If you’re a light sleeper or simply enjoy a quiet home, a dog that snores loudly through the night might be a bit annoying. While many people may think that snoring is a human trait, some dog breeds are surprisingly noisy at night.
While snoring can occur in any breed, especially if the dog is overweight or has certain health issues, some breeds are naturally less prone to it. The main cause of snoring in dog breeds is their facial structure. Brachycephalic breeds may snore more due to their flat faces.
The good news? Plenty of breeds are naturally quiet sleepers. Dogs with longer snouts, leaner builds, and active lifestyles are typically less prone to snoring.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed companion for apartment living or a gentle family dog that won’t disrupt your sleep, here are 7 dog breeds that fit the bill!
Low Snoring Tendency Dog Breeds
1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is known for its striking elegance and a flowing, sleek coat. Personality-wise, they are aloof and get attached to one or two family members only.
They are quiet dog breeds who sleep pretty peacefully at night. According to HillsPet, their long snouts and open airways are the reason. Bred for speed and hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, they are athletic and lean, which contributes to their healthy sleeping habits.
They are generally calm indoors and enjoy lounging, which makes them excellent companions for households who prefer peace and quiet.
They do have an independent nature, which makes training a bit tricky, needing an expert hand. Also, they need extra attention with grooming due to their extra-long coat.
2. Dalmatian
So what keeps a Dalmatian’s snoring to a minimum? It’s movement! As Dalmatians are well-known runners, their exercise needs are higher. Due to this, they have lean and muscular bodies that help maintain the open airways.
Even after strenuous exercise, they tend to stretch out quietly. Their structured breathing and stamina mean that they recover efficiently, with no wheezing or heavy panting.
Dalmatians are also surprisingly quiet during the daytime. They do not bark much, unless pretty necessary, maintaining a peaceful aura around the house.
Some owners notice that their Dalmatians start snoring all of a sudden, making noises that feel very much like those of a human. This could be due to reduced activity or exercise. Weight gain can also be the root cause. Regular vet visits ensure timely diagnosis and management of underlying health conditions.
3. Akita
The Akita is a powerful guard dog breed known for its loyalty, strong protective instincts, and aloof nature. They were originally bred in Japan for hunting large game like bears. Physically, it is well developed and muscular with a broad head.
Given their size, they may look intimidating, but they don’t bark much. They observe quietly for any possible threats, and once they bark, it is to alert and should be paid serious attention to.
They don’t snore much. Especially when they are in good health and at an ideal weight. While some of the Akitas are not completely immune to snoring, they may do so occasionally, but in a mild and infrequent manner.
If you already own one, or are planning to, just make sure to provide regular exercise and watch their weight.
They may be prone to catching seasonal allergens, which may affect them and you, too, of course. Their dense double coat needs to be maintained carefully during heavy shedding seasons.
4. Borzoi
The Borzoi is an elegant dog breed with a longer snout than usual. Originally bred in Russia as a sighthound for hunting wolves, they are speedy and strong. Despite their athletic nature, they are calm and quiet indoors. They don’t bark much and carry the same demeanor in their sleeping habits, too. Snoring is usually not a concern with them.
Thanks to their long, narrow snouts and well-formed airways, Borzois breathe efficiently, even when in deep sleep. They are not brachycephalic, which is a main cause for breed-specific snoring.
All they need is some outdoor time during the day, a good brushing routine, and a cozy bed at night to sleep peacefully.
5. Greyhound
Greyhounds are truly unique dogs with qualities that come as a surprise, given their looks and hunting history. Known for their speed, most people don’t expect them to be such calm, almost lazy house pets. But when they are not on the track, they love lounging and sleeping. A lot!
Even when most of their day is spent snoozing, snoring is just not their thing. The reason is how they are built. They have long, slender faces and deep chests, giving them efficient air flow.
What makes them even more special is their calm personality. They blend into the house, never needy, never loud.
Another plus is that they are Velcro Dogs, which means they shadow you around wherever you go. They may not disturb your sleep by snoring, but they might wake you with a nudge to claim a share of your blanket!
6. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, often called the Sheltie, is a small dog with a big heart and a silky coat. It is known to be intelligent, alert, and loyal. It is also a highly affectionate dog who loves being close to its people. When it comes to nighttime habits, Shelties are usually quiet sleepers.
For those who love to sleep without disturbances, Shelties are a perfect choice. Their slender and well-proportioned snouts do not cause any breathing issues.
They may be quiet sleepers, but according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Shetland Sheepdogs have a high tendency to bark due to their watchdog instincts. They may even greet guests with excessive barking, too!
Shelties are active dog breeds that need ample exercise during the day to stay happy. They excel as therapy dogs as well as in dog sports such as agility, obedience, herding, and tracking. Consistent training helps keep them engaged and manage barking levels, too.
7. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a small and slender dog breed that is full of charm. These delicate breeds are happiest when on a lap or tucked under a blanket.
When it comes to sleep, they are usually quiet. These gentle pups don’t typically snore because of their long snout.
Occasional snoring may be okay, but if they snore regularly, it means that they may be overweight, have some irritation in the nasal passage, or a tooth infection, which is causing inflammation of the airways as well.
Their biggest nighttime problem is their habit of burrowing! They wriggle under the covers and claim your space without warning.
Italian Greyhounds are definitely the fastest dog breed, but they are quiet and snuggly indoors. They don’t need much exercise apart from a few sprints outside to burn their pent-up energy. They are also low-maintenance breeds, and upkeep is easy with minimal grooming.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best dog with a low tendency to snore, breed matters more than you think. Breeds with longer snouts and sleek athletic bodies have open airways that make breathing easier at night time also. This makes them a great choice for light-sleeping pet parents.
On the flip side, breeds with flat faces, short snouts, and adorable wrinkles like the French bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and, surprisingly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, may win hearts with their gentle nature, but they are more prone to breathing problems and sometimes skin infections. Their facial structure makes it hard to breathe and cool off after exercise, hence causing such problems.
Some large dogs like Greyhounds and Irish Setters may surprise you with how quietly they sleep. At the end of the day, it is important to understand your preferences and a dog’s anatomy to make a better choice.
