The Best Dog Beds For Every Shape and Size

If you’re like most dog owners, your pup is one of the most important members of the household. You know he (or she) deserves a good night’s sleep. And that means investing in a high-quality dog bed.

Dog beds have come a long way since the days of basic, one-size-fits-all mats. Now, you can find dog beds in every shape and style, for every size and breed of dog – from your 15-pound terrier mix to your 80-pound lab.

Read on as we walk you through the best dog beds on the market, plus everything you need to know before you buy.

Do I really need a dog bed?

The American Kennel Club estimates that dogs spend 50% of their day asleep, and 30% awake but lying down. That’s nearly 20 hours a day your pup spends lounging around. (Sounds like a pretty sweet life.) With all that time spent dozing, comfort is key.

It’s tempting to let your dog sleep with you every night (come on, is there anything better than puppy snuggles?), or give them free reign of the couch. But even if they sleep with you from time to time, it’s important to give them a bed of their own. Dog beds have a few important benefits for our canine companions:

• Comfort: A cushioned dog bed can provide more comfort and support than the floor or furniture and keeps dogs warm in winter months when houses tend to get drafty.
• Security: Dogs like to have a place of their own (that’s why many end up liking their crates so much). Dog beds give them a spot that feels safe and familiar.
• Injury prevention: A dog bed can prevent injuries from jumping on and off high furniture. For older dogs, orthopedic dog beds can help support joints and bones.
• Easier cleaning: Dog beds can help corral dog hair, dander and dirt in one area – and many dog beds have machine washable covers, making them easy to clean. 

Different types of dog beds

These days, it seems like there are as many types of dog beds as there are mattresses for people (actually, it might be close). Here’s the lowdown on a few of the most popular types of dog beds:

STANDARD DOG BEDS

These are typical dog beds that look like a large cushion or pillow. They come in tons of different shapes, sizes and styles, and you can get them at basically every price point or color. They’re a great choice for most pups, especially big dogs who like to sprawl out. The only exception: older dogs who may need additional support.

ORTHOPEDIC DOG BEDS

Orthopedic beds provide more support for dogs with arthritis or other orthopedic issues. They’re usually made out of a thick memory foam base with a soft cover, which acts as a cushion for bones and joints. They also work great for thin dogs, who don’t have extra padding to protect them from the floor.

BOLSTER DOG BEDS

These are essentially standard cushion dog beds, but with a raised edge around some or all sides. They’re great for dogs who like to snuggle and have something to lean up against. The raised edges act like a pillow for pups to lay their heads on.

DONUT OR BAGEL DOG BEDS

Like bolster dog beds, donut or bagel dog beds have a raised edge – however, the edges are usually higher and they’re round or oval in shape (hence the name). Picture a bean bag with a deep indentation in the middle. These are super-cuddly and cozy, perfect for your pup to curl up in.       

RAISED DOG BEDS

Although they come in lots of different varieties (including, yes, replicas of actual sofas), raised dog beds are typically made of thick fabric stretched across a raised metal or plastic frame. These are great for dogs who don’t like overly soft surfaces, and they elevate your pups off the floor, keeping them warmer (and cleaner).

CRATE OR KENNEL DOG BEDS

These thinner mats, which often have a removable cover for easy washing, are made to fit inside your pup’s crate and help keep them comfortable. They’re also safer to put inside a crate than blankets, which can be easily chewed and ingested. If you regularly crate your dog while you’re out of the house, you’ll definitely want one.

Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Bed

So, you’re ready to buy a dog bed. Whether you have a brand-new puppy or you’re upgrading for your long-time furry friend, you’ll want to think about a few things before deciding on the perfect bed:

• Sleeping style: Does your pup like to sprawl out or curl up into small spaces? Does he prefer firmer surfaces like the floor, or does he make a beeline for the bed or ottoman at naptime? Paying attention to your dog’s sleeping habits before you purchase a new bed can help you determine what kind will work best.
• Size: Sounds like a no-brainer, but how big your dog is will determine the size of the dog bed you need. Dog beds for large dogs are designed to keep them comfortable without forcing them into too-small spaces. Aim for a dog bed that’s a few inches longer and wider than your pup.
• Activity level: If your dog runs around outside all the time and constantly tracks dirt through your house, you’ll want a pet bed with a machine washable cover. If you know your dog is a chewer, you’ll want something pretty indestructible.
• Age: Don’t forget age, along with any health issues your dog has. If you have a senior dog or if your pup has arthritis or other bone and joint issues, you’ll want an orthopedic dog bed to provide additional support. Standard dog beds can exacerbate health problems for older or injured dogs.

Best Overall Dog Bed

Majestic Pet Products Suede Dog Bed

Best Dog Bed for Large Dogs

Big Barker 7” Pillow Top (Headrest Edition)

Best Orthopedic Dog Bed

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed & Lounge

Best Raised Dog Bed

Kuranda Chewproof Dog Bed

Best Crate Dog Bed

K+H Manufacturing Memory Foam Crate Pad

There’s no shortage of dog beds on the market, but with a little research, you can find the perfect choice for your furry family member (and maybe even reclaim your bed for yourself).

Let us know in the comments below if you still have questions about the best dog beds, or if you have a dog bed that you and your pup both love!

And if you start to get jealous of the fact that your dog might be getting a new bed, it might be time to treat yourself to a new mattress too! Hop on over to our guides to find the best mattress for your sleeping needs.