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For pups who love to burrow, hide, or sleep underneath a pile of blankets, it’s hard to beat a cave bed. Known for being plush and comfortable—with the secure feeling of a warm hug and built-in draft protection—covered dog beds are popular among a huge range of breeds. We talk to Dr. Ellen Russell, DVM, about what exactly cave beds offer and review our favorites.
- Best for Burrowing: Indi Bed with Squeaky Chew Wedge
- Best Value: FurHaven Burrow Pet Bed
- Best for Anxious Dogs: Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler Dog Bed
- Best Tent-Style: Best Pet Supplies Pet Tent-Soft Cave Dog Bed
- Best for Large Dogs: Snoozer Orthopedic Cozy Cave Pet Bed
- Best for Small Dogs: Birdsong Cuddle Pouch Bed
- Cutest Cave Bed: YML Pineapple Pet Bed
- Best for the Backyard: K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot House
- Best for Camping and Outdoor Adventures: Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
Best for Burrowing: The Indi Bed
According to Dr. Russell of The Malamute Mom, a lot of dogs can appreciate the security of a covered dog bed. But they’re especially popular among breeds with a natural instinct to burrow or tunnel, including Dachshunds, Beagles, Border Collies, Malamutes, and Huskies. Burrowers typically gravitate toward covered beds with deep bolstered edges.
The 27-inch Indi Bed is ideal for the small tunnelers out there. It’s constructed with a base layer of 1.5 inches of egg crate foam and high foam bolsters that support three layers of removable wedge bedding to allow a dog to go as deep, or as shallow, as they’d like. A soft snout-hole provides a convenient window—or maybe an entrance for an especially small burrower.
The entire bed can be disassembled to be machine-washed.
Key Takeaways:
- Three removable layers allow dogs to truly burrow
- Unique side entrance for tunneling
- Easy to disassemble and wash
Best Value Cave Bed: FurHaven Burrow Pet Bed
For bigger burrowers (up to 95 pounds) and cave lovers on a budget, there’s the FurHaven. It’s available in four sizes and has a washable cover, with a hood that can stand up on its own to give the bed its cave effect. For snugglers and pups who don’t know the meaning of the word claustrophobia, you can remove the plastic tubing that keeps the hood standing upright and turn the top part of the bed into a blanket.
The FurHaven’s standout feature is its customizability at a reasonable price point: you can choose between models with orthopedic, memory foam, or cooling gel bases; fleece or velvet lining; and eleven colors.
Key Takeaways:
- Four sizes for large and small dogs
- Affordable price point
- Multiple styles and base options available
Best for Anxious Dogs: Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler (Verified Review)
“Sensitive dogs, like those with anxiety, may also benefit from the extra warmth and protection that a covered bed provides,” Dr. Russell tells us.
Anxious cuddlers may appreciate a bed with an attached blanket, like the Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler. Designed for dogs up to 35 pounds, the bed is donut-shaped, with a depression in the middle and an attached cover, creating a pocket that dogs can burrow into. Soft faux fur simulates the feel of littermates, while cushioned bolsters provide security. (Note that this hood doesn’t stand up like other covered bed options—a natural instinct to hide or tunnel will help make this a win.)
We’ve tested the uncovered calming version of this bed on some anxious pups and been impressed by the results. Plus, the bed is a snap to clean, since the entire thing can be placed directly into a washer and machine-washed and dried on low.
Key Takeaways:
- Non-standing blanket cover
- Pocket inside beds for dogs to burrow
- Machine-washable and dryer-safe on low
Best Tent-Style Cave Bed: Best Pet Supplies Pet Tent-Soft Cave Dog Bed
For dogs that aren’t natural burrowers but who still appreciate the warmth and security of a covered bed, this tent-like dog den is a strong choice. It’s easy to get into; no digging or burrowing is required, and there aren’t any tall bolsters either. Designed for small and toy dogs, the uber-soft corduroy tent comes with a separate cushion and poly-foam fill. The whole thing is machine-washable and doesn’t lose its shape after a trip through the wash.
Key Takeaways:
- Unique den-like tent shape
- Ultra-soft fabric
- Maintains its shape even after machine-washing
Best Cave Bed for Large Dogs: Snoozer Orthopedic Cozy Cave (Verified Review)
As Dr. Russell reminds us, senior and arthritic dogs don’t always welcome doughnut-style beds. An orthopedic bed without a bolster is easier to climb in and out of, and it offers more support to an aging pup. That doesn’t mean, however, that your senior dog can’t have a cozy cave.
Snoozer’s orthopedic cave bed serves both senior pups and cuddlers on the larger side. It comes in large and extra-large sizes to accommodate bigger breeds, including our adoring 70-pound Staffordshire Terrier test pup, and it’s available in a range of colors and prints. A fully machine-washable cover with a super-soft sherpa interior makes it a good choice for dogs who love to nest. You can choose between a cotton or microsuede exterior, while the bed’s filling is made of fluffy cedar and polyester filling with a three-inch orthopedic foam base.
Note: It’s especially important to get the size right when you’re shopping for a large pup, so remember to take your dog’s measurements before buying and avoid relying on weight estimates alone.
Key Takeaways:
- Sizes for small, large, and extra-large dogs
- Orthopedic base offers support
- Removable and washable cover
Best for Small Dogs: Birdsong Cuddle Pouch Bed
Made of plush fabric and high-quality polyester filling, the Birdsong dog burrow bed offers small pets a warm, flexible den. Designed for pups up to 15 pounds, it comes with a removable wire that allows the hood to stay up or down, as well as a removable cushion and a waterproof, skid-proof bottom. Both the cover and bed are machine-washable.
The Birdsong is an especially nice choice for dogs who seek heat. As Dr. Russel points out, “The covered style [of cave beds] also helps to keep them warm and protected from drafts, which can be beneficial for older or more sensitive dogs.” It is important, however, to make sure your pup can always get out when they choose.
Key Takeaways:
- Fully washable with a waterproof bottom to prevent leaks
- Hood can stand up or lay flat
- Extra-cozy plush fabric
Cutest Cave Bed: YML Pineapple Pet Bed (Verified Review)
This pineapple-shaped bed is a showstopper: it’s lightweight and machine-washable, with a removable cushion on the inside. It graces the homes of several of our product testers, whose dogs (and cats) are almost universally asked “who lives in a pineapple under the sea?” when they curl up inside it.
This cheery cave is neither very roomy nor very padded—we don’t think it can support dogs larger than fifteen or twenty pounds at a stretch, and you may want to supplement the interior cushion with some soft dog blankets of your own. It is, however, surprisingly sturdy. Even our most accomplished plush shredders have had a hard time coring this pineapple.
Key Takeaways:
- Lightweight and portable
- Machine-washable
- Eye-catching design
Best for the Backyard: K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot House
If your dog likes to hang out outside, consider this cot-style dog tent from trusted brand K&H Pet Products. It’s available in three sizes and can hold pups up to 200 pounds. It comes with two windows for circulation, and it’s made from durable waterproof fabric to hold up against light rainfall. The elevated style is ideal for keeping a dog up away from mud—but in the event of an accident, the base of the bed is machine-washable. Easy assembly is an additional plus.
This elevated tent is a nice choice for pups who tend to overheat. As Dr. Russell points out, “You don’t want your dog to feel suffocated or cramped in [a cave] bed, as this can be very uncomfortable. Make sure the covered bed has a big enough space and hole for your pup to easily get in and out. Additionally, the bed should be made from breathable materials so that air can circulate, as this will help keep your pup cool and comfortable.”
Key Takeaways:
- Sizes for small, medium, and large dogs
- Elevated design that keeps dogs off ground
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
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Best for Camping and Outdoor Adventures: Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag (Verified Review)
Love to take your dog camping or hiking? Insulated with synthetic down, this quick-drying, water-resistant sleeping bag from Ruffwear is a nice option for dogs to burrow into on the road. It’s lightweight (only 1.6 pounds for the medium size and 2.2 pounds for the large) and rolls up small, making it easy to carry in a backpack or bag. Our testers appreciated its durable, waterproof exterior and found it surprisingly useful for not just camping but also patio and brewery trips—any time a compact, portable dog bed is handy.
Take note that dog sleeping bags don’t usually offer much support, so it’s best used for outdoor adventures and not as an everyday bed.
Key Takeaways:
- Sizes for medium and large dogs
- Lightweight, portable design easily fits into a backpack
- Best for occasional use
How We Chose
The covered dog beds and cave beds featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized functionality, quality materials, flexible coverings, and versatile styles for a range of pup needs. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
