intake just before bed as well.

If your Bulldog limps after waking up from sleeping be sure to read this article next: Why Is My Bulldog Limping?

Why Does My English or French Bulldog Sleep So Much?

Many factors could contribute to your Bulldog sleepinga lot. Puppies and senior dogs sleep more than adult Bulldogs. Stress, anxiety, boredom, diet, or disease can all be factors for why your dog is sleeping more than usual. In most cases, it is normal for dogs to sleep 12 or more hours a day.

If you are concerned about your Bulldogs sleeping patterns it is always a good idea to talk to your vet.

In most cases there is nothing to worry about if your dog sleeps quite a bit, however; if your dogs sleeping patterns have changed dramatically in a short period of time then it could be a red flag that something more significant is happening.

Lethargy or a lack of energy and enthusiasm can be a sign that your dog is being affected by something more than just laziness or a bit tired. If this describes your dog, then definitely consult with your vet. Many diseases and age-related problems can come with a change in sleeping patterns.

Some dogs will sleep more in the wintertime because the days are shorter and colder. You can read this article I wrote to learn more about that.

Do Dogs Hibernate? (Winter Weather Questions Answered)

If you think your dog is sleeping a lot because of boredom you can always make an effort to have more playtime and exercise sessions with your dog.

You could hire a dog walker (we have a neighborhood teen that loves to walk dogs for a very reasonable rate!)

Or join a fun program you can work on together like thispopular brain training for dogscourse!

Why Does My Bulldog Sleep with His Tongue Out?

Because Bulldogs have such a flat face and short nose common to the brachycephalic breed their tongue has less space inside their mouth. Their tongue may hang out while sleeping because it is hot and they are trying to keep cool, or they may be completely relaxed.

For the most part, it is completely normal for your French or English Bulldog to sleep with its tongue hanging out. As long as it is able to pull it back in at will and as long as it doesnt dry out. If your dog struggles to keep its tongue in its mouth it could be suffering from something called Hanging Tongue Syndrome.

Sleep Problems and Solutions for Bulldog Puppies and Adults

If you are struggling with getting your Bulldog to settle down and sleep at night you are not alone. Whether its the new puppy days, or you just moved, most owners go through this stage at some point.

Things that may be making this challenging can range fromcrying or whining at night, waking up in the middle of the night, struggling to settle down, or waking up too early in the morning.

Some dogs will start to sleep well through the night then a few weeks or months later start to wake up again. This is called a sleep regression and can be normal.

Like human babies when puppies are teething or going through growth spurts it could cause them to wake up at night or have difficulties sleeping.

Luckily there are some things that you can do to help your dog (as well as yourself) get the good nights sleep you need.

Have a routine and schedule:

If your Bulldog knows what to expect and hasspecific cuesto alert him that its time to wind down and get some shut-eye it can do a lot to help them easily get settled at night. This routine can include using the restroom, bringing the noise level down, dimming the light,creating a relaxing and calm atmosphere.

Its important to keep thisschedule as consistent as possible.Going to bed around the same time each night, and having set patterns will not only signal to your dogs brain its time for bed, which will in turn help to increase the production of melatonin (your bodies powerful natural sleep aid) it can also help you fall asleep more easily as well.

Give them plenty of exercise:

Even though your dog may be pretty chill Bulldogsneed plenty of stimulation and exercise each day. If they have been bored and laying around all day chances for a good nights rest are minimal.At least an hour a day for exercise should be set aside for your dog.

The best time for a good exercise session is about 2 hours before bedtime.Try to include high cardio exercise as well and engaging brain activities so that your Bulldog will be both physically tired as well as mentally tired.

Have a specific sleeping area and make it inviting:

Whether its in their crate in the living room,their doggy bed(Amazonaffiliatelink to acomfy warming bed) next to your bed on the floor, or even in your own bed. Having a designated area to go to will help create the routine and let your dog know that its sleep time. If your dog sleeps in his own bed, or in a crate, having something that smells like you and a small stuffed animal to snuggle with can help him feel more safe and secure. This is especially true for puppies.

Try changing meal timesor limiting food and water:

Take up their water after a certain time of the evening. If your Bulldog seems to need a bathroom break in the middle of the night all the time you can try changing his meal time to be a few hours earlier (so he will get the poop out before bed) or a few hours later (so he can hold it until tomorrow).

You can also take up the water dish a few hours before bed so that he isnt filling up his bladder just before dozing off.

Either way, you may want to slowly adjust the time of his meals to see if that will help with the late-night bathroom breaks.

If early morning waking is a problem, try figuring out what it is that may be waking them up?

Is the sun coming up? Try adding somedarkening curtains.Are there noises such as birds or early morning traffic? Try adding some white noise by using a noise machinelike this one from Amazon.(Amazon affiliate link).

All it takes is some investigative work to try and figure out what may be causing the problem. It can be easier to do this if youkeep a log or journal of your dogs sleeping and eating patterns. This doesnt have to be something that you do long-term, but just long enough for you to notice a pattern so you can address it.

Speaking of eating,if your Bulldogeats strange thingsclick hereto read my latest article about Bulldogs health and what to do.

If nothing seems to be working, your dog has changed his sleep patterns suddenly, he seems very lethargic and low on energy all the time, or he hasother symptomslike vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool, or other concerns then you shouldtake him to the vet immediatelyto get checked out.

If you have a puppy and all its needs are met and it is still crying just rememberit is common for it to whine and cry especially for the first week or so that you have him in your home.You can try asoothing stuffy like this onefrom Amazon(affiliate link).

An older dog who is new to your home may experience this as well. If you must check on him make sure that thelights stay dim, and you are as un-intrusiveas you can be. If you are working with your puppy to sleep in their own bed or crate, make sure to not give in and then expect smooth sailing after that. You need to start the expectations as you mean to go forward.

Bulldog Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Light snoring in your Bulldog is usually not something to worry about, but heavy snoring may be a bigger problem. Heavy snoring may indicate sleep problems which makes it difficult for your dog to breathe and can, if left untreated lead to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

Sleep apnea can be dangerous for your Bulldog, but there are some things you can do to help prevent your dog from snoring.

Make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight. Overweight dogs are more at risk for snoring.
Keep your dogs bed washed and clean. This will help prevent build up of allergens.
Get your dogan orthopedic bed with a side(affiliate link)on it so you can prop your dog up. Teach him to sleep that way.
Make sure the room is not hot and stuffy.
Use anair purifier(affiliate link)to filter airborne allergens. This can help add white noise for you as well if your dog sleeps in the same room as you.
Try acool mist humidifier (affiliate link).
Keep your dogs water fresh and clean. Staying hydrated helps them have a moist nose that can help with better airflow.
Watch for nasal discharge or other signs of infection.
Make sure they have healthy teeth. A tooth infection can lead to an abscess that limits air flow.
Get help from your vet.

Why Does My Bulldog Like to Sleep Under the Covers?

Being under the covers provides your Bulldog with a place that feels safe and secure like a small den. Combined with a Bulldogs instinctive burrowing behavior it will make him want to burrow under the covers to find a protected comfortable place to sleep.

In general, it is safe for your Bulldog to sleep under the covers or under a blanket, but special care should be taken to make sure that he always has an escape route. Keeping their face un-covered can help.

Where Should My Bulldog Sleep?

Can Bulldogs Sleep Alone?

Your dog can sleep alone but being the social cuddly breed they are would much prefer to sleep with or near you. They are a very loyal and social breed and feel much more comfortable being near their owner or another friend while sleeping.

Sleeping near others helps them to feel part of a pack which will help them feel more secure and loved as well as bonded to their family.

Can Bulldogs Sleep Outside?

It is not recommended that Bulldogs sleep outside. Bulldogs thrive on relationships and being close to their owners, sleeping outdoors can be lonely and dangerous for this social breed. Their coats are also not thick enough to keep them very warm in cold temperatures.

Sleeping outdoors can be dangerous as Bulldogs are too small to fight off predators.

Do Bulldogs Like to Sleep with You?

Bulldogs generally love to be close to their owners. They are very affectionate and cuddly and if allowed can enjoy sleeping in your bed next to you or in the same room as you at night. They tend to thrive on connection and will also likely follow you around the house during the day.

Should I Let My Bulldog Sleep With Me?

There are a lot of great benefits you could get by letting your Bulldog sleep with you. Here are some listed below.

Eases stress and anxiety
Extra warmth
Greater security
Morningcuddles and love
Decreases loneliness
Releases Oxytocin (did you know staring at your dog also releases Oxytocin?!)
Helps you bond with your dog
Makes your dog feel more secure

Dogs and humans have been sleeping together in some cultures for thousands of years, and for good reasons, just being close to your Bulldog helps toincrease your levels of Oxytocin(link to PubMed article) a powerful hormone that will help you unwind, destress, lower your heart rate and feel more relaxed. This is a perfect recipe for a great nights sleep.

Research showsthat dogowners who share special bonds with their dogs benefit greatly from mental health benefits such as lower blood pressure, decreased stress, less anxiety and depression, and overall better health.

Many Bulldog owners choose to let their dogs sleep with them for many of these reasons.

There are however also reasons you should consider that may make you decide to not let your Bulldog sleep with you. Here are some below.

Sleep quality could be affected
Could make allergies worse
Possible transmission of disease
Possibility of creating more separation anxiety
Could make resource guarding worse
Could make intimacy with your partner more challenging

Dog and human sleep cycles can differ quite a bit. If you or your dog is a fitful light sleeperit could be difficult to get enough deep sleepif your dog is waking you up constantly. If you and your pooch are constantly battling it out then you will probably be better off with them in their own bed.

Even though everyone has their own opinion about why or why not their Bulldog should sleep in bed with them ultimately you get to decide whats best for you and your furry friend.

Why Does My Bulldog Sleep Between My Legs?

Your dog is a pack animal and will sleep between your legs because you are part of his pack. Not only that but it is a warm safe place, he trusts you and wants to protect you. Unfortunately sleeping between your legs may also be a sign of separation anxiety.

Bulldog Sleeping Positions and What they Mean

Curled up in a ball:Im keeping warm and protecting myself. Dogs curl up in a ball as an instinct from their wild days when they needed to do so to protect their most vital organs and stay warm.