Mastiff Sleeping Habits
Why Do They Sleep So Much?

by Ken Alden

Wondering about your Mastiff sleeping habits because it's been snoozing by the fireplace for hours? Has he not yet given you a sign that he is ready for the evening walk? Don’t worry! Our gentle giants do love a nap! 

If you are wondering about your Mastiff’s sleeping habits, you should know that they can spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping. Mastiff puppies and senior dogs need even more rest, and they can reach a record of 18 hours a day of sleep. A Mastiff’s sleeping schedule is made up of an overnight sleep of 8 to 10 hours, with extra naps of up to two hours during the late morning, afternoon, and evening.

Their surprising sleeping habits are one of the factors that make dogs like Mastiffs perfect apartment companions. This breed is famously lazy and among the ones that love sleeping the most. Now you know that your Mastiffs’ long naps are regular! Let’s have a look in detail at their sleeping habits and schedules. Read More Below...

Pro-tip: Ever try lifting a Mastiff? Their weight can hurt not only your back but their joints when they hop down from cars, sofas or even your bed. To protect your back and theirs check out the best Mastiff ramps on Amazon.com now.

Why Do Mastiffs Sleep So Much?

As we have seen, it is not out of the ordinary for a Mastiff to sleep up to 18 hours a day. If you are wondering how much sleep is enough for them, the National Sleep Foundation has the answer! A Mastiff’s life is 50% sleeping, 30% resting while awake, and 20% of active time. A typical schedule for carnivores!

One of the main reasons that cause dogs to sleep so much is that they follow different stages of sleep compared to humans. While most of the steps of falling asleep are similar, dogs reach each phase on a different time frame.

Humans follow a determined sleep cycle, from light sleep (stage 1) through REM (Rapid Eye Movement). While completing a whole cycle can take us up to 100 minutes, each phase lasts between 5 and 15 minutes. Each night, we experience up to 4 complete sleep cycles. mastiff sleeping habits

Oppositely, dogs tend to have regular naps rather than an 8-hours overnight sleep. Every time they fall asleep, they enter the REM stage within the first 10 minutes, and you can admire them as they dream of running through fields and gardens! However, dogs tend to be alert at all times, and they can wake up quickly, even during the REM stage. 

Scientists and experts have calculated that, due to their sleeping habits, dogs will only get 10% in the REM phase (humans spend 25%). Such cycles leave them tired, and they need more sleep to feel rested.

Additionally, giant breeds, excited puppies, and frail old dogs need to sleep even more. Add all these facts, and you will understand why your snoring Mastiff truly needs its beauty sleep! 

Factors That Can Influence The Sleep Schedule Of Mastiffs

As we have seen, Mastiffs can sleep a lot! Yet, their sleeping routine and patterns can be affected by several factors such as:

• Age
• Size
• Gender
• Health
• Major life changes
• Activity levels and boredom

Don’t forget that, similarly to humans, our Mastiffs’ habits can vary depending on whether they feel ill, bored, sad, or have just experienced a trauma.

While all dogs tend to sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day, Mastiffs, along with other large breeds, can sleep up to 18 hours a day. A puppy can reach the seemingly worrying 20 hours of sleep a day! But let’s have a look at what the sleeping habits and schedules of your Mastiffs are. 

Pro-tip: Mastiff anxiety, aggression, destructive chewing, jumping up, fearfulness, and other behaviors can be controlled with the right training program.

Here’s a great course that addresses these issues along with many other dog training basics: Check it out now!

How Long Do Mastiff Puppies Sleep?

Mastiff puppies grow incredibly quickly, especially until they are 18 to 20 months old. The extraordinary muscle and bones development our little Mastiffs go through can give you an idea of why they need to sleep up to 20 hours per day. 

Additionally, energy levels are at their highest at this time. It is not uncommon to be playing with a Mastiff puppy for around 20 minutes and see him falling asleep straight after. Sleep, along with nutrition, exercise, and socialization, is an essential part of the upbringing of your puppy. 

As owners, we must ensure that our puppies are healthy and happy. It is vital to encourage a steady routine that allows your puppy to get all the sleep he needs during growth. 

A schedule’s example will include regular potty breaks, walks, playtime, and socialization time. After every meal you feed your puppy, he will need to relieve himself. As you bring him out for a walk, allow him to play at its own time. This exercise will tire out your dog, who will most likely fall asleep as soon as you are back home. This healthy plan can help you keep your puppy exercised and well-rested.

How Many Hours A Day Do Mastiffs Sleep?

Adults Mastiffs won’t need to eat or relieve themselves as often. Usually, they will follow a solid sleeping routine that allows them to get adequate rest throughout the day. However, the adulthood of your puppy is also when many health and medical conditions can show. 

Mastiffs can suffer from bone conditions and genetic diseases that are responsible for their short lifespan. To either prevent or alleviate the effects of such conditions, proper sleep is vital. mastiff sleeping habits

If you are looking at making sure that your adult Mastiff is getting enough sleep, you should:

• Leave your Mastiff undisturbed during his habitual nap times.
• Assess overtired behavior and make sure that your Mastiff has enough space and time to rest.
• Make their bed as inviting as possible, even by adding blankets and pillows where they can feel safe.
• Keep your dog’s sleeping area dim and reasonably quiet.

If your adult mastiff is a healthy dog, he won’t need any encouragement to sleep at least 16 hours a day! 

Senior Mastiffs are like puppies, they sleep a lot!

Senior Mastiffs have similar sleeping habits to the ones of a Mastiff puppy. While they are evidently less active or excited, your older dog will need at least 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day. This estimation can be higher if your dog suffers from any medical condition that leaves them tired or exhausted quickly.

However, older Mastiffs love snoozing and resting in comfortable dens, without actually falling asleep. Make sure their bed is welcoming and cozy at all times, and they will naturally get all the sleep they might need.

Pro-tip: Mastiff's (and their owners) love dog crates…and for good reasons. Crates keep dogs from mischief while you're away, are perfect for house training, for traveling by car, and provide the dog a place to de-stress. Check out the best Mastiff crates on Amazon.com now.

How Much Sleep Is Too Much Sleep For A Mastiff?

Mastiffs will develop different sleeping habits in various stages of their lives. For older and younger dogs, it is entirely normal to see them sleeping for over 18 hours a day. However, what you should look out for are sudden changes in their behavior and sleep routine.

If your Mastiff all of a sudden starts to sleep over 22 hours a day or as little as 10, you should immediately speak to your vet. Usually, a sleeping disorder is a telltale sign that your dog could be ill or has contracted a disease. Yet, sometimes the most straightforward answer is that your Mastiff might need a little more exercise, stimuli, socialization, or nutrients in his diet!

Mastiff Sleeping Habits...Final Thoughts

Are you still staring at your Mastiff asleep in front of the fireplace? Now you know that is all completely normal. Mastiffs are among the laziest breeds of dogs out there and can sleep for up to 16 hours a day. Younger and older Mastiffs, due to their physical and psychological characteristics, might need even up to 20 hours of sleep a day between overnight sleep and daytime naps. 

Such routine allows them to get enough rest and be happy during the day. While looking at your Mastiff dreaming on can be fascinating, remember that a sudden change in his behavior can be a telltale sign that something is wrong. A visit to the vet will give you a quick solution to implement to improve the sleep and health of your lazy pooch! 

Return To The Top Of This Mastiff Sleeping Habits Page

1. Mastiff Guide Home
›
2. Mastiff Dog Info
›
3. Mastiff Sleeping Habits

I’m Ken Alden. This website
is a labor of love from years of research and personal experiences with Mastiffs.

         More About Me

Mastiff Guide is an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.