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Moose, the nutty Newfoundland, has people totally puzzled by trying to fall asleep in one of the strangest positions imaginable. At first glance, it looks like he’s chewing on a chair, but the reality is way more ridiculous.
Why Moose has chosen this particular sleeping spot is a mystery, but so is how he came to be comfortable there. The gentle giant has the hard seat of a wooden chair sandwiched in his large mouth, with his tongue hanging lazily off to one side. It’s all the is supporting his oversized head, while the rest of his body tries to get comfy on the floor. It’s nothing short of bizarre, and I think he knows it. Before his eyes begin to close, Moose looks at the camera sheepishly as if to say, “nothing to see here.”
It almost looks as if the Newfie’s teeth are stuck in the seat of the chair, trapping him there, but no, he chose to arrange himself in this way to relax and fall asleep.
All one viewer could say about this ridiculous scene was, “Oh, buddy.”
Newfoundlands are great at lots of things – water rescues being the most impressive – but choosing appropriate sleeping positions isn’t one of them. Not that they’re alone in this peculiar behavior. Dogs of all types sleep in strange situations, and sleep quite well for that matter. The only question is why?
Related: Maltipoo Can’t Stop Licking the TV, and the Reason Why Is ‘Unreal’
Why Do Dogs Sleep In Weird Positions
As strange as some of these sleeping positions look, they actually say a lot about how a dog is feeling. According to Dr. Lauren Pastewka, DVM, everything from sprawling on their back to curling into a tight ball can signal comfort, temperature control, or even instinct.
Dogs who sleep on their backs, for example, are usually completely relaxed and feel safe enough to expose their most vulnerable areas. Others curl up to conserve heat or protect themselves—an instinct that dates back to their wild ancestors. Sleeping on their side typically means a dog is comfortable and at ease, while stretched-out “Superman” poses are often seen in playful, high-energy pups who are ready to jump back into action at any moment.
Some dogs also like to rest their heads on furniture (chair!)—or even their humans—which can be a sign of affection and a desire to stay close. And of course, many prefer to sleep right next to their people, a behavior rooted in their pack mentality and need for security.
If a dog’s sleeping position suddenly changes, though, it can sometimes point to discomfort, stress, or age-related issues. In those cases, it’s worth paying closer attention and checking in with a veterinarian.
At the end of the day, even the most bizarre-looking nap positions usually come down to one simple thing: your dog feels safe, comfortable, and completely at home.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Apr 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.