Why does my dachshund sleep so much?

Why does my dachshund sleep so much? What you need to know

You're having your morning coffee, looking at your little dog curled up under his blanket, and a question naturally comes to mind: "Why does my dachshund sleep so much?" He just slept for ten hours, he was already dozing off yesterday afternoon... and now, here we go again!

Your four-legged companion isn't lazy; he's recovering. And he's doing exactly what he should be.

How many hours of sleep does a dachshund need? 

The sausage dog's sleep works in cycles: with light phases, deep restorative sleep, and a REM phase during which your little love dreams, twitches, and sometimes makes little grunts that make you smile. His brain is consolidating the day's information, just like ours.

Needs vary by age:

 

These figures apply to the varieties (kaninchen, miniature, and standard), but a 10 kg standard dachshund recovers differently than a 2.5 kg kaninchen after the same amount of exercise. Knowing the dachshund breed helps you understand his fundamental needs.

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Why does the dachshund need so much rest?

Metabolism

The dachshund is a hunter bred for intense, short bursts of activity underground. His metabolism is built on this rhythm: clear exertion, complete recovery. This need for rest is anchored in his biology.

Morphology

His morphology also plays a direct role. According to the Frégis veterinary hospital, the dachshund has 10 to 12 times the risk of developing a herniated disc than other breeds. Quality sleep, in a spot designed for his long back, helps preserve his spine on a daily basis.

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Resting position

You are careful not to let him jump off the couch, and you choose his harness with care. The bed where he spends half his life deserves the same attention, as the sleeping position plays a direct role in his back health.

✖️ A bed that is too short forces his body to curl up at night. 

✖️ A bed that is too soft creates a hammock effect that curves his spine for hours. Over time, this is exactly the kind of strain that increases the risk of a herniated disc.

✅ The solution: a comfortable bed adapted to his unique morphology.

The 5 factors that influence your dachshund's sleep

1. Age and variety first

A dachshund puppy naturally sleeps much more than an adult. It is during these long hours of rest that everything is built: bones, muscles, brain. Do not wake him up; it is precious time.

As the years go by, your dachshund becomes calmer. His need for rest gradually increases, and that is completely healthy. A senior dog who sleeps more is not a Doxie aging poorly, but rather a dachshund managing his energy well.

2. Physical activity

A dachshund that is not well-stimulated may sleep as much as a well-exercised dog, but he recovers less effectively: he wakes up restless, seeks attention, and sleeps in fits and starts. Two to three short walks on flat ground, some scent games at home, and your little love falls asleep quickly and recovers deeply. 

3. Environment

If your dachshund lives in an apartment or a quiet house, he naturally extends his naps. That is a good sign: he feels safe in your home.

4. The dog's position during rest

The bed where he spends half his life deserves the same attention, as the sleeping position plays a direct role in his back health. 

✖️ A bed that is too short forces his body to curl up at night. 

✖️ A bed that is too soft creates a hammock effect that curves his spine for hours. Over time, this is exactly the kind of strain that increases the risk of a herniated disc.

5. Health issues 

If he is suffering from silent pain, an infection, or an emerging disc problem, he may try to sleep more to compensate. 

Creating the right sleeping environment for your dachshund

The dachshund loves to burrow; it's instinctive, inherited from his terrier-hunting ancestors. But sleeping curled up in a bad bed means having a curved back.

Here is what really counts:

• A bed long or large enough for him to lie completely flat.

• A firm base, not too soft, that supports his back.

• Raised edges into which he can tuck his head to feel protected.

• A soft and warm blanket into which he can disappear with delight.

• A designer throw for naps on the couch, near you.

• A stable location, free of drafts, away from high-traffic areas.

In the evening, when the house calms down and your little sweetheart comes to snuggle against you under the blanket, that is when he recovers the best, because he is warm, safe, and with you.

Why does my dachshund sleep so much: when should I worry?

A dog sleeping 12 to 16 hours a day is normal. If he suddenly sleeps much more, eats less, or refuses walks, it is different. Consult your veterinarian without delay if you observe several of these signs:

• sudden increase in sleep time;

• loss of appetite or refusal of his usual meals;

• arched posture, rounded back, crying out in pain when touched;

• hesitant gait in the hind legs.

You know your companion better than anyone else. Trust your instinct.

Your dachshund sleeps a lot because he needs to!

A dachshund that sleeps often is an emotionally balanced dog that is well-stimulated during his day. It is a positive signal and a way of knowing that you are making the right choices for him.

Offer him a resting space with a bed adapted to his morphology and to the love he gives you. His back will thank you, and he will too in his own way, with that sparkling look he reserves for the moments that matter.

Dachshund bed collection

FAQ: Why does my dachshund sleep so much?

Is it normal for my dachshund to sleep so much?

Yes. A healthy adult dachshund sleeps between 12 and 16 hours a day. A puppy can reach 20 hours, a senior 18 hours. This is within the breed standard.

My dachshund sleeps curled up against me, is this normal?

Absolutely. The dachshund naturally seeks warmth and proximity. It is a sign of trust, not a behavioral issue.

What sleeping position is best for a dachshund?

Lying flat on his side, in a bed long enough for his entire spine to be supported. This position best preserves his fragile back and limits the risk of herniated discs.

Virginia, from the Teckelshop team - 💚