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The right dog bed can make a world of difference. It’s not just about sleep quality, though that’s a factor, since better sleep leads to better health for pups and people alike. Dogs are den animals, which means they crave a comfortable, safe spot to call their own. A good dog bed will be a place your pup goes to settle, relax, and reset—a process that keeps them happy and healthy.
Because “a good bed” means something different to different dogs, there’s a huge range of styles on the market. There are orthopedic beds for senior dogs, calming doughnut beds for anxious pups, and nearly indestructible beds for power chewers, to name just a few. We’ve rounded up our favorites in every category to help you find your dog a winner.
Best Orthopedic Dog Bed: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed (Verified Review)
Oscar the Rover test pup is a big fan of bolsters.
If your dog is getting older or recovering from an injury, you may be looking at orthopedic dog beds. Unlike pet beds made with less expensive fillings, the best orthopedic beds will be constructed with thick memory foam that takes the pressure off a dog’s joints. This becomes especially important if your dog has arthritis or hip dysplasia, but active pups of all ages can benefit from a firm, supportive mattress.
Regarded as the ultimate orthopedic dog bed, the PetFusion features a four-inch memory foam base. It comes with a machine-washable, tear- and water-resistant cover, and it offers almost 360 degrees of bolstering support if you have a dog who likes a pillow.
Key Features:
- Sizes: small (25″ x 20″ x 5.5″), large (36″ x 28″ x 9″), x-large (44″ x 34″ x 10″), jumbo (50″ x 40″ x 13″)
- Materials: cotton, polyester, memory foam
- Washability: Cover is removable and machine-washable
- Water- and tear-resistant cover
- Foam base offers medium firmness
Best Cave-Style Dog Bed: Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed
Cave beds are an obvious choice for dogs who like to burrow or sleep beneath a pile of blankets. These beds usually have high, fluffy sides or cozy covers that speak to this canine instinct. Heat-seeking puppies are good candidates for a cave bed, as are breeds inclined to burrow (looking at you, Dachshunds). Anxious dogs can also benefit from the comfort of a secluded hideaway.
The nest-like Snoozer has lots of cozy appeal. Its hooded design and soft sherpa interior are especially welcoming to anxious dogs or puppies. Dogs can stay warm and tucked away—while still being able to watch things and interact with housemates. It’s also a durable bed, stitched with a special sewing technique to prevent fraying.
Key Features:
- Sizes: small (25″ x 25″ x 4″), large (35″ x 35″ x 4″), x-large (45″ x 45″ x 4″)
- Materials: microsuede exterior, plush fiberfill interior
- Washability: cover is removable and machine-washable
- 15 colors available
- Durable and comfortable
- Polyester fill includes cedar, a pest-repellant and deodorizer
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Best Indestructible Dog Bed: K9 Ballistics Armored Dog Cot
Some dogs are tougher on their beds than others. Relentless chewers, diggers, shredders, and scratchers need a bed that can handle less delicate treatment. Durable canvas and military-grade fabric hold up fairly well against chomping and digging. Cot-style beds seem to have the most success when it comes to chewers because their tough metal frames prevent dogs from getting at fabric edges.
Of course, no bed is ever truly 100% indestructible—but this K9 Ballistics Armored Cot comes pretty close. With its aluminum frame and ripstop ballistic fabric, it’s a good match for teething puppies or chew-happy adults. It’s not a cheap bed—but it might be worth it, if you never need to replace it. The company also offers a 120-day warranty, if you’re concerned about it lasting in your house.
Key Features:
- Sizes: small (29″ x 18″ x 3.5″), medium (25″ x 22″ x 3.5″), large (41″ x 27″ x 5″), x-large (47″ x 29″ x 5″), xx-large (50″ x 33″ x 7″)
- Materials: strong, rip-stop fabric, aluminum frame
- Washability: spot-clean only
- Virtually indestructible
- Resists dirt, moisture, and hair
- Elevated design allows for air circulation
Best Calming Dog Bed: Best Friends By Sheri, The Original Calming Donut Cuddler (Verified Review)
Oscar likes nothing better than to smoosh his face into plush faux fur.
Calming dog beds have become increasingly popular with pet parents of anxious pups. Comforting features like high, fluffy sides, plush cushions, and a circular shape all contribute to a calmer dog. These beds are said to alleviate stress by mimicking the experience of snuggling up against a warm mother and littermates.
The Original Calming Bed from Best Friends By Sheri cocoons dogs in a protective circular shape. Bolstered edges add to a sense of security, and they make a nice headrest. This bed keeps dogs warm and comfortable, thanks to its soft shag and a special layer of insulation.
Anxious Oscar, the pictured test pup, migrates between three of them around the house, and 85-pound tester Ruby the Bernese Mountain Dog has learned to burrow in hers whenever things get stressful.
An added plus? The entire bed is machine washable and dryer safe. (Keep in mind that this material isn’t a good choice for super chewers, and consider sizing up, as our reviewer found that it runs a little on the smaller size.)
Key Features:
- Sizes: small (23″ x 23″ x 7″), medium (30″ x 30″ x 9″), large (36″ x 36″ x 10″), xx-large (45″ x 45″ x 11″)
- Materials: cozy shag fabric, plush fiberfill interior
- Washability: the entire bed is machine-washable
- Eight colors available
- High walls for neck support
- Water-resistant nylon bottom
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Best Elevated Dog Bed: K&H Pet Products Bolster Cot Bed
There are few scenarios where an elevated dog bed is the best choice. These beds allow for better airflow, which keeps dogs cool in hot weather. They’re also easy to clean (often a simple hosing will do), so they make a good outdoor bed. And because the fabric edges are virtually impossible to get to, these beds tend to hold up better to heavy chewers. They’re not as cozy as a plush bed, however, so a raised cot may not work for dogs who need a softer touch.
Comfy bolsters surround this elevated bed by K&H, making it a considerably cozier cot-style bed. No problem if your dog isn’t into them—the bolsters are removable (and washable). The breathable mesh is great for hot days.
Key Features:
- Sizes: small (22″ x 17″ x 7″), medium (32″ x 25″ x 7″), large (42″ x 30″ x 7″)
- Materials: waterproof nylon, metal frame
- Washability: for everyday cleaning, wipe with damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, the cover is removable and machine-washable. Line dry only.
- Bolsters are covered in waterproof nylon
- Non-skid feet
- Requires some tool-free assembly
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Best Cooling Dog Bed: ArfPets Self-Cooling Gel Mat (Verified Review)
Cooling beds are designed to help your dog stay cool and comfortable. They achieve this in different ways: gel mats are self-cooling and offer a gentle chill. While the gel is non-toxic, these types of beds aren’t the best option for determined chewers. Ice-filled mats are far colder but require a freezer. You can also find orthopedic cooling beds that are thicker and more suited for older or arthritic dogs.
The cooling bed that works for you will depend on your dog’s needs and environment, of course—but the ArfPets gel mat has wide appeal. First, it’s convenient: the cooling effect self-activates with your pet’s weight, so no electricity, ice, water, or refrigeration is required. It’s also easy to clean with a simple wipe-down.
Admittedly, this mat doesn’t get as cold as some of the other beds out there, so if your goal is providing an icy chill, this may not be for you. We tested this bed on two Rover kitties who appreciated the mat’s cozy bolsters and moderate coolness.
Key Features:
- Sizes: small/medium (30″ x 20″ x 2″), large/x-large (40″ x 26″ x 2″)
- Materials: nylon cushion and gel interior
- Washability: hand wash, air dry
- Bolsters make this a more comfortable gel mat
- Cooling effect lasts for three hours (self-charges in 15 minutes)
- Perfect for travel
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Best Heated Dog Bed: K&H Deluxe Lectro-Soft Bolster Bed
Keeping your small or short-haired dog warm is made easier with a heated bed. Arthritic dogs or dogs recovering from surgery or an injury may also find these beds comforting. Self-warming models that radiate your dog’s own body heat make sense if you’re trying to avoid electric cords, while plug-in beds offer more heat and greater temperature control.
The K&H Lectro-Soft Bed is a plug-in model that stands out in its class for its comfy bolsters and soft faux fleece pad. The heating element is controlled with dual thermostats, and you can use it outdoors (though we recommend keeping it sheltered from rain on a porch or in a doghouse). If you have a burrower on your hands or want a good indoor option, try K&H’s Thermo-Snuggly, which our test pup loved.
Key Features:
- Sizes: small (23″ x 19.5″ x 2.5″), medium (30.5″ x 26.5″ x 3.5″), large (44.5″ x 34.5″ x 4.5″)
- Materials: fleece cover, plush fiberfill interior
- Washability: fleece cover is machine washable, and bolsters can be spot-cleaned
- 5.5-foot cord is wrapped in steel
- Designed to be safe outdoors: use in doghouses, garages, porches or barns
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Best Outdoor Dog Bed: The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo (Verified Review)
Your dog’s plush indoor mattress probably won’t fare well against the wind, rain, and sun. For a restful outdoor spot, your dog needs an outdoor bed that’s waterproof (or at least water-resistant), easy to clean, odor-resistant, and breathable.
Cot-style beds are well-suited to the outdoors. They keep dogs off the muddy or dusty ground, and the raised design keeps dogs cool by encouraging airflow. They make sense for dogs who overheat easily, a group that includes overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds, and long-haired pups.
Because it’s so lightweight and easy to clean, this versatile Coolaroo dog bed is great for both indoor and outdoor use. The powder-coated steel frame holds up to inclement weather, and the high-density polyethylene fabric won’t absorb water or odor. It’s also resistant to pests like fleas, mites, mildew, and mold.
While there’s no soft cushioning like other dog beds, the seven-inch platform design helps relieve pressure points and promotes more restful sleep. On the downside, the Coolaroo might require slightly more effort to assemble than the average dog bed.
Key Features:
- Sizes: small (35″ x 22″ x 8″), medium (42″ x 25.5″ x 8″), large (51″ x 31.5″ x 8″), x-large (60″ x 37″ x 8″)
- Materials: mesh fabric, steel frame
- Washability: simply hose down
- Great for camping
- Some assembly required
- Not the softest cushion
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Best Dog Bed for Small Dogs: Best Friends by Sheri Deep Dish Cuddler (Verified Review)
The best beds for small dogs will be appropriately compact. It needs to be small enough for a tiny dog to feel cozy in. And since many small dogs like curling into a ball, rounded beds are often a good choice.
With this deep-dish cuddler from Best Friends by Sheri, you can surround your small dog in cozy comfort. It features ultra-plush cozy Sherpa fleece and high walls to promote more restful sleep. The donut shape accommodates dogs who like curling into a ball. We also like that the higher rear wall offers back support, while the lower front keeps it accessible for tiny dogs.
This bed is available in two sizes, various colors, and is machine washable and dryer safe.
Key Features:
- Sizes: standard (20″ x 20″ x 12″), jumbo (24″ x 22″ x 14″)
- Materials: cozy sherpa, plush fiberfill exterior
- Washability: entire bed is machine-washable and dryer-safe
- Seven colors available
- Nylon bottom is water- and dirt-resistant
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Best Dog Bed for Large Dogs: Big Barker Pillow-Top Orthopedic Pet Bed (Verified Review)
Big dogs need an extra supportive mattress that can cradle their hard-working joints and bones. It also needs to be sturdy enough to hold its shape under a heavier weight. And the best beds for large dogs will be long enough for leggy dogs to stretch freely.
This U.S.-made orthopedic bed was designed with larger breeds in mind. Big Barker combines seven inches of memory foam with a soft, washable microfiber cover for a bed that never goes flat. A 10-year warranty on each bed guarantees it. It’s definitely pricey but comes highly recommended by plenty of pet parents—including a Rover reviewer and her obliging Husky.
Key Features:
- Sizes: large (48″ x 30″ x 7″), x-large (52″ x 36″ x 7″), giant (60″ x 48″ x 7″)
- Materials: soft microfiber cover, therapeutic foam interior
- Washability: cover is machine-washable; foam can be spot-cleaned and air-dried
- Orthopedic foam evenly distributes your big dog’s weight
- Excellent for joint issues
- Pillow bolster provides a nice headrest
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Best Couch-Style Dog Bed: Keet Fluffy Deluxe Sofa Bed
Trying to discourage your dog from sleeping on the couch? Maybe you can tempt them with a cozy sofa bed of their own. These eye-catching beds offer a stylish break from more traditional dog beds. Typically topped with a soft cushion, they’re comfy, too.
This attractive Keet Sofa Bed looks just like your own leather couch—but scaled down to fit your dog. A waterproof layer protects the cushion’s shredded memory foam interior. And the sofa’s arms make a nice headrest.
Key Features:
- Sizes: medium (28″ x 20″ x 12″), large (42″ x 23″ x 16″)
- Materials: shredded memory foam interior, wooden frame is upholstered in brown leatherette
- Washability: cover is machine-washable, regular vacuuming is recommended
- Cushion covered in soft, minky dot fabric
- Neither size is ideal for super-large dogs or sprawlers
Best Crate Bed: MidWest Quiet Time Bolster Mat
A dog’s crate should be their own personal safe haven. Adding a bed or padded mat is a great way to make things more inviting. If you’re in the process of house-training, look for machine-washable mats. Cozy, warm materials are also welcome, especially in colder homes.
The MidWest Quiet Time fits most standard size crates. It features soft synthetic fur and padded bolsters for a modest headrest. It’s not the thickest cushion—but it makes an affordable and appropriate choice for most dog crates. And after the occasional accident or mess, you can toss it in the washing machine.
Key Features:
- Sizes: 18-in (18″ x 12″ x 0.5″), 22-in (22″ x 13″ x .05″), 24-in (24″ x 18″ x 0.5″), 30-in (30″ x 21″ x 0.5″), 36-in (36″ x 23″ x 0.5″)
- Materials: faux fur
- Washability: machine-washable and dryer-safe
- Makes a nice stand-alone bed for travel
- Affordable
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Best Corner Dog Bed: Paws & Pals Triangle Bed
Triangle-shaped beds offer an interesting space-saving solution for pet parents who want to tuck their dog’s bed into a corner. They make sense for donut-sleepers but less so for big sprawlers.
Corner-style beds are surprisingly hard to come by, but this triangle bed by Paws & Pals is a good one. Raised sides tuck your pooch into a cozy space of their own. We have to note that the corduroy cover isn’t removable, and the bed is not washing machine-friendly—so this won’t be the best bed for dogs with regular accidents or messes.
Key Features:
- Sizes: medium (30″ x 30″ x 7″)
- Materials: corduroy exterior, plush polyester filling
- Washability: spot-clean only
- Non-skid bottom keeps it in place
- Only available in black
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Best Travel Dog Bed: Kurgo Loft Wander Bed
Whether you’re road-tripping or camping together, a good travel dog bed makes the journey much more enjoyable for your furry companion. A travel-friendly bed will have some key features: It should be easy to transport and store in-between trips. For outdoor adventures, in particular, you need a bed that’s durable and water-resistant.
The Kurgo Loft was made for dogs on-the-go. It’s constructed with sturdy ripstop fabric, and it’s completely waterproof. The bed rolls up like a sleeping bag and includes a convenient carrying handle. There’s even a hidden zipper pocket for stashing comforting items (like a small toy) that smell like home while you’re away.
Key Features:
- Sizes: medium (36″ x 25″ x 1.5″), large (48″ x 36″ x 3″)
- Materials: polyester cover, plush fiberfill interior
- Washability: hand- or machine-wash, line dry
- Waterproof and rugged
- Slip-proof Rufftex bottom
- Excellent for camping
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Best Luxury Dog Bed: Casper Bolster Dog Bed (Verified Review)
Since orthopedic beds can alleviate joint pain and other signs of aging, in some cases it’s worth springing for these pricier models. If you’re looking to comfort a senior dog, arthritic dog, skinny dog, or any pooch who could benefit from additional support, sometimes only the best of the best will do.
If that sounds like you, the ultra-comfy Casper Bed is worth a look. The folks at Casper know a thing or two about good sleep—and the mattresses that support it best. This orthopedic bed features memory foam for pressure relief and support. The durable cover is made with strong microfibers and intentionally includes excess fabric to cater to diggers.
Key Features:
- Sizes: small (26″ x 19″ x 6″), medium (33″ x 25″ x 6″), large (45″ x 35″ x 7″)
- Materials: durable nylon cover, orthopedic foam interior
- Washability: nylon cover is removable and machine-washable
- Three colors available
- Foam bolsters add support
- Sewn-in pockets hide metal zippers, so they won’t scratch floors
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Best Budget Dog Bed: FurHaven Ultra-Plush Lounger
Most orthopedic dog beds are on the expensive side. But budget-friendly options do exist! This FurHaven Lounger, for instance, offers the benefits of an orthopedic bed—without the jaw-dropping price. The faux-fur surface and insulating foam makes it ideal for senior dogs, as does the flat step-on design. However, this bed isn’t recommended for heavy chewers.
Key Features:
- Sizes: medium (30″ x 20″ x 5″), large (36″ x 24″ x 5.5″), jumbo (45″ x 30″ x 6″), jumbo-plus (44″ x 35″ x 8″), giant (53″ x 42″ x 9.5″)
- Materials: faux fur cover, egg crate orthopedic foam
- Washability: Cover is machine-washable; you can spot-clean the foam
- Ergonomic curved shape
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Best Bed for Puppies: K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangle Bed (Verified Review)
Puppies are happiest in a bed that’s soft, warm, and cuddle-friendly. On the other hand, they do best with tough beds that can handle teething, pawing, and energetic antics. A water-resistant and washable cover is smart for puppies still in potty training.
This washable, durable, waterproof dog bed from the trusted K9 brand is up for anything your puppy can throw at it—and it’s comfy, to boot. This bed is easy to clean and stands up to bored dogs with a tendency to chew (K9 notes it’s chew-resistant but not entirely “chew-proof”). It comes in a variety of solid colors and sizes.
Key Features:
- Sizes: small (24″ x 18″ x 3″), medium (33″ x 27″ x 5″), large (40″ x 34″ x 5″), x-large (54″ x 38″ x 5″), xx-large (68″ x 40″ x 5″)
- Materials: polyester cover, shredded foam interior
- Washability: cover is machine-washable
- Four colors available
How To Pick and Size a Dog Bed for Your Pup
Your first clue will be your dog’s sleeping style, explains Iram Sharma, DVM, a veterinarian and writer at PupVine. “It may sound silly, but knowing if your dog likes to stretch or burrow will help you choose the perfect dog bed style,” she tells us. For nesters, this may mean a donut-shaped cuddler with raised sides. Dogs who like to stretch out, on the other hand, might prefer a spacious rectangle bed.
Additional considerations include your dog’s breed, age, and personality. “If you own a hairless dog or a short-haired dog, then you may want to consider a heated dog bed,” says Sharma. “Puppies and small dogs like cozy beds that they can snuggle into,” she adds. Older or arthritic dogs will appreciate the extra support of an orthopedic bed, and anxious dogs can find comfort in tent-like, igloo beds sometimes called “cave beds.”
You’ll also want to take your dog’s size into account, Sharma points out. “A Great Dane can’t fit into a Chihuahua’s bed, right? But, there is such a thing as a dog bed that is too big.”
For the best fit (and to avoid the hassle of an exchange), you’ll need to pull out your measuring tape. Dr. Sharma offers the following advice on sizing your dog’s bed:
- Have your dog stand in an upright position
- Measure from their snout to the base of their tail for the length
- Measure from shoulder to shoulder for the width
- Add 6 to 12 inches to both measurements
These additional inches will ensure your dog can comfortably sleep in any natural position.
How We Chose
The beds featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across several retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized dog beds from reputable manufacturers as well as models with the best materials and construction.
We also considered the various needs of different pet parents, taking into account cost, comfort, size, ease of cleaning, and common canine health concerns. We’re always guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated dogs, who are never stingy with their feedback.
Further Reading
- Can Orthopedic Dog Beds Really Help Arthritic and Senior Pups?
- Do Calming Dog Beds Really Work? We Tested the Original To Find Out
- Cave Beds Are All The Rage For Little Pups—But Would Your Big Dog Benefit?
- How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?
- We Tested This Deluxe Memory Foam Pet Bed and Our Dogs Got Very Attached
