Why Do Dachshunds Love to Sleep Under Blankets?

Most Dachshunds love to burrow under blankets and sleep there.

My first Dachshund loved to sleep with me and would always burrow under the covers when it was time to go to bed. I thought it was quite strange.

I realized that burrowing was something most Dachshunds liked to do after bringing home my second one and talking with several friends. 

Dachshunds usually prefer to sleep under blankets no matter the temperature.

It seems natural in the winter but like a crazy thing to do when it’s 70 degrees in the house.

At first, I thought it was weird that my Dachshund went under the covers to sleep. Although I learned it was normal, I still wondered if it was safe.

Is sleeping under the covers is safe though? Won’t they overheat or run out of oxygen and suffocate?

Let’s look into why Dachshunds have this obsession to sleep under blankets and if there is anything you should be concerned about.

Why Do Dachshunds Burrow?

Each dog is different and there are many reasons a Dachshund may burrow under the blankets.

These are three of the most common reasons though:

A Dachshund’s Instinct is to Burrow

Dachshund were bred as hunting dogs. Specifically, they were bred to hunt badgers, rabbits, and other vermin that live in underground tunnels. 

To do their job, they have to dig and enter tight, dark spaces. 

Considering that, it doesn’t surprise me that they feel comfortable under a warm blanket in the dark.

Dachshunds are doing what they were bred to do by burrowing.

Dachshunds May Burrow for Security

One theory is that dogs are den animals and like to tuck themselves out of the way in a small, warm, protected space.

It’s the same reason that some dogs prefer to retreat to their crate for some quiet time.

However, in the case of the Dachshund breed, they seem to be motivated more by general security than hiding under blankets out of fear.

Veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Primm speculates, in the case of Dachshunds who would naturally go into tight tunnels and dens,

“The pressure of the sheets snug around your dog probably makes her brain release happy chemicals that give her a sense of security and well-being and maybe even fun.”

Dachshunds May Burrow Because It’s Comfortable

Most Dachshunds don’t like the cold. Even a slight draft can cause them to noticeably shake.

If you’re ever pulled the covers over your own head, you probably noticed that breathing under there warms up the space fast.

Some people do this when they go to bed to quickly warm up the sheets.

A simple explanation for burrowing is it’s comfortable for them.

Many people sleep better if they use blackout curtains in their bedroom to shut out the light.

Burrowing guarantees your Dachshund a warm, dark place to curl up.

Should You Be Concerned If Your Dachshund Sleeps Under the Blankets?

Burrowing under blankets is very normal behavior for a Dachshund. There is generally nothing to be concerned about.

However, there are a couple of cases that might require a second thought.

The first is if there is behavior change.

If your Dachshund never burrowed under the blankets and suddenly started to, or always burrowed to sleep and suddenly stopped, you might want to pay extra attention to them to determine why. 

If there is no explanation, or you see some other indication that something might be wrong, you may want to check with your vet.

The second is that your Dachshund could get trapped under there and smother. 

This is very unlikely – I’ve personally only ever heard of one story in 10 years where this happened – but it is a reason to be cautious.

In the one case that I know of, the blankets on the bed were tucked under the mattress.

The Dachshund burrowed under the blankets, probably tried to exit via the foot of the bed when they got to hot and/or breathing got too hard, and they got trapped in the blankets.

It’s your decision if you feel comfortable having your Dachshund sleep under the blankets.

If your Dachshund likes to sleep under blankets on your bed, it’s best you don’t tuck the edges of the blanket under the mattress or don’t allow your dog access to the bedroom when you are not home.

There should be no problem with burrowing under blankets around the rest of the house because they are usually just loosely piled up on furniture or on the dog bed.

Best Dog Beds for Dachshunds That Like to Burrow 

Note: Some the links in this article are affiliate links (Amazon Associate or other programs we participate in). As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

There are several dog beds made especially for dogs that like to burrow. They have features that make them cave like.

Your Dachshund will probably also like a blanket to dig under but getting one of these beds can help them be more comfortable and happy.

Besides keeping a lot of blankets around the house, you may want to give your Dachshund a comfy bed especially designed for burrowing.

Some of my top picks are:

Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed

This luxury nesting dog bed is great for dogs or pets who enjoy the extra feeling of security by wrapping themselves up in bed. 

The bed itself is a thick cushion with a microsuede exterior and Sherpa fabric (synthetic lambswool-like) inside. 

A concealed, thin plastic rod keep the hood of their bed raised for easy entry and exit.

The cover is removable and machine washable.

The Blanket Bed from Dachshund Delights

This bed looks like a big, fluffy donut covered in polar fleece with an attached blanket to lay on or burrow under. 

Because the blanket is attached, it won’t slide off the bed and you won’t have to keep picking it up. 

The bed is machine washable.

Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler

This round bed also has an attached blanket covering it.

The exterior is upholstery-grade corduroy, the inside is cozy faux fur, and a bottom that resists dirt and water (so it helps protect your floor from accidental messes). Bolstered walls provide head and neck support.

The bed is machine washable.

SPOT Ethical Pets Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave

This whole bed is a cave. It offers a deep cave for your Dachshund to climb into.

It features a faux suede exterior, cozy plush interior, and contains is made with 100% recyclable fill.

Because the bed dimensions are 22″ x 17″ x 10″, it’s best for dogs that weigh less than 10 lbs (4 kg). The bed is washable and constructed so the filling will not clump or shift.

About the Author: Through her 17 years of owning and caring for Dachshunds, and almost 10 years researching and writing about them, JW has become a respected expert in the Dachshund community. Read more about her here.