Photo: Marcus McDonald
When it comes to dog beds, there truly is no “one size fits all.” Great Danes and Chihuahuas have different needs, as do puppies and senior dogs. So to find the best bed for your dog, you need to start with the basic information, like their age and weight. The best place to begin is with their size. “Measure from nose to tail,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian and the founder of Animal Acupuncture. To be safe, add a couple of inches to that measurement and opt for a bed that’s slightly too big because it will give your dog more room to spread out.
From there, you’ll also need more particular details — like their sleeping style, if they run hot, whether they chew things, if they pee when nervous, or if they tend to track mud into the house. And just as you would when choosing a mattress for yourself, you’ll want to assess what seems to make your pup most comfortable, especially when you consider how much time they spend sleeping. (According to Dr. Lisa Lippman, a house-call veterinarian and the founder of Vets in the City, “that can be up as much as 80 percent of the day.”)
With so many styles and brands of dog beds to choose from, you may need help narrowing down your options. We talked with Lippman, Barrack, pet nutritionist Tazz Latifi, and 15 other dog experts — including trainers, veterinarians, dog owners, and the parent of one of the first dog influencers — about the very best dog beds they recommend (and that their dogs actually love). Their favorites include standouts for every breed (and dog parent), from beds for the littlest pups and the biggest big dogs to beds for dogs that love to burrow and chew. And, as usual, we’ve considered aesthetics — because if the bed you buy goes with your décor, you’ll be more likely to place it front and center, where it’ll (hopefully) become your dog’s favorite place to curl up.
Most dog beds are made with some sort of foam base mattress or polyester fill. Solid memory-foam beds are more supportive and come in a range of firmness levels. Beds that use polyester fill are fluffier and more squishy but can only provide support for smaller and lighter-weight dogs as long as they are tightly packed with material. Ideally, you should buy something that’s firm enough to support your dog’s spine and joints but squishy enough to lull them into a deep slumber. Big, heavy dogs like Rottweilers and Great Danes will need beds with extra-dense foam to keep them from sinking down to the floor. But skinny dogs that lack the natural cushioning of plump thighs and butts need support with more give — either polyester fill or softer foam. If you can’t feel the bed in person before buying it, certain keywords like orthopedic and overstuffed can help steer you in the right direction. Customer reviews will also give you insight into the foam’s density and overall quality.
Some dogs sleep curled up in a ball, some prefer the sensation of sleeping in a cave or burrow, and others, usually giant-breed dogs or those with double coats, are most comfortable sleeping on something cool and airy. Whatever their preference, the bed you buy should encourage relaxation, a sense of security, and restful sleep. Details like plush covers, soft bolsters, breathable fabrics, and even nooks where they can dig or hide a treat will entice dogs to choose their bed over the couch or a pile of clean laundry. If you’re not sure which kind of bed your dog would prefer, try observing their behavior. Do they like to hide under your covers? Try a cave-style bed. Do they nap on the coolest part of your hardwood floors or kitchen tile? Get a cooling bed. Or are they always trying to create the perfect concave nest by circling and digging? Pick a bed with bolsters or one that’s doughnut-shaped. Yena Kim, the owner of two Shiba Inus named Bodhi (a.k.a. Menswear Dog) and Luke, advises focusing on what’s unique about your dog before you purchase a new bed. “You’ll know you’ve made the right choice when you hand your dog a treat and he takes it to his bed to enjoy it,” Kim explains. Lastly, because dogs come in all shapes and sizes, the best beds come in multiple sizes too — and we’ve given those that do higher priority.
Jessica Gore, a certified professional animal behaviorist in Los Angeles, stresses durability as an important factor to consider. “Expect your dog’s bed to get used,” she says. “There may be circling, digging, scratching, dragging, and lots of repeat plopping, which can cause significant wear and tear in no time.” Look for sturdy base materials like dense memory foam or aluminum framing and cover materials that won’t easily snag, rip, or stain, like nylon, canvas, and microfiber. For elderly dogs and puppies prone to accidents, find a bed with a cover that’s water resistant to protect the inner bedding from stains and odors.
No matter what you do, your dog’s bed is going to get dirty. And while you may be able to spot-clean dirty paw prints, urine stains that aren’t properly removed will draw your pet back to pee in the same spot. If it’s not easy to wash, it’s not a good purchase. Make sure that the bed you buy has a removable machine-washable cover or that the whole thing can be thrown in the wash.
Support: Memory-foam base | Comfort: Four raised side bolsters | Durability: Sewn-in pockets to hide metal zippers | Washability: Removable and washable microfiber cover
Of all the dog beds mentioned by our experts, this one from the bed-in-a-box mattress company Casper is the one we’ve heard about most. And after putting it to the test, we understand why. Our junior writer Brenley Goertzen has owned the medium-size bed for about a year and says it looks, feels, and smells practically brand new despite daily use by her 50-pound Aussie mix, Shea. It has a memory-foam base that provides premium support and comfort. “It’s basically a human-grade mattress,” says Barrack, and several of her clients say their dogs love it too.
It’s also extremely durable, even if your dog is the type to burrow, and the four bolstered sides mold to a dog’s head, neck, or backside. That also means it’s “orthopedic for older dogs to aid with their achy joints,” according to Logan Mikhly, co-owner of Manhattan’s off-leash dog café . The hard-wearing cover doesn’t hold on to hair, and it’s remarkably scratch resistant; it zips off easily and can be thrown in the laundry as well. The bed comes in three colors and is available in small, medium, and large sizes, making it suitable for any dog.
Support: Polyester-fill base | Comfort: Warming shag faux-fur exterior, flexible raised rim | Durability: Water- and dirt-resistant bottom | Washability: Removable, machine-washable cover on sizes M–XL
Gore suggests this shag doughnut-shaped bed for smaller dogs that sleep curled up in a ball and need some support as well as extra warmth. “It’s great for warm snuggling and cuddling and provides just enough support and security for smaller body types,” she explains. Carolyn Chen, founder of the Dandylion line of dog-care products, is another fan. She bought it for her 11-year-old cockapoo, Mocha, who is “more relaxed in this bed than in any other bed we’ve had before.” Chen loves that the bed can accommodate all her pup’s favorite sleeping positions: curled up in a ball, with her head and neck supported along the edge, or lying straight across the bed. And after getting one for her pit-bull–boxer mix, former Strategist senior editor Casey Lewis assured us the bed (in its larger size) is just as suitable for bigger dogs.
My own dog, Uli, spends hours snoozing in her Best Friends by Sheri doughnut bed every day. She also uses the bed as a kind of toy, digging into it and flipping it over on top of her ball so she can then look for the ball and flip the bed again. The bottom of it (where you’d imagine the donut’s hole to be) puffs up a bit, cushioning Uli’s joints and creating deep crevices where she likes to hide her Greenies treats. Former Strategist senior manager of audience development Mia Leimkuhler says her dog, Reggie, a miniature schnauzer, also uses the bed as a toy. “He flings it about like it’s a giant floppy, fuzzy Frisbee, then he gets tired and plops in it,” she says, noting that he uses it most during cold weather since the bed acts as a furry insulator. In fact, the shag faux-fur design is meant to mimic the coat of a mother dog. The larger sizes have a removable, machine-washable cover that comes in eight colors, and while the small-size bed (which I have) doesn’t have a removable cover, the whole bed is technically machine washable. Yet after I washed mine and dried it on hot, the fur never regained its full fluff. I would suggest drying it on low heat with a few tennis balls to avoid this.
Support: Memory-foam pad | Comfort: Four side bolsters | Washability: Removable and washable microfiber cover
You may know Barefoot Dreams for its insanely soft, celebrity-approved throw blankets and bathrobes. But did you know the brand also makes a plush dog bed that’s just as cozy? Beauty director Caitlin Kiernan’s French bulldog, Gordon, became so obsessed with his Barefoot Dreams CozyChic bed that she bought two more for other rooms in her house. “We wanted a dog bed that was structured but cozy,” she says, adding that this one checks both of those boxes. “The shape gives him plenty of room to stretch out and relax, and the memory foam makes it supportive and comfortable.” While the CozyChic bed comes in two colors and three sizes, accommodating dogs up to 36 inches from head to tail (a golden retriever, for example), the four bolsters, plush texture, and memory-foam pad make it perfect for little dogs who prefer warming beds that cradle them on all sides.
Support: Memory-foam base | Comfort: One raised side bolster | Durability: Tear-resistant fabric | Washability: Washable microfiber cover
Two of our experts recommend Big Barker’s bolster dog bed for large dogs and older big dogs with joint pain because it is designed with durable and supportive foam. Erin Askeland, a certified dog behaviorist and training manager at Camp Bow Wow, says this heavy-duty bed (which Big Barker guarantees will hold its shape for ten years) is ideal “for dogs who like to sprawl and rest their head.” The bed has another fan in Devin Stagg of Pupford, a company specializing in dog training and healthy dog food. His two Labs sleep on Big Barker beds, which he notes have machine-washable covers and are available in three sizes and four colors. “Even if your dog is potty trained, stains and spills can ruin the integrity of a dog bed, so make sure you buy a bed with a cover you can remove and clean,” he explains.
Support: Memory-foam base | Comfort: Three raised side bolsters | Durability: Interior waterproof lining | Washability: Washable and water-resistant cover
Askeland has four dogs that sleep on different beds, including this three-sided memory-foam bolster bed with a water-resistant cover. According to her, it’s “an upscale bed with a sturdy, removable cover and very thick, dense foam that doesn’t immediately flatten.” The PetFusion Ultimate bed also comes recommended by Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary, who bought one for her elderly Labrador several years ago and says the memory foam is such good quality it hasn’t lost its shape. Richardson adds that if you have a dog that likes to chew or dig, you can purchase replacement covers, which are available in three colors, to help extend the bed’s life span. PetFusion also offers four sizes of this bed.
Support: Furniture-grade high-density orthopedic foam | Comfort: All-around circular bolster | Durability: Industrial strength canvas | Washability: Removable washable cover
Giant-breed dogs like mastiffs and malamutes need even more space to stretch out, plus good support to keep them comfy. Goertzen says the Extra Extra Large Dog Bed from Mammoth is the only one big enough for her Great Dane, Benny, to snooze with his legs outstretched — and it’s so comfortable it even keeps him off the family’s beds and couches. “I feel like a human could sleep in it comfortably,” she says, noting that she fits on the six-by-four-feet-wide bed with ease. And if you have multiple big dogs, it would still be a good option. “My Aussie actually fits with our Great Dane in this bed,” Goertzen says. Notably, the Mammoth is available in 17 cover styles.
Support: Orthopedic-foam base | Comfort: Fleece-top cover | Washability: Removable, machine-washable cover
Goertzen also uses this affordable dog bed, which is available in three sizes and as many colors, when traveling because it’s lightweight and minimal, making it easy to roll up and stow away during road trips. The fuzzy cover keeps her dog comfortable on harder surfaces and is machine washable, making it easier to clean following any accidents. Although the simple mattress design means no bolstered sides for burrowing, Goertzen says this bed is a good fit for dogs that tend to choose the floor over a bed. She notes that Benny regularly opts for this bed in the summer when he’s prone to overheating.
Support: Overstuffed with hypoallergenic, eco-friendly fiber filling | Comfort: Raised sides | Durability: Open weave fabric backed with polyester | Washability: Removable, machine-washable cover
Older dogs and dogs with less meat on their bones may not find extra-thick foam beds comfortable because they don’t weigh enough to sink into them. Instead, they will prefer something soft and pillowy, which our experts say will be cozier and easier on their joints. When Barrack’s dog, a 4.5-pound Chihuahua named Eloise (a.k.a. Lil Weezy) isn’t snuggling next to her in a human bed, she sleeps on a dog bed from Jax & Bones. “It’s a soft, fluffy bed that’s gentle on her older joints,” Barrack says. “Plus, it’s available in a small size for my little pup” (along with three other sizes for larger dogs). Askeland also recommends this bed, telling us that its bolsterlike sides, while soft, are plenty sturdy and that its cover can be removed for cleaning. Latifi is a fan too and recommends Jax & Bones’ crate mats, which she says are “long-lasting and wash and dry well.” The brand also offers nine fabrics, nine colors, and four patterns to choose from.
Support: Four-inch and 100 percent organic cotton batting | Comfort: Handmade, dye-free interior pillow | Durability: 100 percent organic cotton twill exterior | Washability: Removable, machine-washable cover
When searching for the perfect dog bed, Wendy Wen, founder of the pet-wellness platform Antelope, was set on finding one free of toxic materials, which she says are similar to the cancer-causing chemicals found in some human mattresses. That’s why she says this 100 percent organic (and handmade) bed from Rawganique — made without fire retardants, dioxin, and formaldehyde, according to the brand — is her top choice for her Chihuahua mix, Poke. Beyond its composition, this bed also provides ample cushioning to support the dog’s small joints with its four inches of cotton batting, she says. After owning it for almost a year, Wen says her “picky” pup is also a big fan of the plush bed. While the interior pillow is not washable, the zippered twill cover is easy to remove and launder at home; however, Wen suggests air-drying it to protect the delicate fabric. It’s available in three sizes and ten colors, including charcoal, khaki, and olive green.
Support: Egg-crate orthopedic-foam base | Comfort: Cozy sherpa lining | Durability: CertiPUR-US standard foam | Washability: Washable microfiber cover
Lippman says this cave-style bed from Furhaven is “the perfect bed for pups that love to burrow under the covers and get super-cozy before they sleep.” It comes with a snuggly built-in cover that Askeland, another fan, describes as “essentially a blanket attached to the top of the bed that a dog can slide under to cuddle.” Lippman told us her Rhodesian ridgeback, Chloe, loves to burrow under the fleece-lined top, but Richardson notes the bed is just as good for toy breeds like Chihuahuas because “covered beds can provide the security and warmth these pets crave.” It’s available in four sizes and nine colors.
Support: Polyester fiberfill | Comfort: Ripstop micro-velvet cover | Durability: Ballistic nylon liner, solid brass zipper | Washability: Entire bed is machine washable
As veterinarian Dr. Shelly Zacharias points out, owners of dogs who love to chew and gnaw on almost anything should prioritize materials when choosing a bed. “Any bedding that is ingested by your dog poses a very dangerous threat as a foreign body in the digestive tract,” she explains. This Orvis bed, she says, is specifically designed to be chewproof, making it a good option for anyone with a dog they think will enjoy gnawing on their bed as much as sleeping in it. The bed is constructed with no seams and two layers of tear-resistant nylon that are bonded to its micro-velvet upper layer that comes in three colors. If Fido manages to destroy it — which is highly unlikely — Orvis will give you a full refund. Four sizes are available.
Support: Memory-foam base | Comfort: Four side bolsters | Durability: Water-resistant lining and non-skid base | Washability: Removable and washable microfiber cover
With a design similar to the Casper dog bed above, the Barney Bed comes recommended by two experts: Royah Nuñez, a dog trainer and the founder of Quing Canine, and Michael Kim, founder of the dog skin-care brand Floof. After using it with a furry client who was accident-prone, Nuñez says the bed got her attention because she could easily spot-clean the cover or unzip it completely for machine washing. She also prefers that this bed features several foam segments encased in a moisture-proof lining instead of shredded foam bolsters. Kim, who owns the medium size for his French bulldog, Leo, says the quality of the orthopedic foam and extra-thick microfiber material is top-notch: “The bed not only looks sleek but is super comfortable — I would even sleep on it.” And while Leo is picky about where he sleeps, Kim says the Barney bed has been a hit for over six months. And if you’re the owner of a particularly messy pup or plan to use the bed outdoors, the brand offers a waterproof lining kit, which works like a mattress protector for the interior. Nuñez also appreciates the variety of covers offered, such as bouclé, linen, towel, and teddy styles, plus it’s available in five sizes.
Support: Elevated aluminum frame | Comfort: Ripstop ballistic fabric with good airflow | Durability: Waterproof, shielded fabric edges | Washability: Washable with a damp cloth or hose
“Some large dogs, like a Bernese mountain dog, may prefer a cooler place to plop, so a giant, fluffy bed may not be ideal,” says Gore, who recommends this cot-style bed from K9 Ballistics as “a cooler option” because its design allows for more airflow. She says the brand’s beds, which are available in five sizes, are “durable and supportive for the largest or heaviest dogs” and are “easy to clean,” too — a sentiment Weber agrees with. He says cot-style beds like this can be rinsed with a hose and don’t need to be treated delicately because there’s no expensive memory foam to worry about. That said, if you want to give a little extra cushioning to your dog’s cot, Weber suggests adding a soft, washable blanket.
Support: Microcoil and fiberfill core | Comfort: Fabric cover with gusseted sides and layered pillow top | Durability: Liquid-repellent cover, nonslip bottom | Washability: Removable cover, washable with a damp cloth
The maker of our best-performing mattress, Saatva’s dog bed is made with responsive microcoils, much like the ones found inside the brand’s mattresses for humans. Goertzen, who tested the bed for over three months with Shea, says it’s “super-plush” with springiness similar to the memory-foam mattress she sleeps on each night. That’s because the coiled design evenly distributes her dog’s weight. (In other words, there are no post-nap indentations or refluffing required, Goertzen says.) Plus it’s roomy enough to fit the pet’s varying positions: curled in a ball, belly up, and legs fully outstretched. The unique interior construction also means this option has held its shape and support better than the regular, foam-filled dog beds Goertzen says she has owned. A removable cover comes in three textures, including bouclé and linen, and the brand suggests blotting it with a damp cloth and soapy water for tougher stains. Three sizes are available to support dogs up to 120 pounds.
• Erin Askeland, certified dog behaviorist and training manager at Camp Bow Wow
• Dr. Rachel Barrack, veterinarian and founder of Animal Acupuncture
• Carolyn Chen, founder of Dandylion
• Brenley Goertzen, Strategist junior writer
• Jessica Gore, certified professional animal behaviorist
• Caitlin Kiernan, beauty director at TalkShopLive
• Michael Kim, founder of Floof
• Yena Kim, owner of two Shiba Inus named Bodhi (a.k.a. Menswear Dog) and Luke
• Tazz Latifi, certified pet nutritionist and retail consultant
• Mia Leimkuhler, former St`rategist senior manager of audience development
• Casey Lewis, former Strategist senior editor
• Dr. Lisa Lippman, veterinarian and founder of Vets in the City
• Logan Mikhly, co-owner of Manhattan’s off-leash dog café
• Royah Nuñez, dog trainer and founder of Quing Canine
• Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary
• Devin Stagg of Pupford, a company specializing in dog training and healthy dog food
• Wendy Wen, founder of Antelope
• Dr. Shelly Zacharias, veterinarian
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