Are Dogs Diurnal? Exploring the Sleep Patterns of Our Canine Companions

A diurnal dog being walked by its owner during the day.

Are dogs diurnal? This blog post answers that question and gives you more information on how dogs sleep.


As a pet parent, it's natural to wonder if your pet is diurnal. After all, your furry friends are experts at daytime snoozing. But they’re also always up for an early morning fetch session.


So, what's the real deal? This article explores the fascinating realm of canine sleep habits. It’ll also decode our 4-legged pals’ day and night routines.


Here’s what you’ll learn:

Table of Contents

What Does Diurnality Mean?

Let's delve into the question: “Are dogs diurnal?” To do this, we first have to clarify what being diurnal means. Diurnal creatures are those that are energetic and active throughout the day. They choose to rest and sleep at night.


Humans are a typical example of such beings. On the flip side, there are nocturnal animals who stay awake and active at night, while spending their days asleep. So, on which side of this divide do our beloved pets, the dogs, fall?

Are Dogs Diurnal Animals?

Let’s get straight to the point. Most household (or domestic) dogs are active during daylight hours, much like people. This classifies most of them as diurnal creatures. Like us, they function predominantly during the day.


That said, it's important to mention that dogs take naps during the day as well. They also display a pattern known as cathemeral. This is characterized by periods of sporadic activity that can occur at any time, day or night.

Influence of Human Behavior on Dogs' Sleep Patterns

Domestic dogs have a knack for aligning their sleep patterns with the lifestyle of their human companions. When the family is up and about, so are the dogs. They are fully engaged in the hustle and bustle of the household.


Likewise, when the household settles down, dogs also begin to relax and unwind. It's intriguing to note that if your daily routine shifts to a more night-oriented schedule, your dog is likely to mirror this change without missing a beat.


So, how many hours a day does a dog sleep? Sleep Foundation says adult ones need about 8 to 13.5 hours daily(1).

The Sleep Cycle in Domestic Dogs

A dog sleeping in its dog bed.

Just as humans do, dogs also cycle through the different sleep stages. This includes the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and non-REM phases. But it's during the REM phase that our canine friends dream.


You might even catch them in the act by observing their twitches or sounds. The REM sleep stage is also vital for a dog’s mental well-being. It plays a major role in sustaining cognitive function and encourages brain adaptability.

Factors Influencing Dogs' Sleep Patterns

Several elements impact how much a dog sleeps. These include breed, age, how active they are and the surroundings they live in.


Both puppies and older dogs have a higher sleep requirement compared to dogs in their prime. In the same vein, dogs that belong to bigger breeds or those dealing with health issues might also need to clock in more hours of sleep.


You may be wondering about the different dog breeds and their sleep patterns. Certain breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier or the Boxer, are known for being hyper and energetic. It means these dogs might need extra sleep to restore their vitality. Meanwhile, breeds like the Basset Hound or Shih Tzu, are more relaxed and may need fewer zzzs.

Helping Your Dog Sleep Better

Again, like humans, a quality night's rest for your dog is essential. It plays a significant role in their health and well-being.


An effective way to help them sleep well is through daily physical activities. The energy exerted during the day can help them feel tired enough to sleep well at night. (So, don’t skimp on walks and playing fetch!)


Furthermore, creating a peaceful pre-bedtime environment can help them relax, enhancing their sleep quality. A comfy dog bed with a dog blanket won't hurt, too.


Think of it this way. For humans, a dark, quiet and cool environment does the trick. (That’s why the sleep mask exists!) Then, a dog's sleeping environment counts towards better sleep quality.

Wild Dogs and Their Sleep Patterns

Unlike household pets, wild dogs might display unique sleep behaviors that are influenced by their species and surroundings. Crepuscular Stuff says wild dogs are most active around sunrise and sunset, classifying them as crepuscular(2).


So are dogs nocturnal? Some wild canines are more oriented toward a nighttime schedule, making them somewhat nocturnal. This is especially true when they’re hunting or foraging for food.

Sleep and Your Dog's Health

Your dog’s health rests largely on how well they sleep. Its body is busy repairing itself and boosting the immune system while catching zzzs. Pooches that miss out on adequate sleep are more susceptible to sickness and may even exhibit problematic behavior.


Understanding how and when your dog sleeps can help you take better care of them. Be mindful of their sleep patterns as well as any changes to these. Keep an eye on your pup. Take note if they’re struggling with sleep or if there's a drastic shift in their sleep patterns. It means that a trip to the vet is in order.

More Information on What Animals Are Nocturnal or Diurnal

Do you want to learn more about the difference between diurnal and nocturnal? Or are you interested to find out which animal is nocturnal and diurnal? Read these blog posts for more information:


Conclusion: Are Dogs Diurnal?

So, are dogs diurnal? Essentially, while domestic dogs are known to be diurnal, their sleep behavior can fluctuate due to various factors. They can sync their sleep routine with their human family's schedule.


Your dog’s daily routines may lean more towards nocturnal or diurnal. But what’s important is understanding their sleep patterns. This helps you make sure they get the rest they need for a healthy, happy life.

Sources:  

(1) “How Many Hours a Day Do Dogs Sleep?” Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org/animals-and-sleep/how-much-do-dogs-sleep. Accessed 29 December 2023.

(2) “Are Dogs Crepuscular, Diurnal, or Nocturnal?” Crepuscular Stuff, crepuscularstuff.com/dogs-crepuscular-diurnal-nocturnal/. Accessed 29 December 2023.


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