Few of us who’ve seen our dogs “run” in their sleep doubt that they dream, but are dreams breed-specific?

In 1977, scientists reporting in the journal Physiological Behavior recorded the electrical activity of the brains of six Pointers for 24 hours, and found that the dogs spent 44 percent of their time alert, 21 percent drowsy and 12 percent in REM sleep. They also spent 23 percent of their time in the deepest stage of non-REM sleep, called slow-wave sleep. This was basically true of all dogs, however, not just Pointers.

But later, researchers also found that a dreaming Pointer may not only start searching for game, but go on point, while a sleeping Springer Spaniel may flush an imaginary bird in his dreams.  For unknown reasons, the size of the dog may also determine the size of the dream. Smaller dogs have more frequent but shorter dream periods, while large dogs have less frequent, but longer dreams.

And what of us? Is it significant if we dream about a specific breed?

As long as we realize that dream interpretation is a subjective art, and not an exact science, it can be amusing, if not interesting. In an article for BarkPost, Sarah Greenleaf wrote that dreaming about Golden Retrievers is a good omen about a valued friendship because Goldens are considered one of the friendliest and most loyal dogs.  Dreaming about German Shepherd Dogs is interpreted as feeling protective and alert, but also highlight the dreamer’s openness to ideas, but vulnerability to being easily influenced by others. People who dream of Dachshunds are grounded and rational. These dreams highlight loyalty and devotion to other people and causes.

There’s a lot more dog breed interpretations here. Have fun with it!

Image of an Australian Cattle Dog puppy by Deb Casey