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Chihuahuas are pint-sized pups full of personality. And while they’re full of zesty energy, they also like to rest in warm, snuggly spots when not in their human’s lap. But finding the best dog bed for your Chihuahua can be a bit of a challenge with their extra-small frames. Not to mention that this tiny breed has a handful of personality preferences and health characteristics to consider.
We’ve scoured the reviews and tested many ourselves to help you find the best dog bed for your Chihuahua. We also spoke with Michelle Reindal, CPDT-KA, professional dog trainer, Chi guardian, and owner of The Paid Pup. From heated beds to deep-dish styles, here are our top picks.
Best Orthopedic: Casper Dog Bed (Verified Review)
When it comes to Chihuahuas, Reindal recommends looking for a plush bed that feels secure, has plenty of support, and is machine washable. “Luxating patellas and osteoarthritis are common in Chihuahuas,” she says, “so orthopedic and memory foam beds are recommended.”
This Casper Dog Bed offers two layers of orthopedic foam. The Visco Elastic Memory Foam on the top helps to relieve pressure on a small dog’s frame, while the polyurethane foam on the bottom provides support. The slightly raised bolstered sides give a sense of security, while the cover’s extra material suits a Chi’s need to burrow.
We especially like that the height of this bed isn’t too high for little dogs. Our Rover tester tried out the medium size for her two dogs to share—a pug and a Boston Terrier—and they had no trouble getting in and out of it.
Features We Like:
- Small size (25″ x 25″ x 4″) is easy for Chis to get in and out of
- Orthopedic foam for joint support
- Machine-washable cover
To Consider:
- Some Chis may prefer higher sides for burrowing
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Best Cave Bed: Snoozer Pet Products Orthopedic Cozy Cave With Cover (Verified Review)
“Large, flat beds aren’t ideal for Chihuahuas, as there’s nothing to burrow down into and no element of security,” says Reindal. “Go for a donut or deep dish style so your Chi can rest their head on the outer part of the bed—extra credit if there’s a hooded burrow attachment to the bed itself.”
Enter the Snoozer Pet Products cave-style bed. This snuggly bed has an attached hooded cover, creating a private, warm space for your Chi. The interior is made with downy sherpa and stuffed with soft polyester, while the thick base offers orthopedic foam support. Removable and machine-washable, the microsuede cover is available in dozens of prints and colors.
Our testing found the bed’s material to be high quality, extra-cozy, and aesthetically pleasing. We also discovered that our larger Rover test pup needed some help figuring out how to burrow under the hood (though your Chi may already be a natural pro!).
Features We Like:
- Small Chi-size bed (19″ x 15″ x 17″)
- Cave style with hood for burrowing
- Extra-soft sherpa interior
- Thick foam base for support
- Machine-washable cover
To Consider:
- Some dogs may need help figuring out how to snuggle under the hood
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Best Calming Bed: Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Bed (Verified Review)
Chihuahuas tend to have strong attachments to their humans and often don’t like to be left alone. Giving your Chi a soothing space to rest may help with their separation anxiety.
The OG of calming dog beds, the Best Friends by Sheri, has many features that Chihuahuas love. It has a round, donut shape that encourages nesting, a soft shag exterior that adds warmth, and a raised outer rim that provides a feeling of protection. Our Rover reviewers also pointed out that the bed’s center is indented, which is perfect for burrowing. It also comes in a deep-dish version for Chis who want to nestle in a little deeper.
Features We Like:
- X-small size (18″ x 18″ x 5.5″) for dogs up to 15 pounds
- Donut shape with indented center for burrowing
- Soft shag exterior with raised sides
- Original calming dog bed for anxiety
- Machine-washable
To Consider:
- Not as supportive as memory foam beds
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Best Heated: K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Heated Bolster Bed (Verified Review)
“With any small dog, being cozy and warm is a priority. With Chihuahuas, who are extra sensitive to the cold, being cozy is a lifestyle,” says Reindal. “If you want to make your Chi really happy, invest in a heated bed or blanket for the winter.”
This bolster bed by K&H is thermostatically controlled to warm up to the normal body temperature of your Chihuahua, but only when they’re lying on it. All other times, it rests in an eco-mode to preserve energy and keep things safe. Bolstered foam sides give a cave-like sense of security, while the ultra-plush pillow adds extra softness, though it might make getting on and off the bed a little awkward for extra-small Chis.
Our tester reported that the heat output was the ideal warmth for Rover test pup Roo. It does run on the smaller side, though, which makes it an excellent choice for a Chihuhaha bed.
Features We Like:
- Medium (26” x 20” x 5”) suits small dogs
- Heat pad can be removed during warmer months
- Pillow and cover are machine-washable
Things to Consider:
- Not safe for dogs with injuries who may find it difficult to get off the bed
Best Self-Warming: Furhaven Luxury Faux Self-Warming Pet Bed
If you have a super-chewer Chi or a puppy who might gnaw on the wires of an electric heated bed, consider a self-warming option instead. This deep-dish style bed has high walls that are excellent for burrowing. It’s also packed with insulation with a warm fiber fill and a thermal core sandwiched between soft faux fur lining.
The smallest size suits dogs up to 20 pounds, providing plenty of room for Chihuahuas. It’s also completely machine washable for easy cleanup.
Features We Like:
- Small size ideal for Chihuahuas (20″ x 20″ x 12″)
- Self-warming bed with high, insulated wallas
- Deep-dish style for burrowing
- Entire bed is machine-washable
To Consider:
- Some reviewers report that the sides are so soft they cave in
Best Budget: Petmate Aspen Round Bed
“Chihuahuas prefer to have several beds and resting spots throughout the home, especially plush and donut-shaped,” says Reindal. To give your Chi plenty of options to snuggle up, consider buying a few budget-friendly beds.
Highly rated on Amazon, this round Petmate bed offers a cozy nest that won’t break the bank. Comfy faux lambswool adds softness while high plush sides are great for burrowing. It also features heat-reflecting technology with a Mylar interior layer to reflect your Chi’s heat and keep him toasty and warm.
Features We Like:
- Affordable round bed option
- Self-warming features
- High sides for burrowing
To Consider:
- Not much support for seniors and Chis with joint issues
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and interviews with a professional dog trainer. We prioritized Chihuahua beds with durable materials, orthopedic support, and cozy details like shag fur and plush bolsters. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated dogs, who are never stingy with their feedback.