Revealed: The best dog breeds to share your bed with, ranked by experts (and which pooches will lead to a ruff night’s sleep)

They’re more than just pets; they’re our loyal companions and cherished family members. 

But when it comes to sharing our beds with dogs, do they truly make the best sleep partners?

A recent study conducted by sleep tech firm Simba, in collaboration with renowned animal behaviorist Professor Peter Neville, delves into the age-old debate of co-sleeping with canines to unravel the pros and cons. 

Simba’s study examined the co-sleeping habits of over 1,000 UK dog owners, focusing on the top 20 most popular breeds. 

The research sheds light on which breeds are the best (and worst) companions for a good night’s rest, while also delving into their peculiar sleep quirks such as snoring, wriggling, and, yes, passing wind—factors that might impact our precious slumber.

Meanwhile Simba have also shared a quiz on their website to help owners determine if their furry friends are one of the best breeds to sleep with – or whether they’d be better in the dog house. 

THE BEST DOGS TO SLEEP WITH… 

1. Labrador

Claiming the top spot on the ‘pup-pop charts’ are Labrador retrievers, beloved for their family-friendly nature.

Despite their imposing presence and propensity for shedding, these delightful canines emerge as the unrivaled champions of bedtime bliss.

According to the study, Labrador owners are less likely to experience insomnia, sleep apnoea, or snoring. 

And it’s no wonder considering that these four-legged sleep experts snooze soundly, never budging an inch – allowing their owners to average more sleep than any other breed surveyed – at six hours a night.

Lisa Artis, deputy CEO at The Sleep Charity, sleep tech firm Simba’s charity partner, said: ‘The NHS recommends we get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, which we may struggle to achieve when co-sleeping with our dogs, however, the benefits they provide may outweigh any nocturnal interruptions.

‘While their noises and movements can disrupt our slumber, the sense of safety, companionship, and happiness they bring can be worth it.

‘So although we wouldn’t actively endorse dogs sleeping on our beds, it’s clear how much they can contribute to our overall wellbeing and mental health.’

Professor Peter Neville explains: ‘Labrador retrievers have an uncanny ability to understand what pleases their human companions. 

‘They quickly learn the art of stillness, only breaking it when guarding the home. With their easy trainability and adaptability to our activity and rest cycles, Labradors yearn to spend as much time as possible with us, including snoozing by our side all night long.’

2. Dachshund

Renowned for their playfulness and natural inclination to stay close, these pint-sized darlings are enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight, captivating TikTok audiences with over 9.5 billion views under the #Dachshund hashtag.

Professor Neville reveals: ‘Dachshunds, like Terriers, have an affinity for burrowing into dark spaces—a trait embedded in their genes from their vermin-hunting lineage.

‘But they have adapted to become expert pocket-sized hot water bottles, perfect for chilly UK nights.

Just be careful, as their fearlessness in the dark might lead them to claim the entire bed, especially if the heating is switched off.’

…AND THE WORST 

1.  Hungarian Vizsla

On the flip side, we encounter a known ‘velcro dog’ of the canine world – Hungarian Vizslas – found at the bottom of the ranking.

The report found that these affectionate companions, often needy during the day and restless in the evenings, bring their owners the highest levels of sleep apnoea, teeth grinding, and twitchy legs at night.

What’s more, owners of the breed tend to have an average of five hours sleep per night. 

Professor Neville explains: ‘Hungarian Vizslas were bred as hunting companions, designed to work and run tirelessly throughout the day. 

‘Many owners, drawn to their vibrant personalities and stunning golden-rust looks, struggle to meet their behavioural needs and help them expend their energy during daylight hours.

‘Consequently, Vizslas often remain eager and restless come bedtime, anticipating the adventures of tomorrow or dreaming about the excitement of the day gone by.’

2. German Pointer  

Not far from the bottom of the list, we find the affectionate and playful German Pointer.

Looking to work up a sweat and avoid lounging around, Simba’s study revealed that bed sharing with this energetic breed will most likely leave you feeling more hot and bothered than satisfied.

Researchers found that these canine companions are more prone to wriggling around at night, leading to their humans waking feeling grumpy and irritable in the morning – more so than any other breed.

With only nose and foot sweat glands to rely on, these muscular pups might struggle to cool down, leading to restless nights and grumpy mornings.

So, if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, you might want to reconsider sharing your bed with a German Pointer – or invest in some serious air conditioning!