Pets

Does your dog sleep curled up or on its side? What their sleeping positions reveal

Dogs can easily spend well over half the day sleeping. But they don’t always sleep in the same position. And each one of them tells different story.

Greg Heilman

Update: Sep 20th, 2025 05:04 EDT

Dogs bring us pleasure in numerous ways, even when they are asleep. There is something about observing your furry friend in slumber that brings just as much peace as when you’re petting them, if not a little jealousy after a night of insomnia.

And dog owner’s know that you get plenty of opportunities to watch your canine dozing as they spend at least 12 to 14 hours a day catching some Z’s. However, dogs will change up their sleeping positions causing some to wonder if that is saying something about our furry friend’s state of mind or health.

Elam Miller, owner of The Dog Kennel Collection and Dr. Hyun Han, DVM sat down with A-Z Animals to give the lowdown on what your dog’s sleeping position is telling you.

Curled Up (the ‘Donut’):

This is one of the most common sleeping positions, typical of wild canines explained Dr. Han. It’s a protective position but it doesn’t mean that your dog is stressed, it’s just instintive. It not only lets them protect their vital organs but also conserve heat.

This is often a default position when dogs sleep in a kennel or someplace where space is limited.

Sprawled Out:

On the other end of the scale is when dogs take up whatever space they want. “This is often just about comfort and availability of space,” Dr. Han shared.

Side Sleeper:

Dr. Han says that this position “shows comfort and relaxation,” as your dog perceives that it is “safe in their environment and are in a deep sleep.” This position is “well known for its ability to facilitate REM sleep, which promotes neural growth and memory formation,” Miller explained.

Superman:

This position is more common in puppies, and energetic breeds tend to sleep belly down as well with forepaws and hind legs stretched out like they are Superman flying through the air. “It’s often a resting position in between play, allowing for a quick continuation,” explained Miller.

The ‘Sphinx’:

A similar position but with their head perched on their front legs and the hind legs tucked under the body, the ‘Sphinx’ is “a common preference when the dog is dozing off, but wants to stay semi-alert,” says Miller. The position allows dogs to jump to attention quickly should something catch their attention.

Belly Up:

You know that your dog is truly relaxed and that “they definitely trust you” if they are dozing with their most vulnerable areas exposed. “It’s a big vote of confidence in their surroundings,” said Dr. Han. “Also helps them cool down.”

Back-to-Back:

Dogs that like to cuddle will sometimes sleep back-to-back or even spoon with you. This position “shows bonding and affection,” explained Dr. Han. It’s a common position for dogs in the wild as they “huddle for security and warmth.”