Ever wondered if dogs snore just like humans? The answer is a resounding yes! Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are particularly prone to snoring due to their unique facial structure. This can lead to obstructed airways and loud snoring sounds.1
Whether you’re considering adopting a new furry friend or are simply curious about which breeds are the biggest snorers, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the top 15 dog breeds that are most likely to keep you entertained—or awake—at night with their snoring.
1. English Bulldog: The Heavyweight Snorer
English Bulldogs are infamous for their snoring. Their short snouts and compact airways contribute to their heavy breathing and snoring sounds. These lovable dogs often snore even when they’re wide awake, making them charming but noisy companions.
2. Pug: The Tiny Tornado of Snores
Pugs are small in size but big in snoring. Their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure leads to frequent snoring. Despite their loud snores, their adorable, wrinkly faces make it all worthwhile.
They are prone to respiratory issues due to their compressed nasal passages, which often cause them to snore loudly.
3. French Bulldog: The Compact Snore Machine
Similar to their English cousins, French Bulldogs have a short nasal passage that makes them prone to snoring. Their endearing personalities and playful nature more than compensate for their nocturnal noises.
French Bulldogs are also susceptible to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which contributes to their breathing difficulties and snoring.
4. Boston Terrier: The Snoring Gentleman
Boston Terriers might be small, but they pack a punch in the snoring department. Their short muzzles and narrow nostrils often cause snoring, making bedtime a symphony of snorts and snores. Boston Terriers are also prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome.
5. Shih Tzu: The Royal Snorer
Shih Tzus are charming lapdogs known for their friendly disposition and, you guessed it, snoring. Their compact faces and small airways are the culprits behind their frequent snoring sounds. Due to their brachycephalic features, Shih Tzus are particularly prone to respiratory issues, which often result in noisy breathing during sleep.
6. Boxer: The Athletic Snorer
Boxers’ broad, flat noses can cause breathing issues that lead to snoring, especially after an active day. Boxers are known for their playful and exuberant personalities, but their brachycephalic structure often results in respiratory problems and loud snoring. Their protective and loyal nature makes them excellent family pets despite their noisy sleeping habits.
7. Pekingese: The Regal Snorer
Pekingese dogs, with their pushed-in faces and luxurious coats, are also notorious snorers. Their brachycephalic features contribute to respiratory issues due to their compressed nasal passages, which often cause snoring.
8. Lhasa Apso: The Monastery Snorer
Lhasa Apsos, originally bred as watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries, are small but vocal sleepers. Their flat faces and narrow airways often result in snoring, adding to their quirky charm. Lhasa Apsos are also prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Gentle Snorer
These gentle and affectionate dogs are prone to snoring due to their short noses and elongated soft palates. Their loving nature and adorable looks make their snoring a minor inconvenience. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are particularly prone to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic features.
10. Bullmastiff: The Mighty Snorer
Bullmastiffs are large, powerful dogs that also happen to be heavy snorers. Their short, wide snouts lead to breathing difficulties and, consequently, loud snoring. Bullmastiffs are prone to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic features. Despite these challenges, their protective and loyal nature makes them excellent guard dogs and family pets.
11. Chihuahua: The Little Loud Snorer
Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their snoring can be surprisingly loud. Their small size and delicate nasal passages contribute to their frequent snoring sounds. The Chihuahua’s snoring is linked to their brachycephalic anatomy, which can cause partial airway obstructions. Additionally, obesity can exacerbate snoring in Chihuahuas, making it crucial for owners to maintain a healthy weight for their pets.
12. American Bulldog: The Muscular Snorer
American Bulldogs have muscular builds and broad heads, which often result in snoring. Their strong, sturdy appearance contrasts with the soft, rhythmic snores they produce while sleeping. The breed’s snoring is largely due to their short, wide muzzles that can cause airway obstructions.
American Bulldogs are also prone to developing BOAS, which can lead to severe breathing issues and loud snoring.
13. Shar Pei: The Wrinkled Snorer
Shar Peis, known for their distinctive wrinkled skin, are also known for their snoring. Their brachycephalic structure can cause breathing difficulties, leading to nocturnal noises.
The Shar Pei’s snoring is often a result of their compact nasal passages and elongated soft palate. These dogs are also prone to respiratory conditions such as laryngeal paralysis, which can further contribute to their snoring.
14. Staffordshire Bull Terrier: The Courageous Snorer
These energetic and affectionate dogs are also prone to snoring. Their short noses and compact facial structure often lead to noisy breathing during sleep. Staffordshire Bull Terriers, with their brachycephalic features, may experience snoring due to partial airway obstructions. This breed can also suffer from sleep apnea, which exacerbates their snoring.
15. Dachshund: The Long-bodied Snorer
Dachshunds, with their long bodies and short legs, can also be snorers. Their unique anatomy and sometimes narrow nasal passages contribute to their snoring habits.
The breed’s snoring is often associated with its elongated bodies, which can cause respiratory issues due to the pressure on its trachea and lungs. Additionally, obesity can worsen snoring in Dachshunds, making it important to monitor their diet and exercise.
16. English Mastiff: The Gentle Giant Snorer
English Mastiffs are gentle giants with a tendency to snore loudly. Their large heads and short muzzles make them prone to breathing issues, resulting in heavy snoring. The breed’s brachycephalic structure often leads to conditions like BOAS, which can cause significant respiratory problems and loud snoring.
17. Chow Chow: The Lion-like Snorer
Chow Chows, with their thick fur and lion-like mane, are known for their snoring. Their brachycephalic features can lead to breathing difficulties, making them frequent snorers. The breed’s compact nasal passages and elongated soft palates often cause airway obstructions that result in snoring.
18. Saint Bernard: The Alpine Snorer
Saint Bernards are massive dogs with equally massive snores. Their large size and broad heads often result in snoring, but their gentle nature makes up for it. The breed’s snoring is primarily due to their large, short muzzles and the weight of their heads, which can cause airway obstructions.
19. Basset Hound: The Droopy-eyed Snorer
Basset Hounds, with their droopy ears and soulful eyes, are also known to snore. Their long, narrow nasal passages contribute to their frequent snoring sounds. The breed’s snoring is often a result of their brachycephalic features and elongated soft palate.
20. Cocker Spaniel: The Merry Snorer
Cocker Spaniels are friendly and affectionate dogs that can also be snorers. Their short noses and elongated soft palates often cause snoring, adding to their list of endearing traits. The breed’s brachycephalic features can lead to airway obstructions and respiratory issues, resulting in noisy breathing during sleep.
While these breeds are known for their snoring, it’s important to remember that snoring can sometimes indicate health issues. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can ensure that your snoring companion is healthy and happy.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.