Is it Normal for Jack Russells to Sleep a Lot?

Are you worried about your Jack Russells’ sleep pattern? You might notice your champ sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day, wondering if it is normal for Jack Russells to sleep this way. Well, this is, without any doubt, normal. These cute creatures sleep 50% of their lives. Moreover, they spend 30% of their lives while awake or lying, and 20% in an active lifestyle.

Yes, there are some reasons for their extended sleeping habit. But most of them are natural, and you don’t have anything to worry about. However, if you have a pup for several months and it had a normal sleeping schedule. But now you find a change in their sleep routine, and it continues for days or weeks; this can be a sign of any problem. They might be ill or going through any mental burden. It’s better to consult your vet when you observe such symptoms.

Apart from this, there are plenty of other reasons why Jack Russells sleep a lot. I want to discuss some of the primary reasons. This article addresses some factors that make your pup sleep.

While reading the article, try comparing your dog’s sleeping habits. This way, you will figure out the root cause and solve it. So lets’ discuss them.

Is it Normal for Jack Russells to Sleep a lot?

Yes, as I mentioned, it is completely normal if your dog sleeps more than you do. Your pup undergoes several stages in their life where their sleeping behavior changes drastically. It can include their age and general activity in your house.

In general, these canines have extremely high energy than other breeds. They can actively contribute to family activities easily and even prefer to participate in all of your tasks.

They are happy learners, always enjoy working, and love to become the center of attention. Not to mention, they are surprisingly genius and adapt to the new environment easily.

In my personal experience, Jack Russells can go from extreme energies and not sleeping at all to a calmer and relaxing schedule with much more sleep. This usually happens in a calm household that can’t entertain Jack Russells with a number of activities.

Due to the lack of an energetic environment, your pup may not sleep too much. But you don’t need to worry about it, as once you provide them something to run and jump, they will start sleeping long hours again.

For the time being, your little buddy will love to curl up on the floor near your feet while snoozing for a couple of hours.

To explain it better, let’s discuss some other factors that can push your little fellow to sleep 12 to 14 hours.

Plenty of Exercises and Activities

You might know that Jack Russell is a breed that loves extensive exercises or activities. They prefer to have a busy schedule around the year, which can help them to drain off some of their energy.

Furthermore, the more they engage in activities, the more they will feel exhausted. And the more they tucker, the more they are relaxed during the day time. This results in several naps a day and long hours of sleep at night.

You also need to understand that if you don’t give them a tough regime for a day or even a week, they will start sleeping less with time. Not to mention, this routine also forces them to become more hyper and wild.

I would say that their sleep is an indicator that they are getting time to shed their energy, which is a good thing. So, if you want your little one to behave like an obedient baby, try to take them for a run and indulge them in some physical activities. It will play a role in burning off some energy.

The more they do exercise, the better it is for them.

Older Pups and Puppies Need More Sleep

I also want to throw some light on the age factor that plays a great deal when we talk about Jack Russell’s sleep. These canines naturally sleep more in their older years and puppy days than the rest of their lives.

They need around 10 to 18 hours of sleep in this phase of their life.

Moreover, some Jack Russells sleeps for more than 18 hours when they are weeks or months older.

In these times, they love to curl in any position and sleep all day, especially when you bring them from a breeder.

Leaving their family can be exhausting for them. This makes them more likely to avoid new family by sleeping. Well, this is their habit, so you don’t need to worry.

Just try to make a relation with them in these times. Feed them with your own hands and pat them frequently. They will soon adapt to their surroundings and get to their natural habit of annoying you with their hyperactivity.

On the other hand, at an older age, they get easily exhausted. Exercises and activities require more energy from them. Simply, they don’t have too much energy that they once have. This is entirely normal when your little one is getting older. This is why you may catch older Jack Russells sleeping half of the day.

Other Factors that Lead to Sleep

Jack Russells sleep a lot when they are not well. Yes, their sleeping routine also greatly depends on their health. Like humans, dogs need to rest and sleep more when they are not feeling well.

Additionally, their sleeping habit also keeps changing because of their life experiences. For instance, if you give one out of two Jack Russells to someone else, the left behind pup will respond to this change by sleeping. Most breeds need to sleep to encounter their mood levels. The same happens with Jack Russells.

Not to mention, without any reason, these four-legged animals sleep more in small snatches during night and day. A human spends 25% of their sleep in the REM sleep phase. At this time, we restore energy to our body and brain.

However, pups have only 10% REM sleep of the total duration of their sleep. Because of this, they need to take naps the whole day.

In short, a Jack Russell doesn’t have a deep sleep. Usually, they sleep anywhere at any time as well as wake up in a moment. If your canine is sleeping more than their routine, I will recommend you to visit the vet. Very long and uncertain sleep can also be a sign of depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.

How to Provide Perfect Sleep Environment to Them?

Like humans, Jack Russells sleep in a comfortable environment. They need a good and cozy space that allows them to fall into a deep good night’s sleep.

You can help them sleep in a better way for your Jack Russell’s growth by ensuring they are getting enough comfort. In this case, you need separate soft beds for your little one. Make sure that your house is not too hot or cold for them.

Most importantly, avoid loud noises and sounds in your home all the time, especially at night. When they get proper sleep, they will become more smart, energetic, and healthy.

Where Do Jack Russells like to Sleep?

As mentioned earlier, the bed plays a great role in their sleeping. All types of dog breeds want a warm and soft place to relax. However, Jack Russells need more comfy, soft, and warm beds. They love to fall asleep on clean and soft beds that contain big warm blankets.

You need to make sure that they have enough space to tuck themselves in the blankets. These dogs catch cold faster than other big dogs. This is why they always need a warm bed ready for them, so they can simply get into their cozy bed when they feel cold.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, Jack Russell is a great family dog. They are even better for active and big families. Like any other breed, they sleep a lot. But their sleeping habit can change because of their age, activity level, mood swings, and illness.

You can find out why your pup is sleeping more than usual from the factors mentioned in the article. Make sure to consult a doctor if there is any sign of disease.

Otherwise, don’t overthink about Jack Russell’s sleep. It is crucial for them to sleep for 12 to 14 hours. If they don’t rest, this means they are not getting a favorable environment. To make them sleep, provide them a comfy and warm sleeping area.

Furthermore, increase their physical activities. Take them to walk or run in the morning. Provide them some activities during the daytime. You can bring some toys for them or play with them. This way, Jack Russell can shed off their energy, which will force them to take some rest and naps the entire day.