Many dog owners notice that their furry companions like to sleep facing them. This adorable doggy habit is no coincidence – there are several reasons why dogs sleep nose-to-nose or forehead-to-forehead with their human pack members. Understanding why your pooch prefers this intimate sleeping position can help strengthen your bond.
Dog Psychology Behind Face-to-Face Sleeping
Dogs are pack animals, meaning they are social creatures who thrive when they are members of a family. As domesticated animals, dogs view their human caretakers as part of their pack. Sleeping face-to-face is one way for a dog to feel close to a human “pack member.” Here are some of the psychological factors behind this cute canine quirk:
Bonding
Sleeping nose-to-nose, eye-to-eye or forehead-to-forehead with you allows your dog to feel closer to you. Dogs love to bond with their favorite people. Getting cozy while sleeping builds intimacy, much like human couples cuddling. It brings you literally face-to-face. Your dog may see sleeping face-to-face as a sign of affection, trust and acceptance.
Protection
When dogs sleep facing each other, they can react more quickly to any potential threats. Your pooch is keeping watch, even during sleep. With you in sight, your dog is poised to jump up and bark or guard you from harm. Dogs are protective of their human family. Snoozing vis-a-vis allows your pup to fulfill that guard duty even while getting some shut-eye.
Warmth
Curling up next to your warm body gives your dog some extra coziness as they sleep. This perk may explain why dogs want to share your bed in the first place. However, sleeping nose-to-nose takes full advantage of your radiating body heat. Your dog may be angling for a heated face while they catch some zzz’s.
Personal Space
Even though it seems contradictory, some dogs may actually sleep face-to-face because of a desire for personal space. By facing you, your dog can control how much contact occurs while sleeping. If they get too warm or just need space, your pup can roll over to disengage. This still allows closeness without as much touching.
Dog Breeds Prone To Face-to-Face Sleeping
Certain breeds of dogs seem more likely to adopt the face-to-face sleeping posture. Dogs bred to be companion animals top the list, since they thrive on human bonding. Here are some dog types predisposed to getting all up in your face at night:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This affectionate toy breed makes an ideal companion for lounging in bed. Cavaliers don’t like to let their humans out of sight. Their propensity for constant cuddling and contact makes them very prone to snoozing nose-to-nose.
Chihuahua
Tiny Chihuahuas can be clingy when it comes to their preferred person. They are likely to sleep touching you in some way, whether spooning or face-to-face. Chihuahuas may even wait until you get settled to position themselves.
Pug
With their squished faces, Pugs fit perfectly into the facial contours of their owners. A Pug may wiggle its way right up to your face as you lay your head on the pillow. These “velcro dogs” hate to be ignored.
Greyhound
Retired racing Greyhounds are very attached to their adoptive families. Having been kenneled for much of their lives, they crave affection. Greyhounds are likely to gaze into your eyes adoringly as you both drift off.
Pit Bull
Despite their unfortunate reputation, Pit Bulls aim to please their owners. They want to be close to your side. Sleeping nose-to-cheek gives them the proximity they desire while also indulging their body-contacting leaning.
Boxer
Boxers often mirror their owner’s activities and movements. If you sleep on your side facing your Boxer, chances are your pooch will wriggle around to face you as well. Mimicking you builds bonding.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are compliant and eager to snuggle with their favorite human. If you invite your Lab to share your pillow, they are likely to oblige by smooshing their muzzle right up next to your face. Retrievers aim to please.
Tips For Enjoying Face-to-Face Doggy Sleeping
While your dog’s desire to sleep nose-to-nose may be endearing, there may be times when it impedes your own rest. Here are some tips for navigating face-to-face sleeping:
Encourage Personal Space
If your dog’s snoozing mug gets to be too much in your face, train them to sleep at the foot of the bed or on their own dog bed. Reward them with treats for giving you space.
Use Barriers
A small pillow or rolled-up blanket between you and your pooch can create some breathing room. Your dog can still see your face but with a cushion barrier.
Crate Train
Getting your dog comfortable sleeping in their crate at night allows everyone to get better rest. Your pup still feels your presence nearby.
Avoid Rewarding Clinginess
While adorable, your dog’s pushy face-to-face habits should not be encouraged with too much affection. Set boundaries so excessive neediness does not develop.
Provide Exercise
Make sure your dog gets plenty of playtime and stimulation during the day. Tired dogs are less likely to be restless or demanding at bedtime.
The Bottom Line
Your dog’s endearing tendency to sleep while looking at your face is a natural sign of affection. By understanding the psychological motivations behind it, you can strengthen your bond while also preserving boundaries and personal space. Pay attention to your canine companion’s sleeping signals, and enjoy those sweet, sleepy puppy eyes gazing lovingly into yours. Just don’t be surprised if dog breath in your face wakes you up in the middle of the night!