So, you’re wondering “why do corgis sleep on their backs?”

After all, that’s a pretty strange position to sleep in, right?

You’ll learn about:

• Why your corgi sleeps on his back
• The most common sleeping positions
• Other corgi sleeping habits
• And more!

Let’s cover this particular topic and get your questions answered!

Corgi sleeping positions

The first thing we’ll cover is the main positions that are considered “normal” sleeping positions for corgis.

You’ve probably been asking yourself:

Does anyone else’s corgi sleep like this?

If your dog sleeps in a weird way, don’t be alarmed. These are just the most popular positions that corgis have been observed to sleep in and what they mean.

Corgis have four major positions they often sleep in:

• On their side
• On their stomach (AKA “Flying Squirrel” or “Superman”)
• On their back
• Curled up

Depending on how the dog feels and whatever’s comfortable, they may choose to sleep in any of those four positions.

It’s important to note that your corgi may choose any of those positions and will probably have a “favorite” position to sleep in.

Why does my corgi sleep on its back?

There are multiple reasons why your dog sleeps on its back with its feet in the air. The most common reasons are the following.

1. Helps cool down body temperature

This goes hand-in-hand with temperature control.

When the seasons change and the temperature picks up, you may notice your corgi start to sleep on its back more often.

This may happen during the summer months. Since corgis have a thick double coat that they shed constantly, they’re prone to heating up quickly.

Thus, lying on the back provides a way to quickly cool down by splaying itself out and maximizing surface area.

The more room a corgi’s body takes up, the faster it can cool down and regulate its temperature.

When your corgi lies on its back, its belly is exposed to the air.

The stomach area has minimal fur, and this allows the body heat to dissipate into the air, which cools down the overall temperature.

2. Makes them feel safe and sound

Dogs usually relax and sleep on their back when there aren’t any threats or dangers nearby.

This is a good sign that your home proves to be a safe and happy place for your corgi.

You’ll often find that your dog will press its limbs against something in this prone position. This allows your dog to quickly get back up on its feet in case of a threat.

3. To maximize comfort

The last reason is none other than comfort.

Even if your corgi never sleeps upside down and starts out of nowhere, it could just be the inherent dog genes expressing themselves and now your corgi wants to sleep backward.

Your dog may choose this position simply out of comfort. It could be relaxing, even though to you it may seem like a terrible way to sleep!

Corgis can relax their bodies this way and reduce tension build-up as each paw is stretched out to the maximum extent.

You may even see the sense of carelessness in your corgi’s eyes.

4. A sign of submission

A dog on its back is a globally recognized sign of submission. If your corgi often sleeps in this position, it could mean that your dog is submitting itself to you, trusts you, or is showing a sign of loyalty to you.

This is a pleasing thing to notice and you should snap some pictures just to show the world how much your corgi likes you.

Corgis are known to be self-sufficient and stubborn dogs. So showing these signs and going to sleep can definitely feel like an accomplishment.

You should feel quite happy if your corgi sleeps like this, especially in your room or in front of you.

5. Available space

Depending on the space your dog has to sleep, this can also affect what position it sleeps in.

If there’s minimal space, it may end up sleeping on its stomach or on its side. As you probably know, sleeping on its back takes up a lot of room.

If your corgi sleeps in a crate or dog bed, there may not be enough space for it to sleep with its body stretched out.

So this can definitely be a factor in determining how your dog sleeps.

6. Simply corgi preference

Some dogs have a preferred sleeping position. If your corgi chooses to sleep on its back, it could just be a personal preference of your dog.

Even if it’s cold or there’s minimal space, don’t be surprised if you catch your dog sleeping with all limbs splayed out!

Corgi puppies sleeping on their backs may end up choosing it as their preferred sleeping position.

My corgi sleeps against the wall

This is completely normal (and kind of derpy). You may notice that your dog sleeps with its legs or paws pressed or propped up on something.

This helps alleviate pressure from their underside, as many deep-chested dogs sleep in this position.

Some other breeds like greyhounds and dachshunds all do the same thing.

The limbs against a surface, table leg, sofa, counter, couch, wall, bed, or furniture allow your corgi to quickly react to threats by propping himself up.

Legs in the air are good. But legs against the wall are better.

My corgi sleeps in the corner

This is also normal. Corners offer protection and security so your corgi can feel safe.

Alternatively, if the room is busy or noisy, your corgi may sleep facing a corner to minimize distraction or disturbance.

As you probably know, corgis are smart dogs. They’ll use corners for sleeping if needed.

My corgi is sleeping a lot

You shouldn’t need to really worry about how much your corgi sleeps. If it’s still a young puppy, sleeping patterns can be erratic and non-consistent.

Even if your corgi is sleeping all day, give it a day or two to see if his energy levels return to normal and bounce back.

• On one day, your corgi puppy may be a ball of energy and out of control.
• On the next day, it can sleep for the whole day, lethargic, and tired.

The temperature can also affect how much your corgi sleeps. Hotter days can make your dog sleep more or for longer periods of time.

Or it can just be tired from living that dog life.

• Maybe it experienced a lot on the previous day.
• Did you take your corgi out?
• Did you exercise him all day?
• Did something disturb or keep the dog up?
• Perhaps there was a lot to learn mentally.
• Or it’s just catching up on sleep from all the previous days.

If the habit continues, consider getting your dog checked by the vet.

Why did my corgi change sleeping positions?

Many factors such as available space can affect how the dog sleeps.

The temperatures also matter as some positions allow more surface area to be exposed and lets the control temperature.

When the temperatures pick up, you’ll notice that your corgi prefers to sleep while splooting, as this position helps the corgi cool down.

Or when it cools down, your corgi may end up sleeping on its side.

This change in sleeping habits is directly influenced by ambient air. That should always be something you consider if you’re worried.

My corgi never sleeps on its back

You may also notice that your corgi never sleeps on its back. Or on its side. Or on its belly.

This is normal. Some dogs prefer a specific position to sleep and may never end up sleeping in another position- just like humans.

We all have our favorite ways to sleep, right? Fetal, on the back, or even on the tummy.

Your corgi has the same preference. It may suddenly shift its position out of nowhere.

This usually happens when there’s a change in season, temperature, or environment.

Further reading

• Why do dogs sleep on their backs? – Sarah’s Dogs
• Why do Corgis like to sleep on their backs? – MyCorgi
• FAQ – Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of the Rockies – CO Corgi

Corgis sleep on their backs for many reasons

You now should have all the answers you need to tackle this confusing topic.

The next time you notice your corgi sleeping upside down with his legs in the air, take a look at his eyes and see that sign of relaxation!