How much do corgis sleep?

Corgis are hardworking little dogs with surprising sleep habits that can leave many owners scratching their heads.

As a corgi owner, you may find yourself wondering: Do they really need that much sleep? The answer is yes, and there’s good reason for it.

Corgis are working dogs at their core, and like all workers, they need downtime to recharge.

In this guide, I’ll answer the most common questions about corgi sleep habits and share tips for creating the perfect space to give your furry friend gets the rest they need.

After all, just like humans, great sleep is the cornerstone of a happy, healthy life for your corgi.

How much sleep do corgis need?

The average corgi sleeps 12–14 hours a day

That’s right, over half their life is spent asleep. That’s the baseline for these short-legged furballs, but the specifics depend on age, activity level, and health.

Age plays a significant role. Puppies and senior corgis need more sleep to fuel growth and recover from the wear and tear of life. Meanwhile, healthy adult corgis typically fall into the middle range. But even within these guidelines, individual differences abound. Some corgis may snooze more due to higher activity levels, while others might need less.

If your corgi sleeps significantly more or less than the average, consider a vet visit to rule out any health issues.

Why do corgis sleep so much?

Corgis sleep because it’s vital for their recovery, energy conservation, and mental health.

When you watch your corgi run full tilt across the yard, or herd everything that moves, it’s easy to forget that this breed was bred for action.

A day of chasing, even if it’s imaginary, takes its toll. Rest is essential to rebuild muscle, regulate bodily functions, and reset mentally.

1. Recovery from exertion: Corgis play hard, and that comes at a price. When they sleep, they allow their bodies to rebuild, repair, and recharge.
2. Energy conservation: Corgis are natural herders, meaning they’re wired for short, intense spurts of energy. Sleep is how they conserve energy for when they need it most.
3. Mental reset: It’s not just about physical rest. Sleep is key to your corgi’s emotional and cognitive well-being. Like humans, dogs process their day, reset emotions, and make sense of experiences when they sleep.

If your corgi gets plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and a balanced diet, they’ll nap when they need to. Let them snooze, they’ve earned it!

What does a typical day look like?

A corgi’s day is mostly made up of short bursts of energy, punctuated by long naps.

Here’s a breakdown of a typical corgi day:

• 8:00 AM: A quick bathroom break, maybe a light breakfast, and some quiet lounging.
• 10:00 AM: Time to get that energy out. This is when they’ll likely be ready for a solid play session or a walk around the block.
• 11:00 AM: After that burst of activity, expect a long nap—corgis often rest until late afternoon with occasional bathroom breaks.
• 4:00 PM: A second wind. They’ll be ready to chew on a toy, chase a ball, or play tug-of-war. This window of activity lasts until around dinner time.
• 8:00 PM: An evening walk to cap off the day, followed by more lounging as the night winds down.
• 10:00 PM: Corgis are early to bed. They’ll usually sleep through the night, barring a quick bathroom trip.

When do corgis sleep?

Corgis sleep whenever they feel like it, but their active hours tend to be early morning and late evening.

Here’s the fun fact: corgis are crepuscular. That’s a fancy way of saying they’re most active at dawn and dusk.

These twilight hours are when your corgi is wired to herd, play, and explore. Throughout the day, they’ll sprinkle in naps, usually after a walk, meal, or play session.

This pattern stems from their herding ancestors, who needed to conserve energy during the hottest part of the day and work when it’s cooler.

With time, though, your corgi can adjust their sleep habits to match your schedule. They are adaptable dogs, meaning their sleep patterns often reflect their human companions’ routines.

Should corgis sleep inside?

Yes, corgis should sleep inside your home or in a cosy dog house.

Keeping your corgi indoors protects them from hazards like traffic, wild animals, or even the weather. Extreme temperatures can be tough on these little dogs, especially with their thick double coats—they’re not built for harsh heat or bitter cold.

Inside, your corgi will feel safe, secure, and part of the family. It’s a great way to reduce their anxiety and strengthen the bond you share.

Even if they’re not snuggled up in your room, a comfy bed or crate tucked into a quiet spot will do wonders for their peace of mind and ensure they get a proper rest.

At the end of the day, a well-rested corgi is a happy corgi—and that’s what every pet owner wants, isn’t it?

Can corgis sleep outside?

No, corgis are not suited for sleeping outside.

Even though they have a thick coat, corgis are not built for extreme weather.

Cold, heat, and inclement weather can all pose serious health risks to them. In cold climates, they’re susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. In heat, they’re prone to overheating and dehydration due to their short stature and thick fur.

If you absolutely must leave your corgi outside for short periods, make sure they have an insulated shelter and plenty of water.

Still, as a rule of thumb, corgis belong inside where they’re safest. I find that this is also when my dog is the happiest.

How to create the ideal sleeping space for your corgi

Your corgi needs a cozy, quiet, and temperature-controlled space to sleep.

Here’s how you can make it perfect:

1. Comfortable bed: Corgis, despite their small size, appreciate a supportive, soft mattress. Something round or oval-shaped works best because they often like to curl up.
2. Quiet space: Corgis are light sleepers. Place their bed in a quiet area, away from high-traffic zones and noisy appliances.
3. Temperature control: Corgis are prone to overheating, so a cool, temperate room is ideal. Keep the room around 18-21°C (65-70°F).
4. Proper lighting: Natural light during the day and dim, soft lighting at night helps corgis maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
5. Calming scents: Use calming essential oils like lavender to help your corgi relax. Their sense of smell is powerful, and pleasant scents can improve their mood.

Creating the right sleep environment will help give your corgi all the rest they need.

5 common corgi sleeping positions

Corgis sleep in a variety of positions, each one revealing something about their personality.

• Curled up: A sign they’re feeling safe and secure. Tucking their legs under their body helps them stay warm, too.
• On their back: The ultimate sign of trust. When a corgi sleeps on its back with legs in the air, it feels completely safe in its environment.
• On their side: This is the relaxed, I’m-ready-for-a-good-nap position. It shows that they’re comfortable and feeling no stress.
• Snuggled up: If your corgi snuggles with you, they’re expressing love and trust. They want to be close to you, both emotionally and physically.
• Sitting up: This is a rare one, often seen when a corgi is so tired that they’re falling asleep sitting up.

Observing your corgi’s sleep habits can give you insight into how they’re feeling and their level of comfort.

What do I do if my corgi is sleeping too much

If your corgi is oversleeping, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Check for health issues: Lethargy paired with excessive sleep could indicate illness. Always rule out medical problems first with a visit to the vet.
2. Increase activity: Corgis are a high-energy breed and need regular exercise. If they’re sleeping too much, they may not be getting enough physical or mental stimulation.
3. Switch up the routine: New walks, games, or activities can reignite their energy levels. A bored corgi might just sleep because there’s nothing else to do.
4. Create a better sleep environment: If your corgi’s bed or sleeping area isn’t comfortable, they might be trying to compensate with more sleep.
5. Check their diet: Overfeeding or improper nutrition can lead to lethargy. Ensure your corgi is on a balanced diet appropriate for their age and activity level.

Keeping an eye on how much your corgi is sleeping will help you understand their health and emotional state better.

Final thoughts on corgi sleeping habits

As active little herders, corgis expend a lot of energy during the day. So you need to give them lots of rest which means they need sufficient rest.

When you can work out their rhythms, create a cozy sleeping space, and keep them active, you’re setting your corgi up for a happy, healthy life.

And here’s the thing about corgis: when they’re well-rested, they’re unstoppable.

Whether it’s herding imaginary sheep or sprinting circles around the yard, they’ll be ready to tackle the world, one nap at a time.