While dogs are often considered man’s best friend, this title can be humorously contested when it comes to sharing a bed. Certain dog breeds have a notorious reputation for being bed hogs, often taking up more space than seems physically possible for their size. These breeds, with their love for comfort and closeness, tend to sprawl, stretch, and curl in ways that monopolize the bed, leaving their human companions clinging to the edge. This behavior is usually a blend of their need for warmth, affection, and sometimes just the sheer love of a cozy spot. In this article, we will look at ten dog breeds that are infamous for hogging the bed, and delve into why each breed tends to dominate the sleeping arrangements.
1. Great Dane
Great Danes, known as gentle giants, are one of the most notorious bed hogs. Their colossal size alone means that when they decide to stretch out on a bed, they take up an enormous amount of space. Great Danes often forget their size and may attempt to curl up in positions that are far too small for them, typically ending up sprawling across the entire bed. They are affectionate dogs who love to be close to their owners, and while their presence in bed can be comforting, it can also lead to a significant lack of space for anyone else.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, which extends to their sleeping habits. Labs love comfort and often find the best spot on the bed to sprawl out. They are social animals and prefer to sleep close to their owners, often at the expense of the owner’s sleeping space. Labs can be quite persistent in seeking out the coziest spot (which is often right in the middle of the bed) and can be oblivious to the space they occupy, happily stretching out and leaving little room for others.
3. Boxer
Boxers are energetic and playful dogs, but they also love their comfort, especially when it comes to sleeping. They are known to be bed hogs, often sprawling across the bed with their limbs in every direction. Boxers enjoy being close to their owners and might try to snuggle up as close as possible, gradually pushing their human companions to the edge of the bed. Their muscular build and tendency to stretch out in bed can make sharing a sleeping space with them quite a challenge.
4. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds, despite their medium size, are experts at taking up a surprising amount of bed space. Known for their laid-back nature, they love to lounge and can spend hours sleeping in the most comfortable spot they can find. Basset Hounds often sprawl out with their long bodies and short legs, sometimes taking up more space than you would expect. Their preference for comfort and warmth means they often gravitate towards the bed, and once they settle in, they can be quite immovable.
5. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are well known for their love of sleep and can be quite the bed hogs. They have a stout and muscular build, and when they stretch out, they can occupy a large portion of the bed. Bulldogs are also known for their snoring, which, combined with their bed-hogging tendencies, can make sharing a bed with them a memorable experience. They enjoy being close to their owners and often seek out the softest, most comfortable spot on the bed to curl up, usually without much regard for the space left for others.
6. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are another giant breed that can easily dominate a bed. Known for their size and gentle nature, they tend to be unaware of how much space they take up. Saint Bernards love to be close to their family and may join them in bed, quickly becoming a sizable obstacle to a good night’s sleep. Their tendency to stretch out and their sheer size can make sharing a bed with them a tight squeeze, but their loving and calm presence often makes up for the lack of space.
7. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their affectionate and sociable nature, and they often bring these traits into the bedroom. Goldens love comfort and being close to their owners, which leads them to become bed hogs. They are not shy about jumping onto the bed and finding the most comfortable spot, often right in the middle. Golden Retrievers might start the night at the foot of the bed but can slowly migrate towards the pillow, encroaching on their owner’s space with their sprawling, relaxed posture.
8. Mastiff
Mastiffs are one of the largest dog breeds, and their size alone makes them natural bed hogs. They have a calm and affectionate nature, and they love to be close to their owners, even if it means taking up most of the bed. Mastiffs tend to spread out when they sleep, and given their size, this can leave little room for anyone else. They are gentle and loving companions, but sharing a bed with a Mastiff often means adjusting to a very limited sleeping space.
9. Dachshund
Dachshunds may be small, but they have a big personality and an impressive ability to hog the bed. They are affectionate dogs who love to burrow under blankets and pillows, often taking up more space than their size would suggest. Dachshunds also like to sleep stretched out, which can surprisingly occupy a significant amount of bed real estate. Their stubborn nature can make it challenging to move them once they’ve found their perfect sleeping spot.
10. Beagle
Beagles are sociable and loving dogs who often express their affection by cuddling up in bed with their owners. They may be small to medium in size, but they are skilled at stretching out and taking up space. Beagles enjoy the warmth and comfort of the bed and often position themselves in a way that maximizes their comfort while inadvertently minimizing their owner’s sleeping space. Their friendly and clingy nature often leads them to seek out the closest possible spot to their human companions.
These ten dog breeds, with their tendency to hog the bed, bring a mix of amusement and slight inconvenience to their owners’ lives. From the gigantic sprawl of Saint Bernard to the snug burrowing of the Dachshund, these breeds show their love and affection in the way they share (or dominate) the sleeping space. While their bed-hogging habits might sometimes disrupt a good night’s sleep, their desire for closeness and comfort is a heartwarming reminder of the bond between dogs and their owners. Sharing a bed with these breeds might require some adjustments, but the warmth and love they provide make it a worthwhile compromise.
Toledo, United States.
