Choosing the right dog bed starts with your dog’s size, sleeping position, age, habits, and everyday needs. This guide explains what to look for before buying a dog bed so you can choose a comfortable and practical option for your dog.
What Makes a Good Dog Bed?
A good dog bed should give your dog enough room to rest comfortably while matching their sleeping habits and everyday needs. The right choice can be very different for a small dog that curls up compared with a large dog that stretches out.
Before choosing a specific product, consider your dog’s size, sleeping position, age, mobility, activity level, and the environment where the bed will be used.
Quick tip:
Don’t choose a dog bed based only on your dog’s weight. Measure your dog while resting and compare that measurement with the bed’s actual sleeping surface.
Choose the Right Dog Bed Size
The bed should provide enough usable sleeping space for your dog to change positions comfortably.
Small Dogs
Look for a bed that feels cozy without restricting movement. Donut, cuddler, sofa, and small mat styles can all work depending on how your dog sleeps.
Medium Dogs
Measure your dog in their normal sleeping position and allow additional room if they like to stretch out.
Large Dogs
Large dogs need enough surface area to fully lie down without excessive overhang. Check both dimensions and weight capacity.
XL Dogs
Extra-large dogs require special attention to usable sleeping space, foam thickness, frame strength, and maximum weight capacity.
Match the Bed to Your Dog’s Sleeping Style
Your dog’s favorite sleeping position can help narrow down the most suitable bed style.
Curlers & Nesters
Dogs that curl into a ball may enjoy raised edges and a more enclosed sleeping space.
Dogs That Like to Lean
Sofa and bolster beds provide raised edges that can give dogs a place to rest their head or lean against.
Dogs That Stretch Out
Dogs that sleep fully stretched out usually need a larger open sleeping surface rather than a heavily enclosed bed.
Burrowers
Dogs that like to hide under blankets may prefer covered or cave-style sleeping spaces.
Consider Your Dog’s Age and Mobility
Puppies, healthy adult dogs, and senior dogs may have very different bedding requirements.
Puppies
Prioritize easy cleaning, appropriate sizing, and durable construction. Growing puppies may eventually need a larger bed.
Adult Dogs
Focus on the combination of size, sleeping style, comfort, durability, and cleaning that best matches your dog’s routine.
Senior Dogs
Supportive cushioning and easy access may become more important as dogs age.
Choose the Right Dog Bed Material
The filling and outer material affect how a bed feels, how it holds its shape, and how easy it is to maintain.
Memory Foam
Memory foam beds provide a more structured sleeping surface and are commonly used in supportive dog beds.
Fiber Fill
Fiber-filled beds are often soft and plush, making them common in cuddler, donut, and bolster designs.
Fabric & Plush Covers
Soft covers can feel comfortable, but check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and durability claims.
Mesh & Breathable Surfaces
Mesh surfaces are common in elevated beds where airflow beneath and through the sleeping surface is useful.
Check How Easy the Dog Bed Is to Clean
A bed that is difficult to clean can quickly become inconvenient, especially for dogs that shed, drool, or frequently get dirty.
- Check whether the cover is removable.
- Look for machine-washable covers when convenient cleaning is important.
- Check whether the inner cushion can be cleaned separately.
- Consider water-resistant or waterproof components for dogs exposed to moisture.
- Follow the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions.
Think About Where the Bed Will Be Used
The best dog bed for a living room may not be the best choice for a crate, patio, or outdoor kennel.
Indoor
Indoor beds give you more flexibility. Focus on comfort, size, sleeping style, appearance, and how easy the bed is to maintain.
Outdoor
Outdoor beds may benefit from durable construction, moisture resistance, easy cleaning, and designs that keep the sleeping surface away from the ground.
Crate
Measure the usable interior of the crate and make sure the bed leaves enough room for your dog to turn, lie down, and reposition comfortably.
Dog Bed Features Worth Comparing
More features do not automatically mean a better bed. Focus on the features that solve your dog’s specific needs.
| Feature | Useful For | Explore |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopedic | Dogs where supportive cushioning is a priority | View β |
| Waterproof | Moisture, accidents, and outdoor use | View β |
| Washable | Dogs that shed, get dirty, or need frequent cleaning | View β |
| Chew-Resistant | Dogs that frequently chew or destroy bedding | View β |
| Elevated | Airflow, outdoor use, and raised sleeping surfaces | View β |
Dog Bed Buying Checklist
Before ordering, run through these basic checks.
β Size
Measure your dog and check the actual sleeping surface.
β Sleeping Style
Match the design to whether your dog curls, stretches, leans, or burrows.
β Support
Consider cushioning and support based on your dog’s age and needs.
β Cleaning
Check removable covers and washing instructions.
β Durability
Consider construction and materials if your dog chews bedding.
β Location
Make sure the bed fits the room, crate, patio, or outdoor area.
Compare Dog Bed Reviews
Once you know the size, style, and features you need, compare individual dog beds by construction, materials, dimensions, cleaning, and intended use.
Individual Dog Bed Reviews
Compare specific dog beds after narrowing down the type and features that fit your dog.
Best Dog Beds
Start with our main collection if you want to explore different dog bed styles and needs.
Dog Bed Buying FAQ
How do I know what size dog bed to buy?
Measure your dog while resting and compare the measurement with the bed’s usable sleeping surface. Allow additional room if your dog likes to stretch out.
What type of dog bed is best for dogs that curl up?
Dogs that like to curl up may prefer beds with raised edges, such as donut, cuddler, or bolster-style beds.
Are orthopedic dog beds worth considering?
Orthopedic-style beds can be worth considering when supportive cushioning is an important factor. The appropriate bed depends on the individual dog’s size, comfort, age, and needs.
What dog bed is easiest to clean?
Look for removable, machine-washable covers and materials that are easy to clean. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions for the specific bed.
Should a dog bed be waterproof?
Waterproof construction can be useful for dogs exposed to moisture, accidents, or outdoor conditions. It is not necessarily required for every indoor dog bed.
What should I look for in a dog bed for a dog that chews?
Consider construction, material durability, seams, and the manufacturer’s chew-resistance claims. No dog bed should be assumed to be indestructible.
Find the Right Dog Bed
Start with your dog’s size and sleeping style, then consider support, materials, cleaning, durability, and where the bed will be used.