Sleep all the time and wake up only to eat and play.
Sometimes I wish I was a yorkie.
But is it really as it seems?
Do yorkies sleep a lot for real, or does it just appear that way, because they sleep often?
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about yorkie sleep habits, including how much they sleep on average and what changes to expect as they age.
We’ll also go over possible causes of a sudden change in a Yorkie’s sleeping habits. Sometimes, a change in sleep patterns can indicate a serious problem, so you’ll want to read this section carefully.
Contents
Do Yorkies Sleep A Lot?
A Yorkshire terrier puppy sleeps 15 to 21 hours a day on average. This includes time for naps during the day. An adult Yorkie sleeps for 12 to 17 hours. They also tend to imitate the sleeping routines of their owner.
Yorkies sleep differently at different ages. In this article, we will take a closer look at the sleeping habits at various ages. We will also talk about some reasons your Yorkie might be staying up all night.
Yorkie Sleep Habits
Yorkshire terriers are a popular dog breed found in many homes worldwide. And all of those owners know that sleeping is one of a yorkie’s absolute favorite activities. As it is for most dogs, I suppose.
And this is is especially true in animal shelters and in homes where they do not get enough physical activity. If you tend to leave your yorkie home alone while you go to work, you’ll be aware of this.
Your yorkies probably sleeps basically all day and night. But that’s not generally a problem. Their burst of intense activity tire them out, so they need a lot of sleep.
And they just love spending time in their yorkie dog beds. Your pup will either be sound asleep or taking a brief nap nearly every time you see it.
Yorkie Puppy Sleeping Habits
Puppies sleep a lot! They sleep between 15 and 21 hours every day. But you will find that, as they become older, they sleep a little less each month.
When they are awake, they make the most of their time. Yorkies want to learn about the world through exploring, eating, chewing on things, and playing with you.
You should take advantage of this opportunity. Whenever your yorkie awakens, the first thing you should do is take it to the designated bathroom. This is a crucial aspect of housebreaking, the most important part of training your yorkie puppy.
A puppy’s body will take some time to adjust to staying awake longer during the day and then needing a full night’s sleep. You need to be patient. Puppies may wake up at any time, eager to play, drink water, eat puppy food and go on with their day.
It helps to give your pup a decent workout approximately 2 hours before bedtime. If you do it too close to bedtime, your dog may become energized and revved up. Taking your Yorkie on a walk, or getting it some other exercise, about 2 hours before you want to call it a day is ideal.
After that bout of physical activity comes the time to unwind. Dim the lights throughout the house. There should be no overly loud or stimulating noise or light from the TV or other noise-making equipment, like a computer or stereo.
While you don’t have to go around speaking in hushed tones, it is best to keep your voices calm and at a lower volume. You should also give your dog the command “Sleep!”.
Of course, no dog is going to instantly go to sleep merely because you give the command. Saying this term simply teaches your yorkie that, when the word is mentioned, playtime is over.
When a yorkie realizes that its humans are about to sleep in their beds, it will slow down its activity. When a dog understands what to expect, it is more likely to accept it. A puppy may whine and beg for attention at first, but it will soon adapt and get used to your routine.
If you have problems with your yorkie puppy barking or whimpering at night, there are things you can do. It is normal for puppies, especially young ones, to stay awake all night. And it can seem like nothing will them settle down. Don’t worry, we’ll have some tips below on how to help your cuddle buddy go to sleep.
Adult Yorkie Sleeping Habits
The average adult Yorkie sleeps 12 to 17 of every 24 hours. These hours include sleeping through the night, and a multiple naps, lasting a few minutes to an hour, during the day.
Mature Yorkshire terriers usually sleep through the night for a full 7 to 10 hour block, and they only take a few 20-minute to one-hour naps throughout the day.
As your dog grows older, its demand for sleep decreases gradually and consistently and it develops new interests, i.e. playing. Even if you appear uninterested, your dog may be yearning to play and engage in other physical activities during this time.
Older dogs are more trained and civilized, and they are very familiar with the house rules and regulations.
Yorkies always want to be a part of your lifestyle, especially if it is dynamic and physically and includes many outdoor activities. You should feel free to take them on long walks or even go on hikes in the woods with them.
The environment will also serve as a huge factor in an adult yorkie’s sleeping habits. If you live in a noisy and dynamic situation, your dog will wake up more often. If you live in a calm and quiet environment, your dog will sleep more.
Your pet will also keep a fully active and careful eye on your actions, if it detects that you are planning to go somewhere. But if you are relaxing and not doing much of anything, your Yorkie will allow itself a deeper snooze.
Older Yorkies are also very aware of odd noises in the area and always keep a close eye on the front entrance. And if you host a party at your home, your dog will be there to join you.
However, if your Yorkie is all alone in the home, he or she will undoubtedly go and take a nap.
Overall, Yorkshire Terriers are less energetic than other breeds like German shepherds and huskies over a longer period of time. They are high-energy, but it comes in short bursts. As a result, they do tend to play less and sleep more.
But that is not to say that you will not get plenty of time to spend with your Yorkie.
Sudden Change In Yorkie Sleeping Habits
A Yorkshire Terrier may suddenly begin to sleep a lot more than usual. Pay attention, if you notice this. It can happen for a variety of reasons. Some are harmless, but some could also indicate a serious health problem.
One of the main reasons a dog might not sleep as much as it should is some kind of health issue. Other reasons may exist, but they are much less likely. Some possible reasons are an uncomfortable bed, the timing of walks, and the training routine before bedtime.
If the bed is not comfortable, get a new one. You should also replace the bed every 4 to 5 years. As for walks and training, you should never do anything physical within two hours of bedtime. Keep your dog relaxed during this time, or it will be too revved up to sleep.
Also, you should know that Yorkshire terriers’ sleep quantity depends a lot on you. And when they are older, they start developing housekeeper behaviors, too. As a result, you should not have any long-term problems with their sleep habits, because they can adapt quickly.
Let’s take a closer look at the main reasons your Yorkie’s sleep habits might change. As mentioned, health problems are the most likely cause.
Health Issues
When a Yorkie becomes ill, its typical sleeping patterns may be disrupted. A dog’s body may try to fight off an illness by sleeping more. On the other hand, your dog may get less sleep due to discomfort.
Worms, liver troubles, and cardiac difficulties are all possibilities. As a result, if your yorkie’s sleeping habits suddenly change and you can’t say with certainty that it is due to one of the other issues below, it is always to take it to a veterinarian.
Age-Related Issues
Most people assume that a senior yorkie will sleep a lot more than a younger dog, but this is not usually the case. Older dogs don’t need as much sleep overall, plus may suffer from conditions like arthritis that can make it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep.
Prescription drugs for joint health can help a lot. Nutritional supplements can be good, too. It is also a good idea to get your senior yorkie a high-quality orthopedic bed. Ortho beds for dogs provide adequate support and relief for a fatigued body.
Uncomfortable Bed
Dog beds do wear out. Even high-quality canine beds have a four to five-year lifespan. So in addition to paying a bit more for a quality bed, you should also replace it ever 4 to 5 years.
It is a good idea to regularly inspect the state of your yorkie’s bed. Replace it if it appears worn out and is no longer providing the same level of support. You should also check for cold breezes or problems with the bed being too close to heating vents, and move it if needed.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that is most commonly seen in overweight dogs, but it can affect any breed or size of dog. A dog with sleep apnea experiences short spurts of breathing blockage, which causes your pet to wake up frequently throughout the night.
Signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring and excessive sleepiness during the day. This is not the same as snorting. Sometimes yorkies snort like pigs. This is not sleep apnea and is rarely anything serious.
Revved Up At Bedtime
It’s a good idea to let your Yorkie exercise in the evening. This lets it burn off some pent-up energy and tires it out a little in preparation for bedtime.
But if a dog is doing something physical too close to bedtime, it may have difficulty calming down. Then you’ll have the unenviable task of trying to calm down a yorkie that is excited. Never fun!
Take your yorkie for a walk no later than 2 hours before bedtime. This way, you help your dog burn off energy before bed, while still giving it enough time to relax and unwind before retiring for the night.
Loud noises and bright lights can also make it difficult for a dog to relax. You cannot expect your dog to be calm and ready for bed, if you are watching your favorite TV show at a high high volume.
Not all dogs have problems if the house is a little noisy. And if you have kids, you probably can’t prevent this anyway. But providing as tranquil a setting as possible at least one hour before you want your yorkie to sleep is ideal.
How To Get A Yorkie To Sleep Through The Night
To help your yorkie sleep through the night, make sure it gets in some good exercise, and a chance to pee and poop, before bedtime. But not too close to bedtime. The latest should be 2 hours before you want your dog to go to bed, so that it has time to wind down.
You should also make sure the bed is comfortable, and in a comfortable location, i.e. not too hot or cold. It might also help to give your dog something to chew on before bedtime. Just make sure it is not a squeaky toy, or anything else that makes noise or that is stimulating in some way.
Why Does My Yorkie Sleep So Much?
All yorkies tend to sleep a lot. If yours is sleeping more than 17 hours per day (or 21, if it is a puppy), it might be a good idea to get it checked out.
And if you dog is suddenly sleeping more than usual, go through the list of possible causes above. If you rule out all of the harmless ones, you got it: see a vet. The same goes if your dog suddenly favors sleeping positions it did not often adopt before.
What Position Is Best?
There is no best sleeping position. It depends on the situation and various other factors. And some poses can be quite bizarre. But they can also indicate certain things about your dog. Our article on yorkie sleeping positions covers the most common ones and what they might indicate about your pup.
Can A Yorkie Sleep Outside?
Yorkies are an indoor dog and should not generally sleep outdoors. However, it is possible, as long as you provide an insulated kennel that protects them from the elements.
Then again, is that really sleeping outside? Basically, your yorkie should never have to sleep exposed outdoors, but as long as it has adequate shelter, it is fine to sleep outside of your home.
Yorkie Sleeping A Lot: Conclusion
Yorkies can sleep anywhere from 13 to 22 hours every night, depending on their age, weight, and overall health. It is critical to understand how much sleep a Yorkie should get at different stages of its life.
Knowing that, you are able to determine if your dog is getting the normal amount of sleep. But remember that every dog is different, so yours may simply need more or less sleep than some other Yorkies. If you suspect something may be wrong, see a vet.
The main thing to look out for is a sudden drastic change in sleeping habits. This usually indicates some type of problem. And some of those problems, mainly various health issues, can be serious.
One behavior that often worries new dog owners is digging in bed. Why do Yorkies dig their beds? It is actually a natural instinct and nothing to worry about. But it can destroy the bed, so get a scratch resistant one, or take steps to curb the behavior, as outlined in the article we just linked to.
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