If you’ve ever wondered how you can tell if your Black Labrador is content and happy, a telltale sign just might be how much your Black Labrador sounds like a pig. Yeah, pig.
This breed is known to growl, grunt, or oink like a pig as a way to communicate—with other dogs and humans—and to signal contentment and affection rather than aggressiveness. A social media video displaying one Black Labrador’s pig-like way of chatting with its humans is causing major online discussion, not to mention proving a welcome relief for other Black Labrador owners unsure of what to make of their pup’s pig-like sounds.
We’ll get to why this breed growls like a pig in a moment, but first: check out the video.
In the video shared by kash_theblacklab on TikTok, the aforementioned Black Labrador can be seen staring at the camera while making sounds that resemble something between a snoring human and a grunting pig. If we close our eyes, we’re sure we’re listening to someone—human or canine—snoring their way through a deep sleep.
This is no human snoring. Instead, the pig-like sounds are coming from a completely alert and awake dog. The comment section on the post is proving even more fun than the video itself, or at least close.
One commenter familiar with the breed charmingly labeled the dog’s sounds, writing, “I always say that our big Lab has ‘Awake Apnea.’”
Another jumped in, echoing the thoughts of many—us included—writing, “we can’t imagine the snoring.”
A number of commenters watched the video with the sound up loud enough for their own Labrador to hear it. They shared their dogs’ responses, with one writing, “My lab just stopped eating, he understands whatever is being said here. Clearly extremely important for him to STOP eating.”
Another added, “My dog woke up from a dead sleep and started turning his head when he heard this.”
“Okay I thought mine was broken,” added another viewer who recognized the sounds of their own dog. “Good to know he’s not the only one lollll.”
“Have a Lab too and swear he is part Pug,” revealed one more.
Related: Labrador Puppy Enjoys Tummy Time With His Baby Sister
Why Black Labradors Make Pig-Like Sounds
Now, to the why. If you’re wondering why Black Labradors growl like pigs, the answer is simple: to get your attention. This breed often shares pig-like grunts and growls when being petted or cuddled, commonly known as the breed’s “happy growl.”
The sounds are also the breed’s way of talking and communicating, and even a way to let you know they’re happy. If the pig-like growls and grunts come from a dog whose body language is relaxed and calm, it’s safe to assume your pup is content. If your Labrador seems agitated or the grunting more closely resembles wheezing than a charming pig, a call or visit to the vet may be in order.
Related: Moment Blind Black Labrador Hugs Dad After His Deployment Will Make You Sob
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.