Give your pooch somewhere comfortable to sleep with the best dog beds. Rest isn’t just good for recharging after a busy day chasing a ball around the garden though —- a good rest — in either a dog bed or one of the best dog crates — is vital for your dog’s health, happiness, and wellbeing.
Cats might have the reputation for sleeping all the time, but dogs are serious snoozers too, sleeping an average of 8 - 13.5 hours a day. That's why it’s so important to make sure that they have somewhere comfortable to lay their head. As expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey explains, the best dog beds “provide them with a space of their own that they can retreat to if they want some peace and to feel safe and secure.”
When you’re choosing the perfect sleeping spot for your dog, there are a few things you should consider. Obviously, it should be comfortable, so look for something with a lot of padding and a nice feeling material. It should also be durable — we love dogs, but they’re not always known for being gentle and careful with their stuff. Beyond that, choose something appropriate to the size of your dog, and try to find something easy to clean - detachable, machine-washable covers make things a lot easier.
If you need something more specialized, we have guides to the best large dog beds for the big dog breeds out there, and the best orthopedic dog beds for pooches with joint and muscle issues. Otherwise, our list of the best dog beds below should have something for you no matter what type of dog you have.
Dr Hannah Godfrey is a small animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but focussed on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.
PetsRadar's pick of the best dog beds
The Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Vegan Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed has a number of positive features.
For a start, it actually seems to have been designed with dogs in mind. Also, the material it is made from is similar to what you'll get in a lot of human beds, so dogs are more likely to be satisfied with this and less likely to resort to invading your own sleeping area.
It is available in four sizes, and comes in three colors. The smallest has a diameter of 23 inches, and the largest is 45 inches. With this in mind, you may want to measure your dog in order to make sure they get the one that fits them best.
It also has a skid-proof bottom, meaning that when it gets dirty, you can simply throw the entire thing into the washer, then air dry or even put in the dryer. Considering the convenience of use it offers, it represents great value for money, and as such makes it to the top of our list.
This is premium by name and premium by build quality thanks to a polyester Oxford fabric which makes this tough as well as waterproof on the underside. The cover is also easy to clean for a quick wipe down, or for our hairier friends, a vacuum over. While the main bed is flat, the edges are raised for added warmth and comfort. But not too high to make vacuuming an issue.
Despite being packed with a solid premium and durable foam which offers comfort, this remains light enough to make it easy to move about, should you need to. When it comes to washing, the high-quality zip can be used to remove the outer for washing. That said, this material is quick drying so a wash and dry doesn't take long.
Everything is abrasion resistant. That's not to say this is built to withstand a continued chew attack. But it will take clawing and a bit of gnawing over time. In fact this is covered by a one year warranty and there are covers sold on their own, should you want a fresh one or to change colour. Perhaps a spare cover for those kennel trips could be useful.
The Scruffs Expedition Water Resistant Box Dog Bed is made of strong water resistant fabric that won’t become stained with mud or grass if your dog is the rough-and-tumble type. The whole bed can be put into the wash if it gets dirty, and it won’t easily rip or tear either. If your dog enjoys chewing on fabric, though, this may not be the best bed for them. The Scruffs bed is available in multiple sizes and colorways, so you should be able to find one that both you and your pooch will enjoy. Because it is all one piece, the Scruffs bed should hold up well and provide support for dogs of all sizes. One important note based on customer feedback: Look closely at the measurements to ensure that it will be large enough for your dog. The seller measurements appear to be based on the inside cushion area, and your dog will need a few inches beyond that depending on how they sleep. Overall this bed is a good choice for a messy dog, though.
Novelty dog beds are plentiful, but we chose the Best Friends by Sheri Novelty Hut Covered Cat & Dog Bed because of its 360-degree coverage and variety of designs. Sometimes puppies and smaller dogs enjoy hiding for safety and security, especially if you have larger animals in the house. One of these dog beds could be just the thing for them. It comes in eight different styles, but they’re all roughly the same size on the inside - about 16 inches by 16 inches - and the same roundish shape. The seller suggests that it fits dogs (and cats) up to 15 pounds, so definitely keep that in mind when checking out these beds. The Best Friends by Sheri Novelty Hut bed would fit especially well in a whimsical kid’s room, but because it’s small you could really put it anywhere. The cushion inside is reversible, removable, and washable. The entire bed is supposed to be machine washable, although given the shapes and styles it seems like that might be a bit tricky to handle. For a little dog, though, this novelty dog bed is great!
The Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed is a cot-style bed made to allow air to circulate, keeping your dog cool and comfortable even in the heat. A big dog or a breed with thick fur that lives in warmer climates might especially appreciate being able to rest on its breathable surface. The bed’s frame is coated steel, so it’s incredibly sturdy, and the fabric is waterproof as well as resistant to mold, mildew, fleas, and more. You can wipe off or even hose down the Coolaroo, making it incredibly easy to clean. It’s available in three sizes and several different colors. Like many dog beds we’ve reviewed, the measurements are very important. Buyers state that the measurements are for the frame and not the usable surface itself, so you may want to buy larger than you’d think depending on how your dog likes to sleep.
Some have also stated that it can be difficult to assemble the bed alone, especially as you have to do some stretching to get the fabric to fit the frame. It’s not suggested that you leave this dog bed outside all of the time, as the steel frame would eventually rust. However, Coolaroo does sell replacement covers. This dog bed can last a long time if well cared for, making it an excellent buy.
The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed contains a layer of high-density memory foam over a layer of supportive foam - just like memory foam beds for humans. Unlike a lot of dog beds, it comes in six sizes. The largest size is 64 inches wide, so you can buy this bed for your giant breed like a Great Dane. It can support dogs with any type of joint issues, as well as dogs predispositioned to them. However, you can also buy the bed in a size small enough for your toy-sized dog, because who doesn’t want to rest in cushy comfort? The seller claims that it is great for improving mobility and stiff joints, and many customers have purchased the bed to help their dogs as they recover from surgery.
The Dog’s Bed is available with two different types of fabric covers, faux fur, and an easy-clean polyester, so you can choose what your dog would like most as well as what’s most convenient for you. The mattress underneath is protected by another cover. Even if your dog does have an accident, you can easily remove the outer cover to wash. Some customers caution that the waterproof mattress cover hasn’t entirely held up when their dogs have had serious accidents, so beware. Generally customers appreciate the thick, firm cushioning, and believe that this orthopedic bed is worth the price. The seller does offer replacement covers, too.
How to choose the best dog bed?
Your dog's personality will play a part here. Does your four-legged friend like feeling secure? If so, a bed that is covered and shaped like a dome will help to give them the security they need for a good sleep. In contrast, some dogs will like the freedom to stretch out, in which case a rectangular pillow bed will be likely to do the job.
Size and age can factor in too. Smaller dogs that like curling up will be suited to round or oval-shaped options, while larger and senior dogs will appreciate the support of an orthopedic bed, which prioritizes cushioning and joint support.
Then there are bolster beds - available in a variety of styles, these are well suited to pups who like resting their chin on the bolster but will be less suited to dogs who wouldn't like feeling hemmed in.
Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds?
Only your dog can definitively answer this question but dog owners can get an indication of their preferences by seeing where their four-legged friend currently curls up. If you find your dog is generally lying on the floor, it points to a preference for a harder bed, while sleeping on the sofa suggests a more comfortable sleep setup will be preferred.
Age can also play a part. Speaking from personal experience, my dog - a 14-year-old cockalier - has changed his habits as he’s got older. When he was younger, he preferred a harder bed and also enjoyed resting on the floor. In more recent years, he’s liked the comfort of the sofa, so I bought a softer bed for him, which he loves curling up in, especially at night.
How big should a dog bed be?
Dog beds come in a variety of sizes, catering to the differing requirements that each breed will have. Certain aspects are obvious - ie, a smaller dog will require a smaller bed - but you also need to consider your dog's sleeping style.
Dr. Hannah Godfrey advises to “measure them from their nose to their tail, then their shoulder width, to give you an idea of the absolute minimum size. However, your dog will likely choose to lie down and spread out sometimes, so it’s best to make sure they have enough room for this.”
Godfrey added, “don’t go overboard – some dogs like the security and coziness of a bed that’s not too roomy, but you can always add a blanket or a cushion or two (if they’re not likely to chew them!) to help with this.”
Do dogs prefer round or rectangular beds?
This is another question best answered by observing your dog's habits. Round or oval-shaped beds are better suited to dogs who like curling up into a ball but will be less ideal for bigger breeds who need support for their joints or dogs who like stretching out.
In contrast, a rectangular dog bed, typically in the shape of a pillow bed, will be better for dogs who like stretching out more and are likely to change their position in their sleep.
Do dogs prefer raised beds?
“Raised dog beds offer health benefits as well as being optimal for comfort. All dogs, young and old, seem to prefer a raised bed to a standard floor bed if given the choice.” states veterinary surgeon Dr Lily Richards.
It’s for this reason that raised dog beds are favored by dog trainers, as well as many dog-owning homes, over traditional dog beds.
What are the benefits of a raised dog bed?
“Raised beds offer even pressure-relieving comfort which is good for older dogs, particularly those suffering from arthritis or dogs with orthopedic complaints.” says Dr Richards, though she’s keen to point out that “All ages of dogs appreciate an increased level of comfort from these types of beds.”
There are other benefits beyond comfort though. “Raised beds keep dogs up off the floor which is advantageous in wet weather, keeping dogs off a muddy, cold floor but also allows for better air circulation than standard floor beds, helping dogs keep cool on a hot day.” explains Dr Richards.
Raised dog beds are also more hygienic too. It’s easier to clean under and around the dog bed due to the elevation, and the raised position also means that there is more airflow to keep dust and grime from building up. They can also help your pup stay cooler during the warmer weather, as the lack of padding can offer better ventilation.
Finally, raised dog beds are typically formed from a taught material stretched over a frame rather than a stuffed mattress. This means there is no stuffing for your dog to chew on and swallow if they decide to have a nibble on their mattress, letting you avoid a trip to the vet thanks to foreign body blockage in their digestive tract.
