If you are a new Pitbull owner or perhaps have owned a Pitbull for a while now, you may be curious about your Pitbull’s sleeping habits, if Pitbull’s sleep a lot or have other questions on the topic of sleep when it comes to owning a Pitbull.
This is common, and dogs naturally make us curious about many of the funny things they do or just everyday actions they decide to take.
Do Pitbull’s sleep a lot?
It is normal for a Pitbull to sleep often. Older Pitbull’s and Pitbull puppies will sleep more often than younger mature Pitbull’s. It is common for a Pitbull to spend 50% of the day sleeping and another 25% resting. This equals 75% of the day for a Pitbull is either spent sleeping or resting in total.
While this is a broad statement about how often a Pitbull will sleep, it is also essential to understand what factors impact the amount of sleeping your Pitbull is doing.
It is also essential to understand some of the other frequently asked questions about sleeping with a Pitbull Terrier.
That is what the rest of this post is designed to break down for you.
Consider this your ultimate guide towards understanding a Pitbull’s sleeping habits and behaviors.
This is how I intend to break down the information for you today:
- Do Pitbull’s Sleep A Lot?
- Pitbull Terrier Sleeping Habits
- How Many Hours Per Day Do Pitbull’s Sleep?
- How To Make Your Pitbull More Active and Sleeping, Less
- Sleep Is Good for Your Pitbull To Recoup and Relax
Do Pitbull’s Sleep A Lot?
Pitbull’s, like most dog breeds, will spend most of the day sleeping or resting.
This is entirely normal, and most dogs will spend roughly 75% of the day, either sleeping or resting.
If this is the case for you currently, you have nothing to worry about.
However, sometimes the sleeping habits of a Pitbull can be impacted by other factors as well. Your Pitbull may fall either above or below this “average” amount of sleep that other dogs, including Pitbull’s, are accustomed to getting.
Pitbull Terrier Sleeping Habits
For the most part, you can expect your Pitbull to be sleeping or resting whenever the day and activities do not offer anything else to do.
It is merely what a dog does when bored or when nothing else is required of them.
Although Pitbull’s may sleep most of the day, do not be confused.
They are still on alert for the ones they love and can make for excellent guard dogs.
Pitbull’s are naturally protective of their owners and families in this fashion.
They are still willing to play, interact, and show affection anytime an opportunity presents itself.
Odd Body Movements for Pitbull’s During Sleep (Twitching, Panting, and Breathing Heavy)
This can be amusing to witness, but it can also cause concern for a new Pitbull owner if they do not know what to expect.
A Pitbull that is in a deep REM sleep can make plenty of odd movements in their sleep.
While we do not honestly know what is going on inside of that Pitbull’s brain during sleep, it is most theorized that your Pitbull is dreaming of dog-like things.
Clearly, this would include that raccoon or squirrel they may have been chasing earlier in the morning or maybe dreaming of a game of fetch with you.
Perhaps they are even dreaming about chewing up your new pair of shoes.
They may even be reacting to hearing your voice, as a new study has revealed that your dog’s brain reacts to the sound of your voice even while they are asleep.
Nonetheless, if your Pitbull is displaying some odd movements or even performing a light bark, you have nothing to worry about and let your Pitbull catch some rest and relax.
On the other hand, if you notice that your Pitbull is breathing much heavier than usual or panting heavily during sleep, they may be too hot.
If this is the situation taking place, be sure that your home is climate controlled and that your Pitbull is effectively cooling down and drinking enough water to avoid dehydration.
Overall, most of the time, movement, noises, and twitching while your Pitbull sleeps is nothing to worry about.
How Many Hours Per Day Do Pitbull’s Sleep?
An adult Pitbull will sleep roughly 12 hours per day and rest another 6 hours per day.
Especially when you leave your Pitbull home alone.
It is likely they will spend a good majority of this time alone sleeping as well.
This will depend on the lifestyle and activity in the household where your Pitbull is being raised.
If you are a family that is on the move often and includes your Pitbull in these activities, those sleeping and resting hours may decrease.
If, on the other hand, you are more of a laid back and calm family for the most part that does not have young children running around, those hours may be close to the 12 hours of sleep and 6 hours of rest or even exceed that number at times.
A Pitbull puppy, in addition to an elderly Pitbull or a Pitbull with health conditions, will also sleep more than an average Pitbull.
If your Pitbull falls into either of these categories, you can expect them to exceed the average of 12 hours of sleep and 6 hours of light resting per day.
This is also normal and nothing to stress over.
It is what dogs do when other options do not present themselves.
Why Does My Pitbull Sleep So Much?
Wondering why your Pitbull sleeps so much is a common question for Pitbull owners and all dog breed owners, to be honest.
It seems like a lot of sleep compared to us, right?
Jealous a little, maybe?
The truth is, they aren’t sleeping more than they should unless they are exceeding the 12 hours of sleep and 6 hours of rest per day.
If this is the case, it may be worth mentioning to your vet to ensure they are at peak health, and no underlying issues are taking place.
It is also possible that your Pitbull has nothing better to do.
If the amount your Pitbull is sleeping is bothering you or causing some anxiety, get up and get more active with them, which is also something we will touch on shortly before wrapping up this post.
Why Does My Pitbull Puppy Sleep So Much?
This is very similar to the previous question, but the same applies.
Pitbull puppies and puppies of all dog breeds tend to sleep much more than a typical matured dog.
They are exhausted from separating from their family, adapting to a new environment and are quickly exhausted.
If your Pitbull puppy is often sleeping, do not worry about it, and it is entirely normal.
Why Do Pitbull’s Sleep Upside Down?
A Pitbull may sleep in this position because they enjoy it or because it is comfortable for them.
Dogs, including Pitbull’s can find many clever and humorous ways to position their bodies when they sleep.
Again, if your Pitbull is sleeping in the upside position, I would not worry about it and go about your day.
How to Make Your Pitbull More Active and Sleeping Less?
This will now be the 3rd time that I am mentioning that Pitbull’s can sleep 12 hours a day and rest another 6 hours a day without it being considered anything to worry about.
If you feel like this is too much for your Pitbull to be sleeping and want to change the routine, it is straightforward to do.
Get up and get moving with them.
Pitbull’s are affectionate dogs and love to interact with you as the owner.
Especially well socialized Pitbull’s.
Get your Pitbull and go for a walk, a run or even take them to a dog park.
Nonetheless, whichever activity you choose to perform is up to you.
The point is simple.
The more you give a Pitbull to do, and the more they are active, the less they will sleep, and ultimately, the healthier they will be mentally and physically.
Sleep Is Good for Your Pitbull To Recoup and Relax
In general, unless your Pitbull is older or suffering from illness or injury, sleep and sleeping habits are nothing that you need to be overly concerned with.
A Pitbull will sleep a good portion of the day and when nothing else is presented for them to do.
Be sure never to neglect your Pitbull and provide love and affection, and they will make for excellent family pets.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your Pitbull’s and the journey you have ahead of you!
Does your Pitbull have any out of the ordinary sleeping habits?
Do you have anything else you can share with the Terrier Owner community about sleep for our Pitbull’s?
Be sure to share those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.
As always, Luna and I appreciate you stopping by and reading today, and we will see you again next time.