Why Do Dachshunds Sleep On Their Backs?

Does your Dachshund lay on their back with his paws up in the air? You may be wondering what’s up with that position! 

It’s cute and does look funny. After all, that’s a pretty strange position to sleep in, right?

Depending on how your Dachshund feels and whatever’s comfortable, they may choose to sleep in any position. Lying on their back is a great way for Dachshunds to cool down and relax.

Related Reading: Can Dachshunds Swim? [FIND OUT!]

Do dachshunds like sleeping on their back?

Dachshunds enjoy sleeping on their back. There are multiple reasons why your sausage dog sleeps on its back.

Helps cool down body temperature

Dachshunds generally sleep on their back to cool down. When the temperature picks up, you may notice your Dachshund starts to sleep on its back more often.

Their fur is thinnest on the belly and the paws contain sweat glands. When your Doxie lies on its back, its belly is exposed to the air. This allows the body heat to dissipate into the air, which cools down the overall temperature.

To maximize comfort

Some Dachshunds sleep on their backs for a very simple reason: comfort. With Doxies, sleeping on their back might be more comfortable for them than it appears.

Dachshunds sleeping on their back will have all of their muscles relaxed. Also, each paw is stretched out to the maximum extent. You may even see the sense of carelessness in your Dachshund’s eyes.

Makes them feel safe

Dachshunds usually relax and sleep on their back when there aren’t any threats or dangers nearby. It indicates that they feel particularly secure. 

It shows that your home proves to be a safe and happy place for your Doxie. They are comfortable enough that they don’t need to protect themselves.

To show affection and sign of submission

Many Dachshunds sleep on their backs to project their affection. A Doxie that sleeps on their back is exposing themselves entirely to those around them. 

If your Doxie often sleeps in this position, it could mean that your dog is submitting itself to you or is showing a sign of loyalty to you. Dachshunds that are very trusting of their owner will fall asleep in this position by their owner to demonstrate that trust.

Simply Dachshund preference

Some dogs have a preferred sleeping position. If your Dachshund chooses to sleep on its back, it could just be a personal preference of your dog. Dachshund puppies sleeping on their backs may end up choosing it as their preferred sleeping position.

Should a dachshund sleep on its back?

Yes. If your dachshund likes to sleep on his back, then it should sleep like that. That’s perfectly normal for Sausage dogs.

Dachshunds like to sleep on their back when it is completely comfortable around them. Everyone wants to be comfortable while sleeping. The same goes for your Doxie.

Dachshunds have elongated bodies and backs, and short legs. They have comparatively less fur in the stomach. So sleeping on its back is more comfortable for them as it cools down their body temperature.

Your Dachshund’s muscles will completely relax and get a good stretch while lying on its back. That is very healthy for your pet. So, let your Dachshund sleep on its back if it wants to.

Should my Dachshund sleep with me?

Allowing your Dachshund in bed with you may actually be good for both of you.

• Sleeping with your Dachshund can create a sense of comfort and relaxation and ease anxiety.
• Although Dachshunds are small, sleeping with them provides feelings of safety and security.
• Dachshunds can be an incredible source of natural heat to keep you warm and cozy during the winter months.
• Doxies prefer to sleep in elevated spaces. So, sleeping with you in bed makes them feel more secure.

Keep in mind that dog and human sleep cycles differ and this can affect the quality of sleep. Also, co-sleeping with your sausage dog can aggravate human allergies. 

Do dachshunds have a favourite person?

Dachshunds are loyal and affectionate family dogs that give love to all family members. However, they tend to be more attached to one particular person. Doxies create bonds that can’t be easily explained.

That favourite person can be the primary caregiver or one of your family members. They might ignore other family members when giving all of their attention to their favourite person. They are happiest when they see that favourite person. Dachshunds will follow that person around like a shadow. They can go to the ends of the earth to protect them.

Bonding usually occurs with the person who feeds them or spends the most time with them but this is not always the case. If your sausage dog is constantly following you around, don’t overindulge it. This behaviour can lead to problems with separation anxiety.

Why do dachshunds sleep so much?

Dachshunds are energetic dogs when they are awake but they also spend half the day sleeping! Doxies enjoy sleeping a lot and tend to fall asleep anywhere in your house. As a Dachshund owner, you can expect your sausage dog to sleep as much as 14 hours a day.

There are several reasons why your Dachshund sleeps so much.

• Dachshunds are hunting dogs. It’s their natural instinct to sleep and conserve energy when they don’t hunt.
• Dachshunds on both extreme ends of the age spectrum tend to sleep more. Puppies and old doxies sleep as much as 18 hours a day.
• Your Dachshund feels comfortable and sleeps more when they are in a familiar place.
• Dachshunds sleep more if they don’t eat the right food.
• Dachshunds sleep more if they get health problems.
• The temperature can also affect how much your Dachshund sleeps. Hotter days can make your Doxie sleep more or for longer periods.

As a pet parent, you get an idea of what is normal for your dog and what is not.

Pet parent tip: If your Doxie is suddenly very sleepy or gets very tired when it’s up and about, it’s best to speak to your vet.

Final thoughts

Having a Doxie in your home is one of life’s greatest gifts. With the right training, care, and love, they will grow to be fun-loving and well-adjusted dogs. 

We all have our favourite ways to sleep, right? Your Doxie has the same preference. It may suddenly shift its position out of nowhere.

Take notice of your Dachshund’s normal sleeping habits. If you notice a change in how long your Dachshund sleeps, it could mean a lot of things from a dietary change to a thyroid problem.

How does your dog sleep? Does your fur buddy take naps all day? Share your experience with us!