Let’s be honest—snoring dogs can be absolutely adorable… until they start drowning out your favorite Netflix series or your midnight dreams. If you’ve ever shared your bed (or your living room) with a snoring dog, you know the sound can rival a chainsaw. But what if snoring is just part of the breed’s charm?
Brachycephalic dogs are characterized by their shortened noses and skulls, which give them that distinctive flat-faced look. These breeds often have narrowed nostrils, known as stenotic nares, restricting the airflow and making it harder for them to breathe smoothly.
Additionally, they tend to have elongated soft palates that contribute to louder breathing sounds during both inhaling and exhaling. When you add a narrow windpipe into the mix, these pups often struggle to move air efficiently in and out of their lungs, especially while they’re asleep. This is what leads to their infamous snoring.
So, which breeds top the list as the biggest snorers? Take a look at our rundown of the 7 dog breeds that snore the most!
What makes them so soundly loud, and how can you sleep peacefully with your snore-prone companion? Get your earplugs ready—or just fall in love with the snore.
Extremely Prone to Snoring Dog Breeds
1. English Bulldog
If you’ve ever wanted a pet that sounds like an idling tractor while sleeping, look no further than the English Bulldog. These chunky cuddle-muffins are absolute legends when it comes to snoring. Their adorable, smooshed faces may melt your heart, but they’ll also rattle your windows come bedtime.
Although Bulldogs stand only about 14–15 inches tall, they have a solid, muscular build weighing between 40 and 50 pounds. Their distinctive features include drooping lips and numerous loose wrinkles and folds around their face and neck.
The English Bulldog is generally friendly, loyal, and gets along well with children and other pets. While they are usually calm and gentle, they can be curious when encountering new situations and may be somewhat reserved around strangers.
Why do English Bulldogs snore like grandpas on a recliner?
Their short nasal passages cause airflow turbulence—think of it as a wind tunnel full of sleepy grunts.
Bulldogs are pros at gaining weight, and extra padding means even more nighttime noise.
Once they’re out, they are out—they sleep with the confidence of someone who pays no rent and steals your blanket.
Their snores range from soft hums to full-on trombone solos, usually peaking during REM sleep.
Thanks to their brachycephalic structure (fancy talk for “face squished like a pancake”), they’ve basically got a built-in foghorn. PetMD noted English Bulldogs don’t handle heat well. During hot weather, make sure your Bulldog always has access to shade, fresh water, and air conditioning.
Limit walks to the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, to keep them safe and comfortable.
Let’s be honest: having an English Bulldog is like owning a living, snoring beanbag. Sure, you may never need a white noise machine again, but their endless affection and goofy personality make every night’s symphony totally worth it.
2. Pug
Pugs may be small in size, but when it comes to snoring, they go big. These little gremlins sound like a tiny motorbike revving up at bedtime. Don’t let their compact cuteness fool you—when a Pug snoozes, the whole house knows about it.
These cheerful little dogs were bred specifically as companions, making them perfect pets for a wide range of owners—from individuals living alone in city apartments to families in suburban homes. Pugs, in particular, are celebrated for their happy personalities and friendly, loving nature.
They don’t just snore—they perform a full audio symphony of snorts, wheezes, grumbles, and piglet-like oinks. It’s like living with a sleep-deprived accordion that’s trying to breathe.
Why does your Pug sound like Darth Vader with allergies?
Their smushed faces and short airways mean every breath sounds like it’s fighting to get out of a kazoo.
Pugs love to talk—even in their sleep. Expect random snores, sighs, and mid-nap grumbles just for dramatic effect.
Like other brachycephalic breeds, Pugs struggle to cool themselves properly, especially in hot weather, making their breathing even more… musical.
Snoring = comfort: A loudly snoring Pug is a happy Pug. If they’re not snoring, something might actually be wrong!
Pugs have short coats that require minimal grooming. While they don’t need a lot of exercise, daily activity is important to keep them healthy and fit. Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential to ensure they stay happy and well.
WebMD says Pugs may bark when someone unfamiliar approaches; they’re generally not loud dogs. They aren’t territorial and usually greet new people with enthusiasm. Their friendly nature means they’re more likely to be your loyal companion than a guard dog.
Sure, they may sound like a tiny grandpa stuck in a wind tunnel, but Pugs make up for the noise with endless charm, loyalty, and a level of comedic timing that would make stand-up comics jealous. So, if you’re craving a cuddle buddy with the snore volume of a human adult, a Pug might just be your soulmate.
3. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are basically compact comedians with big ears and even bigger snore potential. These pint-sized charmers might be small in stature, but when it comes to snoring? Oh, they bring the noise.
Picture a loaf of bread with legs, snuggled into your couch, suddenly unleashing a snore that sounds like a clogged vacuum cleaner. Yep—that’s a Frenchie in dreamland. Cute? Absolutely. Quiet? Not even a little.
Frenchies are small, sturdy dogs with a short muzzle, a wide, flat face, and large, bat-like ears. When fully grown, they weigh under 28 pounds and stand about 11–13 inches tall. They usually have a broad, muscular chest and a compact, petite body.
Their friendly temperament, lively personality, and compact size have made French Bulldogs one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
Why do Frenchies snore like they’re trying to start a lawnmower?
Like their English cousins, French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning their squishy little faces come with built-in breathing difficulties.
Their narrow nostrils make airflow a struggle, turning every sleepy inhale into a sound effect from a sci-fi movie.
Frenchies love treats as much as they love naps. The extra pounds? Yep, that just adds fuel to the snoring fire.
They nap hard, and when they do, they sound like they’re arguing with ghosts in their dreams.
Additionally, French Bulldogs have numerous skin folds on their face that require regular cleaning with dog-safe wipes to prevent irritation. Due to their uneven muscle distribution, they are poor swimmers and should never be left unattended near water.
French Bulldogs are the life of the party when they’re awake and the loudest guests once they crash. If you’re looking for a pet with low maintenance and high entertainment value—plus built-in nighttime sound effects—the Frenchie is your match.
4. Boxer
Don’t be fooled by the athletic build and superhero energy—Boxers may bounce like kangaroos during the day, but when they crash, they really crash. And they snore like they just ran a marathon in their dreams.
Boxers are deep-chested and typically well-muscled dogs with a sleek, smooth coat. They are classified as a medium-sized breed, usually weighing between 65 and 80 pounds and standing about 21 to 25 inches tall.
These lovable goofballs are another member of the brachycephalic crew, meaning their short muzzles are more for looks than efficiency. Add their creative sleeping positions (think upside down, twisted like a pretzel, or halfway off the couch), and you’ve got yourself a snore soundtrack that could shake the house.
Why do Boxers snore like they’re trying to win a snoring contest?
Their short nasal passages cause airflow turbulence that sounds like a bear with a cold.
Boxers love to sleep on their backs, with legs in the air—maximum snore amplification guaranteed.
Muscle + munchies: While they’re fit, they do enjoy treats, and a little extra weight can crank the snore volume up to 11.
Once they’re out, they’re gone. You could vacuum next to them and they wouldn’t budge—just snore louder.
When properly socialized from a young age, Boxers can make great family dogs. However, their high energy levels and tendency to jump may not be suitable for frail individuals or very young children.
They need between 30 minutes and two hours of daily exercise and can excel in dog sports like rally, agility, and lure coursing.
If you’re into cuddling a living, snoring gym bro who thinks he’s a lapdog, the Boxer is your perfect sleep buddy.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu hails from China and is believed by some to be a mix between a Pekingese and a Lhasa Apso. Its name comes from a Chinese word meaning “lion.” Shih Tzus may look like aristocrats with their flowing coats and posh attitude, but behind those soulful eyes lies a surprisingly noisy napper.
These pint-sized pups may be royalty, but they snore like old men who’ve had a bit too much pie. Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and stand about 8 to 11 inches tall.
With their adorable smooshed faces and tiny airways, these dogs are practically designed to snore. Oh, and they often deal with a touch of sleep apnea, so expect a variety of snuffles, snorts, and sleepy grumbles throughout the night.
Why do Shih Tzus snore like a tiny steam engine?
Their short noses can’t quite keep up when they’re snoozing hard.
Miniature airway = maximum noise: Tiny breathing tubes equal big bedtime drama.
These dogs love to sleep—and when they do, they go all in with a full snore playlist.
These pups sometimes pause mid-snore for dramatic effect, then resume with gusto.
Your Shih Tzu doesn’t require much exercise since they were bred to be an indoor companion. Historically, they were cherished as royal pets, spending most of their time inside palaces.
Your Shih Tzu is sensitive to heat, so avoid leaving them outside for extended periods in warm weather. Also, steer clear of intense exercise that could cause their body temperature to rise too much.
Shih Tzus may be tiny, but their snoring presence is mighty. If you want a snuggle buddy who sounds like a sleepy tea kettle, the Shih Tzu won’t disappoint.
6. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are like the friendly bouncers of the dog world—calm, strong, protective, and… surprisingly noisy when they sleep. While they aren’t as flat-faced as some of their snorty cousins, their massive heads, droopy jowls, and loose neck skin make for the perfect storm of nighttime rumbles.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Bullmastiffs are a cross between Bulldogs and Mastiffs. While they’re not quite as large as their close relative, the Mastiff, Bullmastiffs still stand up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds—definitely a substantial dog.
When a Bullmastiff sleeps, it sounds like someone trying to start a tractor underwater. They might not even notice they’re doing it—but trust us, you will.
Why Bullmastiffs snore like they’re auditioning for a sound effects job:
Heavy jowls = flappy snores: All that loose skin vibrates like a bass speaker during REM sleep.
It’s not bulldog-level short, but just enough to cause some breathing drama.
Once they’re out, these dogs commit to sleep—and their snore symphony reflects that.
They love to sleep like humans, but snore like freight trains.
Bullmastiffs are moderately playful and usually open to strangers, yet their strong sense of vigilance makes them reliable watchdogs. They are energetic and active dogs who thrive with daily exercise, such as brisk walks and outdoor games.
If you’re cool with a dog that doubles as a bodyguard by day and a snoring lawnmower by night, the Bullmastiff has your back—and your blanket.
7. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are walking teddy bears: sweet, slobbery, and massive. But with great size comes great snoring. These gentle giants bring all the sleepy sounds, from subtle snores to full-on avalanche alerts (how fitting for a mountain rescue dog, right?).
As a giant breed, Saint Bernards typically weigh between 120 and 180 pounds and stand 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. With floppy skin, gigantic necks, and a habit of flopping down like a sack of potatoes, it’s no surprise their breathing gets a little dramatic at bedtime.
Saint Bernards are also recognized for their empathetic intelligence, enabling them to pick up on human emotional shifts. This quality makes them excellent service animals, particularly as psychiatric service dogs.
Why Saint Bernards snore like snuggly snowplows:
Their sheer size means more tissue to vibrate and more sound to produce.
That loose skin loves to shift just enough to muffle airways and cause snorts.
Flat on their backs, legs splayed… a classic setup for maximum snore output.
People might ask if you own a bear. You don’t. It’s just your Saint Bernard snoring through another dream.
Saint Bernards aren’t well-suited to living outdoors with minimal human interaction; they thrive when living indoors with their family.
While they’re not naturally aggressive, they will bark when necessary, and their protective instincts activate if their loved ones are threatened. Their large size often serves as a strong deterrent to potential intruders.
If you’re looking for a cuddle companion who’s basically a furry furnace with a built-in sound machine, the Saint Bernard is a top pick.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds are extremely prone to snoring, especially brachycephalic breeds like Boston Terriers (the American Gentleman), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Dogue de Bordeaux. These canines, known for their squished faces, shorter snouts, narrow airways, or narrow trachea, often snore loudly due to breathing problems or an elongated soft palate. Many of these chronic snorers are still great family pets, but pet parents should monitor their puppy or adult pet for breathing issues, especially if there’s weight gain or obesity, which worsens snoring.
While snoring in dogs can be caused by a sleeping position, in certain breeds, it’s often more serious. Veterinarian or vet visits can help maintain health and a healthy weight. Whether you own a brachycephalic dog or are comparing it to other breeds or other dogs, it’s important to understand that expressive sleepers may need more care, but that doesn’t make them any less lovable.
