Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, but their sleeping habits remain a fascinating subject for both pet owners and researchers. While we often think of dogs as adaptable sleepers, recent studies have shed light on their unique sleep patterns and behaviors.
According to a 2020 study, dogs sleep an average of 10.1 hours per day, with significant variations based on age, breed, and living conditions.1
However, some larger breeds are notorious for taking up more than their fair share of the mattress. Whether you’re considering adding a new canine companion to your family or just curious about your current pup’s sleeping habits, here are 18 dog breeds known for their space-stealing ways.
1. Labrador Retriever
America’s favorite dog breed is also one of the biggest bed hogs. Labradors are known for their loving nature and desire to be close to their humans, which often translates to sprawling across the bed.
These friendly giants can take up a whopping 29.9% of a double bed, leaving you with less space than your furry friend! (ref)
Care Guide:
- Provide daily exercise to keep them healthy and prevent obesity
- Brush their coat weekly to minimize shedding
- Feed a balanced diet appropriate for their age and activity level
- Schedule regular vet check-ups and keep vaccinations up to date
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are close behind their Labrador cousins when it comes to bed-hogging. These affectionate dogs love nothing more than snuggling up with their owners, often stretching out to occupy as much space as possible.
A Golden can claim up to 29.7% of a double bed, making for cozy – if somewhat cramped – sleeping arrangements.
Care Guide:
- Engage in daily exercise and playtime to keep them mentally and physically stimulated
- Brush their long coat several times a week to prevent matting
- Provide regular dental care to maintain good oral health
- Monitor their weight and adjust food portions as needed
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds may be known for their intelligence and work ethic, but they’re also champions at commandeering bed space. These loyal dogs often prefer to sleep close to their owners for protection, which can mean taking up a significant portion of the bed.
On average, a German Shepherd can occupy 28.3% of a double bed.
Care Guide:
- Provide consistent training and socialization from an early age
- Offer plenty of mental stimulation through puzzles and training exercises
- Brush their double coat regularly, especially during shedding seasons
- Ensure they receive proper joint care as they age
4. Great Dane
When it comes to sheer size, Great Danes are unmatched in their bed-hogging abilities. These gentle giants can easily take up more than half of a queen-sized bed, leaving their owners clinging to the edges.
Despite their size, Great Danes often think of themselves as lap dogs and will try to cuddle as close as possible.
Care Guide:
- Feed a large breed-specific diet to support their rapid growth
- Provide moderate exercise to maintain joint health
- Use raised food and water bowls to prevent neck strain
- Be aware of potential health issues like bloat and hip dysplasia
5. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are renowned for their size and loving nature, both of which contribute to their bed-hogging tendencies. These massive dogs can easily sprawl across an entire bed, leaving little room for their human companions.
Their thick fur and tendency to overheat can also make for a warm – and sometimes sweaty – sleeping experience.
Care Guide:
- Brush their thick coat daily to prevent matting and reduce shedding
- Provide a cool environment, especially during warmer months
- Monitor food intake to prevent obesity
- Clean facial wrinkles regularly to prevent skin infections
6. Mastiff
Mastiffs are gentle giants with a penchant for comfort, often resulting in them claiming the lion’s share of the bed. Their sheer size and weight can make it challenging to move them once they’ve settled in for the night.
A full-grown Mastiff can easily occupy more than half of a king-sized bed.
Care Guide:
- Offer joint supplements to support their large frame
- Provide a soft, supportive bed to cushion their joints
- Engage in low-impact exercises to maintain fitness without straining joints
- Keep them at a healthy weight to reduce stress on their bones and joints
7. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known for their sweet nature and love of water, but they’re also expert bed-hoggers. These fluffy giants not only take up a lot of space but also tend to shed, leaving your bed covered in fur.
Their desire to be close to their family often means they’ll try to squeeze onto the bed no matter how little space is left.
Care Guide:
- Brush their thick coat daily to prevent matting and reduce shedding
- Provide regular swimming opportunities for exercise and enjoyment
- Keep their ears clean and dry to prevent infections
- Monitor for signs of hip dysplasia and other joint issues common in large breeds
8. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are built for cold weather, which means they come with a thick, fluffy coat perfect for hogging bed space. These friendly dogs love to be close to their pack, often sprawling out and pushing their owners to the edge of the bed.
Their tendency to “talk” in their sleep can also make for interesting nights.
Care Guide:
- Provide ample exercise to meet their high-energy needs
- Brush their double coat regularly, especially during shedding seasons
- Offer mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys
- Keep them cool in warmer weather to prevent overheating
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants with a love for comfort and closeness. These affectionate dogs often try to curl up as close to their owners as possible, which can mean taking up a significant portion of the bed.
Their thick fur can also make for a warm sleeping environment.
Care Guide:
- Provide daily exercise, but be mindful of their sensitivity to heat
- Brush their tricolor coat several times a week to prevent matting
- Monitor for signs of joint issues and provide appropriate supplements
- Engage in regular training to keep their minds active
10. English Bulldog
Don’t let their smaller size fool you – English Bulldogs are masters at claiming bed space. These stocky dogs have a knack for wedging themselves into the most comfortable spots, often pushing their owners to the edges.
Their snoring and potential for drooling can also make for interesting sleeping arrangements.
Care Guide:
- Clean facial wrinkles daily to prevent skin infections
- Provide moderate exercise to maintain a healthy weight
- Keep them cool to prevent overheating, especially in warm weather
- Brush their short coat weekly to reduce shedding
11. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and high energy, but they’re also skilled bed-hoggers. These dogs love to be close to their pack and often try to burrow under blankets or sprawl out across the bed.
Their thick fur can make for a warm sleeping companion, especially in colder months.
Care Guide:
- Provide plenty of exercises to meet their high-energy needs
- Brush their double coat regularly, especially during shedding seasons
- Offer mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys
- Secure your yard, as they have a strong tendency to escape and roam
12. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers may have a reputation for being tough guard dogs, but they’re actually quite affectionate with their families. These sleek dogs love to be close to their owners and can take up a surprising amount of bed space despite their lean build.
Their tendency to stretch out can leave you with little room to move.
Care Guide:
- Provide daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Use positive reinforcement training methods to harness their intelligence
- Brush their short coat weekly to reduce shedding
- Monitor for signs of bloat, a common issue in deep-chested breeds
13. Boxer
Boxers are energetic and playful dogs that love to be close to their humans, even during sleep. These muscular dogs have a knack for sprawling out and taking up more space than you’d expect.
Their tendency to move around in their sleep can also mean you’ll wake up in some interesting positions.
Care Guide:
- Provide plenty of exercise to match their high energy levels
- Use positive reinforcement training to channel their enthusiasm
- Brush their short coat weekly to reduce shedding
- Monitor for signs of heart issues, which can be common in the breed
14. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are powerful dogs with a soft spot for their families. These loyal companions often prefer to sleep close to their owners for protection, which can mean taking up a significant portion of the bed.
Their muscular build and tendency to sprawl can make it challenging to reclaim your space once they’ve settled in.
Care Guide:
- Provide consistent training and socialization from an early age
- Offer regular exercise to maintain their muscular physique
- Brush their short, dense coat weekly to reduce shedding
- Monitor their weight to prevent obesity-related health issues
15. Dachshund
Don’t let their small size fool you – Dachshunds are expert bed-hoggers. These long-bodied dogs have a knack for stretching out and taking up far more space than you’d expect.
Their burrowing instinct often leads them to tunnel under blankets, creating a cozy nest for themselves.
Care Guide:
- Provide regular exercise, but avoid high-impact activities that could strain their long backs
- Support their spine with proper lifting techniques and ramps for furniture
- Brush their coat regularly, with frequency depending on their coat type
- Monitor their weight to prevent stress on their elongated spine
16. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds may be short in stature, but they’re long on bed-hogging abilities. These laid-back dogs love nothing more than lounging and can stretch out to occupy a surprising amount of space.
Their tendency to snore and their distinctive “hound smell” can add extra challenges to sharing a bed.
Care Guide:
- Provide daily walks to prevent obesity, but avoid overexertion
- Clean their long ears regularly to prevent infections
- Brush their short coat weekly to reduce shedding
- Monitor their weight carefully, as they’re prone to overeating
17. Pit Bull
Pit Bulls are muscular dogs with a lot of love to give, which often translates to wanting to be as close to their owners as possible during sleep. These strong dogs can take up a significant amount of bed space and have a tendency to sprawl out or curl up in the most comfortable spots.
Care Guide:
- Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
- Use positive reinforcement training to harness their eagerness to please
- Brush their short coat weekly to reduce shedding
- Offer appropriate chew toys to satisfy their strong jaws
18. Greyhound
Despite their sleek and slender appearance, Greyhounds can be surprising bed-hogs. These gentle dogs love to stretch out to their full length, which can easily span the width of a bed.
Their bony elbows and tendency to sleep deeply can make for interesting – and sometimes uncomfortable – sleeping arrangements.
Care Guide:
- Provide short bursts of exercise, as they’re sprinters rather than endurance runners
- Use a soft bed to cushion their bony frame
- Brush their short coat weekly to reduce shedding
- Keep them warm, as they have little body fat and thin coats
While these 18 breeds may be notorious bed-hogs, their loving nature and desire for closeness make them cherished companions. Whether you’re dealing with a sprawling Great Dane or a burrowing Dachshund, remember that their bed-hogging tendencies come from a place of affection.
If you find yourself constantly battling for bed space, consider setting boundaries or investing in a larger bed.
Source:
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.