Does my pup sleep too much?

[moosickles]

Hi, first time posting here and I'm madly in love with yorkies after getting my very own and I've no idea why anyone would pick another dog!
Anyhoo, Billy is 10 months in a few days and he seems to spend the majority of his time asleep. He's always been this way since being a tiny pup but I thought he'd eventually grow out of it and he hasn't. Some days he's awake for about 2 hours in total. Is he just lazy or is he being a normal yorkie, do I be worried?He's eating fine, playing fine (When awake) going to the bathroom properly.

[tb98rock]

Is he neutered? My boy got neutered at 8 months and shortly after he started sleeping at least half of the day away only spending a few hours to pick on me, eat, and potty

[moosickles]

He isn't. I'm hoping to leave him intact but it's looking like there's nothing coming so he's gonna have to be neutered. If he sleeps any more afterwards, he'll never be awake!

[yavenay]

Could he be bored? My yorkie almost never sleeps or she is a light sleeper. She won't play, she just lay down and stares either at me or into nothingness. I know she is bored out of her mind as she can be quite energetic. She needs stimulation but I have been unable to find a toy or activity that will stimulate her for longer than a few hours. The only thing that she really loves and can't get enough of is going outside. Now that it is getting cold, our walks have been drastically decrease. In the summer we walked 3 times a day. Then I start feeling guilty because I know she is bored and then I start thinking about getting her a playmate.

My biggest concern is that I am killing her spirit. I love her youthful exuberance and I don't want her to loose it but it is impossible to keep her entertained 24 hours a day.

[Alexa_And_Oscar]

Someone told me that as Dogs get older they sleep most of the time. I don't believe that. My Oscar is 1 year and 6 Months old. He only sleeps when it's bed time and if he does nap, it's never for long. He's just so energetic and boisterous all the time. I now watch TV and play fetch at the same time. That's how I can get to sit down! As long as I'm still throwing. I agree, could it be boredom, or even depression? Do you make his day exciting? What is your normal routine? I mean, even when I am relaxing. We're still playing fetch. Everything is just go go go in my House.

[MarkFromSea]

Sleeping 22 hours a day does seem like a bit too much for even an old decrepit fart like our yorkie.... for a pup? ewww I would think impossible.... Our boys get walks, the two younger ones play with each other, our pom gets the added bonus of playing with us adults.

Yep, even our Charlie Chaplin walking senior citizen is awake at least 6 hours a day watching us or the other two dogs.

[Maximo]

Since Billy is going to be 10 months, you have the first year check up coming up with the vet soon. Definitely discuss his sleeping habits with the vet. I would say sleeping that much is unusual for a puppy.

If you entice him to play, does he seem eager to join you?

[JadeD]

My puppies are 9 months old and they sleep a fair amount, but nothing like that. Our days are like this.

Wake up at 7am while kids get ready for school. They are awake and interacting with the kids before they leave for school. When I get home from dropping off kids they are usually eating/drinking and hanging out.

At 9am I go wake up the almost 10 year old Yorkie and when he comes in from outside it is on! The 3 of them play and wrestle for like 2 hours. The older Yorkie usually get tired and gets on the back of the couch to rest but he will jump back in if he feels up to it.

Around noon they lay down and sleep and I mean sleep until about 2 pm, then it is outdoor time. A quick walk in bad weather and a longer outdoor time in nice weather. Then back in to play but I have to leave at 3 to get kids. When I get home with the kids they are up and about but not wild like play time.

They interact in the afternoon with the kids and I for several hours, maybe dozing off some during that time, but mostly awake.

Around 7pm, it is wild time again! Right after their evening walk they are wide open again and they play and chase each other all over the house.

Then they are dozing/following me around for the evening after that. I take them out for night time potty and take them downstairs where they play in my room before going to bed for the night. They sleep from 11pm until 7am (9am for the older yorkie) without waking up really.

I think being awake only 2 hours is not enough. I would try to keep him awake more. He may be sleeping out of habit or boredom. Try some new toys and try encouraging him to be awake more and play and interact with you as well during the day. If I have to be gone most of the day mine will sleep a lot more than normal as they are bored and waiting for me to get back home. Having sibling puppies though always gives them someone to play with so that helps.

[Mayzoo]

Mario is about 15-18 months. He sleeps great at night and rarely sleeps during the day. He may nap for a total of 2 hours or so if I and kiddo are busy, otherwise it is play time with me, the older dog, kiddo or a toy or two. He is very active!

I would talk extensively with your vet at that one year appt for sure. Maybe normal for your guy, but better to be safe.