Dogs sleep a lot more than humans do. On average, around 14 – 16 hours per day (some breeds like English Bulldogs can sleep even more).
So dog owners need to make sure they get a good quality dog bed, which is the right size and fit for their pet pooch.
Some Quick Pet Bed Recommendations
We have selected some of the very best dog beds for dogs’ different breeds and sizes to save you the work and shared them below.
So if you don’t want to waste any time and just want the right size bed for your pet dog, this should be a handy time-saver.
If you like the look of any of these dog beds, you can click on the images to find more details, pricing, etc.
| Our Recommendations | Details |
|---|---|
| PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed. Perfect for huge breeds such as Great Danes, Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds. Check prices... | |
| Big Barker Orthopedic Bed for Large Dogs. Ideal for large dogs such as Dalmatians, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers and Labradors. Check prices... | |
| Barkbox 2-in-1 Memory Foam Dog Cuddler Bed. We think this bed is a great option for medium sized dogs such as Springer Spaniels, Border Collies or Basset Hounds. Check prices... | |
| Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Cuddler. For smaller breeds such as French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers or Cocker Spaniels this bed is perfect. Check prices... | |
| Friends Forever Self Warming Round Pillow Bed. Our favorite bed for the toy breeds like Pekinese, Pugs or Pomeranians. Check prices... | |
| The links in the chart go to Amazon. Star ratings are given by Pupster Passion based on research. They are independent of the star rating on Amazon. | |
What Size Dog Bed Do I Need for My Dog?
When asking the question of what size dog bed do I need for my dog, what factors should you take into consideration?
Here are our suggestions in short:
- Most manufactures will have a detailed size guide.
- You need to measure your dog carefully.
- Compare your dog’s dimensions to the beds you are thinking of buying.
- Allow some wiggle room (especially if the bed is going in a crate).
- Contact the manufacturers if you are not sure.
- If you buy the pet bed online, make sure you can send it back.
Now let’s look at each of these in more detail:
Looking at Dog Beds Manufacturer’s Sizing Guides
If you have shortlisted some dog beds that you think would be perfect for your canine companion, the best place to look for sizes is the manufacturer’s dog bed size guide.
Usually, their pet beds will come in sizes such as Small, Medium, Large, X-Large (XL), and sometimes XX-large or even XXX-Large.
They will give you the dimensions of each different option. Usually, they will provide the bed length, width, and thickness. If it is a round bed, they will give you the diameter.
Next, you need to figure out how big your dog is…
How to Measure Your Dog for a Bed
Some size guides for dog beds tell you to measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the start of their tail, but this makes no sense at all.
You do not need to know the size of your dog when they are standing up straight.
You need to know the dimensions they take up in their typical sleeping positions.
So you need to get your tape measure out and measure your dog in these three positions:
- Curled up in Tight Ball
- Lying Flat on Their Side
- Fully Stretched Out
NOTE – They don’t actually have to be asleep, and it doesn’t matter if you can’t get perfectly accurate measurements.
Your goal is just to see roughly how much space they take in the different positions they sleep.
What Bed is Right for Your Dog’s Size?
So you now have the manufacturer’s sizes, and you have the rough dimensions for your dog’s sleeping positions.
So comparing the two will tell you which size bed is right for your dog.
Allowing Extra Room
When buying a pet bed, we always suggest buying one that is a bit bigger than you may think you need.
You want to give the dog some wiggle room, so they can get comfy, stretch out, and keep their toys in the bed with them.
So it is always better to opt on the side of giving them more room and not less.
And if the bed will be used inside a crate, it’s always better to be a touch on the smaller side to make sure it fits ok.
Good Manufacturers Will Help You Get the Right Size
If you are still unsure what size bed is right, see if you can contact the people who make it directly.
Many excellent pet product companies have customer support helplines, where you can ring them up and get help with anything related to their products.
Hopefully, the steps above will give you a really good idea of knowing what size bed is right for your dog, but if you still have some doubt or questions, next is the FAQ section.
Dog Bed Sizing Guides FAQ
Some of the frequently asked questions from pet owners about the best size of beds for dogs:
- Why is dog bed size so important?
- How do you know what size dog bed to get?
- Can a dog bed be too big?
- Do dogs need dog beds?
Why is Dog Bed Size So Important?
Having the right size of bed for dogs is really important for two main reasons.
Firstly your dog should be able to stretch out with some wiggle room and still have all its body weight, and joints fully supported off the floor.
Secondly, lots of dogs need the security of feeling like they are in a den or a burrow, so they need a big enough bed to sleep in but also small enough for them to feel snug.
How Do you know What Size Dog Bed to Get?
In brief, you should find a bed that you like the look of, check the manufacturer’s size chart, measure your dog’s sleeping position, pick the closest sized bed (always allow a bit of extra room for wriggling).
For much more detailed advice, please see our step-by-step guide further up this page.
Be sure to think about the maintenance of the bed, too.
Can a Dog Bed Be Too Big?
Yes, it can. Not all, but lots of dogs prefer to sleep in a snug bed as if they are in a burrow or a den.
So if their bed is far too big, they can feel less safe and secure, often; if this is the case, you will see the dog ignoring their bed and curling up to sleep in a small corner somewhere.
Do Dogs Need Dog Beds?
Dogs do not need a dog bed to sleep in, but we really think that you should get one for them if you can afford it (especially for larger dog breeds).
There are lots of cheap pet beds you can buy if money is tight. Ideally, you want something with a removable, washable bed cover and a thick mattress (memory foam is great) to support their body off the floor.
If you can’t afford to buy a bed, you can make one; some foam padding, some sheets, and a banket would be a good start.
Conclusion
Having a good quality bed that is the right size for your dog is the best option for them to sleep on.
It is good for your pets’ physical health and gives them a nice safe little space for quiet time when they need to relax.
Using information from manufacturers, measuring your dog’s favorite sleeping positions, and looking for the right style of bed for your breed of dog and your home will help you find the best bed for your pup.
