Do Bichon Frises Sleep a Lot? Sleep Patterns & Tips (2025)

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Your Bichon Frise spends half the day curled up in their favorite spot, and you’re starting to wonder if this fluffy ball of energy is actually more marshmallow than dog. Adult Bichon Frises sleep 12–14 hours daily, which sits right in the middle range for dogs.

Puppies need even more—up to 20 hours—while seniors may snooze 15 hours as their bodies slow down. Several factors affect how much your Bichon sleeps, from their activity level to underlying health conditions.

Understanding what’s normal helps you spot when excessive drowsiness signals a problem versus when your pup is simply recharging for their next burst of playful chaos.

How Much Do Bichon Frises Sleep?

How much sleep does your Bichon Frise actually need? The answer depends on age, health, and daily activity levels. Adult Bichon Frises sleep an average of 12–14 hours per day, while puppies need considerably more—between 18–20 hours—to support their rapid growth and brain development. These puppy sleep needs reflect intensive physical changes happening during their early months. Senior Bichon Frises often sleep longer as well, sometimes matching or exceeding their puppy counterparts due to reduced energy and joint discomfort.

Breed sleep averages align with other small dogs, and sleep study findings confirm that domestic dogs generally rest 10–16 hours daily depending on age. Your Bichon Frise’s sleeping habits will likely mirror your own routine to some degree. Any sudden changes in sleep duration could signal health concerns, so monitoring your dog’s typical patterns matters.

A comfortable bed is essential for improving sleep quality. Adequate exercise and mental stimulation promote better Bichon Frise sleep quality overall.

Bichon Frise Sleep Patterns

Your Bichon’s sleep needs change as they grow from puppyhood into adulthood. Understanding these age-related patterns helps you know what’s normal for your furry companion.

Let’s look at how sleep requirements shift during your Bichon’s first year of life.

Newborn to 6 Months

During those first few months, your Bichon Frise puppy’s sleep needs are extreme—newborns can sleep up to 90% of the day. This isn’t laziness; it’s when growth hormone release happens, building strong bones and muscles.

Between 3-6 weeks, expect around 18 hours of sleep daily as their eyes open and coordination develops. From 7-12 weeks, teething and sleep become intertwined—your pup still needs that 18-hour mark even while exploring their new world. The weaning impact also affects energy levels during this phase.

As they approach 4-6 months, Bichon Frise puppy sleep patterns shift slightly to 14-16 hours as curiosity peaks. Remember, adequate sleep and puppy development go hand-in-hand—those naps aren’t optional for growing Bichon Frise puppies; however, keep in mind that regular physical activity is also vital for their overall well-being.

7 Months to 1 Year

Between 7 months and 1 year, your Bichon Frise puppy shifts toward adult sleep patterns. Adolescent sleep needs stabilize around 12-14 hours daily, though growth spurts and teething impact may temporarily increase rest time.

Activity changes become noticeable—your pup displays high alertness during waking hours but crashes harder afterward. Training effects also play a role; mental stimulation from learning commands tires them out just like physical exercise does. You’ll notice more predictable sleeping habits forming as puppy development continues.

• Bichon Frise puppy sleep decreases to 12-14 hours as they mature
• Growth spurts and final teething phases can temporarily boost sleep needs
• One-year-old Bichons may sleep as little as 12 hours while staying highly alert
• Training sessions mentally exhaust puppies, encouraging deeper rest periods
• Activity changes reflect increased stamina and curiosity during this developmental phase

Do Bichons Sleep When Owners Do?

Your Bichon’s sleep patterns will likely mirror yours since these companion dogs naturally sync with their owners’ routines. Studies show that dogs display parallel sleep-wake phases up to 70% of the time with their human partners, and Bichon Frises adapt to owner bedtime within just three days of joining a household.

This sleep synchronization isn’t random. Over 70% of Bichons sleep within two meters of their owners at night, reflecting their strong attachment behavior. Co-sleeping benefits both of you—dogs sleeping near owners show 25% lower overnight cortisol levels and experience fewer nocturnal awakenings.

Your own chronotype matters too. If you’re an early riser, your Bichon will likely wake before 7 a.m. Night owls tend to have Bichons with later sleep schedules and slightly more fragmented rest.

While this breed’s dependency on human activity schedules strengthens your bond, monitor your dog’s sleep quality. Environmental factors like consistent bedtime routines help stabilize their sleep cycles and support overall health.

Why Might My Bichon Sleep More Now?

If your Bichon suddenly seems drowsier than usual, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. A few key reasons might explain the change.

Let’s look at the most common culprits behind increased sleep in your pup.

Health Problems

When health issues disrupt your Bichon’s system, extra sleep often follows. Several medical conditions can drain your dog’s energy and cause increased fatigue. Some Bichon Frise health problems are more common than others, and recognizing them early helps you act quickly.

Watch for sudden changes in your Bichon’s rest patterns. If you notice increased sleeping paired with other symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly to diagnose and address any underlying medical conditions.

Normal Aging

As your Bichon crosses the 10-year mark, you’ll notice changes rooted in normal biology rather than disease. Senior Bichon Frises naturally sleep 12 to 15 hours daily due to metabolic changes and reduced mobility. Sleep fragmentation increases, with shorter REM cycles but more frequent rest periods.

Cognitive decline may also develop, affecting awareness and behavior. These age-related health issues don’t mean something’s wrong—they’re expected adaptations. Your aging companion simply needs extra downtime to support tissue repair and energy regulation.

With proper care, lifespan extension to 18 years remains possible for these resilient small-breed dogs.

Promoting Sleep in Bichon Frises

If your Bichon isn’t getting enough quality sleep, you can help by making a few simple changes to their daily routine. Good sleep doesn’t just happen—it comes from the right balance of mental and physical activity during the day.

Here are three proven ways to encourage better rest for your pup.

Food Puzzles

You can think of food puzzles as a gym workout for your Bichon Frise’s brain. Cognitive enrichment through puzzle feeders provides mental stimulation that tires out your dog breed, leading to better sleep quality. Studies show dogs using food puzzles exhibit reduced stress and anxiety, which directly aids restful sleep. This approach also aids weight management by slowing eating and increasing activity.

• Hide kibble around the house so your Bichon Frise can use their nose to hunt for meals, combining mental stimulation with natural foraging behavior.
• Rotate puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys to keep the challenge fresh and maintain owner engagement in your dog’s enrichment routine.
• Try snuffle mats or frozen Kongs to provide longer-lasting activities that promote stress relief through repetitive, calming licking and searching behaviors.

Training

Training sessions work like a reset button for your Bichon Frise’s overactive mind, helping them wind down before bedtime. Short, focused training sessions of 5–10 minutes twice daily provide mental stimulation without overwhelming your puppy. Early socialization and positive reinforcement methods improve command success rates while addressing behavior challenges like stubbornness. Consistency in behavioral training reduces confusion and helps your dog settle into predictable routines that support better sleep.

Training Benefit	Impact on Sleep	Best Timing
Mental stimulation	Reduces restlessness	Evening hours
Positive reinforcement	Builds calm associations	Before bedtime
Early socialization	Decreases anxiety	Throughout day
Behavioral consistency	Promotes routine	Same time daily

Schedule training before your own bedtime so your Bichon becomes accustomed to your routine, then provide a cozy sleeping spot afterward.

Exercise

Physical activity works like a natural sleep aid for your Bichon Frise, burning off energy that might otherwise keep them awake. Adult Bichons need 30–60 minutes of daily exercise, while puppies follow the rule of 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Age adaptations matter—seniors do best with gentler 20–30 minute sessions that protect aging joints.

• Mix activity types: Combine walks with indoor games like fetch or puzzle toys for mental stimulation alongside physical exertion.
• Time it right: Schedule exercise 2–3 hours before bedtime to avoid overstimulation while ensuring your dog’s tired enough to settle down.

Safety considerations include avoiding hot pavement and maintaining proper hydration during physical activity.

Signs of Excessive Sleep in Bichons

When your Bichon starts sleeping beyond their usual 12 to 16 hours, it’s time to pay closer attention. Excessive sleeping in Bichon Frises often points to underlying health issues that need veterinary attention. Research shows that dogs sleeping more than 16 hours a day display potential symptoms worth investigating.

Medical conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, arthritis, and heart problems commonly cause excessive sleeping in Bichons. If these changes persist beyond two weeks or you notice multiple warning signs together, schedule a vet visit promptly.

Signs of Insufficient Sleep in Bichons

Just as too much sleep signals trouble, too little rest also raises red flags. When your Bichon Frise sleeps considerably less than usual, it’s important to identify what’s disrupting their rest. Behavioral indicators like irritability, excessive barking, or hyperactivity often appear when dogs don’t get enough quality sleep. Physical symptoms include red or droopy eyes, frequent yawning, and a dull coat that’s lost its usual shine.

Sleep deprivation also creates cognitive impact. Your Bichon may struggle with training commands or seem less focused during playtime. Immune effects become visible too, as chronic sleep problems weaken their body’s defenses against illness. Lifestyle factors like noisy sleeping areas, inconsistent schedules, or lack of exercise contribute to these sleep problems.

If these Bichon Frise sleep patterns persist, consult your veterinarian to address underlying causes.

Sleep Tips for Senior Bichon Frises

When your Bichon doesn’t get enough rest, you’ll notice the difference. Senior Bichon Frises face their own set of sleep challenges that need special attention. Older dogs benefit from a consistent routine that aids their changing bodies and minds. Set regular feeding times and stick to predictable schedules—this helps stabilize their internal clock and reduces nighttime restlessness.

These adjustments address common Bichon Frise sleep problems in aging dogs, helping senior dogs maintain quality rest despite physical limitations.

Ideal Sleep Spots for Bichons

Where your Bichon sleeps can make a real difference in how well they rest. You’ve got a few solid options, each with its own perks.

Let’s look at the most common sleep spots and what makes each one work.

Crates

For most Bichon Frises, a crate becomes their favorite retreat—a personal den where they feel protected and calm. When you introduce your Bichon to crate training gradually, they learn to see it as a cozy sanctuary rather than confinement.

Choose a 24-inch crate for your adult Bichon Frise, giving them enough room to stand and turn comfortably. Add soft bedding and a familiar toy to strengthen positive associations.

This sleeping environment aids housetraining by encouraging bladder control and reduces anxiety-related behaviors during travel or vet visits. Senior Bichons especially benefit from the secure space, which improves their sleep quality and minimizes nighttime wandering.

Dog Beds

While a crate offers security, a well-chosen doggy bed gives your Bichon freedom to stretch out during those 12–16 hours of daily rest. Look for orthopedic benefits like memory foam that bolsters joints and maintains shape for years.

Material durability matters—reinforced polyester withstands scratching while cotton canvas breathes well. Temperature regulation helps too, with cooling gel lowering surface heat in summer.

For hygiene maintenance, pick washable covers that reduce bacteria by 99%. Size suitability is key: choose dimensions about 24 inches long, giving your Bichon enough room for comfortable sleep arrangements without excess bulk.

Your Bed

Beyond the doggy bed, your bed offers co-sleeping benefits like stronger bonding and reduced anxiety. About 62% of small dog owners welcome their Bichon onto the mattress, especially in larger beds where placement at your feet or middle works best.

Keep hygiene concerns in check by regular grooming and washing bedding, since 86% of bed-sharing dogs carry common bacteria. Set clear behavioral rules about when your Bichon can join you to maintain your sleep quality and comfort.

• Establish boundaries: Decide if your Bichon sleeps under covers or on top, and stick to that routine.
• Monitor sleep disruptions: Most owners report their dog rarely disturbs rest, but watch for excessive movement.
• Address separation anxiety carefully: Co-sleeping helps anxious Bichons, but don’t let it worsen dependency issues.

Unique Bichon Frise Sleeping Positions

Your Bichon’s sleeping posture can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. Dogs naturally shift between a few favorite poses throughout the day and night.

Let’s look at the most common ones you’ll see your Bichon settle into.

Curled Up

When your Bichon curls into a tight ball, it’s more than just adorable—it’s instinctual security at work. This position, where your dog tucks its paws and nose under its fluffy tail, serves multiple purposes. Small breeds like Bichon Frises adopt this sleeping habit in roughly 45–50% of rest episodes, considerably more than larger dogs. The curled-up position offers thermoregulation benefits by reducing heat loss by up to 12%, particularly helpful during cooler months. It also protects key organs, a trait inherited from wild ancestors.

This dog sleep position also indicates comfort factors—your Bichon feels secure enough to rest, though not completely vulnerable like belly-up sleeping positions.

Aspect	Curled Position Details
Frequency	45–50% of Bichon Frise sleep positions
Temperature Response	Increases in temps below 68°F
Heat Conservation	Reduces surface heat loss by 12%
Musculoskeletal Health	Minimizes joint stress, especially in seniors

On Back

With paws up and belly exposed, your Bichon sleeping on its back is showing you the highest trust indicator. This vulnerable position appears in roughly 40% of adult Bichon Frises, particularly in warm environments above 70°F where it functions as a natural cooling mechanism.

You’ll notice this dog sleep position most often during REM sleep, when your Bichon’s muscles fully relax and you might catch some twitching or paddling movements. Snoring prevalence increases in this posture due to airway positioning. However, senior Bichons with joint discomfort may avoid back-sleeping as flexibility decreases with age.

If your Bichon frequently adopts this Bichon Frise sleep position, it signals deep comfort and security in your home.

On Side

When your Bichon stretches out on their side, they’re telling you everything’s right in their world. This sleeping position shows up in about 84% of dogs and signals deep trust and relaxation.

You’ll often notice paw twitching during these side-sleeping sessions—that’s your Bichon dreaming peacefully. This common Bichon Frise sleeping habit reflects their contentment and indicates they feel safe enough to fully let their guard down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)