6 Popular Dog Sleeping Positions and What They Mean

There are very few things cuter than a sleeping dog. But have you ever looked at your pup while they were sleeping to find them in a strange position? Dogs, like humans, sleep in a variety of positions based on multiple different factors such as age, comfortability, and trust. Believe it or not, you can learn a lot about your furry friend through their sleeping habits. Today, I’m sharing 6 popular dog sleeping positions and what they mean. 

Side Sleeper

One of the most popular dog sleeping positions is on their side with their legs extended out in front of them. 

If your dog tends to sleep on his side, he likely feels a lot of trust and comfort around you. Sleeping on their side leaves a dogs vital organs exposed, which a nervous dog would tend to avoid. When a dog does not feel safe in their environment, they will make a conscious effort to keep those organs covered.

Dogs get their deepest sleep on their side which often leads to dreams. You’ll often notice your pups legs and feet twitching while they’re asleep on their side as a result of dreaming.

Lion Pose

Dogs who sleep in the lion pose can be found asleep with their head resting on their front paws.

These dogs are not in a deep sleep, but are simply resting. If your dog is sleeping in the lion pose position, they’re ready to jump up and get back to playing at any moment. Dogs will also rest in this position if they feel as though they’ll need to jump up quickly to protect themselves. 

The Superman

The Superman sleeping position is when your dog is asleep with his belly on the floor, his back legs stretched out behind him, and his front legs stretched out in front of him.

This position is commonly found in puppies and more playful dogs. Like the lion pose, dogs who sleep in the Superman position are ready to jump up and back into play at any moment. 

This sleeping position can also be a response to a warm environment. The fur on a dogs underside is not as thick and insulating as that on the rest of their body. If your dog is sleeping on a cool surface in a warm area, they may fall asleep in the Superman pose to remain cool.

The Donut

The Donut is another common dog sleeping position where the dog will curl into a tight ball, with their limbs tucked closely to them.

This position allows dogs to keep their vital organs tucked and hidden, and therefore is common in stray dogs, or dogs who are adjusting to a new environment. Dogs will sleep in this position to protect themselves against any potential dangers.

Dogs will also sleep in a donut position when they are cold because this position can preserve body heat.

The Cuddler

A fan favorite amongst humans who love to cuddle with their pups, the cuddler sleeping position is when your dog prefers to sleep cuddled up or on top of you or another dog or animal.

If your dog is a cuddler they are showing signs of love and wanting to bond with you or whoever they are cuddling with. These dogs are affectionate and loving dogs who want to be close with those around them.

Belly Up

My personal favorite sleeping position in dogs is the belly up. This is when your dog lays on his back with their paws sticking up in the air.

The belly up sleeping position is a clear sign of comfort and security in a dog. Because the belly area is full of vital organs, a dog who is wiling to sleep with that area fully exposed is completely trusting of their environment and able to relax fully.

Sleeping belly up is also a way for dogs to cool down. Dogs sweat through their paws, so sleeping with them up in the air is a dogs way of trying to stay cool.