Some dogs don’t just nap—they put on a full symphony while they sleep! If you’ve ever been woken up by a deep, rumbling snore from your furry friend, you’re not alone. Certain breeds are more prone to nighttime (or even daytime) snoring due to their unique facial structures, breathing patterns, and relaxed personalities.
From adorable snuffly snoozers to full-on bedtime concert performers, these pups are known for their distinctive sleep habits. While their loud breathing might surprise first-time owners, it’s often just a quirky part of who they are. Understanding why some dogs snore more than others can help you provide better care, ensuring restful sleep for both of you.
This guide explores seven breeds most likely to fill your home with snorting, wheezing, and adorable snuffles. Whether you find their snoring endearing or an unexpected challenge, these lovable companions make up for it with their charm, loyalty, and affectionate nature. Ready to meet the loudest snoring dog breeds? Let’s dive in!
Highly Likely to Snore Dog Breeds
1. Shih Tzu
With its flowing coat and affectionate personality, the Shih Tzu may look like a lapdog built for quiet companionship, but when bedtime arrives, it’s a different story. This breed is well-known for its loud breathing habits, thanks to its short snout and compact airways. Even while awake, some Shih Tzus exhibit gentle snorts, making their nighttime soundtrack almost inevitable.
Surprisingly, this small yet sturdy breed has a long history as a royal favorite, dating back to ancient China. While their ancestors lounged in imperial palaces, they likely filled grand halls with gentle nasal rumbles, as described by AKC. Their adorably squashed faces contribute to their breathing quirks, which only get more pronounced during deep sleep.
Unlike larger breeds, their snoring tends to be rhythmic and relatively soft, often resembling the hum of a tiny motor. Owners often find this an endearing trait, associating it with their pet’s relaxed and happy nature. However, if a Shih Tzu’s nocturnal noises suddenly become excessive, weight gain or allergies might be factors worth considering.
Despite their noisy slumber, these dogs remain some of the most affectionate companions. Their love for cuddles means they’ll happily snooze beside you, snoring and all, bringing warmth and companionship to any home.
2. English Bulldog
Stocky, muscular, and famously wrinkled, the English Bulldog is a breed that takes its rest seriously, sometimes a little too loudly, as described by Hill’s Pet. Their distinctively squashed muzzles make them highly prone to producing deep, resonant snoring that can easily rival that of a human.
This breed’s airway structure plays a major role in its characteristic sleep sounds. Narrow nostrils and an elongated soft palate mean air doesn’t pass through as smoothly as in longer-nosed breeds. As a result, even their relaxed breathing often includes wheezes, snores, and snorts.
Despite their somewhat gruff nighttime sounds, these dogs are known for their sweet and affectionate nature. Bulldogs thrive on companionship and often settle in for a nap beside their favorite human, whether on the couch, bed, or even the floor.
Interestingly, English Bulldogs are known to dream vividly. Owners sometimes notice their pet paddling their legs mid-sleep as if chasing an imaginary ball, all while producing an orchestra of snores and sighs.
For those considering this lovable breed, be prepared for a full-on bedtime soundtrack. But for many Bulldog enthusiasts, their snoring is just another part of their irresistible charm.
3. Pug
Compact and full of personality, the Pug is a breed that doesn’t just snore—it performs a whole range of snuffles, grunts, and snorts both awake and asleep. Their short noses contribute to restricted airflow, making nighttime (or even daytime) breathing slightly more dramatic than in other dogs.
Despite their small size, Pugs have a surprisingly loud sleeping presence. Their snoring can be as unpredictable as their playful personalities, sometimes gentle and rhythmic, other times loud enough to be heard across the room.
This breed is particularly susceptible to snore-inducing conditions such as nasal congestion and seasonal allergies. Humidifiers and proper sleeping positions can sometimes ease their nighttime breathing, but their natural anatomy ensures that soft snorts are part of the package.
Interestingly, their expressive faces often make them appear as if reacting to their snores. Many owners delight in watching their Pug twitch and grunt through a particularly animated dream.
Whether curled up beside you or sprawled out across a pillow, this breed makes for a charming, if occasionally noisy, sleeping companion.
4. French Bulldog
Few breeds embrace relaxation as wholeheartedly as the French Bulldog. Whether napping in their favorite sunny spot or curling up under a blanket, these compact canines produce an unmistakable snore that many owners grow to love.
Their short, flat faces create airflow resistance, leading to deep, rhythmic snores that can vary in volume depending on their sleeping position. Unlike some breeds whose snoring softens with a shift in posture, Frenchies often continue their nocturnal sounds regardless of how they lie.
Despite their snoring tendencies, they’re incredibly affectionate and thrive in human company. Many French Bulldogs prefer sleeping close to their owners, meaning their nighttime noises become a familiar part of household life.
This breed also has a knack for making amusing sleep sounds beyond just snoring. Many owners report hearing soft “puffs” or contented sighs, making their sleep habits oddly entertaining.
For those who can appreciate a lovable, compact snorer, this breed is an excellent choice. Their affectionate nature and amusing antics easily make up for any nighttime disturbances.
5. Boston Terrier
Nicknamed the “American Gentleman” for its tuxedo-like coat, the Boston Terrier is as dapper as it is endearing. But don’t let their refined appearance fool you—this breed is known for producing some truly amusing sleep sounds.
Boston Terriers have a short muzzle and a naturally compact airway, leading to frequent snoring during sleep. Their nighttime noises range from soft purr-like sounds to full-on snorting, depending on their level of relaxation.
Unlike some breeds that reserve their snoring for sleep, Boston Terriers often make endearing snuffling noises while awake. Their playful nature and excitable energy mean they’re always expressing themselves, sometimes through their breathing patterns.
While their snores may be a regular part of life, these dogs are extremely affectionate and love to be close to their humans, as described by Britannica. They’re also known for being sensitive to changes in their environment, sometimes adjusting their sleep patterns to match their owner’s routine.
If you’re looking for a small yet lively companion with a built-in bedtime soundtrack, the Boston Terrier won’t disappoint. Their charming personality ensures that even their loudest snores are easy to forgive.
6. Bullmastiff
Massive, powerful, and surprisingly gentle, the Bullmastiff is a breed that brings both loyalty and a strong nighttime presence, audibly. With its broad head and short muzzle, this large dog is no stranger to snoring, often producing deep, rumbling sleep sounds that can be heard across the room.
Their size plays a major role in their noisy sleeping habits. A Bullmastiff’s throat muscles relax significantly during sleep, occasionally leading to thunderous snores that seem disproportionate to their otherwise calm demeanor.
Despite their snoring tendencies, they’re one of the most devoted and affectionate breeds. Their relaxed nature means they spend a significant portion of the day napping, treating their owners to various sleep sounds at all hours.
Interestingly, this breed is also known for producing the occasional sleep “talk,” with soft grumbles and sighs accompanying their nighttime orchestra for those who appreciate a loyal protector.
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
Majestic in stature and deeply devoted, this ancient French breed has been a loyal guardian for centuries. However, with its large, wrinkled face and broad snout, it is also one of the most notorious canine snorers. Its relaxed airway and loose facial skin make breathing somewhat noisy, especially at rest.
The sound produced during sleep is often compared to a soft growl or a deep, rhythmic hum. While some owners find it soothing, others may need to make peace with the fact that their nights will never be completely silent.
Due to their size, these dogs need plenty of rest, and when they sleep, they do so with absolute dedication. Sprawled across the floor or curled up in a favorite spot, their deep-breathing patterns ensure that their presence is never unnoticed, even in slumber.
Despite their tendency to create a nighttime symphony, they are remarkably affectionate and gentle with their families. Their expressive eyes and unwavering devotion make them one of the most lovable companions, snoring and all.
Regular exercise and proper sleeping positions can help reduce their nighttime noises, but complete silence is unlikely. Owners who welcome this breed into their home must embrace the fact that a life with them is one filled with companionship, loyalty, and a constant background soundtrack of snorts and snores.
Conclusion
For many dog lovers, the gentle rumble of dog snoring is an endearing trait rather than a nuisance. Among dog breeds that snore loudly, it’s clear that brachycephalic breeds such as the Shih Tzu, English Bulldog, and Boston Terrier dominate the list. Their flat faces, short nasal passages, and constricted airways make them prone to loud snoring, often rivaling that of their human counterparts. While some dog breeds snore only occasionally, others, like Pugs and French Bulldogs, seem to have mastered the art of producing sleep-time soundtracks.
However, snoring issues in brachycephalic dogs can sometimes indicate breathing problems, particularly due to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Their narrow airways, elongated soft palates, and soft tissues contribute to their nighttime noises, but ensuring regular grooming, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing good air circulation can help them breathe easier. Despite their short snouts, these gentle giants and small flat-faced dogs remain some of the most affectionate, lovable family members, making their snore-loud moments well worth it.
Whether you’re a light sleeper or someone who finds comfort in the soothing sounds of a big dog at rest, choosing one of these dog breeds that snore means embracing their unique quirks. From the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the Bullmastiff, these adorable pets may have trouble breathing at times, but they more than make up for it with their calm, joyful presence. If you’re considering an occasional snoring breed, be prepared for a life filled with companionship, love, and the occasional need for earplugs at night!
