The first time I brought my dachshund home, I thought something was wrong with her. She’d wake up, eat half her bowl, sprint around the living room like a furry torpedo and then collapse for the next four hours like she’d run a marathon. I called my vet in a mild panic. The answer? She’s perfectly fine. She’s just a dachshund.
So, do dachshunds sleep a lot? The short, honest answer is: absolutely yes. And there’s fascinating science and history behind why. People who ask do dachshunds sleep a lot are usually first-time owners who are perfectly understandably alarmed by just how horizontal their new companion seems to be.
Do Dachshunds Sleep a Lot Compared to Other Breeds?
Yes do dachshunds sleep a lot, and they consistently rank among the sleepiest dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, most adult dogs need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep a day, and dachshunds often push the higher end of that range, especially during growth stages or recovery periods.
That’s already more than most humans get. But dachshunds regularly exceed even that. Mature dachshunds typically sleep 12–16 hours daily, divided between nighttime rest and daytime naps an amount that exceeds the average dog’s sleep needs but is entirely normal for the breed.
To put it another way: your dachshund may be spending more than half of every 24-hour day asleep. And science actually backs this up. Research published in Scientific Reports found that dogs typically spend 43–60% of a 24-hour period sleeping, with REM sleep occurring at rates between 20–36% of the total sleeping period.
Do dachshunds sleep a lot? Now you have your data-backed answer.
Why Do Dachshunds Sleep So Much? The Real Reasons
Understanding why do dachshunds sleep so much goes deeper than just “they’re lazy.” There are biological, historical, and even physical reasons baked right into the breed.
Their Hunting Heritage Demands It
Dachshunds’ sleeping habits can be traced back to their origins as hunting dogs in 17th-century Germany. These dedicated badger hunters needed substantial rest periods to recover from their intensive underground work.
Their bodies were built for explosive bursts of energy squeezing into tight burrows, flushing out prey followed by long recovery periods. That instinct hasn’t gone anywhere. Today’s couch-dwelling dachshund is still biologically wired to conserve energy between “hunts,” even if the only thing they’re hunting is a squeaky toy.
Their REM Sleep Is Less Efficient Than Ours
This is one of the most underrated reasons why do dachshunds sleep so much and most pet owners never hear about it.
Humans spend roughly 25% of their sleep in REM the restorative phase. Dogs, on the other hand, spend only about 10% in REM. This shorter period of restful sleep means they need to sleep longer 12 to 14 hours to get sufficient REM rest.
In other words, do dachshunds sleep a lot partly because their sleep is less efficient than ours. They need more hours just to get the same restorative benefit.
Their Unique Body Shape Burns Energy Faster
Dachshunds’ short legs require more energy to move around, which can lead to fatigue. Their unique body shape can also make it difficult for them to regulate body temperature, which can lead to additional tiredness.
Think about it those little legs are doing a lot of work to carry that long body. It’s biomechanically demanding, which means more rest is simply a necessity.
Boredom Can Trigger Even More Sleep
Sometimes dachshunds sleep to pass the time if there isn’t anything interesting happening around them. If your dachshund isn’t getting enough mental stimulation or physical exercise, they may sleep excessively out of boredom which is a different problem than healthy rest and can lead to weight gain and even heightened IVDD risk. So yes, do dachshunds sleep a lot due to boredom? Absolutely, and it’s worth addressing proactively.
How Many Hours Do Dachshunds Sleep? A Full Breakdown by Age
Do dachshunds sleep a lot at every life stage? Yes, but the exact amount varies significantly. Here’s a clear breakdown because when people ask do dachshunds sleep a lot, the answer really does depend on how old your dog is:
| Life Stage | Age Range | Average Daily Sleep |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 0–12 months | 18–20 hours |
| Adolescent | 1–2 years | 14–16 hours |
| Adult | 2–7 years | 12–14 hours |
| Senior | 7+ years | 14–18 hours |
| Pregnant | Any | 16–18 hours |
A dachshund puppy can sleep up to 20 hours a day. This extended sleep period is crucial for their development, as sleep supports growth, brain development, and the consolidation of new skills and experiences.
Older dachshunds sleep even more up to 14–16 hours a day and may have changes in sleep quality due to age-related conditions. Senior dachshunds deal with stiffer joints, slower metabolism, and reduced stamina, all of which add up to more time on the dog bed.
If you’re wondering do dachshunds sleep a lot more during puppyhood than adulthood yes, by a wide margin. Don’t be alarmed by a puppy who seems to be asleep more than they’re awake. That is completely normal.
Do Dachshunds Sleep a Lot During the Day Too?
Yes and there’s a scientific reason for it. So if you’re asking do dachshunds sleep a lot during the day, the answer is just as emphatically yes as it is for the night. Dog sleep was found to be mainly polyphasic, with an average wake-sleep cycle length of 83 minutes. This means your dachshund isn’t sleeping in one long stretch the way you might. They cycle in and out of sleep multiple times throughout the day and night.
A healthy adult dachshund will typically sleep 7–9 hours through the night and then supplement with shorter naps throughout the day, particularly in the mid-morning and early afternoon.
So if you work from home and notice your dachshund napping at 10am, 1pm, and again at 3pm that’s perfectly normal polyphasic sleep behavior.
Factors That Influence How Much Your Dachshund Sleeps
Do dachshunds sleep a lot universally? Not exactly several variables can push that number up or down:
- Exercise level: A dachshund who gets a solid 20–30 minute walk daily will tend to have healthier, more regulated sleep patterns. Under-stimulated dogs may sleep more from boredom.
- Environment: Apartment dachshunds are more likely to have shorter, more frequent naps due to controlled indoor environments, while backyard dachshunds often follow activity-rest cycles linked to outdoor patrols, digging, or squirrel-watching.
- Season: Dachshunds may sleep more in winter months due to shorter daylight hours and reduced activity levels.
- Diet: Overfeeding or poor-quality nutrition can contribute to lethargy and excessive sleeping.
- Health status: Sudden increases in sleep duration can signal health concerns, including pain, illness, or cognitive decline.
Do Dachshunds Sleep a Lot Because of Health Issues?
Not always but sometimes. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine notes that changes in sleep can be early indicators of pain or illness. This is especially important for dachshunds given their notorious vulnerability to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which affects their long spine. When people wonder do dachshunds sleep a lot because of a health issue, the answer is: sometimes yes, and the key is spotting the difference.
Signs that your dachshund’s sleep may signal a problem:
- Sleeping significantly more than their normal baseline
- Lethargy and disinterest in food, water, or play when awake
- Difficulty standing, walking, or showing signs of back pain
- Restlessness at night (suggesting daytime sleep is not restful)
If your dachshund is sleeping more than 14 hours per day, closely monitor their behavior while awake. Pay attention to whether they’re eating and drinking normally, and whether they seem lethargic or disconnected from the family.
When in doubt, consult your AKC-registered veterinarian. A quick health check can rule out IVDD, hypothyroidism, anemia, or other conditions that commonly cause excessive fatigue in dachshunds.
I personally experienced this with my own dachshund she started sleeping about two hours more per day than usual and had no interest in her morning walk. Turned out she had a minor back strain. A week of rest and anti-inflammatories had her back to her feisty self.
How to Support Healthy Sleep in Your Dachshund
If do dachshunds sleep a lot is normal, your job isn’t to stop it it’s to make sure that sleep is quality rest. Here’s what I recommend:
- Create a consistent sleep schedule. A reliable sleep schedule supports digestion, emotional balance, and spine health especially important for long-backed breeds like dachshunds.
- Invest in a supportive dog bed. Dachshunds with long spines benefit greatly from orthopedic or memory foam beds that support their back and hips.
- Limit mid-afternoon naps if nighttime sleep is disrupted. Too much late-day snoozing can make your dachshund restless at night.
- Keep daily activity consistent. Regular short walks help regulate sleep cycles better than sporadic long ones.
- Avoid waking them mid-deep sleep. Dachshunds in deep sleep may snap if startled always call their name softly before touching.
For more care tips specific to the breed, check out our Dachshund Guides for everything from training to health maintenance.
Do Dachshunds Sleep a Lot Compared to Cats or Other Small Dogs?
Here’s a quick comparison so you can see where your dachshund fits when asking do dachshunds sleep a lot relative to other animals:
| Animal | Average Daily Sleep |
|---|---|
| Dachshund (adult) | 12–16 hours |
| Average dog (adult) | 12–14 hours |
| Cat | 12–16 hours |
| Horse | ~3 hours |
| Human (adult) | 7–9 hours |
As you can see, do dachshunds sleep a lot compared to humans absolutely. Compared to other dogs, they’re on the higher end. Compared to cats, they’re actually quite similar. So the next time someone asks you do dachshunds sleep a lot, you’ll have a proper answer ready.
FAQ: Do Dachshunds Sleep a Lot Your Questions Answered
Is it normal for a dachshund to sleep 14 hours a day?
Yes, completely. Do dachshunds sleep a lot? For most healthy adults, 12–16 hours per day is the normal range. If your dachshund is active, eating well, and happy when awake, there’s nothing to worry about.
Why does my dachshund sleep after every walk?
This is very common. Do dachshunds sleep a lot after exercise? Yes because their short legs and long bodies expend significant energy even on a short walk. A post-walk nap is a healthy and expected reset.
Why do dachshunds sleep under blankets?
This behavior traces back to their burrowing instincts as underground hunting dogs. Sleeping under covers mimics the tight, warm tunnels they were bred to work in. It’s a comfort behavior, not a sign of anything wrong.
Should I wake my dachshund if they sleep too long?
Generally, no. Let them complete their natural sleep cycles. However, if they’ve been sleeping more than 18 hours consistently (as an adult, not a puppy or senior), monitor for other symptoms and consult your vet.
Do dachshunds sleep more in winter?
Yes. Like many breeds, dachshunds are influenced by light and temperature. Shorter days and colder temperatures can increase melatonin levels, leading to more frequent and longer naps during winter months.
When should I be concerned about my dachshund sleeping too much?
Be concerned when the change is sudden and paired with other symptoms loss of appetite, difficulty moving, disinterest in play, or signs of pain. This combination could indicate IVDD, illness, or another condition that warrants a vet visit. After all, as any experienced dachshund owner knows, the best advocate for your little sausage dog is you so when does your dachshund’s sleep schedule start to seem just a little too quiet?
