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9 Dog Breeds With the Most Unusual Sleeping Positions

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| September 24, 2024

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Dogs often sleep in adorable, quirky, and sometimes downright strange positions. Whether curled into a tight ball or sprawled out like a starfish, each breed has its unique way of getting comfortable. These unusual sleeping poses often reflect a dog’s physical traits, breed history, or individual personality. Watching your dog rest in a funny or unexpected position can be both amusing and heartwarming, giving you insight into their comfort and habits. These quirky sleepers offer a delightful glimpse into the individuality of each breed.

Greyhound

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Greyhounds, known for their speed and elegance, are equally famous for their strange and often amusing sleeping positions. One of their most notable sleep habits is the “cockroach position,” where they lie on their backs with all four legs splayed in the air. Despite its awkward appearance, this position is a sign that the Greyhound feels safe and relaxed. Their long, lean bodies seem to stretch out as much as possible during sleep, and you’ll often find them taking over entire couches or beds. Their relaxed and carefree approach to napping matches their laid-back personalities when off the racetrack.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus may be small and fluffy, but their sleeping positions are anything but ordinary. These little dogs love to sleep in funny positions, often with their legs sticking out in various directions or their heads hanging off the side of the couch. Shih Tzus are known for their love of comfort and can often be found snuggled into pillows or blankets in the most unusual ways. One of their favorite positions is to sleep on their backs with their bellies exposed—a sign that they are completely at ease. Their playful personalities extend into their nap time, making them one of the quirkiest sleepers in the dog world.

Corgi

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Corgis, with their short legs and long bodies, have a knack for finding the most unconventional sleeping positions. One of their signature moves is the “Corgi sploot,” where they lie flat on their stomachs with their hind legs stretched out behind them like a frog. This position is not only adorable but also shows off their flexibility. Corgis love to be close to the ground, and you’ll often find them napping in this flat-out position, whether on the floor or sprawled across a soft surface. Their unusual sleeping positions are just another example of their playful and curious nature.

Pug

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Pugs are known for their goofy personalities, which extends to their sleep habits. With their short snouts and stocky bodies, Pugs often end up in funny sleeping positions that highlight their unique physique. One of the most common positions for a Pug is to sleep with their legs sticking out in every direction, often looking as if they’ve simply collapsed from a long day of play. Pugs also have a tendency to snore loudly due to their brachycephalic nature, adding to their charm as they sleep in their funny poses. Whether curled up like a ball or sprawled out, Pugs always find a way to sleep in the most amusing positions.

Basset Hound

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Basset Hounds are known for their long ears and droopy expressions, but their sleeping positions are just as distinctive. These laid-back dogs love to stretch out when they sleep, often taking over an entire couch or bed. Due to their long, heavy bodies and short legs, Basset Hounds tend to sleep in positions that look uncomfortable to humans but are perfectly fine for them. One of their favorite positions is to lie on their sides with their ears flopped out, creating a blanket of fur around them. Basset Hounds are notorious for their deep, relaxed sleep, and their unusual sleeping positions reflect their easygoing personalities.

Border Collie

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Border Collies are high-energy dogs with intelligent minds, and their sleep habits can sometimes reflect their busy brains. After a long day of activity, Border Collies often sleep in curled-up positions, tucking their noses into their paws for warmth and comfort. However, because of their alert nature, they can also be found sleeping in ready-to-spring positions, with their legs tucked underneath them, ready to leap into action if necessary. Border Collies don’t always fully relax when they sleep, so their positions tend to be compact and efficient, reflecting their hardworking and vigilant temperament.

Italian Greyhound

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The Italian Greyhound, a smaller version of the standard Greyhound, is known for its love of burrowing and sleeping in cozy, enclosed spaces. These slender dogs often curl into tight balls when they sleep, trying to conserve warmth. Despite their sleek build, Italian Greyhounds can twist and contort their bodies into strange shapes when sleeping. They love to burrow under blankets or pillows, and it’s common to find them hidden away in the most unusual spots. Their love of warmth and comfort leads them to adopt various unusual sleeping positions that often make them look like tiny contortionists.

French Bulldog

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French Bulldogs are known for their lovable, squished faces and their humorous sleep positions. Due to their stocky build and short snouts, Frenchies are prone to snoring and breathing issues during sleep, which can lead to some strange and funny positions. One of the most common French Bulldog sleeping habits is to lie flat on their stomachs with their legs splayed out like a frog, similar to the Corgi sploot. This position allows them to stretch out while still being close to the ground. Their unique body shape and relaxed personalities make them a breed known for their comical sleeping poses.

Whippet

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Whippets are known for their speed and elegance when awake, but their sleeping positions often showcase their flexibility and need for comfort. Much like their Greyhound relatives, Whippets love to stretch out when they sleep, often sprawling across the entire length of a couch or bed. They are also fond of curling into tight balls, especially when it’s colder, making them look like compact little packages. Whippets have a knack for finding the sunniest spot in the house to nap, and their unusual sleeping positions, from full-body stretches to tightly wound curls, reflect their graceful and gentle nature.

Snoozing in Style

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These dog breeds showcase the most creative and unusual sleeping positions, from the Greyhound’s famous cockroach pose to the Corgi’s playful sploot. Their unique physique and personality shine even during naptime, offering a glimpse into their comfort and confidence. Whether it’s the deep, relaxed sleep of a Basset Hound or the alert rest of a Border Collie, these dogs embrace their quirky habits, making them a joy to watch. Their entertaining sleep habits reflect their individuality and amuse their owners, even when they’re at rest.