You may be wondering what’s up with your chihuahua when he or she burrows under blankets on your bed. There isn’t a definitive answer to this question as there are many reasons why chihuahuas might need a cover or feel the need to burrow.
Chihuahuas sleep under covers for different reasons. They are very small dogs, which usually means that they are also more sensitive to their environment. Some will hide from the coldness of the room, while others may be more interested in hiding from noise makers. There are also chihuahuas who would prefer to cool off in the room.
Although there are no hard and fast rules for chihuahua behavior, here is a list of 6 common reasons for this seemingly “abnormal” behavior.
1. Chihuahuas Sleep Under Covers To Avoid The Cold
Small dog breeds like Chihuahuas have low body fat. They will therefore suffer much more with temperature changes in the room than other breeds. A slight drop of temperatures can cause serious ill effects on their health.
Because of such, it is very important to keep your home at a safe temperature especially if you are keeping your Chi indoors during winter months or any time you cannot avoid contact with cold elements outside (like walking him/her). These dogs would definitely appreciate some coverage from cold drafts while they sleep.
2. Chihuahuas Sleep Under Covers To Cool Off Their Bodies
Paradoxically, since Chihuahuas’ bodies have low body fat, they can get overheated easily if there is not enough ventilation in the room. Using blanket to cover their small size will help regulate their body’s temperature better especially when summer weather gets really hot.
3. Chihuahuas Sleep Under Covers To Escape Noise
Dogs are highly sensitive to noises, especially when they are sleeping. If your Chihuahua sleeps with you in your bedroom or even a close room nearby, he/she may be disturbed by noise coming from the kitchen (like clattering of plates and dishes), bathroom (running water during bath time), or any other area where background noise may get louder than usual. To escape such disturbing situations, some chihuahuas will find refuge under covers. You might accidentally step on them while getting out of bed but that is another story!
4. Chihuahuas Sleep Under Covers Because They Are Nocturnal By Nature
No one is sure if Chihuahuas are born with a more active nature than other breeds or if their behavior is affected by the way we breed them. What we do know though is that Chihuahuas can be very vocal and playful throughout the night (although this may depend on your individual puppies). If you keep your chihuahua indoors at night, he/she would definitely appreciate some peaceful sleep under covers without being disturbed.
5. Chihuahuas Sleep Under Covers To Feel Safe
These dogs are very friendly and sometimes they like to cuddle up close to people they trust. If your Chihuahua sleeps with you under covers, this is a sign that he/she is comfortable around you and have no reason to worry about being attacked by any person or animal in the night. This could also be an instinctive way for them to get close to their mothers during infancy (if it ever happened in the wild). A covered place would therefore feel more like home for our little guy!
6. Chihuahuas Sleep Under Covers To Be Lazy
That’s right, laziness is a common trait among Chihuahuas! They might prefer to sleep under covers because it makes it easier for them to be lazy. If they can get what they want (sleep) without moving too much, then why not?
Is it Safe for Chihuahuas to Sleep Under Blankets?
Chihuahuas can sleep under blankets all they want, but it is best to do so in an area where there is enough ventilation going through the room. That way, their small bodies won’t get overheated and they will still have a good night’s sleep.
Of course, remember that it is also important to be careful not to step onto your sleeping chihuahua (or his/her shelter) during the middle of the night!
Why Do Chihuahuas Sleep Between Your Legs?
Your chihuahua feels safe with your legs around it because he or she has been treated with love and warmth from a young age. They most likely want to sleep near their “mother” for instinctual reasons. Remember, this is their pack leader and they are most comfortable when around her.
This is a sign that it trusts you and will not feel attacked by any person or animal while it’s asleep. This sentiment is also true for other breeds of dogs that are known for being loyal companions like Huskies and Poodles.
The Role of Burrowing for Animals in Nature
Wild animals such as bears, deer, and birds are especially seen to burrow in nature. This is because they live in regions with very cold winters and animal burrows provide warmth and safety to them and their offspring. Burrowing can also be done for nesting purposes among moles.
Burrowing can be a matter of survival and preference. One illustration of this is that gophers, which are also burrowing animals, will actually avoid cold regions as they could not survive in them. In the end, burrowing is an important adaptation to life for some species.
Final Thoughts
Chihuahuas sleep under covers at times because of some reasons mentioned above. But whatever the reason, you should know that burrowing is a normal aspect of their behavior.
If this behavior seems out of the ordinary for your specific dog and you’d like to find out more, it is important for you to take both the personality of your chihuahua and the particular situation into consideration. Check if there are environmental factors in the room that may be causing stress to your little guy.
Otherwise, rest assured that it’s probably just your Chi being a Chi.