How Long Do Beagles Sleep_ (Tips For Improving Sleep)

How Long Do Beagles Sleep? (Tips For Improving Sleep)

by

When we awaken in the morning, our beagle usually greets us happily, every day, without fail. If they have had a poor night’s sleep, they can’t tell us about it, so beagle owners often struggle with worry, not knowing if their best friend is getting the amount of rest they need to function happily and in good health.

Because they see their Beagle as an important part of the family, most people want to make sure their Beagle is always happy and healthy, so they do concern themselves with their Beagle’s sleep habits, to make sure they are getting enough sleep.

How Long Do Beagles Sleep?

Every day, when we awaken in the morning, our beagle usually greets us happily. If they have had a poor night’s sleep, they can’t tell us about it, so beagle owners often struggle with worry, not knowing whether their best friend is getting the amount of rest they need to function happily and in good health.

Because they see their Beagle as an important part of the family, most people want to make sure their Beagle is always happy and healthy, so they do concern themselves with their Beagle’s sleep habits, to make sure they are getting enough sleep. So, the question, “How long do Beagles sleep?” is a very important one.  

How Much Sleep Does a Beagle Need?

As noted above, Beagles need a healthy amount of sleep every day, with very young and very old dogs needing a lot more. If your Beagle seems to be very active, it will require a lot more energy, which in turn usually requires a lot more sleep. And they will get it.

Because of this, you should not be alarmed if your very active Beagle seems to sleep a lot more than you and the other members of your family. Nor should you be concerned if they seem to sleep too much. Sleep is just as important to a Beagle as it is to a human.

Overall, a number of factors can have an impact on how much sleep your Beagle wants and/or needs. They are as follows.

Activity Level

One of the most important is roughly the same as it is for humans. Just as a human who completes a long walk or a long run can usually sleep longer and better, a Beagle who has been active will sleep better and longer than one who has not.

The Beagle’s Age: How Long Do Beagle Puppies Sleep?

As noted, Beagles need more sleep when they are young and growing. For the first 18 months of life, they need about 18-20 hours of sleep every day, so they can grow into healthy adult Beagles.

As is the case with humans, older Beagles also need more sleep because they tire more easily and need more rest to recover. It’s a gradual process, however, with your Beagle starting to slow down and sleeping a bit longer when they’re about 7-8 years of age.

The Beagle’s Shape and Size

Beagles have a tendency to eat everything in sight, and they easily put on a lot of weight., especially when the humans in charge feed them a lot of treats. When a Beagle is overweight, it will tend to sleep longer. Also, being overweight can lead to serious health problems, which is why it’s important to keep track of their sleeping routine.

After all, like humans, Beagles need the right amount of sleep, as well as the right type, if they are to remain healthy and full of energy. If you have seen a sudden change in your Beagle’s sleep habits, it’s a great reason to take your friend to a vet for advice, in addition to their regular visits for basic health.

Does a Beagle’s Sleep Habits Differ Greatly From a  Human’s?

There is little to no difference between how humans and Beagles sleep. Their sleep routine does not differ significantly from a human’s in that they will usually go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same time.

That is not to say there are no differences between dogs and humans when it comes t dreams, of course. When humans sleep, we make our way through a number of stages, with the last one being REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This is commonplace for most mammals, including humans and dogs.

Do Beagles Dream Like Humans?

In addition to sleeping roughly the same amount of time,  Beagles also commonly dream. The sequence of the dream can often be very cute to observe, as they wag their tail, move their paws, and squeak in their sleep.  There’s no way to tell what they are dreaming, of course, but it can still be fun to watch.

The Beagle’s REM sleep stage is characterized by the eyes moving rapidly, as the name implies. According to scientific studies, dogs spend about 10 percent of their sleep time in REM sleep, whereas humans spend about 25 percent of their time in REM sleep.  That is precisely why Beagles need more sleep than humans, overall.

Another difference comes with the fact that all dogs, including Beagles, come from wolves and not humans. Because of that, Beagles tend to sleep in short bursts throughout the night, unlike humans, who will usually sleep in single, longer bursts.

This comes from the then Wolf’s tendency to hunt at night when it’s easy to find prey. That leads to the Beagle’s tendency to prefer taking power naps rather than taking a long period of sleep. That ancestry as a hunter also explains why even the smallest, sharpest sound will suddenly awaken your Beagle. From sound sleep.

What All This Means Regarding A Beagle’s Sleep Cycle

When one takes the time to examine the sleep cycle of their Beagle, one important thing to keep in mind is that dogs are not the same as humans. That means their sleep patterns tend to be much different than ours, even though humans and Beagles both experience REM sleep.

There are enough differences between dogs and humans that none of us should evaluate our dog’s sleep based on what we experience. Many scientific studies have led researchers to conclude that a dog’s sleep cycles are similar to ours but not at all the same. 

Based on the similarities, many assume that humans and dogs are very much the same, despite the fact that they won’t think that way when they run or walk or when they wag their tails or eat. It’s illogical to think of both species as identical, but that doesn’t keep them from assuming they are having active dreams when their paws flicker and they bark slightly.

Interested In Training Your Beagle?

If you haven’t trained your beagle properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.

The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.

With Brain Training For Dogs, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and, most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact that you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.

So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!

And in most cases, it’s still going to be:

  • Cheaper than hiring a professional.
  • Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
  • And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you if they decide to bite someone.

Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your beagle completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT. 

And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try!

So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results! (You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)

Tips to Make Sure Your Beagle Sleeps Through the Night

Tip #1 – Make sure your Beagle has their own place to sleep.

Like most dogs, Beagles really like to have a place to sleep that is all their own. They are easily adaptable to crates, as long as they have the right training, as long as they are cozy, clean, and warm.

If the room where you place the crate is drafty, be sure to cover the crate with a blanket, and use an insulated blanket beneath the base of the crate or bed, to further reduce the draft felt by your Beagle. You should also do everything possible to limit background noise, especially dishwashers and clothes washers and dryers.

Some recommend Vet Beds for good, uninterrupted sleep for a dog. In addition to being very warm and cozy, these can be thrown in the washing machine for a good clean when necessary.

Tip #2 – Make sure your Beagle gets plenty of exercise.

Though they need at least 10-12 hours of sleep every day to be able to function, Beagles are actually quite high-energy dogs, as a rule. That means they need a good walk every day to function, and that7 means a good walk of at least 30 minutes. Playing and training your beagle serves as excellent mental stimulation, even as it works to improve the quality of their sleep.

Tip #3 – Make sure your Beagle gets a diet that is both balanced and nutritious.

Beagles have a tendency to put on weight easily, which can lead to a lethargic state, which can then lead to more sleep than they likely need.

That is why it’s important to make sure your Beagle has a diet that is both healthy and balanced. Among the most popular and effective diets for Beagles has been a raw food diet because it promotes the Beagle’s overall health and also helps them sleep.

Your Beagle’s veterinarian can help you determine the best diet for your particular dog, so it would be a great idea to consult with them. They will be able to talk with you about the many feeding options.

Tip #4 – Establish a routine and stick to it.

Like most other dog breeds, Beagles love having a routine to depend on. In order to make their sleep as beneficial as possible, it’s always best to create a bedtime routine that is as dependable as possible, especially with regard to bedtimes and locations.

The routine is so important. Many experts have suggested avoiding allowing Beagles to have a “treat” by allowing them to sleep one night in your “big bed” because returning them to their normal bedtime routine is very difficult and leads to upset and sleep disruption that can stretch to weeks or months.

Tip #5 – Monitor their sleep and their health.

Always keep an eye on your Beagle’s sleep patterns as a way to determine their health status. For the most part, adult beagles will sleep for 10-12 hours per day, although Beagle puppies and elderly Beagles can be expected to sleep as much as 18-20 hours a day.

If you observe your Beagle sleeping more or less than usual, it might be a good time to consult with your vet. It is not unusual for health problems to manifest in a disturbance in sleep patterns.

When your beagle starts sleeping a lot more than usual after an upset, for example, it may be suffering from a mental health condition. Beagles and other dogs often grieve for the loss of others, and that can often have a negative effect on their health and well-being, just as they can on humans.

Tip #6 – Turn “Bathroom Time” Into a routine.

This is a very important part of any dog’s day, and having a routine for it is very important, especially when it comes to settling up a sleep routine. All you have to do is to let them out to go to the bathroom at the same time every day.

That will allow your Beagle to develop a predictable schedule for bathroom time every day, which will help them develop a sleep schedule that makes your life easier and your dog’s much healthier.

Tip #7 – Say “Good Morning” and “Good Night.”

Because Beagles are used to being around people, they can often develop separation anxiety when they are alone, such as when they are expected to sleep. Sometimes that level of anxiety can prevent them from sleeping.

Because of this, giving your dog a quick “hello” in the morning will go a long way toward easing that anxiety by letting them know they will get to see you every morning.

Related Articles

What Do Common Beagle Sleeping Positions Mean?

When a Beagle sleeps on its side, they are indicating a strong sense of comfort and security because it leaves all essential organs fully exposed. Dogs who usually sleep in this position tend to be very relaxed and easy to get along with, although that can change if they are sleeping in a new place or near someone they are less familiar with.

Another thing to remember when you see your pooch in this position is that sleeping on their side leaves their limbs free to move while they sleep, which means it is more likely that you will see more leg twitches and kicks from your Beagle.

On the other hand, when a Beagle sleeps all curled up, nose to tail, they are doing so based on an instinctive need to protect their vital organs as they sleep. This position restricts movement while they sleep. It also protects vital organs from predators.

The curled-up position, however, doesn’t necessarily mean your Beagle is somehow uncomfortable where they are or who they are with, but that’s not necessarily the case. It is a common position in the fall and winter because it is a warmer position. In many cases, the Beagle simply likes that position best.

A third position is what many call “the Superman position,” in which your Beagle is sprawled on the floor on its tummy. This is a preferred position for many puppies because it allows them to jump up and begin playing almost immediately.

Beagles who sleep in this position choose it because they don’t want to miss out on a chance to play, so they simply plop down on the floor where they happen to be.

A fourth popular sleeping position many Beagles prefer involves lying on their back with their paws in the air.  Whereas curling up is seen as a way to conserve heat and keep themselves warm, sleeping on their back with the belly exposed is a great way for your dog to cool off, Because their fur is thinnest on their belly and their sweat glands are in their paws, this is the best way a Beagle has to cool off on a hot day.

Of course, dogs who put themselves in such an exposed position are not worried about anything.

There is also significant meaning in the sleeping position in which your Beagle sleeps snuggled up to you or back-to-back with you or other family members, furry or not. It indicates that they are bonding with you and they are completely comfortable with you. This is as loving and affectionate as it gets, really.

(Want to know how rare your beagle’s color is?)

FAQ’s

Do Beagles Like to Sleep with You?

Because they prefer spending time with their owners, and because they are still pack animals at their hearts, beagles have a tendency to want to sleep alongside their owners. Allowing them to sleep with you in your bed will create a strong bond between you. That said, however, it is not always the best idea to allow it to happen long term.

Quite often, Beagle owners develop strong allergies to their Beagle when they sleep together long-term. Also, it makes the establishment of a sleep routine a lot more difficult to establish. So, even though you might love it emotionally, you may be disregarding the need for a sleep routine for your Beagle over the long haul.

Do Beagles Like to Sleep at Night? 

The truth is, Beagles like to sleep anytime, including at night.  and it is not difficult to get your and your pet’s sleep routine synchronized, so they and you can sleep through the night. In other words, while it’s not natural to get your dog to sleep when you do, it can be done and should be.

Do Beagles Sleep with Their Eyes Open

Over the course of many generations, dogs, including Beagles, have developed a habit of keeping at least one eye open while they are asleep and dreaming as a way to prevent harm from coming to them while they are at their weakest when they are in the deepest sleep cycle. This is a way to serve as a warning if anything attacks them while asleep.

Most dogs, including Beagles, can occasionally sleepwalk, which is often a very dangerous condition. Sleepwalking usually means they may look and seem conscious when they are actually completely unaware of anything that is happening around them. Their sleepwalking habit could leave them vulnerable to danger.

Why Do Beagles Like to Sleep Under the Covers?

As is the case with their tendency to dream with their eyes open, Beagles also have a natural instinct to burrow, which is why they like to dig under the blanket to sleep. This instinct was developed as a way to protect themselves while they sleep, as opposed to lying out in the open, where predators could easily see and attack them.

Are Beagles Lazy?

As they mature, Beagles often develop a lazy side. As noted previously, Beagles can become lazy, which is why they can lean toward obesity. They often become content to simply lie around the house all day and eat whenever they can. This is one reason it is recommended that all Beagles undergo some sort of obedience training.

In Summary: The Most Important Thing to Remember is…

One of the most important things to remember about Beagles is that they were bred as hunting dogs, and they still carry many of the same traits to this day. They are hunters and predators, and they tend to be most active at night when hunting tends to be easier, and the temperatures are cooler.

While Beagles can be trained to sleep primarily at night, it is not a natural component of their personalities. Again, as hunters, their instinct is to hunt at night and not sleep. Another difference from humans is that dogs are unable to sweat. Instead, they pant, which makes them better suited to short bursts of activity, not long hunting trips. 

These ideas should serve as an explanation as to why a Beagle sleeps a lot more frequently than a human. And they sleep so often because they go through so many sleep stages, and only about 10 percent of their sleep cycle is the important REM sleep.

That is the stage of sleep during which our body rejuvenates and prepares for the next day, so Beagles seem to require less REM sleep than we do, even though they clearly need more sleep to get that deep restorative level of rest that makes them healthy.

One last thing to remember is that the larger and more active the Beagle is, the more sleep it will need. A dog that is both large and highly active may need as much as 16-18 hours of sleep per day, based on an expected schedule of 50 percent sleep, 20 percent high activity, and 30 percent moderate to little activity.

More than anything, be sure to enjoy the companionship of your Beagle and accept him as a valued member of your family. Between your dog, your vet, and the medical research available, you will all figure out how much sleep your dog needs to stay healthy.

Sources

Related Posts: