You just brought home your Maltipoo and the little thing has been asleep for three hours straight. Or maybe you’ve had yours for a while and you’re starting to wonder — is all this napping actually normal?Short answer: yes, usually. Long answer: it depends on their age, what they did that day, how they’re feeling, and a few other things that are genuinely worth knowing. Because while sleeping a lot is completely normal for Maltipoos, sleeping too much — or suddenly changing sleep patterns — can sometimes mean something needs attention.
This guide covers everything in plain language. How many hours Maltipoos sleep at every age, why they sleep so much in the first place, what normal napping looks like versus what should have you calling the vet, how to set up a bedtime routine that actually works, and what to do when your Maltipoo won’t settle at night.
The Quick Answer: How Many Hours Do Maltipoos Sleep?
| Age | Hours of Sleep Per Day |
|---|---|
| Newborn (0–4 weeks) | 20–22 hours |
| Puppy (4 weeks–6 months) | 18–20 hours |
| Young Adult (6 months–1 year) | 14–16 hours |
| Adult (1–8 years) | 12–14 hours |
| Senior (8+ years) | 14–18 hours |
Yes, those numbers are real. A healthy adult Maltipoo sleeps roughly half the day — and puppies and seniors sleep even more than that. If your dog seems like a professional napper, that’s because, in a way, they are.
Why Do Maltipoos Sleep So Much?
This is the question most guides skip, and it’s actually the most interesting one. Here’s what’s really going on:
Dogs Get Far Less Deep Sleep Than We Do
Humans spend about 25% of their sleep in deep REM sleep — the really restorative kind where your brain consolidates memories and your body repairs itself. Dogs only get about 10% REM sleep during their total sleep hours. To make up for that, they sleep more overall.
Think of it this way: if you only got 10% of a nutritious meal each sitting, you’d need to eat more sittings to feel full. Same idea. Your Maltipoo needs more total sleep hours because each hour is less deeply restorative than yours.
They’re Always Alert, Even When Resting
Dogs evolved as animals that needed to be ready to react at a moment’s notice — to protect the pack, to respond to threats, to wake up and go. That instinct never left, even in a 7-pound fluffball sleeping on a designer dog bed in your living room. Because they’re never truly switched off the way humans are during deep sleep, their bodies need more time in bed to feel genuinely rested.
Maltipoos Were Bred to Be Companion Dogs
Neither the Maltese nor the Poodle was bred to work. They weren’t herding sheep, tracking prey, or hauling sleds. They were bred to sit on laps and be loved. Companion breeds naturally have lower drive and higher comfort with rest than working breeds like Border Collies or Huskies. Companion lapdog breeds are generally content to get plenty of lazy time — and the Maltipoo sits firmly in that category.
Their Bodies Are Small, Their Metabolism Is Fast
Small dogs burn through energy faster than large breeds. After a burst of play — running around the living room, chasing a toy, meeting a new person — a Maltipoo puppy can genuinely be physically tired in ways that a larger dog wouldn’t be. A nap after activity isn’t laziness. It’s recovery.
Maltipoo Sleep by Age: What’s Normal at Each Stage
Newborn and Very Young Puppies (0–8 Weeks)
At this stage, sleep is essentially the puppy’s full-time job. Newborns sleep 20–22 hours a day. Their eyes aren’t even fully open yet. Their bodies are using almost every available resource to grow — developing organs, nervous system, muscles, immune function — and sleep is what allows that growth to happen.
During the brief windows when they’re awake, they’re nursing and, eventually, beginning to move around. If you have a puppy this young and they’re sleeping this much, that’s exactly right.
Young Puppies at Home (8 Weeks–6 Months)
This is when most families bring their Maltipoo home — around 8 weeks old. Expect 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day. That’s not a typo. Your new puppy will play hard for 15–30 minutes and then crash completely, often mid-play, in whatever spot they’re in.
This is why new puppy owners describe the experience as having a toddler: high-energy bursts, then complete collapse, then back again. It’s 100% normal and it’s how their developing brains and bodies are supposed to work.
Rest is crucial at this stage for:
- Brain development and learning (yes, sleep helps puppies learn)
- Muscle and bone growth
- Immune system development
- Processing all the new experiences of their new home
One important note for this age: If your puppy seems excessively sleepy — not just napping after play but difficult to wake up, wobbly when walking, or unresponsive to your voice — this can be a sign of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). More on this in the health section below.
Young Adults (6 Months–1 Year)
Sleep needs start to drop as your Maltipoo passes the 6-month mark and approaches their first birthday. Expect 14 to 16 hours at this stage. They’ll still nap throughout the day, but the naps get shorter and they stay alert and engaged for longer stretches.
This is also the age where their sleep schedule starts to sync more naturally with yours. They’ll begin sleeping through the night more reliably (if they haven’t already), and their energy levels become more predictable.
Adult Maltipoos (1–8 Years)
A healthy adult Maltipoo sleeps 12 to 14 hours per day. This is the steady state they’ll settle into for most of their life. It typically breaks down into:
- 8 to 9 hours of overnight sleep
- 3 to 5 hours of daytime napping, spread across the day
This daytime napping is normal and nothing to worry about. Maltipoos sleep when their owners are out, when the house is quiet, or simply when they’ve had enough stimulation for the moment.
Adult Maltipoos also tend to develop sleep habits similar to their owners. If you’re active and on-the-go, your Maltipoo will sleep less and be more energized overall. If you have a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle, your Maltipoo will naturally be more settled and sleep-heavy. They genuinely mirror your energy.
Senior Maltipoos (8 Years and Older)
As Maltipoos age, their sleep increases again — back up to 14 to 18 hours per day in many cases. This is normal. Older bodies need more recovery time. Joints are stiffer, processing information takes more effort, and the body simply doesn’t bounce back as fast from activity.
What to watch for in senior sleep changes:
Normal: Sleeping more hours, choosing softer spots, slower to get up in the morning
Worth a vet visit: Waking up confused at night, restlessness that wasn’t there before, crying or whining in the night, trouble getting comfortable when lying down
Nighttime restlessness in senior dogs can indicate cognitive decline (similar to dementia in humans), arthritis pain, bladder issues, or other age-related conditions — all of which are manageable with proper veterinary care.
What Does Normal Maltipoo Sleep Actually Look Like?
Understanding the hours is one thing. Understanding what healthy sleep behavior looks like is another. Here’s what you’ll see from a healthy, well-rested Maltipoo:
Twitching paws and legs during sleep. This is REM sleep in action — your Maltipoo is dreaming. Scientists have confirmed that dogs dream, and they dream about the kinds of things they do during the day: running, playing, interacting with people. The twitching is harmless and actually a sign of healthy deep sleep.
Light snoring or breathing sounds. Maltipoos occasionally snore lightly, especially if they’re sleeping in a curled or scrunched position. In moderation, this is completely normal.
Sleeping in different positions at different times. Curled up when cold or feeling a bit insecure. On their side when fully relaxed and comfortable. On their back (belly up) when they’re warm and utterly at ease. Position tells you a lot about how comfortable and safe your dog feels in their environment.
Waking up immediately alert when there’s something interesting. A healthy Maltipoo goes from sound asleep to fully awake and engaged in seconds. If your dog is difficult to rouse or seems disoriented after waking, that’s worth paying attention to.
Napping after walks or play. Completely normal. Small dogs expend a lot of energy in a short time. A post-activity nap is recovery, not laziness.
When Sleeping Too Much Becomes a Problem
Here’s where the judgment call comes in. Sleeping a lot is normal for Maltipoos. But there’s a difference between normal napping and excessive sleep that points to something wrong.
Red Flags: When to Call Your Vet
Sudden change in sleep patterns. If your adult Maltipoo who normally sleeps 12 hours is suddenly sleeping 18+ and you can’t explain it by activity level or weather, that’s a change worth investigating.
Hard to wake up or disoriented when woken. A healthy dog wakes up alert. A dog who seems confused, glassy-eyed, or takes a long time to respond after waking may be experiencing a health issue.
Sleepiness plus other symptoms. Sleep changes combined with reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or changes in water intake are a clear signal to get to the vet.
No interest in play or interaction when awake. Maltipoos are social, engaged dogs when they’re healthy and awake. If your dog is awake but seems completely flat — not interested in food, toys, or you — something is off.
Sleeping in unusual places or positions. A dog who suddenly prefers to sleep in a corner, away from the family, or in unusual positions may be in pain or discomfort.
Possible Medical Causes of Excessive Sleep
Hypothyroidism: The thyroid gland isn’t producing enough hormone, which slows down the whole body. Signs include extreme tiredness, weight gain, and a dull coat. Completely manageable with medication.
Anemia: A low red blood cell count leaves the body unable to properly deliver oxygen. The result is extreme fatigue. Diagnosable with a basic blood test.
Diabetes: Can cause dogs to feel lethargic, particularly before or between meals. Also causes increased thirst and urination.
Infections: Bacterial or viral infections cause the body to redirect energy to fighting illness, leaving the dog genuinely exhausted.
Heart conditions: Reduced heart efficiency means the body gets less oxygen with each pump. Fatigue is one of the first visible signs.
Depression or anxiety: Yes, dogs experience these. A Maltipoo who is bored, lonely, or stressed may sleep excessively as a coping behavior.
Seasonal changes: Some dogs genuinely sleep more in winter. Less daylight, lower energy in the household, colder temperatures — these affect dogs the same way they can affect people.
Hypoglycemia: The Special Concern for Maltipoo Puppies
This deserves its own section because it’s the most urgent health risk for young and very small Maltipoos specifically.
Hypoglycemia is a sudden drop in blood sugar. In very small puppies under 6 months old, and in teacup or toy-size Maltipoos of any age, it can happen fast and become dangerous quickly. Small bodies have almost no fat reserve to draw from, so if a puppy misses a meal or has an unusually active period, blood sugar can drop before the body can compensate.
Signs of hypoglycemia:
- Sudden weakness or wobbliness when walking
- Nodding head, trembling
- Becoming unresponsive to your voice or a toy
- Appearing to “pass out” or become limp
What to do immediately: Rub a small amount of honey directly onto your puppy’s gums. The sugar absorbs directly into the bloodstream through the gum tissue and can raise blood sugar within minutes. Do not wait to see if it passes — if your puppy is unresponsive, this is a medical emergency. Get to your vet immediately after giving the honey.
Prevention: Feed your Maltipoo puppy small meals frequently — three to four times a day on a strict schedule. Never skip meals with a very young or very small Maltipoo. Keep honey in the house from the day you bring a puppy home.
When Your Maltipoo Isn’t Sleeping Enough
The flip side happens too. Some Maltipoos — especially puppies in new homes — have trouble settling down and sleeping. Here’s what causes it and how to fix it.
Too Much Daytime Sleeping
If your Maltipoo naps heavily all day, they won’t be tired enough at night. This is the most common reason for nighttime restlessness. The fix is to increase engagement during the day — scheduled walks, play sessions, short training sessions — so that there’s genuine tiredness by the time bedtime comes around.
Anxiety in a New Home
A puppy who just arrived in a new place may cry, whine, or refuse to settle for the first several nights. This is normal and usually resolves within one to two weeks as they adjust to their new environment and family. A worn item of your clothing placed in their sleep space can help, as can a ticking clock (which mimics a heartbeat) or a snuggle toy designed for puppies.
Overstimulation Before Bed
If there’s a lot of noise, activity, or excitement right before bedtime, a Maltipoo’s nervous system stays activated and settling down becomes hard. The solution is a wind-down period of 30–45 minutes before sleep — calm, quiet time with lower light and less stimulation.
Discomfort in Their Sleep Space
A sleeping spot that’s too cold, too warm, too hard, or in a noisy area will lead to poor sleep. Maltipoos are small and feel temperature changes more acutely than larger dogs. A cozy, soft bed in a quiet corner with a consistent temperature makes a real difference.
Needing to Go to the Bathroom
Puppies simply cannot hold their bladder through a full night until they’re around 4–6 months old. Expect at least one overnight bathroom trip, and factor that into your setup. As they grow, this resolves on its own.
How to Build a Sleep Routine That Actually Works
Maltipoos do extremely well with routine. Their internal clock is surprisingly accurate — if you do the same things at the same times consistently, they’ll start anticipating it and settling down more naturally.
A Sample Daily Routine
Morning:
- Wake up, go outside immediately for bathroom
- Breakfast
- Morning walk or 15–20 minutes of active play
- Settle in for the first nap of the day
Midday:
- Short play session or training (10–15 minutes)
- Lunch (for puppies; adults do fine with two meals)
- Nap
Afternoon:
- Another short walk or play session
- Quiet time / family time
Evening (1–2 hours before bed):
- Evening walk — this is important, it burns off the day’s remaining energy
- Calm down: lower lights, lower volume, less activity
- Dinner (last meal should be 2 hours before bed, not right at bedtime)
- Final bathroom trip outside
- Into bed with a familiar blanket or toy
Bedtime:
- Consistent time every night — even weekends
- Dark, quiet sleeping area
- Same location every night
Setting Up the Perfect Sleep Space
Crate or dedicated bed? Either works. A crate with a soft liner and a blanket that smells like you creates a den-like space that many dogs genuinely prefer — it feels safe and contained. An open dog bed works equally well if your Maltipoo is comfortable with more freedom.
Location matters. Close enough to the bedroom that they can hear you and feel secure, but not somewhere with high foot traffic, TV noise, or drafts. A corner of the bedroom or a quiet hallway spot near the bedroom works well.
Temperature. Small dogs get cold faster than large ones. If your home drops significantly at night, a lightweight dog blanket in their bed is a good idea. Not so warm they overheat — just enough to keep them comfortable.
Comfort item. A small, soft toy or piece of your worn clothing in their sleep space gives them something familiar when you’re not right next to them. This is especially effective for puppies in their first few weeks home.
Pre-Bedtime Activities That Help
The walk 1–2 hours before bed is genuinely the most effective tool for better nighttime sleep. It burns physical energy, allows a final bathroom trip, and creates a natural transition from “active” to “winding down.”
After the walk, switch gears. Lower the lights. Turn down the TV. Sit quietly. Your Maltipoo reads your energy — if you’re calm and winding down, they will too.
Do Maltipoos Sleep With Their Owners?
Many Maltipoo owners end up sharing their bed with their dog, and many don’t — both are completely fine choices. Here’s what to know either way:
If they sleep with you: Maltipoos are pack animals by instinct. Sleeping close to their person is genuinely comforting for them. The warmth, the familiar heartbeat, and the security of being next to you supports their sense of safety. The practical tradeoff is that they may wake you if they move around, and you’ll need to be careful they don’t fall off the bed.
If they sleep in their own space: This is equally healthy and many Maltipoos adapt to it completely fine — especially if established early. A crate or dedicated dog bed gives them a consistent, personal space that becomes theirs. Dogs who have their own settled sleep space often have more stable overnight sleep than those who co-sleep.
The most important rule: Pick one and stay consistent. A dog that sometimes sleeps in your bed and sometimes doesn’t will have a harder time settling than one with a consistent, predictable arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my Maltipoo to sleep all day?
If your adult Maltipoo is sleeping 12–14 hours a day across overnight sleep and daytime naps, that’s completely normal. Puppies sleeping 18–20 hours a day is also normal. If the amount seems suddenly much higher than their usual, or if they seem difficult to wake or flat when awake, a vet check is worth doing.
My Maltipoo sleeps a lot but seems fine when awake — should I worry?
If they’re alert, playful, eating normally, and engaged when they’re awake, the extra sleep is almost certainly just their natural rhythm. The quality of the waking time matters more than the quantity of sleep.
Why does my Maltipoo sleep so much after a walk?
Small dogs expend a lot of energy quickly. A 20-minute walk is proportionally more physical work for a 10-lb Maltipoo than it would be for a 60-lb Labrador. Post-walk napping is completely normal recovery behavior.
My puppy wakes up at 3am every night — is something wrong?
Probably not. Puppies under 4–5 months old can’t reliably hold their bladder through the night. They need a bathroom trip. As they grow and their bladder matures, they’ll naturally sleep through the night. Keep the overnight trip calm and quiet — no play, no fuss — just a quick outside trip and back to bed.
How do I know if my Maltipoo is sleeping too much vs just being lazy?
Ask yourself two questions: Has anything changed recently? And are they still engaged and normal when they’re awake? If the sleep is a new change and they seem flat or unwell when awake, see the vet. If they’ve always been a big sleeper and they’re perfectly normal and happy during their waking hours, they’re just a good napper.
My Maltipoo snores — is that normal?
Light snoring is common in Maltipoos, especially when they’re in a curled position or sleeping deeply. It’s generally harmless. Loud, labored, or constant snoring could indicate a breathing issue worth mentioning to your vet at their next checkup.
Can I wake my Maltipoo while they’re dreaming?
It’s better not to. Dogs can startle when woken mid-dream and, in the confusion of waking, might not immediately know where they are — which can cause anxiety or, in very rare cases, a startled reaction. If they seem distressed during a dream (crying, whimpering intensely), a gentle calm voice from a distance is enough. Let them wake on their own.
Should I put my Maltipoo in a crate at night?
A crate is a perfectly healthy sleep option and many dogs genuinely prefer the enclosed, den-like feeling. Introduce it gradually with positive association (treats, meals inside the crate) rather than just closing them in. A properly introduced crate becomes a place they choose to go, not a punishment.
Sleep and Health: The Connection Worth Understanding
One thing that tends to be underdiscussed: your Maltipoo’s sleep patterns are one of the earliest and most reliable indicators of their overall health.
Changes in sleep — sleeping significantly more or less than usual — often show up before other symptoms. An owner who knows their dog’s normal sleep schedule is in a much better position to notice when something is off.
This is especially true for:
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Dental pain: Small breeds are prone to dental disease. A dog in mouth pain may sleep more, eat less, and seem generally low. Regular dental checkups catch this early.
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Joint discomfort: A Maltipoo who seems stiff getting up, reluctant to jump, or increasingly preferring to rest may be developing joint issues. Manageable when caught early.
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Heart health: Mitral Valve Disease, which can affect Maltipoo parent breeds, often first shows up as reduced stamina and increased rest needs. Annual cardiac checkups are worthwhile.
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Anxiety or stress: A change in household routine — new baby, new pet, new home, owner’s schedule change — can genuinely affect a Maltipoo’s sleep. If the life change is obvious and the sleep change matches it, give them time to adjust. If it persists, speak with your vet about anxiety management options.
Conclusion
Your Maltipoo is supposed to sleep a lot. That’s not laziness, that’s biology. The napping, the post-walk crashes, the 8-hour overnight sleep plus afternoon snoozes — all of it is normal and healthy.
What you’re watching for is change. Not the fact that they sleep a lot, but whether that amount has shifted significantly, whether they seem different when they’re awake, and whether other symptoms appear alongside the sleep changes.
Get the routine right — consistent bedtime, an evening walk, a comfortable sleep spot, regular meals — and your Maltipoo will settle into a sleep schedule that works for both of you.
And if you’re still looking for your Maltipoo, Puppy Heaven has been placing healthy, vet-checked Maltipoo puppies with families for over 21 years. Every puppy is health-guaranteed, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to come home to you.
