Do Westies like to sleep much? The short answer to this question is that Westies sleep anywhere from 10-14 hours per day. The average is about 12 hours per day.
These dogs like a lot of other dogs, require a lot of sleep to stay healthy. Unlike humans, these energetic little dogs need around thirteen hours of sleep over a twenty-four-hour period, just to meet the minimum amount of sleep.
This article will take around 4 minutes to read, but if you are in a hurry, we have included a table of contents, so that you can see at a glance what the content is. We hope that it answers the question – “do westies like to sleep a lot?”
The amount of sleep that is required depends to a large extent on the age of your Westie, whether it be a young puppy or an older senior dog.
They will adapt to the sleeping patterns of their family, often getting most of their sleep at night and taking naps throughout the day.
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Table of Contents
About The West Highland Terrier:
West Highland White Terriers are small, white dogs with distinctive noses. They are energetic and playful, but also very sweet and affectionate. Westies love to be around people and they enjoy being cuddled and petted.
This Scottish Terrier breed is believed to be in some way descended from the Lowland Terrier. Unlike the Lowland Terriers, this breed has a long coat that comes in many colors and is generally taller than their ancestors. They have been around in Scotland since 1717.
One of their best features was that they were excellent hunting dogs and had the ability to control vermin populations. They could not only chase the game, but they also had the ability to dig into the ground for pests in their dens.
West Highland White Terriers were originally bred for hunting purposes and were known to have high energy levels, in order to catch the small game with ease.
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How Much Sleep Do Westie Puppies Require:
Westie puppies sleep so much like human babies, that it is really important for their new family to know. Their puppy brain will only be awake for about three hours a day, so just like a Mother Westie taking care of her baby, humans have to take care of theirs too by giving them ample time to sleep.
They need to sleep a lot because they are still growing. This can be both physical and mental, so they should get the rest that they need. It’s important for them to not be up all night playing or running around in order to avoid health problems such as obesity, joint problems, and more.
Westie puppies sleep for about 20 hours a day at first, but this decreases over time. When they are around 6 months old, they will sleep for about 16-18 hours.
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How Much Do Senior Westies Need:
Usually, West Highland White Terriers are considered senior around 7 to 8 years old. However, some dogs live up to 17 years on average. Westies are one of the most popular dog breeds and are known for their keen sense of hearing, intelligence, and being friendly with both children and adults.
Like puppies, senior Westies need to rest up. This is because they are older and have less energy to play. They might also be sleeping a little more than before but don’t worry, that’s just their age!
Dogs over 7 years of age are more prone to health problems such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and cancer. These health problems may cause them to be less active and engage in less mental stimulation. Dogs who don’t get enough mental stimulation can also become bored and want to rest more.
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Where Do Westies Sleep:
Once you’ve established your Westie’s sleeping schedule, the location also needs to be considered.
If you have a Westie, there are many arrangements that are popular. Some dog owners like to let their dogs sleep on their beds while others prefer to make a separate sleeping space for them.
Over time, your pet will come to associate this sleeping area with a safe space and treat it as if were its own private area.
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Conclusion:
Various studies have concluded that dogs have a sleep pattern similar to humans. This means that they have REM and non-REM sleep, and the quality of their sleep is comparable to that of humans, based on various factors.
What does this mean for you? Well, if you are a dog owner or just an animal lover in general, then it means that your dog is not alone in its need for a good night’s rest.
However, as always, if your Westie’s sleeping pattern is causing you concern, have a word with your vet. This goes for any health concerns you may have in relation to your pet.
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Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information only. It may not be construed as medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information. Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals or veterinarians on any matter relating to their pet’s health and well-being. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.