Many dogs love to burrow under blankets when they sleep. The reasons for this cute behavior may include feeling secure, keeping warm, and bonding with their human.
Some breeds are especially prone to sleeping under the covers. Here are 18 dog breeds that tend to snooze best when tucked under a cozy blanket or comforter.
1. French Bulldog
The affectionate French Bulldog is a companion dog that thrives on human contact. They often like to sleep right up against their owner. Frenchies are also prone to feeling chilly due to their single coat and flat face. When given the chance, they’ll dive under the covers for warmth and security.
2. Chihuahua
The tiny Chihuahua has a huge personality but also gets cold easily due to its miniature size. Chihuahuas seek out small, cozy spaces to sleep, like under blankets, pillows, or your armpit. They prefer comfort and warmth over sleeping alone on a cold bed.
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3. Greyhound
Most Greyhounds have very short, thin coats and little body fat. Their lean build that makes them fast runners also means they get cold easily. Greyhounds are sensitive to temperature extremes and drafts. Sleeping under a blanket helps them stay nice and toasty.
4. Whippet
Similar to the Greyhound, the Whippet also has an athletic slender build with very little body fat. They shiver and shake when they get cold. Letting your Whippet burrow under the covers allows this sensitive short-haired breed to sleep comfortably and maintain body heat.
5. Dachshund
The lovable Dachshund, sometimes called a “wiener dog,” tends to sleep curled up in a ball or stretched out. Their elongated body loses heat quickly. Dachshunds will snuggle under blankets to conserve warmth in their core. Their burrowing instinct also kicks in under the covers.
6. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers often sleep curled in a ball or with their legs sticking up in the air. This silly sleeping position lets heat escape. Additionally, Boston Terriers have short snouts that can lead to breathing difficulties. Sleeping buried under blankets allows them to breathe easier and stay cozy.
7. Italian Greyhound
Small, slender, and shivery, the Italian Greyhound resembles a miniature Greyhound. They also have little body fat and short fur that provides insufficient warmth. Your Italian Greyhound will appreciate having a blanket cocoon to cuddle into, which helps them avoid getting chilled.
8. Wheaten Terrier
The soft, wavy coat of the Wheaten Terrier sheds minimally but is not an insulating double coat that retains heat. This makes the Wheaten Terrier prone to feeling cold, especially at night. Sleeping under the covers allows this furry buddy to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
9. Chinese Crested
The mostly hairless Chinese Crested use blankets and beds to stay warm due to missing a fur coat. They love to snuggle up under soft blankets, comforters, clothes, and anything else that helps them conserve body heat and feel safe and secure. Give them a cozy cave of blankets to sleep in.
10. Greyhound
Greyhounds have very little body fat and short coats. They are prone to feeling cold and benefit from sleeping under blankets to stay warm. Their lean physique also allows them to burrow underneath covers easily. For comfort and warmth, Greyhounds love to snooze tucked under the covers.
11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a silky coat that lacks insulating underfur. They tend to feel cold outside or in drafts due to losing body heat quickly. Let your Cavalier burrow under blankets and comforters to sleep in cozy warmth. Their sweet, affectionate nature also makes them snuggle bugs.
12. Miniature Pinscher
Min Pins have short, sleek coats that don’t provide much warmth. They like to curl up small underneath blankets and sheets. Their tiny size lets them burrow way down into the covers. Your Min Pin will seek out a warm blanket cave when it’s time to snooze.
13. Italian Greyhound
Resembling small Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds have virtually no body fat and struggle to retain heat. They get cold easily, especially at night. Sleeping under piles of blankets allows the shivery Italian Greyhound to stay nice and toasty when the temperatures drop.
14. Jack Russell Terrier
The energetic Jack Russell Terrier excels at wrapping themselves into a “blanket burrito.” Don’t be surprised to find just a nose and a tail sticking out! By burrowing completely under blankets, this breed traps their body heat to keep warm as they sleep.
15. Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier resembles a miniature Fox Terrier. Bred to hunt vermin, Rat Terriers are alert, active small dogs. When not on the chase, Rat Terriers enjoy burrowing under blankets, pillows, and anything else they can cover themselves with. Keep plenty of cozy sleeping spots for your Rat Terrier.
16. Whippet
Similar to their Greyhound cousins, Whippets also have little body fat and a short coat. They easily feel chilled. A Whippet will burrow completely under blankets to conserve warmth. Their lean build allows them to maneuver under covers with ease. A cocoon of blankets helps Whippets sleep comfortably.
17. Saluki
The Saluki has a smooth, short coat that fails to provide adequate insulation from cold temperatures. They are prone to chills. Sleeping under blankets allows the Saluki to generate and retain body heat better as they slumber. Give your Saluki ample cozy blankets to burrow under.
18. Mexican Hairless Dog
As a mostly hairless breed, the Mexican Hairless dog lacks natural protection from the cold. They rely on blankets and warm environments to maintain body temperature. Your hairless dog will appreciate having blankets or comforters they can snuggle under, keeping them nice and cozy as they sleep.
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Why Do Dogs Like To Sleep Under The Covers?
Dogs sleep under blankets for a variety of reasons:
- Warmth. Small or short-haired dogs often get cold at night. Sleeping under the covers traps their body heat and keeps them nice and cozy.
- Security. The protective barrier of blankets makes dogs feel safe and secure as they sleep.
- Darkness. Burrowing under covers creates a dark, den-like environment that many dogs find comforting.
- Bonding. Dogs want to be close to you, and sleeping under your covers helps them gain that proximity and bond with you.
- Familiarity. The blankets smell like you, another source of comfort that your dog seeks out at bedtime.
Is It Safe To Let Your Dog Sleep Under The Covers?
In most cases, letting your dog sleep under the covers poses no harm. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Don’t let puppies or unhousebroken dogs sleep under covers in case they have accidents.
- Monitor your dog’s temperature. If they get overheated, remove them from under the blankets.
- Don’t allow dogs with respiratory issues to sleep buried under heavy covers that may restrict breathing.
- Avoid letting dogs sleep under covers in hot weather when they likely want cooler sleeping conditions.
- Don’t cover your dog’s head fully, as they need fresh air to breathe properly.
With some simple precautions, you can allow many dogs to continue their adorable ritual of sleeping under the covers. Just be attentive to your dog’s needs and watch for signs of overheating, breathing issues, or distress. For most dogs, blankets offer the ideal cozy sleeping spot alongside their favorite human. Sweet dreams!
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Here are 4 questions and answers about dogs sleeping under the covers:
Question: Why do some dogs like to sleep under the covers while others don’t?
Answer: Differences in breed traits, temperament, and individual personality likely influence which dogs enjoy sleeping under covers. Breeds that get cold easily or have strong bonding instincts often prefer it. Shy, anxious, or protective dogs may feel more secure there. Confident, less cuddly dogs probably choose other sleep spots.
Question: Is it okay to let my dog sleep in my bed under the covers?
Answer: Yes, as long as you monitor for signs of overheating, breathing issues, or distress. Make sure very young puppies or unhousebroken dogs don’t have accidents. Set limits if your dog takes up too much space or disturbs your sleep.
Question: How can I get my dog to stop sleeping under the covers if it’s becoming problematic?
Answer: If your dog is overheating, struggling to breathe, taking up too much bed space, or disturbing your sleep, you may need to restrict their under-the-cover access gradually. Try leaving the covers open less, removing them before bed, closing the bedroom door, or having them sleep in their own bed.
Question: What’s the best bedding for a dog that likes to sleep buried under the covers?
Answer: Use breathable natural fabrics like cotton instead of heavy polyester or nylon. Layer light blankets for adjusting warmth. Avoid bulky comforters that can overheat. A washable bed is ideal for puppies, unhousebroken dogs, or incontinent senior dogs.
In summary, many dogs love to sleep under the covers because it provides them warmth, security, closeness and a cozy sense of comfort. Allowing dogs to sleep under blankets poses little risk as long as owners remain attentive to potential issues like overheating, breathing obstruction, and adequate space in the bed. With a few precautions, dogs can enjoy their favorite blanket nests at bedtime just like people! What dog doesn’t love being tucked in at night? Sweet dreams, furry friends!
Featured Image: istockphoto.com
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