7 Dog Breeds That Snore Louder Than Your Grandpa (Seriously)

7 Dog Breeds That Snore Louder Than Your Grandpa (Seriously)

You thought your grandpa’s snoring was impressive? Wait till you share a bed with a bulldog. Some dogs snore so loudly, they could give a Harley Davidson a run for its money—and honestly, it’s kind of adorable.

If you’re the kind of person who finds comfort in a good ol’ nighttime rumble, these snore-tastic pups might just be your perfect match. While all dogs can snore occasionally, certain breeds take this nocturnal habit to new, hilarious heights.

Whether it’s their smooshed little faces or extra skin folds doing the work, these lovable loudmouths don’t just sleep—they perform an all-night concert, complete with grunts, wheezes, and dramatic snooze-fueled solos.

Sure, you might need a pair of earplugs (or two), but in return, you get a snuggly, loyal companion who doesn’t mind hogging the bed—and the spotlight. We’ll dive into the top dog breeds whose snoring might wake the neighbors, but will definitely win your heart.

Just be warned: once you’ve experienced doggie snore symphonies, silence might actually feel… weird.

Dog Breeds That Snore Louder Than Your Grandpa

1. Pekingese

Pekingese

Don’t let their tiny size fool you—these regal fluffballs pack a snore loud enough to wake the entire kingdom.

The Pekingese may look like a dignified little lion strutting around the palace halls, but the moment they hit the hay, their snoring sounds more like a freight train trying to sneak past the throne room.

Pekingese Profile

Why? It’s all about that trademark smooshed face. With a flat nose and tiny nostrils, airflow is limited, turning every breath into a dramatic snort or rumble.

Combine that with a thick, fluffy mane that traps warmth (and occasionally a few snore-inducing snores), and you get a nightly symphony that would make your grandpa jealous.

Why Pekingese are Loud:

  • Short muzzle means airways get a little… congested.

  • Once they’re out, they’re out, snoring full volume.

  • Perfectly happy to burrow in, creating the ultimate snore echo chamber.

  • Small dog, big snore energy.

As a brachycephalic breed with short faces, Pekingese are more susceptible to overheating, so it’s best to avoid exercising them in hot weather, PetMD noted.

Because of their deep affection for their family, some Pekingese may experience separation anxiety when away from their favorite people.

2. French Bulldog

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs aren’t just cute—they’re also professional snorers. Thanks to their signature squished faces and that adorable bat-ear silhouette, these little charmers have airways that work about as well as a clogged baguette.

French Bulldogs, affectionately known as “Frenchies,” are cheerful, laid-back pups who make affectionate companions. Their friendly nature, lively personality, and small, sturdy build have helped them rise to become one of America’s favorite dog breeds.

Their brachycephalic build means airflow is a constant challenge, turning every nap into a snore concert that could rival your grandpa’s favorite armchair.

If that wasn’t enough, Frenchies love their food a little too much, and extra weight around the neck only adds to the snore volume. But despite the nightly noise, their affectionate, playful personalities make every rumble and snort worth it.

French Bulldog Profile

Why Frenchies Snore Loud and Proud:

  • Flat, smooshed face + narrow trachea = built-in snore machine

  • Prone to putting on a few pounds, which can tighten airways

  • Deep sleepers who don’t hold back on volume

  • Cute but clueless about how noisy they are

Due to their distinctive physical structure, French Bulldogs are susceptible to issues like breathing problems, overheating, birthing complications, allergies, and spinal concerns. That’s why it’s essential to have a plan ready for any surprise vet expenses that might arise.

French Bulldogs have flat faces with plenty of wrinkles, and those skin folds require regular cleaning and drying. After meals, be sure to gently wipe their facial folds with a damp cloth or medicated wipe to prevent food residue or drool from causing irritation or infections.

3. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Don’t let their dainty size and flowing locks fool you — Shih Tzus are secret snore warriors. The Shih Tzu hails from China and is believed by many to be a mix between a Pekingese and a Lhasa Apso. Its name, Shih Tzu, translates from Chinese as “lion,” reflecting its regal and majestic appearance.

Their adorable smooshed faces and short muzzles (classic brachycephalic breeds traits) make breathing while asleep a bit of a challenge. When these little charmers tuck themselves into their favorite curled-up positions, they crank the snore volume up to eleven.

Shih Tzu Profile

Their long, luscious coats don’t just make them look like royalty—they also trap warmth, which can relax airways and turn their snoozing sessions into surprisingly noisy affairs. So, if you hear a tiny but mighty snore soundtrack, chances are your Shih Tzu is dreaming big.

Why Shih Tzus Snore Like Pros:

  • Brachycephalic face structure restricts airflow

  • Cozy, curled-up sleeping positions compress airways

  • Long, thick fur traps heat and relaxes airways

  • Deep sleepers who don’t hold back the noise

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♬ original sound – Hugh the Shih Tzu

With their friendly, loving nature and adaptability to smaller living spaces, Shih Tzus have become a favorite among dog enthusiasts. Shih Tzus don’t require a lot of exercise since they were originally bred as indoor companions, often living as cherished pets inside royal palaces.

Because they’re sensitive to heat, it’s important to keep them out of warm weather for extended periods and avoid vigorous activities that could cause them to overheat, says WebMD.

4. Pug

Pug

If you think small dogs can’t make a big noise, the Pug is here to prove you wrong—loudly.

With their trademark smooshed faces, deep wrinkles, and adorable squished noses, Pugs are natural-born snorers. Their brachycephalic anatomy means airways can get seriously crowded, and those lovable skin folds? They don’t help with airflow either.

Pug Profile

After a day of zoomies and wrestling with their favorite toys, Pugs tend to crash hard, and that’s when the snore-fest begins. What sounds like a tiny trumpet solo can fill the room, surprising anyone who thought these little guys would be silent sleepers.

Light sleepers beware: a Pug’s snore is just part of their charm (and their way of saying, “I’m adorable, deal with it!”).

Snore Highlights:

  • Flat face + wrinkly skin = airflow obstacle course

  • Excitement = extra-tired = louder snores

  • Compact size, surprisingly loud snore engine

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♬ original sound – Loulou the Pug

Pugs typically live between 13 and 15 years, but they are prone to several health problems, largely due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure. Their upper respiratory tract is narrower than that of other dogs, which often forces them to breathe through their mouths.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Don’t be fooled by their silky ears and soulful eyes—this little aristocrat can hold their own in the snoring league.

These friendly dogs boast a gentle temperament, making them a great option for first-time dog owners. Currently ranked as the 14th most popular breed, they adapt well to a variety of lifestyles—whether with energetic, active families or more relaxed, homebodies who still make time for daily walks and play sessions.

Key Traits of Sociable and Outgoing Dog Breeds-01

Cavaliers have that classic, slightly shorter muzzle, which sometimes makes breathing a bit like trying to sip tea through a tiny straw. When they settle in for their royal naps, expect a soft, rhythmic snore that’s more of a gentle purr than a chainsaw, but it’s loud enough to remind you who’s boss of the couch.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Profile

Why Cavaliers Join the Snore Squad:

  • A moderately short muzzle can narrow the airflow

  • Loves curling up close to you, making snoring extra noticeable

  • Deep sleepers who don’t mind making a little noise

  • Extra snoring after big play sessions or meals

While not as thunderous as some of their flat-faced cousins, Cavaliers do have a tendency to snore, especially after a day full of tail-wagging fun or a big meal. Their snoring is charming in its own right—kind of like a gentle lullaby sung by your best friend.

6. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

With their sharp tuxedo markings and expressive “who, me?” eyes, Boston Terriers look ready to steal the show — and when it comes to snoring, they do just that!

According to Purina, the Boston Terrier was originally bred for fighting, but it didn’t take long for this distinctive-looking breed to transition from the ring to the hearts and homes of dog lovers everywhere.

Boston Terrier Profile

One of their unique features is their naturally short, bobbed tail, which adds to their compact and tidy appearance. These affectionate pets are part of the brachycephalic club, meaning their short noses and smooshed faces come with a built-in snore machine.

Boston’s Snore Backstory:

  • Flat face + short muzzle = prime snore setup

  • Obesity risks tighten the airway even more

  • Deep sleepers who don’t hold back on volume

  • Small dog, surprisingly loud night soundtrack

Don’t let their compact size fool you — their snoring can fill a room like a tiny foghorn. Add a bit of extra fluff around the neck from a love of snacks (Boston Terriers can be prone to packing on the pounds), and suddenly you’ve got yourself a snoring superstar.

Boston Terriers have flat noses, elongated palates, and narrow airways. Because of this unique anatomy, they can face breathing difficulties, especially if they overheat or get too much exercise at once. During warmer months, it’s best to schedule their play and exercise sessions in the cooler mornings and evenings.

7. English Bulldog

English Bulldog

If there were a Hall of Fame for snoring dogs, the English Bulldog would be a first-ballot inductee. Their famously smooshed faces, short noses, and narrow airways make airflow during sleep a serious challenge, and the result? A snore so loud and proud, it could rival a marching band warming up.

The Bulldog, often called the English Bulldog, is famous for its wide stance, muscular, low-slung body, and distinctive short, wrinkled face with a prominent underbite. Despite standing only 14–15 inches tall, Bulldogs are solidly built, weighing between 40 and 50 pounds.

As a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, English Bulldogs don’t handle heat well and are prone to overheating. Their flat faces also mean they’re far from quiet—expect plenty of panting, snorting, and snoring. Plus, their wrinkled skin needs regular care to avoid infections.

Why Bulldogs Are Snore Royalty:

  • Smooshed face + narrow airway = classic snore setup

  • Elongated soft palate that loves to flap in the breeze

  • A tendency toward extra weight adds airway pressure

  • Favorite sleep positions = extra snore volume

But wait, there’s more: those long soft palates and their tendency to carry a little extra “love weight” only add fuel to the nightly snore fire. Bulldogs love to snooze in positions that look cozy but actually make breathing a bit like trying to suck a milkshake through a tiny straw.

The result? Symphonies of snores, snorts, and grumbles that fill the room—and often your heart.

Conclusion

In the world of dogs, some breeds—like the Boxer and their English cousins—snore loudly enough to rival your grandpa! Their unique physical characteristics, like short throats and compact bodies, play a significant role in those nighttime symphonies.

Despite the noise, these furry friends make wonderful companions, offering joy, companionship, and calm presence in any house. Pet parents should remember that regular grooming, vet checkups, and proper training are essential, especially for adults and children living with these lovable snorers.

Though they shed and can be energetic, they thrive with exercise, mental stimulation, and love. Socialized properly, they’re excellent watchdogs and patient with family, just what Chinese emperors admired long ago. Whether walking or quietly napping, these dogs are always interested in being close to humans, often talking in their own snorty way. Life with them is never dull, and their snoring is just another quirky trick up their legs!

patricia wren
Patricia Wren is a caring and experienced writer who loves helping pet owners give their animals the best life possible. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus on Journalism and has spent years sharing helpful advice with fellow pet lovers. Patricia has fostered dozens of dogs and cared for all kinds of animals — from cats and guinea pigs to birds, turtles, and fish. Whether she’s walking a nervous dog for the first time or helping a shy cat feel at home, her patience and kindness always shine through. Passionate about thoughtful adoptions, Patricia is dedicated to one goal: helping every animal find a safe, loving home where they truly belong.