How Long Do Chihuahuas Sleep?

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Chihuahuas sleep a lot, but how much is normal, and when does extra sleep mean a trip to the vet? This page covers how many hours a Chihuahua sleeps at each age, why small dogs nap so much, sleeping in your bed, and the signs that a change in sleep is worth checking.

The hours below come from the American Kennel Club (AKC) and PetMD. They are averages for dogs in general; the AKC says how much sleep a dog needs “really depends on the individual dog”, so your own dog’s usual pattern matters more than any number.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your Chihuahua’s sleep changes suddenly, talk to your vet.

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How Many Hours A Day Does A Chihuahua Sleep?

PetMD says most dogs sleep 12–16 hours a day, depending on age, breed and activity level: most adult dogs get six to eight hours overnight and then nap four to eight hours during the day. Puppies can sleep up to 20 hours a day, and senior dogs often sleep more too.

• Puppies: 18–20 hours a day (AKC), with naps of 30 minutes up to two hours.
• Adults: about 12–16 hours a day (PetMD), including the night.
• Seniors: often more. The AKC says older dogs need more sleep because they tire out more easily, and PetMD links it to aches, pains and reduced sight and hearing.

A Chihuahua is a toy breed, and the AKC lists the breed’s life expectancy as 14–16 years. We could not find a source giving a Chihuahua-specific sleep figure, so treat the ranges above as a guide.

Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

The AKC says dogs spend as much as half of the day asleep, about 30% awake but relaxing and about 20% active. It explains that dogs spend only about 10% of their sleep in the dream (REM) phase and wake quickly, so they need more total sleep than people to make up for it.

PetMD lists life stage, breed, home life, boredom and illness among the reasons. It says companion lapdog breeds such as Pekingese and Shih Tzus are “usually content to get plenty of lazy time”, and that a dog with little to do may sleep the day away. A Chihuahua that is bored may do the same, so a short walk, a training game or a new toy gives them something to do.

Should My Chihuahua Sleep In My Bed?

There is no single right answer; it is a matter of preference. If you share your bed, keep these points in mind:

• A tiny dog can slip under the covers or be rolled on, so make sure they can get out easily.
• A dog that moves around or snores may disturb a light sleeper.
• If you or someone in the home has allergies, or there are small children, a bed of their own next to yours may be easier.
• For a puppy, the AKC suggests teaching them to sleep in a crate or bed of their own, rather than relying on you to fall asleep.

If your Chihuahua likes to burrow under the covers or sleep between your legs, a soft bed with raised sides or a blanket can give them somewhere of their own to snuggle into. This round self-warming bed is listed for cats and small dogs, so check the size on the listing against your dog’s weight before you buy, and see our guide to an orthopedic dog bed for a supportive option. You can also see a dog bed from our partner.

Why Does My Chihuahua Sleep At My Feet Or Between My Legs?

We found no study on this, so these are common explanations from owners rather than facts: they want to be close to you, they feel secure with your body beside them, or it is simply a comfortable spot. If your dog seems anxious in that position, a crate or a doggy bed with high sides can help them feel safe.

If a dog who normally sleeps apart suddenly clings to you and seems unsettled, mention it to your vet. A change in behaviour can be a sign of pain or illness.

A toy like the JW Hol-ee Roller above gives a bored dog something to do while awake.

When Is Sleeping Too Much A Problem?

PetMD says a dog that sleeps too much may have an undiagnosed health problem, such as parasites, thyroid problems, heart disease or pain. It advises a vet visit if you notice any of these:

• a sudden change in sleeping pattern
• lack of appetite
• self-isolation, such as napping in a remote spot
• depression or no interest in play
• restlessness, wanting to sleep but unable to get comfortable
• lethargy or low energy

The AKC adds that excessive sleep can signal conditions such as canine depression, diabetes, hypothyroidism and possible loss of hearing, and says the first step is to check with your vet. Some medicines can also make a dog drowsy, so ask your vet if the sleepiness started after a new medicine.

If you want to know more about common health problems in the breed, see our guide to the most common Chihuahua health problems.

What About Puppies?

The AKC says puppies usually sleep 18–20 hours a day, and that sleep supports the development of the nervous system, brain, immune system and muscles. It suggests teaching a puppy where to sleep, such as a crate, a dog bed or a quiet spot, and giving them a bedtime routine: restrict food and water for several hours before bed, play, then take them outside to the toilet.

Puppies also cannot go all night without a toilet break. The AKC’s rule is to count one hour for every month of age and add one, so a 5-month-old can sleep about six hours before going out. Our guide to Chihuahua puppies has more about the early weeks.

Can I Get My Chihuahua To Sleep Less?

A healthy Chihuahua that sleeps 12–16 hours a day is usually normal, so there is no need to cut it down. If you think your dog is sleeping from boredom, the AKC and PetMD both point to exercise and mental stimulation: a walk, a trick-training session or a new toy. These small chew and squeaky toys are listed for small dogs and puppies; choose the size and type that suit your dog, and supervise chewing.

The Bottom Line

Most Chihuahuas sleep around 12–16 hours a day, puppies 18–20 hours, and seniors often more. What matters most is a change from your dog’s normal pattern. If your Chihuahua suddenly sleeps more, stops eating, hides away or seems restless, call your vet.