How to Choose a Dog Bed: Size, Style and Placement

A brown dog curled up asleep in a soft dog bed

Dogs spend a large part of every day asleep or resting, so the bed they sleep on matters. A good bed supports their joints, keeps them warm and gives them a place of their own to retreat to. A poor one ends up ignored in favour of the sofa or the warmest corner of the kitchen. The right choice depends on your dog's size, age and, above all, the way it likes to sleep.

This guide explains how to watch your dog's sleeping style, how to measure for the right size, the main types of bed, what to look for in fillings and fabrics, beds for puppies and older dogs, where to put the bed and how to keep it clean.

Start by watching how your dog sleeps

Over a few days, notice how your dog naturally lies when it settles down to sleep. Most dogs fall into one of three groups:

Stretchers lie flat out on their side, legs extended. They need a large, flat bed with plenty of room.
Curlers sleep curled up in a tight ball, nose to tail. They love round beds with raised sides, which make them feel secure.
Leaners like to lean against something, often resting their head on a raised edge. A bed with a bolster on one or more sides suits them.

Many dogs do a bit of everything, so if in doubt, a generous bed with at least one raised side keeps everyone happy.

How to measure for a dog bed

Wait until your dog is lying in its usual sleeping position.
Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
Add around 15 to 20cm, so your dog has room to turn and stretch.
For stretchers, measure them stretched out. For curlers, measure the diameter of the curl and add a little.

As a rough guide only, small terriers often suit beds around 50 to 60cm long, medium dogs such as spaniels around 75 to 90cm, and large dogs such as Labradors 100cm or more. Always measure your own dog. When in doubt, choose the larger size. A bed that is too small is rarely used; one that is slightly too big is simply luxurious.

The main types of dog bed

Flat pillow beds

A simple, flat cushion. Ideal for stretchers, easy to clean, and they fit neatly into corners, crates and the back of the car. They also double as travel beds. Our Balmoral Herringbone Flat Pillow Dog Bed has a soft faux fur surface, a washable cover in grey herringbone and leather handles for carrying, and comes in medium and large.

Bolster beds

A cushion surrounded on one, two or three sides by a raised, padded edge. Perfect for leaners and dogs who like to rest their head.

Round or donut beds

Deep, round beds with high, soft sides. Excellent for curlers and anxious dogs who like to burrow.

Orthopaedic beds

Made with supportive memory foam or orthopaedic foam that spreads the dog's weight evenly and eases pressure on joints. Best for older dogs, large breeds and dogs with joint problems.

Raised beds

A fabric bed stretched over a frame, lifting the dog off the floor. Cool in summer, and good for keeping a dog off cold or damp floors, but less cosy.

Crate mats

Thin, flat mats sized to fit inside a crate.

Fillings and fabrics

Fillings

Fibre filling is soft and affordable but can flatten over time.
Foam gives firmer, more even support and keeps its shape.
Memory foam moulds to the body and is the most supportive for joints.

Covers

Removable, machine-washable covers are essential.
Tweed and herringbone hide hair and mud well and look handsome in a country house.
Faux fur and fleece are warm and cosy in winter.
Waterproof liners protect the filling from accidents, wet dogs and muddy paws.
Tough, tightly woven fabrics are best for dogs that dig or chew.

Beds for puppies

Puppies chew, have accidents and grow quickly. Start with an inexpensive, washable bed or crate mat with a waterproof liner, and invest in a better bed once your puppy is past the chewing stage and nearer full size.

Beds for older dogs

Older dogs often suffer from stiff joints and arthritis, and feel the cold more. They benefit from:

A thick, supportive orthopaedic or memory foam bed.
A low entry point, without high sides to step over.
A warm spot away from draughts.
A non-slip base, so the bed doesn't slide on hard floors as they get up.

Where to put the bed

Location matters as much as the bed itself.

Somewhere quiet, but not isolated. Most dogs want to be near their family. A corner of the kitchen or sitting room is often ideal.
Out of draughts, away from doors and drafty windows.
Not too close to heat. Radiators, fires and Agas can make a dog too hot. A short distance away is best.
Out of walkways, so your dog isn't constantly stepped over.
Off cold floors. Stone and tiled floors are cold; a thicker bed or a rug beneath helps.

More than one bed

Many dogs have a bed in the kitchen and another in the sitting room, so they can be with the family wherever it gathers. A flat pillow bed is also easy to take on holiday or to put in the car or the boot room after a muddy walk.

Introducing a new bed

Put it where your dog already likes to rest.
Add an old blanket or towel that smells familiar.
Encourage your dog onto it with treats and praise.
Be patient. Some dogs take a few days to adopt a new bed.

Keeping a dog bed clean

Weekly: shake out the bed outside and vacuum it to remove hair, dust and dirt.
Every one to two weeks: wash the cover, following the care label, using a mild, pet-safe detergent.
Occasionally: wash any blankets, and air the inner cushion outside.
Dry thoroughly before putting the cover back on.

Regular washing keeps smells down and helps control fleas and dust mites.