How much sleep does a puppy need?

Puppies are bundles of energy—when they’re awake. But the truth is, they spend a significant part of their early life asleep.

Understanding how much sleep a puppy needs is crucial for any new dog owner, not just to ensure proper development, but also to set realistic expectations for daily routines. On average, puppies need between 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day. This might seem like a lot, especially for those who are used to the high activity level of adult dogs, but it’s completely normal and necessary.

Sleep plays a vital role in a puppy’s growth. While they’re snoozing, their body is busy processing everything they’ve learned, growing muscle and bone, and building their immune system.

Just like human babies, puppies experience rapid physical and neurological development during the early months, and sleep is when much of this development occurs. That’s why it’s common to see a puppy run around like a maniac for a few minutes and then suddenly collapse into a deep sleep. This pattern—known as the “zoomies followed by a nap” cycle—is perfectly natural.

Lack of sleep can lead to problems. A tired puppy may become cranky, hyperactive, or even aggressive. It might start biting more or have trouble focusing during training sessions.

These aren’t signs of a bad temperament—they’re just symptoms of sleep deprivation. Puppies need calm, quiet places where they can rest undisturbed. If the environment is too stimulating or noisy, the puppy may have difficulty getting the rest it needs, which can affect behavior and health over time.

As the puppy grows, the amount of required sleep slowly decreases. By the time most dogs reach adulthood—around one year old—they’ll settle into a routine of 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day. Large breeds, however, may retain puppy-like sleep needs for longer due to their slower maturation.

So if you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your home and find them asleep more than awake, don’t worry—it’s not laziness, it’s biology. Prioritizing rest, along with proper nutrition and regular vet care, is one of the best things you can do for your pup’s long-term health and well-being.

References

Beaver, B. V. (2009). Canine Behavior: Insights and Answers. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.