How to Choose the Right Dog Bed: Size, Material & Comfort Guide
A dog sleeps 12 to 14 hours a day — puppies and senior dogs up to 18 to 20 hours. That makes the dog bed one of the most-used items your pet will ever own, yet most owners pick one by looks alone and end up with a bed their dog ignores. The right bed comes down to three things: the right size for how your dog actually sleeps, a material that suits their age and habits, and a construction that survives washing. Here's how to get all three right the first time.
Quick Facts: Choosing a Dog Bed at a Glance
| Factor | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Size | Measure nose to tail base, then add 15–30 cm (6–12 in) for stretchers; curlers can go smaller |
| Sleeping style | Curlers suit round donut beds; stretchers need a rectangular mattress; leaners love bolsters |
| Material | Memory foam for seniors and large breeds; plush for cuddling; waterproof liners for puppies |
| Washability | Removable, machine-washable cover; wash every 1–2 weeks |
| Lifespan | Replace every 1–2 years, or sooner if the filling goes flat |
| Best for | Every dog — puppies, adults, and seniors all sleep better with proper support |
1. Measure Your Dog Before You Shop
Guessing is the number-one reason beds get returned. Lay your dog down in their favourite sleeping pose and measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, then add 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) if they like to stretch out fully, or just 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) if they curl into a tight ball. Also weigh your dog — most size charts are built around weight first and length second.
A practical size guide:
- Small (up to 10 kg / 22 lb): bed around 60 × 45 cm (24 × 18 in) — Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pomeranians
- Medium (10–25 kg / 22–55 lb): bed around 90 × 65 cm (36 × 26 in) — Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs
- Large (25–45 kg / 55–100 lb): bed around 110 × 80 cm (44 × 32 in) — Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers
- Extra-large (45 kg / 100 lb and up): bed 130 × 90 cm (51 × 35 in) or bigger — German Shepherds, Great Danes
When in doubt, size up. A bed that's slightly too big is still comfortable; a bed that's too small gets ignored.
2. Match the Shape to How Your Dog Sleeps
Watch your dog for a few nights — their sleeping style tells you the shape to buy. Curlers who sleep nose-to-tail do best in round or oval donut beds with raised edges they can nest against. Stretchers who sprawl on their side need a flat rectangular mattress with no raised walls blocking their legs. Leaners who rest their head on sofa arms or your leg love bolster beds, where a raised rim runs around three sides and acts as a pillow. Burrowers who crawl under blankets will adore a covered cave-style bed or a bed with a built-in blanket.
3. Choose the Right Material for Your Dog's Age and Habits
Memory foam / orthopedic foam (4–10 cm thick): the best choice for senior dogs, large breeds over 25 kg, and any dog with arthritis or hip problems. It spreads body weight evenly and doesn't bottom out. Look for high-density foam — if you can press your hand through to the floor, it's too thin.
Polyester fibre fill: soft, light, and affordable, but it flattens within months under a heavy dog. Fine for puppies and small dogs that weigh under 10 kg.
Plush and faux fur: warm and inviting for dogs that like to nest; best paired with a foam base so it doesn't collapse.
Cooling gel or breathable mesh: worth it for thick-coated breeds and warm climates — a dog that overheats will abandon a hot bed for the cold kitchen floor.
Waterproof liner: essential for puppies in house training, senior dogs with bladder issues, and any dog that comes home muddy. A waterproof liner under a washable cover is the combination that keeps a bed fresh.
4. Check the Cover and the Cleaning Routine
A dog bed you can't wash becomes a smell problem within weeks. Choose a bed with a removable cover with a zipper that fits a standard washing machine, and wash it every 1–2 weeks in warm water. Machine-washable whole beds exist, but they take hours to dry and often lose shape — a removable cover is the practical choice. Non-slip bases stop the bed sliding across hard floors, and a chew-resistant cover matters if your dog is a determined nibbler.
5. Special Cases: Puppies, Seniors, and Chewers
Puppies need a cheap, washable, waterproof bed first — they'll chew it and have accidents before they outgrow it in 6–12 months. Senior dogs need orthopedic foam at least 7–10 cm thick and a low entry edge so stiff joints don't have to climb. Heavy chewers do best with a tough, tightly woven canvas cover and no zippers or buttons in reach. Outdoor dogs need elevated or waterproof beds that stay dry off the ground.
6. How Often Should You Replace a Dog Bed?
Plan on replacing a bed every 1–2 years. Signs it's time: the foam stays dented after your dog gets up, the cover is worn thin or the zipper has failed, or the bed smells even right after washing. A flattened bed gives no joint support, so keeping it longer is a false economy — especially for older dogs.
Getting the bed right is one of the cheapest ways to improve your dog's daily life — good sleep supports immunity, mood, and joint health. If you're shopping for a new bed, browse the pet beds at Furry Hill and match the size chart above to your dog's measurements. And if your dog is a restless sleeper who wakes often or circles for a long time before settling, a bed that actually fits their sleeping style can make a visible difference within a few nights — explore more comfort and sleep essentials at Furry Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog bed should I buy?
Measure your dog from nose to tail base in their usual sleeping pose and add 15–30 cm (6–12 in) for stretchers, or 5–10 cm for curlers. Use weight as a second check: small up to 10 kg, medium 10–25 kg, large 25–45 kg, extra-large over 45 kg.
Are orthopedic dog beds worth it?
Yes for senior dogs, dogs over 25 kg, and any dog with arthritis or joint problems. High-density memory foam at least 7–10 cm thick spreads weight evenly and keeps its shape for years. For young, light dogs a standard foam or fibre bed is fine.
How do I get my dog to actually use a new bed?
Put the bed where your dog already likes to sleep, add a blanket or shirt that smells like you, and reward them with a treat every time they settle on it. Most dogs adopt a new bed within 3–7 days; don't move it around while they're getting used to it.
How often should I wash my dog's bed?
Wash a removable cover every 1–2 weeks, and the whole bed monthly if it's washable. Dogs with allergies or skin problems benefit from weekly washing — it cuts down dust mites and dander.
Can a dog bed be too big?
Rarely. A bed that's too big is still comfortable, though curlers may feel less cosy without edges to nest against. A bed that's too small is a much bigger problem — dogs simply won't use it.
What is the best dog bed material for chewers?
Tightly woven canvas or ballistic nylon covers with hidden zippers, over a firm foam base with no loose stuffing. Avoid beds with buttons, tassels, or exposed zippers if your dog chews.