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Best Dog Beds For Every Breed & Need (Our Top Picks By Category)

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Last Updated: September 26, 2024 | 9 min read | 34 Comments

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For Small-Medium DogsFor Large-XL DogsFor WarmthFor Staying Cool
Pet Craft Supply Calming DonutOverstuffed OrthopedicSnoozer Luxury Cozy CaveHyper Pet Elevated
Pet Craft Supply Calming DonutSAVFOXSnoozerHyper Pet Elevated
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Finding decent dog beds is no easy task. Dogs, just like their owners, have different needs when it comes to a comfortable place to catch their zzzs. Wondering, “what kind of dog bed should I get?” The most obvious consideration is the right size, but you also should factor in their personality, agility, health issues, and available space in your house. We’ve narrowed down the options into different categories to make it easier for you to find just what you’re looking for, and we give you some of our best dog beds based on our dog bed reviews and research.

Why Invest In A Dog Bed?

jack terrier sitting in a dog bed in living room

Even dog owners need their space. If your bed is your alone (or couple) time, it’s crucial to invest in a dog bed, so your pup doesn’t get too cozy and accustomed to sharing yours every night.

A Mayo Clinic sleep study found that many pet owners who suffer from sleep problems have their pets sleep in their beds every night. Learn more about the pros and cons of allowing your dog to sleep in your bed.

Best Standard Dog Beds

We reviewed the best dog bed types based on various factors: breed, coat type, and temperature sensitivity. The best kind of dog bed varies depending on your dog’s size and needs.

Best For Small & Medium Breeds: Pet Craft Supply Calming Donut Dog Bed With Bonus Blanket

Pet Craft Supply Calming Donut Dog Bed With Bonus Blanket

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If you own a smaller pup, you’re probably looking for the best dog beds for small dogs or medium ones. There’s a wide variety to consider, but be sure to keep the bed in proportion to your dog’s size.

Buying a bed that’s too large for your dog can leave him feeling insecure, so look for a bed that’s just large enough for your dog to stretch out. Smaller dogs are also much more likely to get chilly, so it’s essential to find a bed that keeps drafts to a minimum.

Nest or donut dog beds are a popular choice for small and medium-sized breeds, as well as dogs who suffer from anxiety. Typically they’re round or oval with lots of cushioning and raised sides to help your small pup feel contained and comfortable. Pay attention to the quality of the filling material to ensure protection from hard surfaces. Our dogs love the Pet Craft Supply Company’s Donut Dog Bed for its coziness and the bonus blanket to burrow and curl up in.

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Our Personal Experience With Donut Bed

“Our dogs adore this donut bed, especially our anxious 35-pound mixed-breed, Lily. It comforts her in a cocoon of cozy security, sending her right off to sleep.”

Michelle Schenker, rescue dog mom

Best For Large & Extra Large Breeds: Overstuffed Orthopedic Foam Bed

Overstuffed Orthopedic Foam Bed

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It’s harder to find more variety and better quality dog beds for larger breeds than smaller ones. Most of the good ones are thick and made of memory foam to give your dog plenty of cushioning against the hard floor.

Extremely large dogs can cause the foam to flatten out over time, so you may need to buy a replacement at some point. Or consider choosing a crib mattress with spring coils to provide more significant support over a more extended period.

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Best For Hairless Or Cold-Natured Dogs: Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave

Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave

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Is your dog always shivering? A concern for owners of hairless dogs or smaller breeds is their dog’s desire to stay warm, like a sleeping bag does for humans. Simple padded beds just don’t cut it.

Consider beds for burrowing dogs, like the Cozy Cave, which gets excellent customer reviews. Nesting beds and slumber beds are also good options for these dogs because dogs can sink into the softer filling material of the bed. Some dogs love the feeling of “burying” themselves and feel more secure in these beds. This may be the perfect little comfy bed for small dogs too.

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Our Personal Experience With Snoozer Cozy Cave

“As soon as it’s dark outside, Barley is ready for lights out. His Cozy Cave offers all the cover he needs to keep him warm and hide his eyes from inside lights, allowing him to sleep in complete comfort until sunrise.”

– Michelle Schenker, rescue dog mom

Best For Dogs With Long Or Thick Fur: Hyper Pet Elevated Dog Bed

Hyper Pet Elevated Dog Bed

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Thick-haired or long-haired dogs have an unfortunate tendency to overheat, and beds that emphasize “snuggling” only add to the amount of heat trapped by your dog while they are sleeping. If your dog tends to overheat while they sleep, the best bed choice for you would be a cot-style bed (aka elevated or raised bed).

An elevated bed usually features mesh material for dogs to lounge on and legs that elevate the bed off the ground. These two features allow for plenty of air circulation around your dog as they sleep.

These beds are also great for older dogs with incontinence issues and outdoor beds because of the ease of cleaning. We recommend Hyper Pet for its excellent durability and excellent customer reviews.

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A Personal Experience

“Our Chloe, an eight-year-old lab, just loves the Hyper Pet Elevated Bed. It is her safe space, and she is usually asleep within minutes of “climbing aboard.” She loves it, and we have been able to remove the cumbersome dog beds on the floor of our living room. We all love it!!!”

– Sam M., Lewisville, NC

Read Our Best Elevated Dog Bed Comparison

Best Beds For Specific Needs Or Concerns

Depending upon your dog’s individual needs, you may be looking for a bed that meets specific criteria rather than a bed that falls into a particular category. Below we will take a look at beds that suit various situations.

Most Environmentally-Friendly Dog Bed (Recycled Materials): P.L.A.Y. Eco-Friendly Bed

P.L.A.Y. Eco-Friendly Bed

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With increasing levels of eco-awareness, some dog owners are interested in purchasing only earth-friendly products. There are many dog beds available that are made from recyclable materials.

For instance, the P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle bed is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles. These bed options are often more expensive than other options; however, they are usually built for durability and contribute towards an eco-friendly lifestyle.

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Best For Dogs With Anxiety: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bolster Bed

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, Orthopedic Memory Foam

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For some anxious dogs, burrowing beds like the Cozy Cave (above) are an excellent option. However, other dogs that suffer from anxiety may be afraid of the darkness or hidden or covered concepts.

Another good option for anxious dogs is a nest bed or bolster dog bed that features raised sides without the covering over the top. Bolster beds are generally more expensive than simple padded beds because most are better made and filled with more durable stuffing.

Bolster beds also tend to be bulkier than other types of dog beds, so you need to make sure you have space at home. We think your dog will love the additional support and feeling of having its own “couch.”

Dog-calming bed reviews.

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Our Personal Experience With PetFusion Bolster Bed

“Sally, our 60-pound hound mix, has the large size of this bed. She loves lounging on this bed. Sometimes Sally fully sprawls out on it, and other times she curls up in a tiny ball.”

Kimberly Alt, rescue dog mom

Best For Elderly, Arthritis, Or Joint Pain: Go Pet Club Orthopedic Bed

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Elderly dogs and dogs that have arthritis and other joint concerns need supportive beds. This means their beds should be thick and provide plenty of pushback rather than simply sinking or relocating filling when the dog lies on the bed. That’s why we picked this among the best dog beds for older dogs too.

The most popular choice is the orthopedic memory foam bed, which conforms to your dog’s shape but supports aching joints. If your dog is elderly and more prone to bladder leakage, look for a waterproof orthopedic bed or a waterproof cover.

Memory foam holds in odor, so keep this in mind when searching for an orthopedic bed for your elderly pup.

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Learn more about other types of orthopedic dog beds.

Best For Dogs With Allergies: Dogbed4less Dog Bed Cover

Dogbed4less

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Finding beds for allergy-prone dogs can be tricky, and the answer will depend on your dog’s allergies. It is always best to avoid beds that contain fillers like cedar since they can cause skin irritation. A good alternative is a hypoallergenic dog bed cover, like Dogbed4less.

The cover itself is made of 100% cotton denim. And there’s no toxic, allergenic, or cedar filling — you stuff the cover with whatever works best for your dog. It has a strong gusset style zipper and extra stitching to prolong the life of the bed, wash after wash.

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Best For Small Spaces: Snoozer Corner Pet Bed

Snoozer Corner Pet Bed

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If you’re striving for space in your home or have a new puppy, chances are you have a small to medium-sized dog and need a compact dog bed. Corner beds are a great option to save space because they fit where most furniture items don’t, using unused space. The best puppy beds allow them to curl up and feel sheltered like a corner bed does.

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Best For Outdoors & Low Odor: Pet Craft Supply Super Snoozer

Pet Craft Supply Super Snoozer

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The Pet Craft Supply Super Snoozer is a durable option for dogs who like the great outdoors that will keep them cozy year-round, whether they’re in the dog house, riding on a boat, or lounging in the backyard. The fabric is UV-treated with fade-resistant polyester and has a water-resistant finish making it absorb less dog hair and odors. You can also wash it to prevent it from getting dirty or smelling.

It’s chew-proof and has a channeled liner to keep poly-fill stuffing in place. It’s a great crate bed that slides right in. And if it gets dirty, this bed is machine washable to remove excess hair and dirt. This bed comes in three color options and two sizes (medium and large).

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Our Personal Experience With Pet Craft Supply Bed

“We have five medium-large-sized rescue dogs who love to lounge around our house. We placed this bed downstairs in our living room, hoping our dogs would give us some space on our sofa. Two of our dogs, in particular, love this bed. They love being able to lay in the middle and rest their heads on the outer raised area. The bed is soft, easy to spot, clean, and well-made. We wish the bed had a removable cover to clean easier in the washing machine after extensive use.”

– Apiffany, rescue dog mom

Read More Outdoor Dog Bed Reviews

How To Keep A Dog Bed Clean: PawSheets Dog Bed Cover

PawSheets Dog Bed Cover

To keep your dog’s bed clean and free from hair and allergy-creating dander, you might also want to add a PawSheets dog bed cover for easy machine washing. Make sure you order the correct size to match the dimensions of the dog bed you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some things we get asked about dogs when it comes to their sleep.

Do Dogs Like Sleeping In The Dark?

Just like humans, it’s easier to sleep when a room is dark or dim. While dogs don’t require complete darkness to sleep (most snooze throughout the day), it’s preferable to sleep when the lights are out.

How Many Dog Beds Should A Dog Have?

You can never have too many dog beds, but it depends on your home, budget, and your dog’s situation.

If you have a large house with outdoor space, it might make sense to have a bed in the main living area, one in the bedroom, and one outside. Also, if your home has more than one floor, you may wish to place a bed on each level. That way, you don’t have to move the bed around, and your dog can feel comfortable to lounge around wherever they choose.

If you live in a small apartment or are on a budget, one bed could suffice. We typically recommend at least one bed per dog (unless they prefer to snuggle together).

Video: Dogs Love To Sleep

We’re sure a lot of you dog owners out there will appreciate the following video of dogs refusing to get out of your bed (just like their humans sometimes).

Keep Your Dog’s Comfort In Mind

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to picking the best dog bed for your pup. Still wondering, “What type of dog bed should I get?” When comparing dog beds, you can go for comfort and expense, comfort and affordability, or have special needs (like arthritis or orthopedic). There are so many varieties of dog beds on the market — the good news is you have options to ensure that your dog is happy and your wallet isn’t empty.

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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