Dachshund Sleeping

If Harvey had his way, he’d spend most mornings in what I call his “sun patch” — that perfect rectangle of light streaming through the living room window in our Sutherland Shire home. He’s a champion napper, able to switch from alert guard dog to curled-up sleeper in seconds. We brought him home before the COVID lockdowns, and during that time, his daily routine settled into a rhythm of short bursts of energy followed by long stretches of rest.

Dachshunds are often underestimated in their sleep needs. They might have a big personality and bursts of stubborn energy, but they’re also wired for plenty of downtime. 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.

Understanding their sleeping patterns isn’t just about curiosity — it’s an important part of caring for their overall health and behaviour. Whether you live in a beachside suburb like Cronulla or in an inner-city apartment in Sydney, knowing what’s normal can help you spot signs of stress, illness, or just plain contentment.

Dachshunds may be famous for their lively personalities, but they spend a surprising amount of time recharging. On average, a healthy adult dachshund will sleep 12 to 14 hours per day, while puppies and senior dogs can need up to 18–20 hours of rest. This is completely normal and rooted in canine physiology rather than laziness.

Dogs are what’s known as polyphasic sleepers, meaning they take multiple naps throughout the day rather than relying on a single long sleep period like humans. According to the American Kennel Club, most adult dogs spend roughly half their day sleeping, a third of it resting, and only a small fraction in active movement.

Scientific research supports this. A 2020 review in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that domestic dogs typically spend 50% of their day asleep, 30% resting, and only 20% awake and active (Frontiers in Veterinary Science). For dachshunds, whose historical role involved bursts of intense hunting followed by long recovery periods, this pattern is especially pronounced.

Life Stage and Sleep Needs

• Puppies (up to 12 months) — Require more sleep than adults to support brain development, immune health, and physical growth. Frequent play sessions are followed by deep naps, often in unexpected places.
  
  
• Adults (1–7 years) — Usually settle into a predictable rhythm of 12–14 hours of rest, balanced with daily walks, playtime, and alert “patrolling” of the home.
  
  
• Seniors (7+ years) — Tend to sleep more as metabolism slows and joints become stiffer. Comfort, warmth, and easy access to sleeping spots become essential.
  
  

Geographic & Lifestyle Factors

Where you live can shape your dachshund’s sleep cycle:

• NSW, Australia — In coastal suburbs like Cronulla, warmer summer afternoons often mean longer midday naps to avoid the heat, with more activity in the cooler mornings and evenings.
  
  
• UK — Shorter daylight hours in winter lead to increased burrowing under blankets and fewer outdoor bursts of activity.
  
  
• USA — In regions with extreme seasonal shifts, dachshunds may alternate between long winter naps and shorter summer rests, depending on the climate.
  
  

Daily Rhythm in the Home

Your household’s schedule also plays a role. Dachshunds in apartments often nap more throughout the day due to reduced outdoor stimulation, while those with access to a backyard tend to rest after short “patrols” or digging sessions. In Harvey’s case, his favourite nap spots rotate throughout the day — from the sun patch in the lounge mid-morning to the cool tiles near the kitchen in the afternoon.

For a deeper look at how personality influences daily habits, see Dachshund Personality and When Do Dachshunds Calm Down.

One of the most entertaining parts of living with a dachshund is seeing the variety of ways they sleep. Harvey has an entire repertoire — from curling tightly into a ball on chilly Sutherland Shire mornings to stretching out like a sunbathing seal after a walk at Greenhills Beach. Each position can tell you something about their comfort level, personality, and even their health.

1. The Donut Curl
   
   When a dachshund curls into a tight ball with their nose tucked under their tail, it’s usually a way to conserve body heat and protect vital organs. This is especially common in winter or in cooler climates like the UK. Puppies also tend to sleep this way for a sense of security.
   
   
2. The Side Sleeper
   A relaxed position with legs stretched out to one side often signals trust and comfort. Dachshunds sleeping like this are typically in a deep sleep phase. If you see this regularly, it’s a good indicator that they feel safe in their environment.
   
   
3. The Superman
   Front legs extended forward, back legs stretched behind — this position is often a sign of cooling off or preparing for a quick dash if needed. Harvey does this after a beach run, flopping dramatically onto the floor tiles before drifting into a nap.
   
   
4. The Belly Curl (Half-Loaf)
   This is a semi-alert position where the dog rests on their belly with paws tucked in. It allows them to jump up quickly if something interesting happens — typical dachshund behaviour, especially for more alert personalities.
   
   
5. The Back Sleeper (Paws in the Air)
   A completely exposed belly is the ultimate sign of trust. Dachshunds who sleep on their backs are showing that they feel secure and relaxed. This position can also be a way to cool off, as the fur on the belly is usually thinner.
   
   
6. The Burrower
   True to their heritage as burrow dogs, many dachshunds love sleeping under blankets, cushions, or even laundry piles. The American Kennel Club notes that this instinct is linked to their historical role in chasing prey underground. It’s also a source of comfort and warmth.

Recognising these patterns can also help you monitor health. If your dachshund suddenly changes their preferred sleeping position, it could indicate discomfort, joint pain, or illness — worth discussing with your vet.

Dachshunds are not strict “night sleepers” the way humans are. Instead, they follow a polyphasic sleep cycle, taking multiple naps throughout the day and having a longer, deeper rest at night. This pattern is hardwired into their biology and shaped by both environment and lifestyle.

• Morning — Most dachshunds wake when their owners do. After breakfast and a walk, they often settle into their first long nap of the day.
  
  
• Midday — Depending on activity levels, many will take short naps between bursts of play or watch the world from their favourite sunny spot.
  
  
• Afternoon — A second major nap often happens here, especially if they’ve had an active morning.
  
  
• Evening — Playfulness and alertness often peak again before bedtime, especially in homes with children or in multi-pet households.
  
  
• Night — If their needs are met, dachshunds will sleep deeply for 7–9 hours, sometimes waking briefly to adjust position or check their surroundings.
  
  

Light, temperature, and household noise heavily influence a dachshund’s rest. In NSW coastal suburbs like Cronulla, long summer evenings can push bedtime later, while in the UK’s shorter winter days, they may settle earlier and nap more. In the USA, patterns often vary between states — dachshunds in colder climates tend to adopt more winter burrowing, while those in warmer states like California keep an active late-afternoon schedule.

• Apartment Dachshunds — More likely to have shorter, more frequent naps due to controlled indoor environments and fewer big energy bursts outdoors.
  
  
• Backyard Dachshunds — Often follow activity-rest cycles linked to outdoor patrols, digging, or squirrel-watching, with longer naps after being outside.
  
  

Knowing your dachshund’s day/night rhythm can help in scheduling walks, feeding, and training. If Harvey’s evening play session is missed, he’ll often wake earlier the next morning, full of pent-up energy — something I learned quickly after a few 5 a.m. wake-up calls.

For more insight into how personality affects energy patterns, see Dachshund Personality and Do Dachshunds Like to Cuddle, as affection levels often influence how and where they choose to sleep.

It’s normal for dachshunds to log impressive amounts of shut-eye, but sudden or sustained increases in sleep can sometimes point to underlying issues. Understanding the potential causes helps you decide whether it’s simply a seasonal shift — or time for a vet check.

Puppies and senior dachshunds naturally sleep more. Puppies need the extra downtime for bone and muscle development, while older dogs rest longer due to reduced stamina and slower metabolism. A senior dachshund might nap for much of the day but still perk up for meals, walks, and affection.

In warmer climates like coastal NSW, summer heat can slow activity and push dogs into longer midday naps. Conversely, in the UK and northern USA, shorter daylight hours and cold weather often bring more blanket burrowing and early nights.

Joint pain, arthritis, obesity, and certain chronic illnesses can cause your dachshund to conserve energy. Conditions like hypothyroidism — more common in middle-aged dogs — can lead to lethargy and longer sleep periods (American Kennel Club).

A lack of mental engagement can lead to boredom, which dogs often “solve” by sleeping. If Harvey misses his morning beach walk at Greenhills Beach, he tends to snooze more during the day simply because there’s less to do.

After a busy weekend at the dog park or a long bushwalk, it’s normal for your dachshund to rest more. Sleep helps repair muscles and replenish energy stores. Similarly, after vaccinations or minor surgery, extra sleep can be part of recovery.

Some medications — especially those for anxiety, pain relief, or allergies — have drowsiness as a side effect. If Harvey’s anxiety medication dosage changes, we notice subtle shifts in his sleep length and patterns, so we keep track and discuss it with our vet if needed.

If the increased sleep is paired with other changes — such as loss of appetite, difficulty waking, or a sudden drop in interest in favourite activities — it’s worth contacting your veterinarian. They can help determine whether the shift is behavioural or medical in nature.

A dachshund’s sleep quality isn’t just about how many hours they rest — it’s about where and how they rest. Providing the right sleeping setup can improve comfort, reduce anxiety, and even support joint health.

Given their long backs and risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), dachshunds benefit from beds with both orthopedic support and soft cushioning. Memory foam beds are ideal for distributing weight evenly and protecting the spine (Canine Arthritis Management). Harvey’s favourite is a bolstered bed where he can rest his head slightly elevated while still curling up in comfort.

Choose a quiet, low-traffic area where they won’t be disturbed by constant foot traffic or loud appliances. In apartments, this might mean a corner away from the main hallway. In suburban NSW homes, a spot near a sunny window in winter or a cool tiled floor in summer works beautifully.

• Warm Weather: Ensure good airflow and avoid overly plush bedding that traps heat.
  
  
• Cool Weather: Dachshunds are notorious burrowers, so offer a blanket or hooded bed. In colder UK and USA climates, heated pet beds can help them stay cosy without needing to pile under all your blankets.
  
  

Dogs respond to consistent cues. Dim lighting in the evening can signal that it’s time to wind down, while morning light near their bed can help establish a waking rhythm. If your routine includes a late-night cuddle before bed, they’ll quickly learn to expect it — and cherish it.

Some dachshunds rest better with a favourite toy or a blanket that smells like you. Harvey has a small fleece blanket from when he was a puppy, and he still burrows into it every night.

Older dachshunds or those recovering from back injury benefit from beds with low sides or ramps to help them climb in and out without strain.

Even seasoned owners sometimes misinterpret their dachshund’s sleeping habits. Let’s break down a few of the most common myths — and what’s actually true.

Reality: Dachshunds are wired to rest more than humans. As discussed in the American Kennel Club’s canine sleep research, dogs spend roughly half their day asleep to recover from bursts of activity and stay alert for future ones. Long naps are a sign of normal canine behaviour, not laziness.

Reality: Weight gain is more closely tied to calorie intake and lack of exercise than to nap time. While too much inactivity without physical stimulation can contribute to weight issues, a healthy dachshund with daily walks and playtime can nap extensively without gaining unhealthy weight.

Reality: While sudden changes in sleep patterns can indicate illness, gradual shifts due to age, weather, or lifestyle are usually harmless. If other symptoms are absent, increased sleep alone is rarely cause for alarm — though it’s always worth monitoring.

Reality: Dachshunds thrive on consistency. Shifting bedtime to keep them tired for longer can backfire, leading to restless nights or early-morning barking. Instead, a predictable sleep routine with adequate daily exercise leads to deeper, higher-quality rest.

Reality: Whether a dachshund sleeps in your bed, in their own bed, or in a crate is a personal choice. What matters most is their comfort and your household’s needs. Many dachshunds are natural cuddlers (see Do Dachshunds Like to Cuddle) and find sleeping near their humans emotionally reassuring.

A dachshund’s sleep quality can be shaped just as much by daily routine as by their sleeping spot. With a few simple adjustments, you can help them rest more soundly and wake more refreshed.

Dogs thrive on predictability. Feeding, walks, and bedtime should happen around the same time each day. Inconsistent schedules can lead to restless nights and daytime irritability.

Dachshunds need a healthy mix of mental and physical stimulation before bedtime. A short evening walk around your neighbourhood can help burn off energy, while puzzle toys or scent games keep their minds engaged.

Avoid giving your dachshund large meals or too much water right before bed. This can cause discomfort or prompt middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks.

Lowering household lights, speaking in softer tones, and offering a quiet cuddle can signal bedtime. Harvey responds instantly to this wind-down phase, often climbing into his bed before I’ve even turned off the lamp.

If your dachshund is a light sleeper, limit late-night noise and avoid letting them nap too much right before bedtime. For households with children or multiple pets, a separate sleep area can help ensure uninterrupted rest.

Puppies may need a slightly later bedtime with more naps throughout the day, while seniors may prefer an earlier night with fewer disturbances.

If you notice your dachshund’s sleep pattern changing suddenly, track it in a simple log. Note the length of naps, bedtime, wake-up time, and any unusual behaviour. This record can be invaluable if you need to consult your vet.

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This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.