To mark World Sleep Day tomorrow (Friday 14th March), Dogs Trust is shining a spotlight on the sleeping habits of our canine companions, sharing findings from its groundbreaking Generation Pup study.

Generation Pup – a longitudinal study examining canine health, behaviour and welfare – is the UK’s largest research project of its kind. It explores how genetics, early experiences and environmental factors shape our dogs as they grow. The latest findings offer valuable insights into the sleep patterns of both puppies and adult dogs within their home environments.

The Dogs Trust sleep study, using data from over 3,400 dogs enrolled in Generation Pup, discovered that dogs, especially puppies, tend to nap frequently during the day and prefer to stay close to their human companions overnight.

Owners reported puppies aged 16 weeks slept significantly longer during the day and overall in a 24-hour period compared to 12-month-old dogs, but less during the night, a key factor to consider when welcoming a puppy into your home. Most commonly, owners settled their dogs at bedtime in a separate area or room without people (59% of 16-week-old puppies and 54% of 12-month-old dogs).

However, among dogs that had access to their humans overnight, an impressive 87% chose to sleep nearby. Younger puppies (67%) mostly slept in a kennel or crate, while older dogs aged 12 months typically opted for their own dog bed (50%).

According to the Generation Pup study:

• Dogs Love Their Sleep: On average, dogs sleep around 11 hours each day, and over a third of owners observed their pets appearing to dream frequently.

• Sleeping Arrangements: While the majority (86%) snoozed in their own beds – dog beds, crates, or kennels – a sizeable portion enjoyed sharing sleeping space, with over a quarter sleeping on their owner’s bed too!

• Favourite Sleeping Positions: Most dogs (84%) prefer stretching out or lying on their sides, while 64% enjoy curling up into a cosy ball.

• Dreaming Big: A significant number of owners (73%) reported their dogs twitching during sleep, and 30% observed their dog actively ‘chasing something’ in their dreams. Others noted various dream behaviours, including barking, squeaking, whimpering, twitching facial muscles or ears, and even tail-wagging.

However, the study also raised health concerns for some dogs. More than one in 10 (13%) dogs reportedly snored loudly, with flat-faced breeds such as Pugs most frequently affected due to known breathing difficulties. Clumber Spaniels and French Bulldogs also often snored. Persistent loud snoring may indicate underlying health issues like obesity or brachycephalic airway syndrome – particularly in flat-faced breeds – so owners noticing regular snoring should consult their vet.

Jana Muschinski from Dogs Trust’s Generation Pup study commented:

“It seems our dogs are living the dream – literally! From stretching out in their own bed to potentially chasing squirrels in their sleep, it’s clear that a good nap is essential for our furry friends.

“Sleep in dogs is a rarely studied but important behaviour. Changes in the pattern and duration of a dog’s sleep can reflect their wakeful experiences and how comfortable they are in their environment. Our Generation Pup study is the biggest of its kind, and the results reveal that dogs truly love their sleep and appear to regularly dream, with many owners reporting that their dogs can be seen to ‘chase’ in their sleep.

“Many owners also reported that their dogs snore loudly. While snoring is not uncommon among dogs, regular loud snoring could be a sign that your dog may have some underlying health problems, so we encourage you to speak to your vet to have them checked over.”

To learn more about Dogs Trust’s Generation Pup study, visit: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/professionals/research/generation-pup-research