Does anyone know why dogs like to sleep by the feet on the foot end of the bed?

It is a protective issue with them. You will notice to, they are always facing the door.

My dog likes to sleep on my pillow. I slowly shuffle him down from it (he gets to have his own pillows... I'm a softy, not a meanie), :) but if I hug him too much he'll move to our feet. I think he likes to have some "him" time when he's off in dreamland. Wouldn't you love it if your biggest problem in life was being hugged too much? :)

I think sometimes my dog would prefer I sleep at the foot of the bed. He likes to stretch out on the pillow and gently push me to the side. Eventually when I will not give him the whole bed he gets down and sleeps at the foot of the bed .Watching the door.

Dogs sleep very lightly, very protective and ready and alert for any emergency, no matter how small.

My girl is pretty big, unfortunately sleeps with my husband because they both snore but when she did sleep with me, it was up with me for cuddling (as big as she is!) and then as soon as we both got sleepy it was her at the foot of the bed and facing the door.

I agree with Tickle, my guys just always want to be in the same room with us 24/7. Ever notice how a dogs walks in 3-4 circles before dropping down for the night. Many folks believe it is an ancient tactic they learned 1000s of years ago to get one last good look in all directions before laying down.