Dogs have different sleep preferences than people. Finding the ideal bed can be a confusing task because there are hundreds of options available. I wish dogs could answer questions like “Are you a side-sleeper? ” on the internet. A swindler? A curling iron? Which would you rather be in: a warm hole in the ground or a king-size human bed where you still manage to occupy the entire space?
Trial and error and a few returns may be part of the bed-shopping experience, even if you already know your dog’s preferred sleeping position. We’ve looked into and tried dozens of fantastic choices for fussy pups of all kinds to get you started. Regretfully, you might not have much luck if your dog simply wants to share your bed.
Why you should trust us
I work as a staff writer for the pets team and am an enthusiastic animal lover. I’ve spent more than 20 years living with cats, and I currently have a 3-year-old rescue dog named Dave who is incredibly spoilt.
We disassembled, cleaned, stripped, stained, and reassembled nineteen different dog beds for this guide. In order to gather information regarding dogs’ sleep preferences and how they relate to different dog-bed types, we spoke with veterinarians and animal behaviorists. Additionally, we had conversations with a number of dog bed producers to get understanding of their R&D procedures. The present guide is an extension of study and testing conducted in 2017 by Kaitlyn Wells and Nick Guy.
How we picked
Dog beds come in an overwhelming variety of styles and designs. However, every expert we spoke with advised us to base our decision on your dog’s unique sleeping habits.
“Consider what your dogs have historically enjoyed, and make decisions based on that,” veterinary behaviourist Dr. Laurie Bergman advised. Do they prefer to sleep with their backs against objects? Do they clump together into a ball? Do they disseminate dogs without remorse? Their typical sleeping position will help you determine the ideal shape.
Equipped with this understanding, we contemplated five unique bed configurations:
- Cuddlers: Also known as smugglers, doughnuts, or bagel beds, these are oblong or spherical beds with an elevated bolster encircling the inner pillow.
- Bolster beds: Like cuddlers, these beds are usually square or rectangular with an elevated pillow, also called a bolster, encircling all four sides.
- Couch beds: These versions are similar to bolster beds but feature a side opening for easier dog access.
- Loungers, often known as mattress beds, are straightforward rectangular beds without any bolsters or elevated edges. A lounger can resemble a tiny human mattress or an oversized cushion.
- Cots, often known as elevated beds: These types are elevated off the ground by a strong metal or plastic frame, much like taut hammocks. They work well for dogs who want more under-the-surface airflow, or for use outdoors.
While substantial layers of different types of foam make up certain beds, others include polyester fiberfill in them.
Many producers describe their beds as “orthopedic.” However, Oklahoma State University professor and veterinarian Dr. Leticia Fanucci claimed that it was “a misused word for dogs.” “Specifically, there is no such thing as orthopedic bedding.”
The majority of the veterinarians we spoke with advised choosing a bed that is easy for your dog to get into and out of, supports their joints, and doesn’t cause pressure spots if your dog has arthritis or other joint problems. Lesions can form in these “points on the body where there’s very little soft tissue coverage over bones,” like the elbow or the hip, according to veterinarian and University of California Davis professor Dr. Barbro Filliquist. But pressure points don’t pose much of a problem if your dog is healthy.
According to Fanucchi, temperature is a crucial consideration when selecting a dog bed, and you should also take your dog’s hair into account. While less furry dogs like chihuahuas or pit bulls may enjoy a bed that helps them keep body heat, larger dogs with thick fur coats and a history of cold weather may not care for a thick, warm blanket.
Finally, we searched for warranties and return policies that were friendly to customers. Bergman advised not to take it personally if your dog refuses to utilise the dog bed you have provided. “You can treat them on the bed and encourage them to use it, but if they don’t want to use it, they won’t use it.” Both Chewy and Amazon have extensive return policies, and the majority of the beds we selected are available on these platforms. Although a dog bed will never be completely resistant to chewing, we evaluated several models that had better warranties and more resilient materials, ideal for dogs who view their beds as tempting treats.
How we tested
We evaluated 19 dog beds out of 32 that had received positive reviews. Dave, my 65-pound mutt, and Hunter, my 67-pound dog, assisted in the testing process. We assessed every bed using the following five major standards:
Durability: To simulate dog paws, we gathered a gardening claw, and to duplicate puppy teeth, we used sharp meat shredders. Then, to test how well each bed cover resisted gnawing and digging, we used each instrument to scratch each one fifty times. In addition, we pulled and tugged at the zippers on every bed to test if anything would break or catch.
Spot cleaning ease: We created a mixture of inexpensive, rancid dog kibble and water to mimic puke. We covered every bed sheet with this embarrassing mess and left it there for around sixty minutes. On each cover, we also applied globs of mud and allowed them to dry. Next, using wet paper towels, a wet sponge, and (in very stubborn cases) a toothbrush, we spot-cleaned both areas. In an attempt to get rid of any residual smells, we also sprayed Nature’s Miracle over the areas where people had “vomitted”; sadly, this largely served to mask the stench with its overpowering scent.
Look after machine washing: We spent a day in a laundry facility, washing each bed cover three times (per the machine’s directions). We dried the cover completely, if necessary, by running it through a low-heat drying cycle following each wash.
Easy assembly (and, after cleaning, reassembly): We recorded the degree of difficulty associated with the initial assembly of each bed that was different from the other beds we tested. We also assessed the challenge of reassembling a bed following a machine wash.
Quality and feel: My dog, Dave, slept on almost everything, so he wasn’t the best indicator of quality even though he tested each bed. I have a poor back and expect a high level of comfort, unlike Dave. I lay down on each bed for five to ten minutes, noting how soft it was, if I could feel the floor beneath me, and how the cover material felt on my skin. I weigh roughly the same as a typical mastiff or Saint Bernard.
We also took into account the aesthetic appeal of each bed, the position of any zippers, and how water-resistant any mattress covers were.
Our pick: FurHaven Velvet Waves Perfect Comfort Sofa
For most dogs, the FurHaven Velvet Waves Perfect Comfort Sofa is a fantastic option because of its soft, comfortable cushion, easy-to-clean cover, and reasonable pricing. We evaluated the memory-foam model (the manufacturer also sells two varieties of so-called orthopaedic foam and a bed with cooling gel foam). You can purchase an optional water-resistant mattress liner in addition to a replacement cover or foam insert.
Most canines can enter and exit because to its easily accessible design. This FurHaven type, a sofa-style bed, features a front opening that is a few inches lower than the other three sides (the precise height varies depending on the size you choose). Therefore, puppies or adult dogs who might find it difficult to step over towering bolsters will find this model easier to use. “We don’t want a high edge on it if it hurts to lift up your leg and kind of flex all your joints,” Dr. Barbro Filliquist stated.
The shape-fitting foam supports your dog’s body. In our memory-foam test model, a whole slab of so-called orthopaedic foam serves as the support base, and a layer of viscoelastic foam (PDF) sits on top of it with the intention of conforming to the shape of the dog.
The bed was comfy to lay on, especially the Jumbo size with its 4 inches of foam as opposed to the lower sizes’ 3 inches. The mattress wasn’t unduly rigid; rather, it was supportive with just the right amount of give. CertiPUR-US, a nonprofit organisation representing the foam industry that conducts tests for common chemicals and ozone depleters that may deteriorate indoor air quality and endanger human health, has certified the foam insert.
It is simple to clean and has a soft cover. Among the beds we tried, the 100% polyester cover felt the softest and was the simplest to spot-clean. Dried muck and fake vomit readily slid off the fibres with a few damp sponge wipes, and the white faux fur in the mattress area made it easy to see when it was clean. The material held up really well after three cycles in the washing and dryer, and unlike some of the other fuzzy beds we tested, it didn’t mat or clump together.
It is easy to assemble. The mattress, bolster, and cover of this FurHaven bed come compressed in three parts. While it was simple to put together, the mattress foam needed several days to fully expand. When zipping it shut, you have to hold the cover cloth taut to keep it in place because it’s loose and floppy.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The cover does not keep debris away from the foam. The polyester cover washed away readily in our tests, but liquids, grime, and fur got through and gathered on the foam mattress’ top layer. The foam is not machine-washable, but it is spot-cleanable. FurHaven’s water-resistant mattress liner is a recommended purchase if your dog has a tendency to spill liquids, as it will help extend the bed’s lifespan.
There is a price for its low cost. Under typical use, the foam and cover aren’t likely to last as long as the components of some of the more expensive mattresses that we suggest. A few unfavourable reviews we’ve seen online also concern the zipper snapping, and some say the quality has suddenly decreased. In our long-term testing, we’ll be monitoring these problems to see if they continue.
Four sizes are available (the tiny, the fifth size, was just withdrawn).
Three colours
Our pick: Majestic Suede Bagel Dog Bed
Since 2017, the Majestic Suede Bagel Dog Bed has gained popularity because of its plush interior, sturdy cover, and adorable design. The Bagel Dog Bed is machine washable, features a water-resistant bottom to prevent liquids from leaking through to the floor, and is available in four sizes.
The comfortable shape can satiate a dog’s desire to make a nest. As per Dr. Leticia Fanucchi, “you see them curling up and sometimes even fluffing it up with their paws, trying to rearrange the nest,” while cuddlers and other doughnut-shaped bolstered beds like this Majestic type “mimic that dirt hole that [dogs] used to have before they were inside homes.” canines that prefer to sleep curled up in a ball find that this shape suits them well; Fanucchi and Dr. Filliquist both say that this is a remnant of the pre-internet dog instinct that helps canines regulate body temperature.
Though Dave curled up on chilly evenings with his back and shoulders against the bolsters, he could also spread out with his head dangling off the bolster on warmer days if you obtain the correct size Bagel Dog Bed.
Digging and settling have caused it to become overcrowded. When considering other doughnut-style beds, the polyester-fiberfill insert and bolster appear too full. This is because, according to Majestic Pet Products’ sales manager Matthew Ziemnicki, “it goes down to the level it should be within a couple of weeks after the nesting starts happening.” Dogs can set up their sleeping area without causing harm to the insert because the polyfill is sufficiently flexible for them to rummage through.
The cover is robust and plush. The polyester faux-suede cover performed admirably in our tests, withstanding 50 vigourous swipes with both the meat shredder and the garden claw before it began to pull or rip. With a simple hand swipe, the stripes that the meat shredder had originally left behind disappeared. Instead, they were simply variations in the suede’s orientation.
It doesn’t need to be assembled. The Bagel Dog Bed comes constructed, in contrast to the other beds we evaluated. We just removed it from the box, gave it a little fluff, and placed it on the ground. In minutes, Dave was nodding out in it.
This cost for a dog bed won’t last forever. The materials will eventually deteriorate, particularly if you wash it frequently or your dog is rough with it. As long as your dog isn’t a heavy chewer, you should be able to get at least a few years out of it. And if you’re skilled with a needle and thread, it might endure longer.
Even after spot cleaning, the cover can still have some dirt or discolouration on it. However, stains mostly rely on the colour you select. We tested a navy bed, which covered up most of the stains. However, under a flashlight, we were still able to see a fading area where we had soaked the bed in Nature’s Miracle to remove any remaining smells.
It is inconvenient to disassemble and reassemble this bed whenever you need to wash the cover. Deep in the space between those two pieces, where dirt and debris also gather, are the bed’s two zippers—one for the mattress and one for the bolster. Not every dog should have a bagel form, though. According to Filliquist, “dogs with osteoarthritis affecting their joints may actually find it uncomfortable, and they may find it difficult to get into a tight curl position.”
Upgrade pick: Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Lounger Dog Bed
A comfy blend of foams, a sturdy warranty, and a damage-resistant cover characterise the Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Lounger Dog Bed. We put Orvis’s more expensive, bolstered RecoveryZone Couch Dog Bed with normal fabric to the test in addition to the ToughChew Lounger. For the most part, both beds performed well on all of our testing. If your dog doesn’t chew a lot, Orvis’s normal upholstery lounger is equally nice, if not more affordable, than the ToughChew model.
This bed feels fantastic thanks to two types of foam. In our tests, the dual layers of foam provided the optimum balance of softness and support. In several testing, the 4-inch base prevented us from sinking through to the floor while the higher layer adapted to both Dave’s and my bodies. Senior product designer at Orvis Brandon Jorgensen stated that the top layer is a custom foam that “shares a lot of the same properties as memory foam… but it doesn’t hold heat the way memory foam will, or cold.” I can state that the RecoveryZone beds were the most comfortable dog beds I have ever experienced, even though we didn’t test for temperature regulation.
The cover conceals fur and is both soft and sturdy. Every RecoveryZone dog bed cover has a weave that hides dirt and fur. The covers in our tests didn’t look perfect after a few weeks of dog fur accumulation, but they still looked better than a lot of the other mattresses we looked at. With its ToughChew Guarantee, Orvis stands behind the ToughChew cover’s extra ripstop-nylon layer, which is affixed to the underside and designed to withstand chewing, digging, and punctures. The cover withstood our meat shredders and garden claws, and the ordinary cloth is still strong enough for frequent usage. However, the ToughChew fabric can be worth the extra cost if your dog is extremely destructive.
It’s obvious that the details have been considered. The robust, smooth zipper of the ToughChew and regular RecoveryZone covers tucks snugly away, out of the reach of inquisitive dog lips. Additionally, all beds feature two concealed, sleeve-like handles that make them portable and prevent dogs from having an additional item to chew on. Though the assembly instructions for each model are rather clear, we felt that they were especially useful when assembling the sofa bed: Each letter on the labels for the mattress insert and three bolsters corresponds to a specific location within the cover. Water-resistant liners on the inserts preserved the foam beneath immaculate throughout our spill testing.
The business offers a comprehensive replacement policy. With its store-wide Great Catch Guarantee, which offers at least one free replacement if your dog ruins the bed, Orvis safeguards all RecoveryZone beds. Additionally, if the ToughChew Guarantee isn’t up to your dog’s best (or worst) efforts, you can get a refund after two replacements.
The RecoveryZone beds are highly expensive. Orvis’s RecoveryZone lounger, when equipped with the standard fabric, costs significantly more than our other top choices. The cost of the FurHaven bed increases to nearly five times if you want to purchase Orvis’s ToughChew cover. Even more costly are the couch variants.
Determining whether the bed is clean or unclean might be challenging. We found that the weave was almost too good at hiding filth, making it impossible to determine if we had completely removed all of the dirt and vomit in our spot-clean tests. It is advisable to regularly vacuum and wash the bed, regardless of how tidy it appears.
Upgrade pick: Lay Lo Dog Bed
With numerous cover possibilities, including limited-edition collaborations with various designers and artists, the Lay Lo Dog Bed is an attractive model. The company allows you to sample the bed at home and return it if your dog rejects it, with a liberal 30-day “no questions asked” return policy.
Certain covers are made from repurposed materials. Lay Lo uses polyester knit for its covers, and as of late, they have begun using threads derived from recycled materials that have earned GRS certification in their latest designs. Since the manufacturer has stated that it may take up to a year to completely transition to recycled materials, many of the patterns that are currently in stock might still utilise yarn that has not received this certification. We put the recycled bottle-based, red-and-white chequered design to the test (GRS certification is still pending). We also put the green grid pattern—a typical polyester knit—to the test.
There are many different designs available. Lay Lo offers approximately two dozen different cover designs, such as chevrons, terrazzo, and houndstooth. It also collaborates on limited edition projects; singer-songwriter John Legend and fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra are two of its past partners. You can purchase additional covers individually if more than one design appeals to you.
Both setting it up and cleaning it are simple. The Lay Lo bed was one of the easiest beds we tried to install; it comes in three parts: a vacuum-packed mattress, a folded cover, and a leather handle cover. Because of this, it was also one of the simplest models for us to take off and put back on after we cleaned the cover.
There is nonslip material encircling the zipper. Unlike most of the other beds we tried, this one has a three-sided zipper on the bottom that opens like a book to make reaching the mattress easier. Additionally, there’s a tiny compartment to conceal the alluring, dangling pull tab. A sticky bottom of the cover prevents the bed from slipping on bare floors. Additionally, the water-resistant fabric covering the mattress insert helped to keep the foam underneath dry and clean throughout our liquid testing. The manufacturer provides a spare waterproof liner, which could be a useful choice if your dog has accidents in the bathroom on a regular basis.
The mattress is thinner on it. Compared to our previous recommendations, the Lay Lo bed’s insert is a little thinner, so large breeds or pups that are chunky may find it too small to use as their primary bed. Although the mattress held up well in testing, it wasn’t as comfy as our other choices. It is composed of two layers: a soft layer of polyfill and so-called orthopaedic support foam.
The cover is not as plush as our favourite options. Although it’s not nearly as soft as the material on the other beds we evaluated, the cover isn’t scratchy or spiky either. After we worked the elastic woven fabric with the meat shredders, it performed admirably in the majority of our durability tests, except from the appearance of a tiny pull. The pull is so tiny that it’s easy to miss, yet it never grew. Even still, it’s a warning sign that this bed might not be the greatest option when it comes to puppy teeth.
The weave may become clogged with tiny pieces of dirt. Tiny particles were lodged in between the threads during our spot-cleaning testing, so it required a little more effort to remove the mud and fake vomit from the stretchy fabric. We removed much of it with a toothbrush and some vigourous cleaning. The cover was immaculate once more after a cycle through the washing machine.
Also great: The Molly Mutt Bed
The Molly Mutt Bed is a fitted mesh stuff sack and duvet cover that you may customise with soft items you already own, so it’s not really a bed at all. The business does provide a whole bed with a wool-stuffed insert for sale. However, we believe that the duvet system is a superior option because it enables customers to recycle things that could otherwise wind up in a landfill, which helps minimise trash.
It is up to you to select the insert. The Molly Mutt cover can accommodate almost anything soft, such as a pile of used clothing, an old crib mattress, or even recoverable foam from a previous dog bed whose cover wore off. We stuffed a couple shabby pillows, a comforter, and some clothes we had intended to discard inside the cover. We gained extra space in our closet and a completely working dog bed in less than five minutes.
Also great: FurHaven Trail Pup Packable Pet Pillow
A lightweight, easily transportable dog bed that’s perfect for camping, picnics, and backyard hangouts is the FurHaven Trail Pup Packable Pet Pillow. Its smooth outer shell makes spot cleaning a snap, and it resembles the single layer of a sleeping bag.
The smooth fabric wipes clean with ease and resists liquids. Wet muck and our fake puke primarily gathered on the polyester outer layer of the Trail Pup bed, unlike most of the other beds we tried, making cleanup with paper towels and a sponge simple. After scrubbing for a minute or two, there was no evidence of the dried mud, even if it needed a little extra force from a wet toothbrush. Even after spending many days outside, the smooth surface doesn’t hold on to hair, filth, or grass. Furthermore, in the event that the bed becomes extremely soiled, you can simply toss it in the washing and dryer because it lacks an insert.
It is practically portable. The simplicity of this bed gives it versatility. You can fit it into a bag or toss it in the car because it comes with its own stuff pouch. When the weather turns chilly, your dog can use the bed as a blanket or a crate mat in addition to serving as an excellent thermal barrier between their body and the ground.
Other good dog beds
For an eye-catching, long-lasting dog bed that you never have to wash in the washing machine: Le Dog’s Le Bed will outlive most fabrics thanks to its full-grain, slightly rough leather cover, which could eventually justify its high price (the smallest version presently runs about $270). In our experiments, mud and “vomit” removed easily with a paper towel and a damp sponge, obviating the need for machine washing. There was a slight smell in the seams that was eliminated by Nature’s Miracle.
The zipper worked fine, however dogs who like to mouth things might find the two exposed and dangling pulls enticing. Additionally, the bed has no handles, making it difficult to move throughout the house. Even though the leather is soft and supple, it withstood our tests of tearing and clawing, showing only the smallest of traces. But if a dog leaps on or off of it, the slick material might slide across bare floors.
There are two layers of foam inside: a support layer that is about 3.5 inches thick and a cooling gel memory foam layer that is about 2 inches thick. This bed was among the most pleasant we tested, equal to only the Orvis beds, thanks to the slow springiness of the foam in our tests. This bed isn’t a suitable choice for your dog if they need cosy, fluffy bedding that keeps them warm at night. If the expensive cost and the use of animal products don’t worry you, it’s a great alternative otherwise.
If you’d like a bed designed especially to fit big dogs: Made in the USA, the Big Barker Orthopaedic Dog Bed is a multilayered, thick bed ideal for large and giant breed dogs. Generally, we don’t trust dog mattresses that claim to be orthopaedic. However, with three layers of foam totalling seven inches—more than in any other bed we tested—this one provides plenty of support. Although the foam is lightweight, it is strong and dense. This variant may be too stiff for lighter dogs as it is notably firmer than the other beds we tried.
The open-cell foam used to make the bed has CertiPUR-US certification, meaning that airflow through it should aid with temperature regulation. The upholstery, like microsuede, initially displayed clear lines where we dragged our claw and meat shredders over it. However, those marks disappeared when we gently touched the surface. It was simple to spot-clean the cloth. When we first saturated it with Nature’s Miracle, we could see a darker tone, but that vanished after the first wash.
We still don’t know which side is up, thus it was difficult for us to put on the optional waterproof liner. However, it stopped liquids from getting to the foam layer, therefore we advise going for it.
Although the Big Barker bed is pricey—the lowest model, which is still big enough for a golden retriever, now costs about $240—the manufacturer promises a 10-year warranty against the foam flattening. There is no coverage for fabric damage. You can return the Big Barker bed within the first year for a complete refund if your dog doesn’t enjoy it for any reason.
If you’re looking for a multipurpose, lightweight dog bed with lots of accessories for camping or travel: Comparable to a Transformer, the Timberdog RuffRest is a dog bed. It’s not cheap—a size small currently costs $260—but it has a number of features that make it a fantastic choice for anyone who travels frequently with their dog. Its components are a sherpa-fleece bed surface and a 900D nylon shell. The tiny is too little to fold up, but the medium and large sizes fit into a compact, carry-along roll that you can wear on your shoulder or with a grab handle.
When in sleeping mode, you may open this model like a book thanks to a zipper along three sides, which reveals a hangable insert with multiple zipped bags for organising items your dog might require while travelling. Imagine the canine equivalent of a rollable clothing bag, only you can stuff it with toys and food rather than a suit.
The section with the pillow conceals a small blanket that you may zip over your dog in case they feel cold. Additionally, a concealed pocket-mounted clip-on shoulder strap doubles as a leash when needed.
Even though the foam isn’t thick, under the sherpa fleece top layer, it felt substantial and cosy in our tests. Though our sharp meat shredders sliced through portions of the soft material, creating a minor dip in the surface, the sherpa fleece resisted most of our vigourous attacks. After spot-cleaning the white sherpa fleece, we saw some discoloration from the muck and “vomit” that had remained, but that was removed after the bed was washed once. Although the exterior nylon shell is sturdy, when a dog rolls around on the bed, it crumples and produces a plasticky sound. For those who require complete quiet during the night, this bed may not be the best option.
If you’re looking for a tough, tall cot that can withstand the majority of destructive dogs: A sturdy cot for indoor or outdoor use is the Kuranda Silver Aluminium Dog Bed. Styling even the most determined chewers, it features sturdy materials and a substantial aluminium frame. Designed in the United States of America, this cot weighs three times as much as the K&H cot. But if it means avoiding regularly disposing of damaged beds in a landfill, the expense might be justified.
Kuranda offers a one-year damage resistance warranty on the frame and three of the four available fabric varieties, or the firm will replace the item. The company’s best-selling Heavy Duty Vinyl version and the Outdoor Mesh fabric we tested are the only ones not protected.
Dogs that run hot can benefit greatly from the Outdoor Mesh version because of its open weave, which permits air to flow through, just like on the K&H cot. A toothbrush and a powerful hose jet removed most of the debris, while some mud and fake vomit remained in the cloth. The K&H cot took over two hours to dry in the sun, but our type dried in only thirty minutes. Compared to the Outdoor Mesh cot, the Heavy Duty Vinyl variant was simpler to clean; everything simply wiped off its nonporous surface. However, compared to the Outdoor Mesh variant, it was also less comfortable and more rigid.
The only dog bed we tested that needed equipment to assemble (a wrench and a screwdriver) was the Kuranda cot. Therefore, it’s an excellent option if you’re handy and want a cot that can withstand rough handling from dogs and weather.
