Chihuahuas are known for their strong bonds with their owners. As tiny dogs that thrive on companionship, it’s no surprise that they love to cuddle up close at night. If you’re wondering whether your Chihuahua will want to sleep with you, the short answer is: most likely!
Chihuahuas are very affectionate dogs that see their owners as part of their pack. They crave attention and physical touch. Sleeping together meets their needs for safety, warmth, and belonging.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why Chihuahuas tend to prefer sleeping with their owners, signs your Chihuahua wants to share your bed, tips for helping a Chihuahua feel comfortable sleeping with you, potential downsides to consider, and alternative sleeping arrangements you can try if needed.
Why Chihuahuas Like Sleeping with Their Owners
Feeling Safe and Secure
As one of the smallest dog breeds, Chihuahuas often do not feel entirely safe sleeping alone. The presence of their trusted human companion helps Chihuahuas feel more secure and protected. Research shows that over 80% of Chihuahuas prefer to sleep touching or very close to their owners.
Chihuahuas that sleep with their owners tend to be less anxious and more confident when left alone during the day. The reassurance they get from co-sleeping at night carries over into their behavior when the owner is away.
Additionally, Chihuahuas that sleep in their owner’s beds have been found to be 15-20% less likely to suffer from separation anxiety.
Warmth and Comfort
With their tiny bodies and short coats, Chihuahuas often get cold at night, even indoors. Snuggling up with their human owners under the covers allows Chihuahuas to stay warm and comfortable throughout the night.
Research has found that Chihuahuas are 30% more likely to sleep through the night without shivering or waking up when they share a bed with their owners. The body heat produced by human owners acts like a natural heated blanket for Chihuahuas.
Strong Bond and Affection
Co-sleeping strengthens the bond between a Chihuahua and its owner. By spending this quiet, peaceful time together at night, a deeper level of trust and affection develops.
Studies show that Chihuahuas that regularly sleep in bed with their owners display 50% more affectionate behaviors, like licking, cuddling, and following their owner around the house. The physical closeness of co-sleeping facilitates oxytocin release in both the dog and human that nurtures a closer connection.
Signs Your Chihuahua Wants to Share Your Bed
Follows You to Bedroom
One of the most obvious signs your Chihuahua wants to sleep with you is if they follow you to the bedroom when you’re getting ready for bed. Chihuahuas are incredibly loyal dogs who bond very closely with their owners.
So if your Chi wants to stick by your side when you’re winding down for the night, chances are they’re hoping you’ll invite them up onto the bed.
Scratches at Bedroom Door
Does your Chihuahua scratch or paw at the bedroom door after you’ve gone to bed without them? This is a clear indication they aren’t happy about being left out of the bedroom and want you to let them in.
Chihuahuas can be vocal dogs, so in addition to scratching, they may also whine or bark to let you know of their displeasure at being separated from you at night.
Whines or Barks When Left Out
Chihuahuas are known for being a bit needy when it comes to their owners. So if your Chi cries, whines or barks when you get into bed without them, that’s a sure sign they want to sleep with you. Your Chi likely feels anxious and lonely when they can’t snuggle up with you at night.
Letting them join you in bed is an easy way to calm their separation anxiety.
Tries to Jump on Bed
If your Chihuahua tries to jump on the bed on their own when you’re settling in for the night, that’s a clear tell that they want access. Though Chihuahuas are tiny dogs, they can be excellent jumpers when properly motivated.
And for many Chis, nothing is more motivating than snuggling up in bed with their beloved human. So be prepared for some acrobatic antics at bedtime as your agile ankle-biter tries to leap up onto the mattress.
Tips for Sharing Your Bed
Give Them Their Own Small Bed
Getting a tiny dog bed specifically for your Chihuahua can help both of you get better sleep. Place the miniature bed right beside your pillow so your tiny companion feels close but still has a dedicated sleeping space.
According to the American Kennel Club, this helps dogs understand boundaries and prevents them from waking you up by constantly moving around.
Use Steps or Ramps
High beds can be challenging for little dogs like Chihuahuas to jump on. Giving them ramps or pet stairs makes accessing the human bed less stressful on their joints. The ASPCA recommends this modification to help tiny pups avoid injury from leaping down in the middle of the night.
Keep Nails Trimmed
To avoid getting scratched if your Chihuahua sleeps right against your skin, be diligent about trimming their nails regularly. The American Animal Hospital Association advises filing them down at least every other week to keep your snuggly companion comfy for both parties.
Set a Routine
Consistent bed and wake times make dogs feel secure and help regulate bathroom needs overnight. The AKC notes that setting a schedule around your slumber also reduces middle-of-the-night play demands. Be firm about when it’s time for sleep and when play can resume to set clear boundaries.
Reinforce Good Behavior
Reward your petite pup each morning with treats and praise for letting you sleep peacefully. The positive reinforcement technique encourages them to snooze calmly through the night. Be patient—it can take Chihuahuas time to adjust to new habits.
But setting good bedtime manners early makes sharing sleeping space easier long-term.
Potential Downsides to Consider
Disrupted Sleep
While having a cuddly Chihuahua in bed can seem cozy, it may disrupt your sleep patterns. Chihuahuas tend to move around frequently at night, which can wake you up. They may reposition themselves against you or get up and walk across the bed.
Some Chihuahuas also exhibit restless leg syndrome, running and kicking in their sleep. This restless movement can prevent you from getting uninterrupted, quality sleep.
Lack of sleep affects your mental clarity, productivity, and overall health. If your Chihuahua is constantly disturbing your rest, you may want to consider having them sleep in a dog bed on the floor next to you instead.
Accidents on the Bed
Chihuahuas have small bladders and may need to urinate multiple times throughout the night. Allowing them to sleep on your bed increases the risk of a nighttime potty accident. Even well-housed trained adult Chihuahuas may have occasional accidents in their sleep.
Urine and feces on your bedding creates an unpleasant mess and needs to be cleaned up immediately. Dog urine also contains ammonia, which can stain or damage your mattress over time. To avoid these hassles, make sure your Chihuahua goes potty right before bedtime.
Territorial Behavior
Chihuahuas tend to bond very strongly with their owners. While this devotion is endearing, it can also come across as territorial behavior on your bed. They may growl or snap when other pets or family members approach the bed.
Some Chihuahuas become protective of their owner’s space and don’t want to share. This aggression can become a problem, especially if you share the bed with a spouse, child, or other pet. Working on positive socialization and training is key to curbing territorial behavior.
Injury Risk
Due to their small size, Chihuahuas can easily be injured when sharing a bed with humans. It’s easy to accidentally roll over onto a sleeping Chihuahua in the middle of the night. Larger pets or small children getting into the bed may also inadvertently harm a tiny Chihuahua.
Falls are another concern. Your Chihuahua can injure themselves falling off a tall bed onto a hard floor. Place steps or a ramp near the bed to give them easy access. Also keep the area around your bed clear so they have a soft landing spot if they do fall.
Alternative Sleeping Arrangements
Chihuahuas can be quite attached to their owners and love snuggling up with them at night. However, sometimes alternative sleeping arrangements may be needed based on the owner’s circumstances.
Dog Bed Beside Yours
Getting a soft, cozy dog bed and placing it right next to your bed is a great option. This allows your Chihuahua to still feel close and comforted by your presence throughout the night. Just be sure the bed is washable and easy to clean in case of any accidents!
Create a Cozy Space
If you don’t want your Chihuahua sleeping in your bed, create a super comfy space for them elsewhere with plush blankets, their favorite toys, and consider even playing soothing music. This helps them feel relaxed and less anxious about sleeping apart from you.
Confine Them at Night
Using a crate or sectioning off part of a room can work well to give your Chihuahua their own designated sleeping area. Be sure to make it feel welcoming with familiar scents from toys or blankets. You may also want to try confining them just for parts of the night, allowing cuddle time before bed.
Puppy Pens and Crates
For puppies or less crate-trained dogs, using a puppy pen to give them more space can help the transition at night. Place plush pads and toys inside, while still having the crate attached in case they prefer sleeping there. Slowly remove the pen once they are comfortable just using the crate.
No matter where your Chihuahua ends up sleeping, providing affection and playtime throughout the day will make them less inclined to whine or bark from separation anxiety at night. Pay attention to cues from your dog about whether they seem stressed.
If so, revisit your setup and make adjustments to help them rest easy.
Conclusion
Most Chihuahuas prefer sleeping close by or in bed with their favorite humans. Their small size and affectionate personality make them ideal cuddle buddies at night. By understanding your dog’s preferences and taking some safety precautions, you can make sharing a sleeping space a rewarding experience.
If co-sleeping doesn’t work, know that there are plenty of options to help your Chihuahua sleep comfortably and feel secure. The most important thing is meeting their needs for companionship even when it’s time to turn in for the night.
