Jack Russell Terriers are a working breed that needs to be alert, and they need frequent exercise to be happy and healthy.
When my Jack Russells are not out and about playing or taking a walk with me, they are more than likely lying down and sleeping next to me while I’m working or watching some TV.
I would often look at them and wonder, why are my Jack Russells sleeping so much? Is there something wrong with them?
Let’s have a look.
Why Does My Jack Russell Sleep So Much?
Your Jack Russell will be sleeping often if he is getting adequate exercise, or if he is still a puppy that is adjusting to his new home. Older Jack Russells will also sleep more often because they get tired more easily and need more rest to get their energy levels back to normal.
How much sleep does a Jack Russell need?
A Jack Russell puppy needs between 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day, whereas an adult Jack Russell will need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep per day. Older Jack Russells will tend to sleep for longer as they need more time to recover from the day’s activities.
What do I do if my Jack Russell does not sleep enough?
If you find that your Jack Russell is hyper and a bit wild, then he is more than likely not getting the right amount of exercise. Jack Russells need exercise on a daily basis, and it is recommended that they keep active for at least an hour at a time.
This can include activities such as walking around the block or playing in the yard.
How do Jack Russells like to sleep?
I can safely say that a Jack Russell prefers a warm, comfy bed to sleep in. All 3 of my Jack Russells will somehow find their way into my bed every night and curl up next to me under the covers.
If they see me sitting on my bed, they will run and jump onto it and lay down next to me.
Can a Jack Russell sleep outside?
While Jack Russells can sleep outside, it is not recommended because they like to be close to their human family. It can get cold outside as well, and cold. Being outside for the night means that they will be away from you for up to 8 hours or more. This is not recommended for Jack Russells as an adult Jack Russell should only be left alone for up to 6 hours, and a puppy for up to 2 hours.
Where should Jack Russells sleep?
I don’t mind them sleeping on my bed, or under the covers, but I know that not everyone will be happy with their Jack Russell sleeping next to them on their beds.
If you prefer not to share your bed with your furry friend, then make sure that he has a comfortable place to sleep. I recommend getting him a dog bed and putting it in the corner of your bedroom.
Charlie, my oldest Jack Russell, will sometimes struggle to jump onto the bed to have a nap next to me. When I saw this becoming a regular occurrence, I decided to get her a dog bed and I placed it in the corner of my bedroom close to my bed.
She is very attached to me, but since her bed is right next to mine, she knows that I’m close so she is at ease and she sleeps comfortably.
Do Jack Russells dream?
Jack Russells dream, just like other dogs do. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs dream as humans do, but they also dream similarly to use in the sense that they can dream about events that happened during the day.
You might have noticed your Jack Russell starting to whimper or moving his legs and tail while he is sleeping. This is an indication that he is dreaming.
Conclusion
A Jack Russell puppy needs between 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day, whereas an adult Jack Russell will need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep per day.
But if you don’t think that your Jack Russell is sleeping enough, make sure to investigate the reasons why he might be sleeping more often.
If he has plenty of time to exercise and is still a puppy, or if the dog is older and it’s likely that they are just tired from the previous day’s activities, then there may be nothing wrong.
As long as your Jack Russell still seems content and playful during their waking hours as well, then there is probably nothing to worry about.
