Our Rottweiler pup sleeps a LOT!

by Dan
(Ontario, Canada)

We just got a 6 month old Rottweiler from a shelter and he seems to sleep a lot. Like most of the day and through the night too.

Is this normal for Rotties or could he be sick? Should we be worried?

Hi Dan
Rottweilers are definitely not high-energy dogs when mature, but Rottie puppies are usually fairly active and energetic – as are most breeds.

However, I think that your new Rottweilers’ behavior right now is more likely due to the stress of the recent changes in his life rather than his personality. Regardless of how old they are, pups tend to go through an adjustment period during the first week or so in a new home. This is a huge change for them, and they often react to that stress by sleeping a lot, I personally think it’s just their way of ‘shutting it all out’, until they feel more secure and at home in their new environment.

If your pup has had all of his puppy vaccinations (which I’m sure he has as you got him from a shelter), and he’s eating and drinking okay (loss of appetite is also fairly common in the first few days though), doesn’t have diarrhea or vomiting, and seems to be happy and healthy during the short periods that he is active, then I doubt that you have anything to worry about. Over the next few days he will likely start to ‘come out of his shell’ and his real personality will shine through.

However, it’s always a good idea to have a new pup checked out by your own vet to rule out any underlying health issues, so a trip there would be a good idea.

Although your pup isn’t a ‘baby’, he is still young, and you might find my Taking Care Of A Puppy page helpful in these early days. It has tons of tips and advice to help you keep your pup happy and healthy.

Hope this helps. I’m so glad your boy has found a new loving home, and I wish you all the best with him.

Comments for Our Rottweiler pup sleeps a LOT!

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May 08, 2017

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tired lazy sleeps a lot and too slow NEW
by: taki

Hello I got a rottweiler and she is 3months old on this 13th of may 2017 and she is so lazy,sleeps a lot, too slow to move but she plays with my other dog but always she is like a 1month old puppy she should be more energetic right?


Jan 07, 2017

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rottweiler NEW
by: kath

I just got an Rottweiler of a friend and it tends to sleep a lot and doesn’t like to go on walks or even get up it only likes to go to the park do I have to be worried has she got an sickness


Jan 03, 2017

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10 year old rottweiler just sleeps a lot and he’s not himself NEW
by: charlie

10 year old rottweiler usually bright and sparkllyrics. but vomited lot of foamy slavery other day and not been himself last 3 days. just wana sleep all the time


Dec 18, 2015

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8 Month Old Service Dog NEW
by: Jeremy

My 8 Month Rottie sleeps a ton each day. He is hard to get motivated in the morning and from that point I would say he sleeps on average 12-16 hours a day. Let’s face it he is growing at an amazing rate. 95lbs at 8 months (lean and healthy) and that has to ware down on a dog. I don’t expect him to stop this sleeping pattern until he slows his growing with the next few months. Gotta let the young pups get that rest!


Jun 22, 2015

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7 month old pretty laid back NEW
by: Mine

Some days he’s running and jumping playing tug of war… But I’m in FL and its getting hot outside so I think he’s adjusting accordingly. He follows my lead, if I’m moving slow so does he. Time will tell, I’m a little older so a laid back pup suits me.


Sep 10, 2014

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sleeping rottie NEW
by: Em

I have a five month old rottie that we have had since she was seven weeks old, she sleeps a lot most of the day and night but during dinner and walks she is energetic… still worries me


Sep 10, 2014

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sleeping rottie NEW
by: Em

I have a five month old rottie that we have had since she was seven weeks old, she sleeps a lot most of the day and night but during dinner and walks she is energetic… still worries me


Sep 10, 2014

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sleeping rottie NEW
by: Em

I have a five month old rottie that we have had since she was seven weeks old, she sleeps a lot most of the day and night but during dinner and walks she is energetic… still worries me


Jul 23, 2014

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sounds just like our puppy! NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi. We recently adopted a rottie from a shelter as well. She is 8 wks old. She too sleeps alot. I have begun to worry myself but when she’s awake, she eats & plays. She is not lethargic nor appears to have any discomfort. I’m just keeping a close eye out as the days pass. If I notice any other strange change in her behavior,then off to the Vet we go.


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