Why does my dachshund sleep so much?

Richard Thomas
Over 15 years handling, testing, and restoring pocket, fixed-blade, and Damascus steel knives across hunting and everyday-carry disciplines.

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 their blanket, and a question naturally comes to mind: “Why does my dachshund sleep so much?” They just slept for ten hours, they were dozing off yesterday afternoon… and here we go again!

Your four-legged companion isn’t lazy; they are recovering. And they are doing it exactly as they should.

How many hours of sleep does a dachshund need?

A sausage dog’s sleep works in cycles: light phases, restorative deep sleep, and REM sleep during which your little love dreams, twitches, and sometimes makes little grunts that make you smile. Their brain consolidates the day’s information, just like ours.

Needs vary according to age:

Dachshund age | Daily sleep duration | Why
Puppy (0 to 6 months) | 18 to 20 hours | Bone growth, organ development, immune system building
Adult (1 to 7 years) | 12 to 16 hours | Recovery after exercise, memory consolidation
Senior (7 years and older) | 16 to 18 hours | Metabolism slowing down, joints under more stress

These figures apply to all 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 your dachshund’s variety helps you understand their 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. Their metabolism is built on this rhythm: vigorous exertion followed by complete recovery. This need for rest is deeply rooted in their biology.

Morphology

Their body shape also plays a direct role. According to the Frégis veterinary hospital, dachshunds are 10 to 12 times more likely to develop a herniated disc than other breeds. Quality sleep, in a bed designed for their long back, helps protect their spine on a daily basis.

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Resting position

You are careful not to let them jump off the sofa, and you choose their harness with care. The bed where they spend half their life deserves the same attention, because their sleeping position directly impacts their back health.

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

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

✅ The solution: a comfortable bed adapted to their 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, and brain. Don’t wake them up; it’s precious time.

As the years go by, your dachshund becomes calmer. Their need for rest increases gradually, which is perfectly healthy. A senior dog who sleeps more isn’t a Doxie aging poorly, but rather a dachshund managing their energy well.

2. Physical activity

An under-stimulated dachshund might sleep as much as a well-exercised dog, but they recover less effectively: they wake up restless, seek attention, and sleep in fits and starts. Two to three short walks on flat ground and some scent games at home will help your little love fall asleep quickly and recover deeply.

3. Environment

If your dachshund lives in an apartment or a quiet house, they will naturally lengthen their naps. This is a good sign: they feel safe in your home.

4. The dog’s position during rest

The bed where they spend half their life deserves the same attention, because their sleeping position directly impacts their back health.

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

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

5. Health issues

If they are suffering from silent pain, an infection, or an early disc problem, they may try to sleep more to compensate.

Creating the right sleep environment for your dachshund

Dachshunds love to burrow; it’s instinctive, inherited from their burrow-hunting ancestors. But sleeping curled up in a bad bed means sleeping with a curved back.

Here is what really matters:

A bed long or large enough for them to stretch out completely flat.
A firm base, not too soft, that supports their back.
Raised edges where they can tuck their head to feel protected.
A soft, warm blanket they can disappear into with delight.
A stylish throw for naps on the sofa, right next to you.
A stable spot, free from drafts and away from high-traffic areas.

In the evening, when the house settles down and your little sweetheart comes to snuggle up against you under the blanket: that’s when they recover best, because they are warm, safe, and with you.

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

A dog sleeping 12 to 16 hours a day is normal. If they suddenly sleep much more, eat less, or refuse their walk, it’s different. Consult your vet without delay if you observe several of these signs:

sudden increase in sleep time;
loss of appetite or refusal of their usual meals;
hunched posture, rounded back, or crying out in pain when touched;
hesitant gait in the hind paws.

You know your companion better than anyone. Trust your gut.

Your dachshund sleeps a lot because they need to!

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

Give them a resting space with a bed adapted to their morphology and the love they give you. Their back will thank you, and so will they in their own way, with that sparkling look they reserve 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, and a senior 18 hours. This is within the breed’s norm.

My dachshund sleeps pressed against me, is that normal?

Absolutely. The dachshund naturally seeks warmth and closeness. It’s a sign of trust, not a behavioral problem.

What is the best sleeping position for a dachshund?

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

Virginia, from the DoxieLife team – 💚