Are you wondering which dog breeds sleep the least?
You might if you’re training a highly energetic dog or you want an active dog for a companion.
Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with 8 of the most intensive breeds.
They won’t say no to a long walk or jog!
Top 7 Dog Breeds That Sleep the Least
Most dog breeds have a specific role people created them to serve.
So, it’s no wonder that some dogs are likely to spend the day sleeping (companion dogs), while others always seem in motion.
Age and temperament also determine how energetic dogs are.
While puppies are a small furry ball of energy, they sleep a lot to grow big and strong.
Older dogs, however, often have bone and joint problems that affect their mobility.
So, let’s see 7 highly active breeds and don’t fall into the “sleepiest dogs” category.
#1 Border Collie
Border Collies have many admirers thanks to their stunning appearance, intelligence, and high trainability.
But despite their mellow temperament and cat-friendly temperament, Border Collies are challenging dogs, especially for novice owners.
Since Border Collies are herding dogs, they’re used to following their flock all day long without getting tired.
You can call the Border Collie workaholics, and you won’t be wrong because these dogs thrive when they have a job.
As such, Border Collies are more likely to herd children and cars when bored than sleep on the couch and wait for you to get home.
These dogs also tend to invent games to keep busy and turn the house upside down.
#2 American Foxhound
Some hunting breeds prefer to spend the time between hunts napping and gathering energy.
The American Foxhound isn’t one of them and often surprises with their intensity and relentlessness.
Due to their muscular bodies and remarkable endurance, the American Foxhound can run for miles without showing signs of tiredness.
They do best with an acre or two to run and don’t make good apartment dogs.
Moreover, the American Foxhound needs at least an hour or two of exercise per day to burn off energy.
These dogs are also likely to follow exciting smells and can wander off if you aren’t careful.
However, American Foxhounds are pack dogs and don’t do well left alone in the yard.
But they rarely have any health problems due to their sturdy constitution.
#3 Airedale Terrier
There’s a story about an Airedale Terrier who delivered an important message during World War I passing through the battlefield.
The brave dog lost his life but managed to save his battalion.
Such courage and fearlessness are typical of Airedale Terriers. They’re lively dogs that excel at agility, hunting, and obedience courses and hate being idle.
But Airedales make the worst therapy dogs due to their intensity.
Like most terriers, the Airedale is fond of chasing, running, and digging and doesn’t have much time for sleep.
They love nothing more than to have a job and make excellent jogging companions.
Moreover, Airedale Terrier is a hard-working dog that remains active for the better part of their life.
So, don’t expect that your Airedale Terrier will calm down with age.
#4 Alaskan Malamute
When you see an Alaskan Malamute, you stop to admire their wolf-like appearance, muscular bodies, and huge bushy tail. It’s no wonder that they often play wolves in movies and TV.
Besides appearance, the Alaskan Malamute is known for their incredible endurance, strength, and stamina that allows them to pull heavy sleds through the deepest snow.
These large dogs would rather pull sleds, hike, or jog than nap on the couch. They’re a bouncy breed that isn’t fond of snoozing through the day.
Despite their menacing appearance, the Malamute regards most strangers’ friends and make bad watchdogs. These dogs that don’t sleep much also prefer to be close to their pack and won’t tolerate being alone in the yard.
#5 Beagle
How could such a small dog have so much energy?
That’s a question every first-time Beagle owner asks when confronted with this high-energy pooch.
It’s easy to look at those big brown eyes and get smitten by the Beagle’s cheerful personality and playfulness.
However, they are one of the dog breeds that sleep the least and enjoy being on the move.
That’s why they get on with children so well and are a terrible breed for seniors.
While Beagles enjoy long walks and jogging, leaving a Beagle off the leash is a good way to lose one.
They’re wanderers and won’t hesitate to chase after any small animals you come across.
#6 Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best service animals and make excellent emotional support pets.
Why would they be among the dog breeds that sleep the least?
While Labrador Retrievers have a mellow temperament and are eager to obey their owners, they are far more energetic than people realize.
Initially, Labradors used to fetch nets, help fishers, and retrieve fish from the cold water.
They were hard-working dogs that didn’t have the luxury of oversleeping when there was a job to do.
As such, most Labradors Retrievers are intensive and high-energy dogs.
They need their daily long walk to burn off energy and keep them happy.
Otherwise, they will find some destructive outlet for their endless energy.
However, keep in mind that Labradors are workaholics, and you might exhaust them by accident. These dogs just don’t know when to stop.
#7 Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell might be the last in our list of the dog breeds that sleep the least, but these charming dogs are a real surprise.
When you look at their warm eyes and innocent expression, you can’t imagine the stubbornness and energy hiding in this small body.
They need at least 30-45 minutes of a strenuous workout, and a simple walk around the neighborhood won’t do it.
Moreover, Jack Russells can play games with you until you drop down from exhaustion and then continue to run around the house.
They also often get into mischief and love to chase other small animals.
Jack Russells often pose a challenge even for experienced owners, and they’re better suited for active people who can meet their high-energy needs.
Why Doesn’t My Dog Sleep At Night?
Since we’re talking about which dog breeds sleep the least, you might be wondering why your dog doesn’t sleep at night.
If your dog is keeping you up, you might be at the end of your strength.
So, why don’t dogs sleep at night? The usual reasons are:
Excessive energy
Most dogs need from 30 minutes to two hours of exercise. Running in the yard/house won’t do it.
Moreover, if your dog has spent the day napping, you can’t expect them to sleep soundly at night.
Loneliness
Young puppies often cry at night because they’re lonely and miss their mother and siblings.
Fortunately, puppies settle down and start sleeping through the night after the first couple of days.
The important thing is not to get up to comfort the puppy because you’ll be doing it every night.
Discomfort
Another reason why your dog might not sleep well is discomfort.
Joint inflammation, allergies, itchy skin, and fleas might make it difficult for your dog to sleep.
The same goes if the environment is too noisy.
Disease
Unfortunately, diseases can also make your pooch lose sleep.
Dementia, bloat, cancer, and digestive problems are one of the few possibilities.
Excessive licking, diarrhea, vomiting, lack of coordination, disorientation, and foaming are also signs of illness in dogs.
It’s normal for some dog breeds to sleep less than others.
However, if you notice any change in how much your pet spends snoozing, you should mention it to the vet.
If your dog is healthy but still overly energetic, try to increase the amount of exercise and spend more time with your dog.
