Goldendoodles are the picture-perfect cross between the loyal Golden Retriever and the super smart Poodle. They look a lot like golden teddy bears, with a perpetually cheerful disposition and a lot of love to give.
They can also be a little quirky – just like all dogs. One of their adorable quirks is taking the occasional nap on their back. Like all other poodles and doodles, expect to spot your furry friend taking a snooze with their legs in the air from time to time.
So, why do they do this? Let’s take a look at how much these pooches sleep and just why they favor this, um, interesting position.
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How Much Do Goldendoodles Sleep?
Most dogs sleep quite a bit, right? Certainly more than the average human being. Dog parents will recognize that just how much sleep a Goldendoodle needs will change as they grow.
Puppies
You can expect to find your Goldendoodle puppy sleeping for as much as 18 hours per day. There is so much fun to be had for an energetic pup; it is no wonder that young doodles sleep as much as they do to make up for all that energy they are using up.
Goldendoodle owners will notice that as most pups reach four months and beyond, they gradually sleep less and less. Just as their food and behavior change, so will their sleep requirements. Check out our homepage for more tips on ensuring your pup gets enough rest.
Adult Goldendoodles
An adult Goldendoodle dog sleeps for just about eleven hours per day. Many Goldendoodle owners will claim that their furry friends sleep for more or less than eleven hours. Every dog is unique, and depending on their lifestyle, their environment, and their own personality, your dog might choose to take lots of daytime naps or save their best sleep for nighttime.
Do Goldendoodle Puppies And Dogs Sleep On Their Backs?
Yes. Yes, they do.
Just like humans, there is no one sleeping position that your pooch will always snooze in. No, instead, they will try out different ways of sleeping, and many will shift position during the nighttime to find the perfect, comfy spot.
Many dogs sleep on their backs more often than others. With their iconic coat of dense, curled hair, poodles are among the most frequent back sleepers. This includes hybrid Poodle dogs – commonly called Doodles.
Why do dogs sleep on their backs?
Goldendoodles are one type of dog who sleep on their back more often than many other dogs. So why, exactly? There are many reasons why your dog – any dog – might be caught sleeping on its back. Some apply a little more to certain dogs than others.
Doodles and poodles, including Goldendoodles, often lay on their backs simply because it is comfortable. For one thing, this sleeping position enables dogs to stretch out their legs and abdomen, relaxing their muscles.
Goldendoodles thrive when they are well-rested and relaxed. They are active dogs with a lot of energy, but in order to make the most of their active time, all Goldendoodle dogs, especially puppies, need a good night’s sleep.
It is thought that when dogs lay on their backs, it increases their sleep quality, enabling them to enter deep sleep and feel more rested (and, let’s be honest: ready for action) upon waking. So even though your dog’s sleeping position might look a little bizarre, if your Goldendoodle dog sleeps on its back, let them be; they know what they’re doing!
The Crazy Legs Position
Referred to among many dog owners as the crazy legs position, this position is when your dog is sleeping on its back with its stomach facing upward and all four legs stuck in the air. It’s an interesting sight, to say the least.
This position relieves pressure on the stomach so they can breathe more deeply while sleeping, allowing air to enter their nose and lungs more freely.
They feel safe and secure
Ready to feel your heart skip a beat?
Well, it is believed that when dogs like Goldendoodles sleep lying on their back with their paws in the air, it is a sign that they feel totally safe and secure. Think about it: this position leaves their stomach exposed, so if they were not completely relaxed and happy, your super smart pooch would never take a nap in such a vulnerable sleep position.
They feel too hot
Now for the scientific reason: it helps them to cool down.
Dogs have sweat glands in their paws, so exposing their paws will help them to keep cool.
This is particularly true for extra fluffy dogs like poodles and Goldendoodles, who have a lot of hair to keep them extra warm and cozy.
Expect to see your pooch sleeping on its back even more during the warmer months. Having their paws in the air will enable air to circulate around their legs, joints, and stomach, helping your dog to regulate their body temperature.
Goldendoodles Tend To Dream When They Sleep On Their Backs
Sleeping on their backs can help any dog, including your favorite Goldendoodle, drift off into a deeper, more restful sleep. In this state, they are also more likely to dream.
Sure, not every dream is going to be a good one. Just like human beings, dogs can experience distressing dreams and might even whimper or cry out, which can be disconcerting for dog lovers. However, just like us, dogs also experience happy dreams.
Lying on their back with their paws in the air is thought to be one of the best sleeping positions for a dog to dream in. Watching your Goldendoodle pedal its paws as it races through that glorious dreamscape after its favorite ball is a sight of which you will never tire.
Is It Dangerous For A Goldendoodle To Sleep On Its Back?
No, it is actually perfectly natural to find your dog lying sound asleep on its back. Sure, in the wild, this would probably not be the case since this position leaves their underside exposed and, therefore, vulnerable. However, safely indoors with their best friend, your Goldendoodle has nothing to worry about except making the most of naptime, ready for play.
If you suddenly find your dog sleeping on its back much more than usual, listen to its breathing while they sleep. If you think that your Goldendoodle is panting, or struggling to breathe at all, then this sudden shift in sleeping positions might indicate trouble breathing. In this case, you should speak to a veterinarian, just to be safe.
This position is not dangerous for them, but if your dog starts lying on its back suddenly, or more than usual, then it could indicate that your dog is struggling with the heat. A Goldendoodle is a pretty hairy pooch, so the warm weather is not always their favorite thing. This position might be their way of telling you they need help keeping cool!
Can a Goldendoodle Sleep On Your Bed?
Letting your dog sleep on your bed with you is your own choice. Many dog owners refuse, claiming that it is unhygienic to have your dog on the bed. It can also foster separation anxiety since your dog will grow accustomed to sleeping near you and might even become unable to sleep soundly when you are apart.
Alternatively, sleeping near one another can strengthen the bond between a dog and its human best friend, and when a dog sleeps at the foot of your bed, you can be sure it will feel right at home.
If your Goldendoodle co-sleeps on your bed, you can expect to spot the crazy legs or doodle doze pose. This is because they feel most comfortable and at ease when they fall asleep beside you.
In Conclusion
Yes, Goldendoodle dogs enjoy sleeping on their backs, and yes, it might look a little strange.
As for why? Well, there are several reasons you might catch your dog sleeping on its back in the crazy legs or doodle doze position. For one thing, it can help these furry pups keep cool during warmer weather and therefore enjoy a more restful sleep.
All the science aside, though, your Goldendoodle might just sleep in this odd-looking pose because it is comfortable for them. For a dog who spends most of the day racing around on its paws, it will surely feel good to take the weight off its paws and stretch out its muscles, right?
So next time you see your dog sleeping on its back, just smile and know that your pup feels safe, happy and secure enough to nod off in this position… and let sleeping dogs lie.
If you got some useful information from this post, head to our article on if Goldendoodles are good with kids next for more advice on welcoming one of these precious pups into your home.