Do you have a canine companion? Do they have specific quirks that you enjoy? From pretty pooches that splash in their water bowls to dog breeds that like to sleep under the covers, there are humorous traits that exist in every dog for people to enjoy.
Join us as we learn new and exciting information about our favorite four-legged friends and their lifespans, coat explanations, average adult size, and if they were bred for a purpose.
10 Dog Breeds That Burrow Under Blankets
Some breeds enjoy burrowing as it allows them to hide from the outside world and relax, and others were bred to burrow their heads into the ground to hunt prey. In this article we will explain what jobs these breeds originally had, if any.
1. Norwich Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: up to 12 pounds
Coat: short, wiry, double
These energetic little dogs fall into the burrowing category due to their interesting breed history as small rodent assassins. For smaller dogs they were a force to be reckoned with, were commonly found working on farms in England, and even able to hunt larger animals like foxes.
They are described as being very intelligent and affectionate and would pair well with an active owner. Because of their proclivity for affection, the Norwich Terrier would be a great example of small dog breeds that like to sleep under the covers with their favorite person.
2. Siberian Husky
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 45-50 pounds
Coat: medium, double
Siberian Huskies, as many of us are aware, were originally bred in Siberia for pulling heavy sleds across dense snow with a team made up of the same breed. They still actively work as sled-dogs, but because of their popular status you can find these dogs living all over the world.
With affectionate personalities and laughable talkative tendencies, these dogs could be great companions for a wide variety of people. Huskies are known to burrow out of boredom, a need for comfort, or to try and cool down when they start to overheat.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 9-15 pounds
Coat: short, wiry, smooth
What the Jack Russell Terrier lacks in leg length they make up for in their exuberant and high-energy personalities. Jack Russel’s are the stubborn, class clown of the dog world, and can be found burrowing due to their ties to fox hunting in early England.
These dogs require a fair amount of daily exercise to tire, so they would do well with an owner who can easily keep up with them. Jack Russel Terriers tend to have watch-dog traits, so they are known to be quite barky and loud! If you are sensitive to noises or live in an apartment this breed may not be a good match for you.
4. Dachshund
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Average Size: 11-32 pounds
Coat: short, medium, smooth
Lovingly referred to as ‘sausage dogs’, because of their elongated features, this breed was originally used for hunting small tunneling animals like badgers and rabbits in early Germany. They are known to enjoy burrowing due to their instincts and the need for comfort, and require some daily exercise to keep them entertained.
Today Dachshunds are typically kept as companion pets, and are described to be affectionate with the people they love so it is exceedingly typical to catch a lazy sausage dog burrowing in their every day routine.
5. Beagle
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
Average Size: 20-30 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Beagles may seem like the underdog when compared to other hunting breeds, but their ability to hunt rabbits in packs is what made them so popular after they originated in 16th-century England.
During this time they were typically owned by wealthy families and would burrow into the ground to find safe and comfortable shelter to rest. Today Beagles can be found to enjoy burrowing due to their history of creating dens to rest safely from the threat of predators.
Beagles are described as energetic, intelligent, gentle, and tolerable. These traits make them the perfect companion for children as well as other dogs. The Beagle is a perfect example when discussing dog breeds that burrow under blankets!
6. Schnauzer
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 11-85 pounds
Coat: short, wiry, double
Schnauzers are extremely interesting dogs to learn about, they come in 3 variations: miniature, standard, and giant. The Standard Schnauzer was the original that was bred for herding, protecting livestock on farms, and occasionally hunting vermin in early Germany.
While they weren’t specifically bred for burrowing, this breed does enjoy the practice for something more personal than others: sense of safety and security.
This breed is excellent for owners with children due to their devoted, loving and playful nature, but may not do as well with other pets so always use caution when introducing them to unknown animals.
7. Brussels Griffon
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average size: 8-10 pounds
Coat: short, medium, wiry, smooth
Instantly recognized by their comically human-like features, the Brussels Griffon is seriously too adorable to ignore. Yet another breed that was originally used for small rodent extermination in early Belgium, they are known as being tiny watchdogs and can be great companion pets, but will generally pick one human to favor.
Griff’s are codependent to a fault and can become extremely destructive if left alone for hours on end so they would do best in a home with constant human interaction. Due to their predisposition to anxiety, they enjoy burrowing and use it as a form of comfort and security.
8. Chihuahua
Average Lifespan: 14-16 years
Average Size: 6 pounds or less
Coat: short, medium, smooth
Interestingly, these fun-sized pups originated from a breed of dog founded by ancient-Mexican civilizations known today as the Techichi.
This ancient breed was used for sacrificial religious purposes, as they were seen to help the dead transition into their afterlife – but do not worry! Chihuahuas, as we know them today, were discovered in 19th century Mexico and were primarily used as companion dogs.
Their small frame can be seen as a weakness in dog language, so they can be known to burrow for a sense of safety during rest. Known for being loyal and very small, this breed’s ego is larger than life and generally will not pair well with small children.
9. Cairn Terrier
Average Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Average Size: 13-14 pounds
Coat: medium, wiry, double
Much like the other terriers on this list, the Cairn Terrier was originally a hunting dog for small animals that lived underground in early Scotland. They display these traits by finding comfort in resting under blankets. Due to this history, they also enjoy burrowing out of instinct, and may be found digging out of boredom.
These dogs are on the smaller side, but don’t let that fool you! They are known to be high-energy, very intelligent, and fearless. Cairn Terriers are fairly self-reliant, thus harder to train than other breeds of similar size, so they will need an owner well versed in successful training methods.
10. Glen of Imaal Terrier
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
Average Size: 32-40 pounds
Coat: medium, wiry
When learning about dog breeds that burrow under blankets, the Glen of Imaal Terrier must be considered. With an adorably short stature, the Glen of Imaal Terrier was originally bred for (you may have guessed) hunting small animals that burrow into the ground, as well as larger animals like foxes in early Ireland.
Because of this history, Glens can be found to enjoy burrowing out of instinct and for a sense of security This breed is a fantastic choice for families, as they are known to be more tolerant and gentle than other terriers so they would do well with children.