They’re more than just pets; they are our faithful companions and dear relatives.
But when it comes to sharing our beds with dogs, are they really the best sleeping partners?
A recent study conducted by sleep technology company Simba, in collaboration with renowned animal behaviorist Professor Peter Neville, delves into the age-old debate about co-sleeping with dogs to unravel the pros and cons.
Simba’s study examined the sleeping habits of more than 1,000 British dog owners, focusing on the top 20 most popular breeds.
The research sheds light on which breeds make the best (and worst) companions for a good night’s sleep, while also delving into their quirky sleep quirks like snoring, writhing and, yes, passing wind — factors that can affect our precious sleep.
The best (and worst) dog breeds to share your bed with have been revealed in a study by sleep technology company Simba (stock image)
Meanwhile, Simba has also shared a quiz on their website to help owners determine if their furry friends are one of the best breeds to sleep with — or if they’d be better in the doghouse.
THE BEST DOGS TO SLEEP WITH…
1. Labrador Retriever
The number one spot on the “pup-pop charts” is claimed by Labrador retrievers, loved for their family-friendly nature.
Despite their imposing presence and tendency to shed, these delightful canines emerge as the unrivaled champions of bedtime bliss.
According to the study, Labrador owners are less likely to suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea or snoring.
And it’s no wonder when you consider that these four-legged sleep experts sleep soundly, without budging an inch – helping their owners get more sleep on average than any other breed studied – six hours a night.
Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, the charity partner of sleep technology company Simba, said: ‘The NHS recommends that we get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, which may be difficult for us to achieve when co-sleeping with our dogs, but the benefits they provide may outweigh any nighttime interruptions.
While their noises and movements can disrupt our sleep, the sense of security, companionship and happiness they bring can be worth it.
“So while we wouldn’t actively support dogs sleeping on our beds, it’s clear how much they can contribute to our overall well-being and mental health.”
Professor Peter Neville explains: ‘Labrador retrievers have an uncanny ability to understand what pleases their human companions.
“They quickly learn the art of being quiet and only break it when guarding the house. With their easy trainability and adaptability to our activity and rest cycles, Labradors crave to spend as much time with us as possible, including snoozing by our side all night.”
2. Dachshund
Known for their playfulness and natural tendency to stay close, these little cuties are enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight, captivating the TikTok audience with over 9.5 billion views under the hashtag #Dachshund.
Professor Neville reveals: ‘Dachshunds, like terriers, have an affinity for digging in dark spaces – a trait embedded in their genes through their lineage of vermin hunters.
‘But they’ve adapted to become expert pocket-sized hot water bottles, perfect for chilly evenings in the UK.
Be careful, their fearlessness in the dark can lead to them claiming the whole bed, especially if the heating is off.”
…AND THE WORST
1. Hungarian Vizsla
On the other hand, we come across a well-known ‘Velcro dog’ from the canine world – Hungarian Vizslas – who is at the bottom of the ranking.
The report found that these clingy companions, who are often needy during the day and restless at night, give their owners the highest levels of sleep apnea, teeth grinding and leg tremors at night.
In addition, owners of the breed sleep an average of five hours a night.
Professor Neville explains: ‘Hungarian Vizslas were bred to be hunting companions, designed to work and run tirelessly all day long.
“Many owners, attracted by their vibrant personalities and stunning gold-rust appearance, struggle to meet their behavioral needs and help them expend their energy during the day.
“Consequently, Vizslas often remain eager and restless when they go to bed, anticipating tomorrow’s adventures or dreaming of the excitement of the day gone by.”
2. German pointer
Not far from the bottom of the list is the affectionate and playful German Pointer.
Simba’s research tried to work up a sweat and prevent him from loitering, but Simba’s research revealed that sharing beds with this energetic breed will most likely leave you feeling warm and bothered rather than satisfied.
Researchers found that these canine companions are more prone to writhing around at night, leaving their humans awake in the morning grumpy and irritable — more than any other breed.
With only nasal and foot sweat glands to rely on, these muscular pups can struggle to cool down, leading to restless nights and grumpy mornings.
So if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, you might want to reconsider sharing your bed with a German Shepherd – or investing in some serious air conditioning!