17 Reasons Why Chihuahuas Sleep Between Your Legs
There’s no question that Chihuahuas love to sleep. They can often be found taking a nap in the most unlikely places whether it be in fresh laundry piles or hidden underneath blankets.
Of all the places your Chihuahua could sleep, they seem to love snuggling up between your legs like a sandwich.
While it might be cute, you may be wondering why do Chihuahuas sleep between your legs?
Keep reading to learn all the reasons why they love this cozy spot so much and what you can do if you’re not a fan of this sleeping arrangement.
Why Do Chihuahuas Sleep Between Your Legs?
Chihuahuas tend to sleep a lot. In fact, they can sleep up to 20 hours a day depending on their age! That’s why it’s not surprising that they would want to spend some of that time snuggled up close to their favorite person.
Chihuahuas love sleeping between your legs because it makes them feel protected and warm. They might get so comfortable that they start snoring!
This cozy spot is a haven for them that contributes to reducing anxiety and fear. Sleeping in between your legs is also a sign of trust and a way to show affection.
Let’s keep reading to find out all the reasons!
17 Reasons Why Chihuahuas Sleep Between Your Legs
1. Security
Chihuahuas are instinctively drawn to small, tight spaces because it makes them feel protected.
Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and they feel safe when they’re close to their human.
Being sandwiched between your legs creates a sense of security.
2. Warmth
If you’re questioning, “why does my Chihuahua like to sleep between my legs in the winter?”
It’s due to the simple fact that your legs feel like a heated hammock for them.
Chihuahuas originate from warm Mexico and have high metabolisms, so they are notorious for getting cold easily. When they curl up in between your legs, it’s the perfect warm spot.
3. Seeking Extra Attention
Chihuahuas are known for being Velcro dogs – they love being close to their humans and crave attention.
Sleeping between your legs is a way for them to be close to you and feel your love.
They may even give you a little nudge with their nose to remind you that they’re still there and need some TLC!
4. Comfort
Another reason why your Chihuahua may enjoy sleeping between your legs is that it’s comfortable.
Your legs are soft and provide a comfortable spot for them to rest their head.
Plus, they can stretch out and get cozy without taking up too much space.
5. Affection
Chihuahuas are very loving and loyal dogs who usually get attached to one person.
When they sleep between your legs, it’s their way of showing you love and affection.
They may not be able to say the words, but sleeping between your legs is their way of telling you that they care.
Headbutting against you, burying their head into you, and licking you are other ways that Chihuahuas may show their affection.
6. Sign of Trust
When a Chihuahua sleeps between your legs, it’s a sign of trust.
They’re telling you that they trust you to protect them from harm.
Dogs only sleep where they are comfortable and they feel safe.
This is a huge sign of trust, especially coming from a tiny Chihuahua. Sleeping between your legs means that the two of you have formed a strong bond and that they trust you.
7. Fear
Chihuahuas act like fierce dogs but they’re also very sensitive. Your Chihuahua might get scared of things such as fireworks, thunderstorms, balloons, brooms, visitors in the house, or flies.
If you’re wondering, “why does my Chihuahua like to sleep between my legs when he’s scared?”
It’s because they are seeking refuge by hiding or sleeping between your legs.
Your legs are a cozy cocoon of safety that they can retreat to when they feel threatened or anxious.
8. Anxiety
Dogs sleep between people’s legs to help calm them down when suffering from anxiety.
Close contact with you helps to ease their anxiety and makes them feel safe.
They know that you’re there to protect them, so they can relax and feel comfortable.
Being stationary in one spot for a while will reduce their anxiety and help them to relax.
Some signs of anxiety to watch for are:
- excessive licking
- panting
- destructive behavior
- accidents inside
- pacing
- aggression
- restlessness
9. Burrowing
Chihuahuas love to burrow, and what better place to burrow than between your legs?
Burrowing is a natural instinct for Chihuahuas, and sleeping between your legs gives them the perfect opportunity to do so.
They can burrow into your legs and make themselves a cozy little nest.
Add a blanket on top and they’ll be in doggie heaven!
10. To Protect You
Chihuahuas are known for being loyal and protective dogs.
They make good little watchdogs and will bark to alert you of any strangers or potential danger.
Sleeping between your legs is their way of keeping an eye on you and making sure you’re safe.
They may not be the biggest or strongest dog, but they’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.
Dog owners say they feel safer and calmer when they’re with their dog.
11. It’s A Habit
For some Chihuahuas, sleeping between your legs is just a habit.
If you let them sleep there one time, they may start to make it a habit.
Before you know it, it’ll be their go-to spot for naps.
12. Physical Contact
As we mentioned before, Chihuahuas are known for being clingy.
This means that they crave attention and love being close to their humans.
Sleeping between your legs gives them the chance to be in physical contact with their favorite person, which is something they crave.
13. It’s Their Favorite Spot
Chihuahuas like to sleep with their owners in between their legs simply because it’s their favorite spot.
They may have other spots to sleep, like on top of your shoes or laundry piles, but there’s something about between your legs that they just love.
And who can blame them? It’s cozy, comfortable, and close to you.
14. Part of the Pack
Chihuahuas are social creatures and love being around their humans.
They see you as their pack leader, so it’s natural for them to want to be close to you and to stick near you.
Puppies sleep all snuggled up against their mother to regulate their body heat, and your Chihuahua has carried that pack instinct into adulthood.
When dogs sleep, they are vulnerable and exposed.
By sleeping between your legs, your Chihuahua feels hidden and protected on all sides.
15. Jealousy
In some cases, Chihuahuas may sleep between your legs out of jealousy.
If you’re paying attention to someone else or you recently added a new pet to the family, they may want to sleep between your legs because they are jealous and they don’t like sharing your attention with anyone else.
16. Dislike Their Bed
If your Chihuahua doesn’t want to use their bed or crate, sleeping between your legs is a great alternative.
It’s likely that they don’t like their bed because it’s not comfortable, it’s not the right size, it’s not in a quiet area, or it’s not warm enough.
Or maybe they just prefer sleeping right up against you.
If your Chihuahua doesn’t like their bed or you’re looking to upgrade, we have a whole post on the 6 Best Chihuahua Beds to help you choose the best one.
17. Monitor Your Movements
Some Chihuahuas sleep between your legs so they can be alert to your movements and monitor what you’re doing. It’s their way of keeping an eye on you.
If you get up, they will know the second you move so there’s no way they’ll sleep through it and miss out on following you to the kitchen or bathroom.
Should You Let Your Chihuahua Sleep Between Your Legs?
It’s up to you if you want to let your Chihuahua sleep between your legs. There are some benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Sleeping between your legs can help to calm an anxious or scared Chihuahua. It’s also a way for them to be close to you and feel protected.
If your Chihuahua is having trouble sleeping in their bed, letting them sleep between your legs may help to solve the problem.
Of course, there are also a few drawbacks to letting your Chihuahua sleep between your legs.
For one, it can be uncomfortable because you are stuck in one position and can’t move. Another downside is that your Chihuahua may also move around a lot and wake you up.
If you’re comfortable with your Chihuahua sleeping between your legs, then go ahead and let them.
However, if it’s disruptive to your sleep or if you roll around a lot when you sleep and you worry you’ll squish them, it’s probably best to not let them do it at night.
An alternative is to only let them do this behavior when they are napping during the day and then train them to sleep in their bed at night.
Ways to Get Your Chihuahua to Stop Sleeping Between Your Legs
If you’re not comfortable with your Chihuahua sleeping between your legs, there are a few things you can do to get them to stop.
1. Comfy Safe Space
The first thing you need to do is make sure they have a comfortable space of their own. If they don’t like their bed or crate, they may not want to sleep in it.
Try a different style of bed if they don’t like theirs and make sure their crate is the correct size. Add some soft blankets to make their bed cozier.
This will also allow them to burrow which they love to do.
2. Correct Temperature
If one of the main reasons your Chihuahua is trying to sleep between your legs is to get warm, then make sure their sleeping area is warm enough.
Chihuahuas are sensitive to cold temperatures so it’s not a good idea to let them sleep outside at night.
Add a heating pad to their bed or crate if needed, or purchase a self-warming dog bed that uses Mylar technology.
Make sure they wear a sweater in the winter and keep their sleeping area away from any drafts.
Read next: Should Chihuahuas Wear Clothes? [Clothing Guide]
3. Redirect the Behavior
If your Chihuahua is already in the habit of sleeping between your legs, you can redirect their behavior by leading them to their bed or to a toy and rewarding them with a treat when they try to sleep between your legs.
This will take some patience and consistency on your part, but eventually, they will get the message that they are not allowed to sleep between your legs.
You can also get up and move when they try to do it or place a pillow between your legs so they can’t get through. This will block their access and they will eventually give up trying.
4. Reduce Anxiety and Fear
If your Chihuahua is anxious or scared, they may be trying to sleep between your legs as a way to feel safe and protected.
Try to reduce their anxiety by making sure they have a safe space of their own, providing them with plenty of exercise, training them with positive reinforcement, and working with a behaviorist.
You may also want to consider using a calming supplement like CBD oil to help reduce their anxiety levels.
5. Train to Sleep in Their Bed or Crate
Another thing you can do is train your Chihuahua to sleep in their bed. You can do this by giving them a treat every time they go to their bed and lie down.
Eventually, they will start to associate their bed with positive things and want to sleep there.
6. Spend Enough Time Together
If you’re not spending enough time with your Chihuahua, they may be trying to sleep between your legs as a way to be close to you and get the attention they crave.
Make sure you’re spending enough time playing with them, training them, and just hanging out together.
Summary
Now you have your answer to why do Chihuahuas sleep between your legs!
A few reasons we mentioned were for warmth, comfort, or because they feel safe and protected.
It’s not a bad thing to let your Chi sleep between your legs, but if you’re not comfortable with this behavior, then we hope our 6 tips help!
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