Let’s be real: one of the best things about having a dog is sharing those quiet, cosy moments, especially at bedtime.
Some dogs are absolute naturals at making themselves at home under the covers or snuggled up against you, turning your bed into a whole lot of warmth and happiness (and maybe a little less room for yourself). If you dream about snoozing next to a furry friend who’s just the right balance of cuddly, gentle, and not-too-rowdy, these breeds are absolute pros at it. Here are 10 of the best dog breeds to share your bed with if you want the sweetest kind of sleep buddy.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Few dogs are more perfect for bed-sharing than the Cavalier. They’re the definition of affectionate without being clingy—just soft, warm, loyal little love bugs who think your lap, couch, and bed are all the same thing: the perfect place to be close to you.
They tend to settle quickly once they find a good snuggle spot, and because they’re small, they won’t crowd you out of your own bed. Plus, their calm, gentle energy makes them one of the easiest breeds to relax with after a long day.
2. Labrador Retriever
Yes, Labs are bigger, but they’re famously gentle and affectionate, making them surprisingly great bedmates. Once they’re past their wild puppy phase, they often become mellow sleepers who are happy just being near you.
They might sprawl a little (okay, a lot), but if you’ve got the space, there’s nothing like falling asleep with a warm, loyal Lab pressed against you. They bring a sense of comfort that somehow makes any bed feel more like home.
3. French Bulldog
Frenchies are natural-born snugglers who love their people fiercely. Their compact size means they fit perfectly beside you without leaving you dangling off the edge of the mattress, and they’re known for adapting to whatever space is available.
Plus, they have a way of curling into you like little sleepy loaves of bread, creating the perfect cosy weight that makes you never want to move. Just be warned—some of them snore like tiny chainsaws, but honestly, it’s pretty adorable once you get used to it.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were bred to be lap companions for royalty, so it makes sense that they love nothing more than lounging luxuriously with you, including at bedtime. They’re small, soft, and incredibly affectionate, with a calming presence that makes drifting off easier.
These little fluff balls are perfectly content tucked right against your side, and their easygoing attitude means you won’t be woken up by wild midnight antics. If anything, you might sleep better just having their warm little body nearby.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their big, open hearts, and that includes loving a good bedtime cuddle. Sure, they might take up a bit more space than some breeds, but they’re so warm, steady, and sweet that it’s hard to mind.
They’re the kind of dog who settles in with a deep sigh, drapes a heavy paw over you like you’re theirs to protect, and makes even the worst days melt away as you drift off to sleep next to them.
6. Maltese
Light as a feather and sweet as sugar, Maltese dogs are perfect for curling up in small spaces—including right next to (or on top of) you in bed. Their small size and gentle temperament make them easy companions through long nights.
They’ll often snuggle into your arm, crook of your knee, or even perch on your pillow if you let them. Plus, they’re so small that you barely notice their shifting if they move in their sleep, just pure softness and gentle warmth.
7. Dachshund
These little sausages have strong snuggle instincts, and strong opinions about burrowing under the covers. Don’t be surprised if a Doxie insists on tunnelling all the way to the foot of the bed or curling up against your stomach where it’s warmest.
Their loyalty is fierce, and once they’ve claimed you as their person, they’ll make sure you both stay cosy at night. Just prepare for the occasional game of “Where’s the dog?” when you wake up and realise they’re buried somewhere under the duvet.
8. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are proof that great things come in fluffy little packages. Despite their confident, lively personalities, they absolutely love being close to their humans, especially when it’s time to settle down for the night.
They’re small enough not to hog the bed, and their warm, soft fur makes them irresistible to snuggle. Plus, their cheerful little faces are exactly what you want to see first thing in the morning (even if they sometimes steal the best pillow spot overnight).
9. Pug
Pugs are the kings and queens of bed-hogging in the cutest possible way. They love being right up next to you, breathing their little snores into your ear and melting into total puddles of relaxation under the blankets.
They bring a warmth and loyalty that’s impossible to fake, even if you occasionally get nudged awake by a snorting pug face demanding a little more room. Honestly, it’s hard to stay mad when you’re being snuggled so sweetly.
10. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, sensitive dogs who bond deeply with their families, and that bond definitely extends to bedtime. They have a soft, loving energy that makes it incredibly easy to drift off with them curled up nearby.
They’re also the perfect size for bed-sharing: big enough to feel like a comforting presence, but small enough not to take over. Plus, those floppy ears make the perfect stress-relief fidget toy when you can’t fall asleep right away.
