How Many Hours Should a Dog Sleep?

The amount of sleep that a dog needs depends on its breed.

Dogs Should Sleep About 12 Hours

According to Pet Place, "Your adult dog spends about 12 hours of her day--half her life--sleeping." Many dog breeds need to sleep and rest a lot. Their level of activity depends on their surroundings. It is important that they get some exercise during their day, but allow ample time to snooze.

Some Dogs Sleep About 18 Hours

"There are some breeds of dogs that sleep for up to 18 hours a day," according to The Dog Bowl. If there is no reason to wake up your dog, you should let it sleep. Your pet needs plenty of rest. Dogs that live indoors sleep for a variety reasons such as boredom, age and the amount of activity available.

Bottom Line

The number of hours that a dog sleeps depends on the breed. It is typical for most dogs to sleep 10 to 12 hours a day. However, it is not uncommon for some dog breeds to need 18 hours of sleep. You can check with a veterinarian to discuss the right amount of sleep for your pet's breed.

References

• Pet Place: Where Should Your Dog Sleep
• The Dog Bowl: Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much