Why do Corgis Sleep on Their Backs? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

If you’re a Corgi parent, you probably have had a few encounters where you walk into the room, and your dog is sleeping belly up. It is a cute sight to behold and may be a common sleeping position for corgis.

Corgis can choose to sleep on their back for a few reasons, all of which are no cause for concern. This article will discuss why corgis sleep on their backs, so you can rest easy knowing your corgi is too.

Corgi Sleeping Positions

Corgis, like many dog breeds, can get creative with their sleeping positions and have several positions you will often find them in. They may sleep on their backs, stomachs, or sides curled up, depending on what is most comfortable, the environmental temperature, and how your dog feels. Your corgi could choose any of these positions and even alternate between them, but you may often find them in their favorite position, which is on their back.

The 5 Possible Reasons Corgis Sleep on Their Backs

There are various reasons your corgi could choose to sleep on their back, but some may be more common than others.

1. Maximum Comfort

Like humans, your corgi may choose this position simply because it is most comfortable. Your corgi may suddenly change from sleeping on their stomach to sleeping on their back, which is perfectly normal. Sleeping in this position allows your corgis to relax their muscles while giving their legs a nice stretch and releasing any built-up tension.

2. It May Help to Cool Your Corgi Down

You may notice that your corgi chooses to sleep on their back as the environmental temperature increases. Corgis have a thick, double coat and can get warm quickly. Sleeping on their back, splayed out, helps them cool down quickly. Their stomachs have little to no fur in places, which allows the body heat to release quickly and bring down their body temperature, so exposing their bellies may help to cool them down. Alternatively, they may lie on their stomach on a cool floor instead.

3. Sense of Security

If your corgi sleeps on their back, it may indicate that your dog feels safe and trusts you. Sleeping on their back puts them in a vulnerable position, and they cannot protect themselves as well if they encounter a sudden threat, so they will only choose this position when they feel safe. If your corgi is sleeping on their back, you can be assured that you have created a safe space in your home for your corgi.

4. Body Language

A dog of any breed that lies on their back in front of another dog or human may be displaying a sign of submission or appeasement, meaning they want to avoid conflict.

This may occur more commonly in animals with a previous shelter life experience or abuse, especially if new to a home. They will need time to adjust and realize they are safe and can trust their human companion fully.

However, many dogs will also take up this pose as a means to seek belly rubs and attention from their owners, so lying down on their backs should be interpreted together with other body language cues, as well as the circumstances.

5. Available Space

If space is limited, corgis typically sleep on their sides or stomachs. They will need a bit more extra space to sleep on their backs, so if it is available, you may find them in that position.

Dog Sleep Stages

Like humans, dogs have sleeping stages, and the behavior of your corgi on their back may indicate what sleep stage they are in and how well they are sleeping.

Generally, there are two stages of sleep: the slow wave sleep and the rapid eye movement or REM stage. During stage 1, your dog is barely sleeping. Dogs that sleep outside and working dogs often rest in this stage during their day. Your corgi may be on their back at this point as a way to stretch out and get comfortable, but they are easily startled and ready to get going if a need arises, as their muscles are not fully relaxed yet.

In stage 2 or REM, your corgi’s muscles are fully relaxed, and your dog has drifted into a deeper sleep. This is when they may dream, showing rapid eye movement, sometimes faster breathing, twitching, or even vocalisation. They sleep so soundly that they are mostly oblivious to the subtle changes in their surroundings. This is when you will notice your corgi completely relaxed, and it may happen while they’re on their back.

Should Your Corgi Sleep With You?

Perhaps your corgi sleeps belly up at the bottom of your bed, and you wonder if that could have something to do with why they sleep on their back.

Your corgi loves your attention, and if you allow your dog to sleep on your bed with you, they will most likely not pass up the opportunity. There are several advantages to co-sleeping with your dog, according to recent research, and there is nothing to be self-conscious about. Sleeping in the same bed or bedroom as our pets is not a new trend; traditional cultures regarded co-sleeping with animals as beneficial. Unfortunately, modern culture tends to emphasize the disadvantages of co-sleeping rather than the advantages.

Sleeping in your bed or bedroom will almost certainly do nothing but bring your dog great joy, comfort you, and strengthen the dog-owner bond. Co-sleeping increases the time spent with your dog and can heighten the feelings of security and companionship.

Sleeping with your dog can also help to reduce anxiety and provide a sense of safety and security. You can sleep soundly knowing that your dog is close and will alert you if there are any concerns. The best part is that sleeping with your dog will keep you toasty and warm, and you get to wake up to a dog that is over the moon to see you.

There are some drawbacks, such as allergies and a lower quality of sleep, but it is mostly situational, and if you enjoy sharing your bed with your dog, then you should, knowing that both you and your furry friend will be in bliss.

Conclusion

Like humans, corgis have their sleeping habits and will choose and change their sleeping positions. If your corgi loves to sleep on their back or has suddenly decided to sleep on their back, there is no reason for concern. It’s most likely that your dog finds that position comfortable, is hot, has complete trust in you, and has the available space to do so. So next time you spot your corgi snoring belly up, snap some pictures and capture the precious moment.

Related Reads:

• What Were Corgis Bred For? The History of Two Breeds

• Are Corgis Good Family Dogs? What You Need to Know

Featured Image Credit: OlesyaPogosskaya, Shutterstock