Global lessons in sleep: 5 things we can learn from how dogs around the world sleep

Dogs around the world have stolen our hearts and sometimes even our beds, earning their place as man’s best friend. In the UK, co-sleeping with pets is common: recent MoneySuperMarket research found that nearly half (44%) of British dog and cat owners share their bed with their pets, often being woken up during the night.

In honour of World Sleep Day 2026, we’re exploring how dogs sleep across different countries, climates and breeds, and what we can learn from their sleep habits. Dogs typically sleep 12–14 hours a day, with puppies and senior dogs often resting even more. Just like humans, sleep helps regulate hormones such as cortisol, supporting mood, stress levels and overall wellbeing. Well-rested dogs are calmer, happier and more balanced, proving that quality sleep is just as important for them as it is for us.

From loyal working dogs to well-travelled companions and beloved household pets, dogs have adapted to every corner of the world - and their sleeping habits tell a fascinating story about the lives they lead. In this guide, we’ll explore how dogs sleep in different cultures and environments, and what these habits can teach us about helping our own dogs enjoy a deeper night’s rest.

Sacred companions in Mexico

In Mexico, dogs hold a special place in both family life and cultural history. Around 75% of households share their home with at least one pet - one of the highest ownership rates in the world. Dogs are particularly cherished, with breeds like the Chihuahua and the ancient Xoloitzcuintli woven into the country’s heritage since Aztec times.

The hairless Xoloitzcuintli, Mexico’s national treasure, is affectionately known as a living ‘hot water bottle’ due to its naturally warm skin. In the cooler highlands, where night-time temperatures can drop sharply, families have long slept beside their dogs for warmth, a tradition rooted in both practicality and companionship.

What we can learn:

Temperature and comfort play a big role in good sleep. A warm, cosy bed helps dogs relax and settle into deeper rest. Quality, temperature-regulating pillow beds keep your dog comfortable all year long, designed to allow airflow to keep your dog cool in the summer months without compromising on warmth in the winter months.

The temple dogs of Thailand

In Thailand, street dogs, affectionately known as ‘soi dogs’, are a familiar part of daily life. It’s estimated that around one million dogs live on the streets without belonging to one person, instead relying on the kindness of the local community for food and care.

You’ll often find them dozing outside 24-hour shops, enjoying the air conditioning that rushes out from shop doors. Many also settle in and around Buddhist temples, where monks and local residents feed them and take care of them. 

Here, dogs are a part of the rhythm of neighbourhood life, resting in shaded courtyards and temple grounds. Temple dogs have mastered the art of ‘comfort opportunism’. They seek out cool stone floors and natural breezes to stay comfortable in the tropical heat.

What we can learn:

Dogs are experts at finding the cosiest spot in the house. A patch of sunshine, a cool breeze through an open window, or a shady corner on a warm day, they instinctively seek out comfort.

Pay attention to where your dog naturally chooses to settle. Placing their bed in their favourite spot will help them relax more quickly and enjoy deeper, more satisfying rest. And of course, the occasional well-timed treat never hurts.

Guardians of the mountains: working dogs in Romania and Armenia

In some parts of the world, dogs live far more rugged lives. In rural communities, they are valued not only as companions but life-saving working dogs, by herding livestock, guarding property and protecting flocks from predators.

In Romania and across the Caucasus region, powerful livestock guardian breeds such as the Caucasian Shepherd, Mioritic Sheepdog and Karakachan can be seen in mountain pastures. In the Carpathian Mountains, these dogs sleep beside the sheep and cattle, protecting them from bears, wolves and lynxes.

Well adapted for their environment, their thick double coats shield them from freezing mountain weather. Known to be calm and low energy by day, they become watchful at night, often resting on elevated ground where they can survey the land around them. 

What we can learn:

Dogs feel most relaxed when their sleeping space feels familiar. Placing your dog’s favourite teddy or loved toy in their bed or crate can provide comfort and reassurance and help them settle and sleep soundly.

Sleeping on the go in Italy, France and Germany

Across much of Europe, dogs are seamlessly woven into everyday life. In Germany alone, around half of households share their home with at least one pet. In France, it’s common to see dogs accompanying their owners to cafés, markets and around the neighbourhood.

Italy is equally devoted to its dogs. Treated as true members of the family, they often join their owners on daily outings. From local supermarkets to bustling pizzerias and countryside trails, dogs are warmly welcomed throughout Italian life.

Across the continent, dog-friendly accommodation, transport and restaurants are easy to find, making Europe one of the most welcoming places to travel with pets. It’s not uncommon to see dogs curled up in a travel bag or resting at their owner’s feet beneath a café table, a part of the rhythm of daily life.

What we can learn:

Dogs in France, Italy and Germany accompany their owners everywhere, from cafés to bustling streets. New sights, smells and encounters provide excellent mental stimulation, and keep their minds sharp and engaged.

Socialisation is a form of mental exercise, and just like humans, dogs need plenty of rest to recover and regulate. Like the Europeans, we can all learn a thing or two about planning ahead, investing in good travel bags and quality leads, to make sure your dog can enjoy new experiences safely, then relax and recharge at your feet while you catch up with friends.

The beloved dogs of Britain

Here in the UK, many dogs enjoy an exceptional quality of life. From exploring historic ruins at Tintagel and Whitby Abbey, to hiking the Peak District’s national parks or racing along Northumberland’s beaches, there’s no shortage of dog friendly adventures.

After a busy day exploring, proper rest matters. An orthopaedic dog bed made from memory foam contours to your dog’s body, supporting their joints and helping reduce the risk of strain or injury.

Research from Dogs Trust found that dogs and puppies tend to sleep more during the day and prefer to be close to their humans at night. When given access to their families overnight, 87% chose to sleep nearby.

What we can learn:

Just as we need supportive mattresses, our dogs benefit greatly from a bed that cushions their joints and helps them recharge. If you’d like your bed back to yourself and maybe even a better night’s sleep for yourself, consider placing your dog’s bed in your bedroom. This way, they can stay close to you, while you both enjoy a more comfortable night’s rest.

What we can learn from how dogs sleep around the world…

From British homes to Carpathian Mountains, bustling cafés to quiet temples, one thing becomes clear: wherever dogs live, rest plays an important role in their wellbeing.

Across cultures and environments, dogs instinctively seek out three things when they sleep: comfort, safety and closeness to those they trust. 

For our dogs living comfortable lives at home, the same instincts remain. After long walks and busy days, getting a good quality rest helps support healthy joints, recovery and your dog’s overall wellbeing.

And just as dogs around the world choose to rest close to their people, many sleep best when they can sense their family nearby. Placing your dog’s bed in your bedroom offers the reassurance they crave, while giving you both the space for a deeper, more restorative night’s sleep.

Because no matter where dogs live in the world, one truth remains: good sleep is at the heart of a good life.