A Boston Terrier sleeping habits are so adorable. They love to sleep as much as cats do. It’s fun to watch them sleep in different positions.
In this article, I will discover what affects their sleeping habits, signs that they are getting too much sleep, and the reason behind every cute sleeping position. So don’t doze off!
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Everything You Need to Know About Boston Terrier Sleeping Habits
Boston Terrier sleeping habits can be affected by many factors. They require a certain amount of sleep at night and during the day. They usually sleep more than humans do.
It’s totally fine as long as you still give them time to go outside and do some physical activities.
Their sleeping habits, sleeping hours, and positions can mean different reasons. Most of the time, sleeping is just their way to recharge and rest. However, it can also be an indication of stress or lack of routine.
Factors Affecting Boston Terrier Sleeping Habits
The amount of sleep a Boston Terrier needs depends on several factors. Here are some of the things that can affect the amount of sleep your Boston Terrier may, or should, have:
Age
Age | Time of Sleep |
---|---|
1st week | Sleeps all the time except when nursing |
3 weeks | 20 – 22 hours a day |
2 – 5 months | 18 – 20 hours a day |
6 – 12 months | 14 – 16 hours a day |
14 months – 10 years | 12 – 14 hours a day |
10.5 plus years | 18 – 20 hours a day |
Age is one of the major factors to determine if your dog is getting enough sleep or not. It has a main effect on sleep efficiency. On average, a Boston Terrier puppy should sleep up to 18 hours per day.
It includes nighttime sleep and several naps during the day. Daytime naps usually last up to 2 hours. This little ball of energy still needs to grow and recharge.
Your 8 weeks old Boston Terrier pup will spend lots of time sleeping. Usually, they are also awake at night. Aside from being hungry, they also need to go potty from time to time.
Adult Boston Terriers, 14 months up to 10 years old, sleep 12 to 14 hours daily. An average Boston Terrier will spend 50% of her day napping, 30% lounging yet awake, and 20% being active. While, Senior Boston Terriers, aged 10.5 to 12 years, usually sleep at an average of 18 to 20 hours a day.
Activity Level
If your Boston Terrier is active, they tend to sleep less than an inactive dog. The main reason behind this is having more energy. Boston Terriers have a high energy level. Adults need at least an hour of exercise to release it.
An adult Boston Terrier’s activity level is different from a puppy or a senior. They also have different needs and abilities when it comes to exercises. Regular physical activity is important in promoting health, whatever the age is.
Diet
The number of times they are fed and the type of food they eat can affect your Boston Terrier’s ability to sleep. In one research published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, they have found out that dogs of all ages being fed more spend less time napping and are able to sleep longer overnight.
If you feed your dog twice a day, they tend to fall asleep earlier at night, and wake up earlier in the morning, too. It results in a decrease in the overall sleeping time. In conclusion, they noted that waking earlier is better than sleeping earlier.
Poor nutrients and indigestible food can affect your dog’s ability to rest. Your Boston Terrier may end using his energy in digesting the food that he ate, instead of playing or running around.
Breed Size
Boston Terriers belong to the small breed dogs category. Small dogs sleep less than larger breeds. Your Boston Terrier should not sleep as much as big dogs their age. Large breed dogs need more hours of sleep.
Lifestyle
The breed of dog and what characteristics they are made of affect their ability to sleep. Boston Terriers are not made for services like rescue and search operations. Those dogs spend most of their time doing their tasks, rather than sleeping.
Boston Terriers are bred to be companion dogs. They just follow a routine from a home where they live. Their activity and sleep schedule depend on the activities of people at home.
Signs Your Boston Terrier Is Sleeping Too Much
Less time of sleep than what is needed is not good. Likewise, too much sleep than what is required is not good, too. Sometimes, it can be the first sign of some serious problems.
Here’s a list of signs to know if your Boston Terrier is getting too much sleep:
- A change in your Boston Terrier’s sleep patterns
- A small change in your dog’s daily routine
- Your dog prefers to sleep instead of playing or eating
- It’s hard to wake your dog up in the morning
- Your Boston Terrier falls asleep suddenly (narcolepsy)
Why Do Boston Terriers Sleep in Different Positions?
You may have taken several pictures of your Boston Terrier napping in different positions, and wondered why? Their sleeping positions have different important reasons to take into mind.
Your Boston Terrier’s sleeping position has something to do with:
REM Cycle
Just like humans, Boston Terriers experience rapid eye movement (REM) cycles, too. It is the stage wherein they are in deep sleep where dreaming can occur. About 10% of their sleeping time is spent in the REM cycle.
Wondering what their dream is about? Based on the study conducted by Michel Jouvet and JF Delorme, dogs dream about the activities that they usually do during the day. It’s been found that smaller dogs have more frequent, yet shorter dreams than larger ones.
During this sleeping stage, your Boston Terrier may lay on his side. It means that they are relaxed and can move their arms freely during a dream. Sleeping with their back against your body is a sign of affection.
Personality
Your Boston Terrier’s sleeping position tells about their character and what they are feeling. If they lay on their back, it means that they are trusting you. It can also mean that they are comfortable where they are.
While sleeping in a “superman” position is the favorite of dogs filled with energy. It allows them to easily jump into action.
Burying themselves undercover is also their way to show that they love the family they’re with. The covers represent as their resource along with food, shelter, and companionship.
Weather
Boston Terriers may sleep all curled up if it is cold in the room. They do this to conserve warmth and they feel safer when their vital organs are protected. They are not dreaming if they are in a curved ball position.
During this sleeping position, their awareness is heightened up. Sharp movements, sudden sounds, and a different smell can easily wake them up.
Physical Condition
Boston Terriers are brachycephalic dogs. Aside from being comfortable, Boston Terriers sleep on their back to breathe easier. It means it is a long nap for them. Dogs sleeping in this position prefer not to be bothered.
You now have the idea about your Boston Terrier’s sleeping positions and their meaning. Don’t forget to observe the next nap while remembering this.
Related Questions
Why Do Boston Terriers Like to Sleep Under Blankets?
Boston Terriers like to sleep in small places that feel similar to a den. Hence, sleeping under the blankets makes them feel safe and secure because it feels like burrowing in a small place.
Can Boston Terriers Sleep Alone?
Yes, Boston Terriers have no problem sleeping alone. You can even leave your Boston Terrier for long periods of time as long as it has entertainment, a potty place, a place to sleep, food, and water.
Do Boston Terriers Like to Sleep With Their Owners?
Yes, Boston Terriers like to sleep with their owners. Boston Terriers are known to cuddle all day with their owners.
Conclusion
Boston Terriers’ sleeping habits can be affected by age, activity level, diet, breed size, and lifestyle.
It is important for them to get the right amount of sleep. During the waking hours, make sure to give time for fun physical activities, bring your easy-to-use DSLR camera to take some photos of your dog and have fun!
Take note of their sleeping pattern and talk with your vet if there’s any sign of a problem.