How to Choose the Right Dog Bed
I’ve been testing dog beds for over six years now, and my three dogs — a 90-pound German Shepherd, a 35-pound Beagle mix, and a 12-pound Dachshund — have destroyed, loved, and ignored more beds than I can count. Choosing the right dog bed isn’t about finding the most expensive option or the prettiest one. It comes down to five things: size, sleeping style, age, material, and washability.
Size Matters More Than You Think
The number one mistake I see dog owners make is buying a bed that’s too small. Your dog should be able to stretch out fully without hanging off the edge. Measure your dog from nose to tail base, then add 6 to 12 inches. For my German Shepherd, that means nothing smaller than 48 inches. A bed that looks huge in your living room is probably the right size.
Watch How Your Dog Sleeps
Spend a few days paying attention to how your dog actually sleeps before you buy anything. Dogs generally fall into a few categories:
- Curlers — Dogs that tuck into a ball love bolster beds, donut beds, and cave beds with raised edges they can nestle against.
- Sprawlers — Dogs that stretch out flat on their sides need flat mats or large orthopedic beds with maximum surface area.
- Leaners — Dogs that press their backs against something while sleeping do well with L-shaped bolster beds or beds placed against a wall.
- Diggers and nesters — Dogs that paw at their bedding and burrow under blankets thrive with cave beds or beds with loose, plush covers.
Age and Joint Health
Puppies can get away with almost any bed, but once your dog hits about age five for large breeds or seven for small breeds, joint support starts to matter. My German Shepherd developed mild hip stiffness at age six, and switching to a true orthopedic bed with dense foam made a visible difference in how easily she got up in the mornings. If your dog is a senior or has arthritis, skip the cheap polyester fill beds entirely and invest in memory foam or therapeutic foam.
Material and Durability
I’ve learned this the hard way: that cute sherpa-covered bed from the pet store will pill and flatten within three months. Look for beds with tightly woven, rip-resistant outer fabrics like canvas, Oxford cloth, or heavy-duty microfiber. For the filling, high-density memory foam (at least 4 pounds per cubic foot) holds up far longer than shredded foam or polyester batting. If you have a chewer, look for beds specifically marketed as chew-resistant with reinforced seams and ballistic nylon covers.
Washability Is Non-Negotiable
Every dog bed should have a removable, machine-washable cover. Full stop. My Beagle mix rolls in things I don’t want to think about, and being able to toss that cover in the wash weekly is essential. Bonus points if the inner foam or filling is also washable or at least easy to hose down. Beds without removable covers end up smelling terrible within a few months, no matter how clean your dog is.
Types of Dog Beds
Before diving into specific products, let’s break down the main categories so you know what you’re looking at.
Orthopedic Beds
These use dense memory foam or layered therapeutic foam to support joints and distribute weight evenly. They’re the best option for senior dogs, large breeds, and any dog recovering from surgery or dealing with arthritis. Good orthopedic beds are heavier and more expensive, but they last significantly longer than standard beds. The foam should be a solid slab, not shredded pieces stuffed in a casing.
Bolster Beds
Bolster beds have raised edges on three or four sides, giving dogs something to rest their heads on or lean against. They’re perfect for curlers and leaners. The best bolster beds combine padded walls with a supportive base. Cheaper versions use limp polyester bolsters that flatten almost immediately.
Flat Mats and Pads
Simple, low-profile beds that work well in crates, for travel, or for dogs that prefer sleeping on hard surfaces. They’re the most portable option and typically the easiest to wash. They don’t offer much in the way of joint support unless they specifically use orthopedic foam.
Elevated Cot Beds
These raised beds keep dogs off the ground on a fabric surface stretched across a frame. They’re excellent for hot climates because air circulates underneath, keeping your dog cool. They’re also nearly indestructible, which makes them the go-to for serious chewers. The trade-off is that they offer zero cushioning, so they’re not ideal for older dogs with joint issues unless you add a pad on top.
Cave and Hooded Beds
Cave beds have an attached cover or hood that creates a den-like enclosure. Burrowers and anxious dogs absolutely love these. My Dachshund refuses to sleep in anything else — the moment I tried to switch her to an open bed, she dragged her blanket into a corner and made her own cave. These beds are best for small to medium dogs since the hood structure doesn’t scale well to large sizes.
Donut and Calming Beds
Round beds with raised, plush edges that create a nest-like feeling. They’ve become hugely popular in recent years and for good reason — many dogs visibly relax and settle faster in them. The surrounding walls provide a sense of security, and dogs can tuck their noses into the soft material. They work best for small to medium dogs that curl up when they sleep.
Top 10 Dog Beds for 2026
I’ve personally tested every bed on this list with at least one of my dogs for a minimum of four weeks. Where my dogs couldn’t test (wrong size or style), I relied on feedback from my network of breed-specific rescue volunteers who test gear with me regularly.
1. Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic Dog Bed — Best Overall
The Big Barker has been my top recommendation for three years running, and the 2026 version hasn’t changed the formula because it doesn’t need to. This bed uses a 7-inch block of American-made therapeutic foam that’s calibrated specifically for dogs over 50 pounds. My German Shepherd has been sleeping on a Big Barker for two years, and it still hasn’t developed a body impression — which is remarkable given that she weighs 90 pounds and sleeps in the same spot every night.
The microfiber cover is removable and machine washable, and it’s held up to dozens of wash cycles without pilling or stretching. The foam itself is dense enough that you can feel the difference immediately when you press on it compared to cheaper orthopedic beds. It’s expensive, yes, but Big Barker backs it with a 10-year warranty that covers flattening, which tells you everything about how confident they are in this product.
Sizes: Large, XL, Giant. Price: $250–$370. Best for: Large and giant breed dogs, seniors, dogs with joint problems.
2. Casper Dog Bed — Best Memory Foam
Casper brought their human mattress engineering to the dog bed market, and it shows. This bed uses a dual-layer foam system with a supportive base layer and a softer pressure-relieving top layer. What sets it apart is the surplus foam bolsters on three sides — they’re substantial enough to actually support a dog’s head without collapsing, unlike the decorative bolsters on most beds.
My Beagle mix claimed the medium Casper almost immediately and has been sleeping on it nightly for five months. The cover is durable and washes well, though the lighter colors do show dirt more quickly. It’s a premium bed at a premium price, but the foam quality is genuinely a step above most competitors.
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large. Price: $140–$230. Best for: Medium dogs, dogs that lean against bolsters, owners who want premium foam quality.
3. K&H Pet Products Bolster Couch — Best Bolster Bed
K&H has been making pet products for decades, and the Bolster Couch is their best work. The L-shaped bolster design gives dogs two walls to lean against, which my Beagle mix loves — she backs herself into the corner and rests her chin on the front bolster. The filling is a mix of recycled polyfill and a foam base that provides decent support without the weight and price of full memory foam.
What I appreciate most about this bed is its proportions. The bolsters are tall enough to actually function as headrests for medium dogs, not just decorative bumps. The cover is a soft micro-fleece that removes easily for washing. At this price point, you’re getting excellent value for a bolster-style bed.
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large. Price: $40–$75. Best for: Dogs that curl up or lean, medium breeds, living room use.
4. Furhaven Orthopedic L-Shaped Chaise — Best Budget
Let me be clear: Furhaven beds are not Big Barkers. The foam is thinner and less dense, and it will eventually show wear. But for the price — often under $40 for a large size — the Furhaven orthopedic line punches way above its weight. The egg-crate foam base provides genuine pressure relief, and the L-shaped bolster gives dogs a comfortable headrest.
I keep a Furhaven in my kitchen as a secondary bed, and my dogs use it regularly. After about eight months of daily use, the foam has compressed maybe 15-20%, which is expected at this price point. The cover is removable and washable, and Furhaven sells replacement covers separately, which extends the bed’s life significantly. If you’re on a budget or need beds for multiple rooms, this is the one to buy.
Sizes: Small through Jumbo Plus. Price: $25–$60. Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, secondary beds, multi-dog households.
5. Kuranda Chew-Proof Elevated Dog Bed — Best Elevated Bed
If your dog destroys every traditional bed you bring home, stop wasting money on foam and fabric and get a Kuranda. This aluminum-frame elevated bed with a ballistic nylon sleeping surface is about as close to indestructible as a dog bed gets. I’ve seen shelter dogs that shred everything else leave Kurandas completely intact.
My German Shepherd uses a Kuranda on our covered patio, and it’s been through rain, mud, and years of a 90-pound dog jumping on and off it daily. The frame shows no wobble, and the fabric hasn’t sagged. The aluminum version is worth the upgrade over the PVC model — it’s lighter, stronger, and doesn’t yellow in sunlight. The only downside is that it offers zero cushioning, so for older dogs, you’ll want to add a pad on top.
Sizes: Small through XL. Price: $75–$170 (aluminum frame). Best for: Destructive chewers, outdoor use, hot climates, shelters and rescues.
6. Snoozer Cozy Cave Dog Bed — Best Cave Bed
My Dachshund is obsessed with this bed. The Snoozer Cozy Cave has a flexible, built-in hood that dogs can burrow under, creating a little den. The interior is lined with sherpa fleece while the exterior comes in a range of fabrics from microsuede to quilted options. The hood is supported by a flexible insert that keeps it open enough for dogs to enter easily but closed enough to feel cozy.
What makes the Snoozer stand out from cheaper cave bed knockoffs is the construction quality. The stitching is reinforced at stress points, the base has actual cushioning rather than just a thin pad, and the hood maintains its shape after washing. My Dachshund has been sleeping in a Snoozer for almost three years, and aside from a slight flattening of the base cushion, it’s held up beautifully.
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large. Price: $70–$130. Best for: Burrowers, small breeds, anxious dogs, Dachshunds and terriers.
7. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge — Best Waterproof
The PetFusion Ultimate uses a solid 4-inch memory foam base with a water-resistant inner liner and a durable polyester-cotton blend cover. That inner liner is the key feature — if your dog has an accident or comes inside soaking wet, the foam stays completely protected. I’ve poured water directly on the liner to test it, and after 30 minutes, the foam underneath was bone dry.
Beyond the waterproofing, this is just a solid orthopedic bed. The foam is dense and supportive, the bolster provides good head support, and the cover has held up well to regular washing. The non-skid bottom actually works, which is more than I can say for most beds that claim this feature. It’s a particularly good choice for puppies still working on house training or senior dogs dealing with incontinence.
Sizes: Small, Large, XL, XXL. Price: $80–$180. Best for: Puppies, seniors, incontinent dogs, dogs that swim or play in water.
8. Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Dog Bed — Best Donut Bed
The Majestic Pet Bagel Bed is a round, donut-style bed with a plush, raised rim that dogs can curl into. My Beagle mix will alternate between this and the Casper depending on the weather — she gravitates toward the Bagel Bed in cooler months because the high walls keep her feeling snug and warm. The filling is a premium polyester fiberfill that’s surprisingly resilient and machine washable (the entire bed, not just a cover).
The suede exterior gives it a more upscale look than most donut beds, and it doesn’t attract dog hair the way velvet or sherpa fabrics do. Majestic Pet offers this bed in an impressive range of sizes, including a 52-inch version that works for large breeds — most donut beds top out at medium sizing. It does take up a lot of floor space since the round shape wastes corner space, so plan your placement accordingly.
Sizes: 24-inch through 52-inch. Price: $45–$130. Best for: Curlers, dogs that like to feel enclosed, cold weather, multi-dog nesting.
9. BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Dog Bed — Best Value
The BarksBar occupies a sweet spot between the bare-bones budget beds and the premium options. For around $50 to $70 in the large size, you get a genuine orthopedic foam base (not just egg-crate), cotton-padded walls that maintain their shape reasonably well, and a quilted, removable cover that’s more durable than it looks at this price.
I’ve been recommending the BarksBar to friends and readers for two years now, and the consistent feedback is that it performs like a bed that costs twice as much. The foam does compress over time — expect about a year of solid support before you notice body impressions — but at this price, that’s an acceptable lifespan. The non-skid rubber bottom is effective, and the cover washes without shrinking or warping. For a primary bed for a medium to large dog, this is hard to beat on pure value.
Sizes: Medium, Large. Price: $40–$70. Best for: Value-minded buyers, medium to large breeds, first-time dog owners.
10. MidWest Quiet Time Bolster Crate Mat — Best Crate Mat
Not every dog bed needs to be elaborate. If you crate your dog or need a portable sleeping surface, the MidWest Bolster Crate Mat is the practical, no-nonsense choice. It’s designed to fit perfectly inside MidWest crates (and most standard crate dimensions), with a thin bolster along three edges that gives dogs something to rest their heads on without eating into floor space.
The poly-cotton cover is machine washable, and the synthetic fur sleeping surface is soft enough that my dogs actually choose to lie on it even outside the crate. It’s not going to provide therapeutic joint support — the padding is minimal — but for a crate mat or travel bed, that’s not really the point. It’s durable, it washes well, it fits the crate perfectly, and it’s under $25 in most sizes. That’s everything a crate mat needs to be.
Sizes: 18-inch through 54-inch. Price: $15–$30. Best for: Crate training, travel, secondary beds, puppies.
Dog Bed Comparison Table
| Bed | Type | Size Range | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic | Orthopedic | Large–Giant | $250–$370 | Best overall, large breeds |
| Casper Dog Bed | Memory Foam + Bolster | Small–Large | $140–$230 | Premium foam quality |
| K&H Pet Bolster Couch | Bolster | Small–Large | $40–$75 | Curlers and leaners |
| Furhaven Orthopedic Chaise | Orthopedic + Bolster | Small–Jumbo Plus | $25–$60 | Budget-friendly option |
| Kuranda Chew-Proof Elevated | Elevated Cot | Small–XL | $75–$170 | Chewers, outdoor use |
| Snoozer Cozy Cave | Cave/Hooded | Small–Large | $70–$130 | Burrowers, small breeds |
| PetFusion Ultimate Lounge | Orthopedic + Waterproof | Small–XXL | $80–$180 | Puppies, seniors, wet dogs |
| Majestic Pet Bagel Bed | Donut/Round | 24″–52″ | $45–$130 | Curlers, cold weather |
| BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper | Orthopedic + Bolster | Medium–Large | $40–$70 | Best value all-around |
| MidWest Bolster Crate Mat | Flat/Crate Mat | 18″–54″ | $15–$30 | Crate training, travel |
Dog Bed Care and Cleaning Tips
A dog bed you don’t wash regularly is a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and odor. Here’s how I keep my dogs’ beds clean without destroying them in the process.
- Wash covers weekly. I pull all removable covers every Sunday and run them through a warm cycle with a pet-safe detergent. Skip the fabric softener — it reduces absorbency and can irritate sensitive skin.
- Vacuum the bed itself. Even with a cover, hair, dander, and dirt work their way into foam and filling. Use an upholstery attachment to vacuum the bed every time you wash the cover.
- Spot-clean accidents immediately. Blot up moisture, then spray with an enzymatic cleaner. Let it sit for 10 minutes before blotting dry. This prevents stains from setting and eliminates odor at the molecular level.
- Air out foam monthly. On a dry, sunny day, pull the foam out and set it in the sun for a few hours. UV light is a natural sanitizer and deodorizer. Don’t leave foam in direct sunlight for more than four hours, as it can degrade the material over time.
- Use a waterproof liner. If your bed doesn’t come with one, buy a fitted waterproof mattress protector in the appropriate size. It goes between the foam and the outer cover and will save your bed from accidents, drool, and wet-dog situations.
- Rotate beds if you have multiples. Just like rotating mattresses, switching which bed goes in which room gives each one a break and extends the life of all of them.
- Check for fleas regularly. Part the seams and look along the piping and in corners where the bolster meets the base. Flea dirt looks like tiny black specks. If you find any, wash the cover on hot and treat the foam with a flea spray designed for bedding.
When to Replace Your Dog’s Bed
Even the best dog bed doesn’t last forever. Here are the signs that it’s time for a new one:
- The foam no longer springs back. Press your palm into the center of the bed and hold for 10 seconds. When you release, the foam should return to its original height within a few seconds. If the impression lingers or the foam feels permanently compressed, the support is gone.
- Your dog has trouble getting up. If you notice your dog struggling to rise from their bed, especially after long naps, the bed may have lost its supportive qualities. This is particularly important for senior dogs and large breeds prone to joint issues.
- The smell won’t come out. If you’ve washed the cover, cleaned the foam, aired it in the sun, and it still smells, the odor has penetrated too deeply into the materials. No amount of cleaning will fix it at that point.
- Visible damage to the foam or filling. Crumbling foam, lumpy filling that won’t redistribute, or a base that’s worn thin enough to feel the floor through it — these are all signs the bed has reached the end of its useful life.
- Your dog avoids the bed. Dogs are smart. If your dog suddenly starts sleeping on the floor, the couch, or your bed instead of their own, it may be because their bed is no longer comfortable. Rule out medical issues first, but if your dog is healthy and just avoiding their bed, it’s probably time for a replacement.
- As a general rule: Budget beds should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. Mid-range beds last 2 to 3 years. Premium orthopedic beds like the Big Barker can last 5 to 10 years with proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog bed should I get?
Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they’re lying in their natural sleeping position. Add 6 to 12 inches to that measurement to get the minimum bed length. For width, measure across the widest point of your dog while they’re lying on their side and add at least 6 inches. When in doubt, go up a size. A bed that’s a little too big is always better than one that’s too small — your dog will simply use the extra space, but they can’t comfortably use a bed that cramps them.
Are orthopedic dog beds worth the extra cost?
For puppies and young, healthy dogs, a standard bed with decent padding is perfectly fine. But for dogs over five years old, large and giant breeds, dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia, or any dog recovering from surgery, yes — an orthopedic bed is absolutely worth it. The dense memory foam distributes weight more evenly, reduces pressure on joints, and makes it easier for dogs to get up and down. I’ve seen the difference firsthand with my German Shepherd. Within a week of switching to the Big Barker, she was noticeably more comfortable getting up from naps. The cost difference between a $40 bed that lasts a year and a $300 bed that lasts five years works out roughly the same per year anyway.
How do I stop my dog from chewing their bed?
First, figure out why your dog is chewing. Puppies chew because they’re teething and exploring. Adolescent dogs chew out of boredom and excess energy. Anxious dogs chew for stress relief. Address the root cause — more exercise, mental stimulation through puzzle toys, or anxiety management — and the chewing often stops on its own. In the meantime, switch to a chew-resistant bed like the Kuranda elevated cot or a bed with a ballistic nylon cover. Avoid beds with loose fabric, zippers, or dangling tags that invite chewing. Never punish a dog for chewing their bed. It doesn’t teach them anything except to be anxious around you, which often makes the chewing worse.
Can I wash the foam insert in my dog’s bed?
It depends on the bed. Some manufacturers specifically state that their foam is washable — check the care tag first. For solid memory foam slabs, you generally should not put them in a washing machine. The agitation can tear the foam apart, and the weight of waterlogged foam can damage your machine. Instead, spot-clean with a mild detergent and warm water, then squeeze out excess moisture (don’t wring) and air dry completely before putting the cover back on. Shredded memory foam fills can sometimes handle a gentle machine cycle, but again, check the manufacturer’s instructions. The cover and waterproof liner should be machine washed regularly regardless.
Should I get a heated or cooling dog bed?
Heated beds are excellent for senior dogs with arthritis, small breeds that struggle to regulate body temperature, and dogs in cold climates. Look for beds with auto-shutoff thermostats and chew-resistant cords. K&H Pet Products makes the most reliable heated beds I’ve tested. Cooling beds — either gel-infused or elevated cot styles — work well for dogs in hot climates, brachycephalic breeds that overheat easily, and thick-coated breeds. Elevated cot beds like the Kuranda provide natural cooling through air circulation underneath, which I prefer over gel pads that can leak if punctured. For most dogs in moderate climates, a standard bed without heating or cooling is perfectly adequate.
Featured Image Source: Pexels
