When I first got my Boston Terrier, I was amazed at how much she slept. She slept so much of the day that I was concerned for her health. I ended up doing some research to find out the answer to the question of why does my Boston Terrier sleep so much.
Boston Terriers typically sleep 12 to 14 hours a day during the prime of their lives. Puppies and older dogs can sleep anywhere from 18 to 20 hours. Several factors can affect a Boston Terrier’s sleep, including age, diet, lifestyle, and activity level.
You should continue reading if you want more information on the sleeping habits of Boston Terriers. I will discuss the factors affecting your Boston Terrier’s sleep and how to tell when he is sleeping too much. I will also discuss what the different sleeping positions mean.
How Much Sleep a Boston Terrier Should Be Getting
A Boston Terrier generally needs 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day. While this may seem like a lot, it is entirely healthy for your dog to sleep most of the day.
Because your dog will be sleeping so much, you want to ensure that you provide the best sleeping arrangements possible. Provide a comfortable bed with a blanket, as your Boston Terrier is a natural burrower and will enjoy curling up underneath the covers. Your dog will receive the rest he needs when he feels the most secure.
Factors That Affect Boston Terrier Sleeping Habits
Several factors can affect how much your Boston Terrier sleeps. These factors include age, diet, lifestyle, and activity level. Let’s take a look at how each one can have an impact on how much your pup sleeps.
Age
As I mentioned, an adult Boston Terrier generally sleeps 12 to 14 hours daily. Puppies need a little more sleep and can average up to 18 hours every day. Seniors need to recharge more often than younger dogs and can sleep anywhere from 18 to 20 hours daily.
Diet
How often and how much you feed your Boston Terrier will affect his ability to sleep. Dogs who are fed more tend to nap less and sleep longer when it’s time for bed. Feeding your dog twice daily can result in an earlier bedtime and an earlier morning.
Lower quality food can result in more energy spent on digestion than on playing. In turn, this can result in an inability to rest properly. This food also does not provide the nutrients necessary for an active lifestyle, resulting in more lethargic behavior.
Lifestyle
Boston Terriers are bred to be companion dogs and typically do not have a job like sheepdogs. So, compared to these breeds, they tend to sleep more. Their lifestyle is more dependent on their owners than on anything else.
If you lead a more active life with your Boston Terrier, he will be more active. If you’re gone most of the day, he will probably sleep more out of boredom. Those Boston Terriers that are busy will sleep less than those with less to do.
Activity Level
The more active your dog is, the less he will sleep. He will have more energy to do things and spend the day more active than a dog that does less. Dogs who do less are more apt to sleep longer.
How To Tell if Your Boston Terrier Is Sleeping Too Much
If you’re concerned about how much your Boston Terrier is sleeping, you should watch for signs of changes in how much he sleeps. You should know what amount of time he usually sleeps to keep track of any increases. There are several reasons why he may be sleeping more than usual, including illness and injury.
When you think he may have a problem, there may also be blatant signs that he is not feeling well, including a runny nose, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If you have serious concerns, take him to the veterinarian’s office for a checkup.
On the other hand, you may notice that your Boston Terrier is not sleeping enough. He may be experiencing stress or anxiety. If you have recently moved or something has changed in the household, it can disrupt his sleeping pattern. You will need to work with him to establish daily routines to help get him back on track.
What Different Sleeping Positions Mean
If you’ve ever watched your Boston Terrier sleep and wondered what he was doing based on the positions he was sleeping in, you’re not alone. There are several positions these dogs like to sleep in, and they can indicate different things.
Curled in a Ball
When your Boston Terrier sleeps curled up in a ball, chances are he’s cold. Look for him to tuck his nose into his paws. It can also indicate that he is on guard and protecting his vulnerable areas.
On the Side
Side sleeping is the ultimate indication of trust. Your dog is fully exposed wherever he decides to lie on his side, showing that he has complete faith that you will keep him safe from all the dangers around him.
Back Sleeping
Back sleeping is a common option when your Boston Terrier’s brachycephalic condition is making it hard for him to breathe. This position opens his airways, allowing for easier breathing and more comfortable sleeping.
The Superman
Many dogs will sleep fully stretched out on their stomachs. If your Boston Terrier is doing this, he is allowing himself to be ready to jump into action at any time. He may be filled with energy, which is his way of staying prepared to go.
Final Thoughts
As an excellent companion animal, you’ll find that Boston Terriers are also quite sleepy little dogs. While it may seem concerning at first, you’ll become used to the fact that your tiny friend requires a lot of rest to maintain his high energy level. The amount of sleep he requires will vary throughout his lifetime.
An adult Boston Terrier typically sleeps between 12 and 14 hours daily, a puppy sleeps up to 18 hours, and a senior sleeps between 18 and 20 hours. Age is a primary factor in how much your Boston Terrier sleeps. Diet, lifestyle, and activity level also impact how much your dog will sleep.
While your Boston Terrier will sleep a lot, it is essential to watch for changes in sleep to determine if there are any health problems. You will notice a drastic change often accompanied by other symptoms that indicate he is not feeling well. If at any point you are concerned, you should take him to his veterinarian.