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It can be challenging to find the right dog bed for Great Danes—they need something to accommodate size, weight, and larger-than-life goofy enthusiasm. These gentle giants are prone to joint pain, arthritis, and hip dysplasia, which means you’ll want durable materials, removable and washable covers (beds that big aren’t going to fit in the washer), and extra joint support.
We spoke to Dr. Dwight Alleyne, veterinarian advisor at BetterPet, to learn more as we rounded up the best beds for Great Danes at all life stages.
Our picks
Best Bed for Comprehensive Joint Support: PetFusion Ultimate Memory Foam Dog Bed (Verified Review)
According to Dr. Alleyne, the ideal Great Dane bed is typically rectangular, because this allows for weight to be well-distributed and provides critical space for stretching. But even big dogs like bolsters, which is one of the nice features of the PetFusion, which marries three different large sizes, including jumbo, with strong orthopedic support.
It comes in two neutral shades and three different large sizes, including jumbo. A durable polyester and cotton twill cover is machine washable, while a four-inch memory foam base provides relief to sore joints. It has a non-skid bottom (great for big crash landings), and pet parents can replace the machine-washable covers if they become damaged without having to replace the entire bed. Our test pups gave it four paws up.
Key Features:
- Comfortable memory foam provides support for dogs of all ages
- Features a removable, washable cover
- Outer bolsters provide a comfy surface to rest tired heads
- Jumbo size is 50″ x 40″ x 13″
- Non-skid bottom
To Consider:
- This bed doesn’t typically hold up to enthusiastic chewers
Best for Hip Dysplasia: Big Barker Headrest Orthopedic Pillow Bed
The owner of Big Barker developed this bed after his own 90+ pound dog, Hank, developed an early case of hip dysplasia. The lack of bolsters makes it easy to step onto and get up from without effort—a huge boon to Great Danes, who Dr. Alleyne points out are particularly prone to the disease.
This Big Barker bed comes in three large size options and four colors, with a zippered microsuede cover that stands up to digging, pawing, and nesting. Both removable and washable, the cover is designed not to shrink during cleaning, while the foam filling is built to withstand the weight of larger breeds and should not pancake—even after many years of power naps. A 10-year warranty adds confidence to the promise.
Key Features:
- Offers premium joint support with orthopedic foam
- Retains 90 percent of its shape for 10 years (or they’ll replace it)
- Stays cool using “open-cell” foam (instead of memory foam)
- Removable, washable microsuede cover
- Durable material suits Great Danes’ habits
To Consider:
- While very durable, this is not a chew-proof bed
Best for Seniors: The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Memory Foam
The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
Equipped with medical-grade orthopedic support, this memory foam bed is especially great for older or injured Great Danes. It’s also waterproof and machine-washable.
Because of Great Danes’ propensity toward joint issues and arthritis, Dr. Alleyne recommends beds that can provide strong support and contour to their large bodies—which typically means orthopedic memory foam.
Made with medical-grade memory foam to relieve painful joint issues, this model from The Dog’s Bed is well-suited to elderly or arthritic dogs. Measuring 51″ x 39″ x 4″ with 10.5″ bolstered sides, the interior features a memory foam pad over a stability foam pad for maximum support and comfort. We especially like that pet parents can purchase additional or replacement covers and waterproof liners separately.
Key Features:
- Relies on medical-grade orthopedic support
- Memory foam relieves painful pressure points
- Waterproof and machine washable
- Comes in several different sizes and colors
To Consider:
- This bed is not proof against super chewers
Best Bed for Travel: Brindle Shredded Memory Foam Bed
Brindle Shredded Memory Foam Bed
The Brindle Shredded Memory Foam bed features a 3-inch foam fill to alleviate pressure points on larger dog breeds.
Dr. Alleyne emphasizes that Great Danes need beds that can accommodate the full length of their body so they can stretch comfortably without limbs hanging off. That’s a big bed—which doesn’t always feel very conducive to travel.
The Brindle Shredded Memory Foam Bed is a good solution, since it’s both large and relatively lightweight. The XXL size measures a robust 54″ x 34″ and features a three-inch layer of shredded memory foam that’s more foldable than your average orthopedic mattress with only minor concessions in the support department. The micro-sueded cover can be washed in a machine on the gentle cycle and tumble dried.
Note, however, that the inner layer isn’t washable, which makes this a better choice for indoor than outdoor travel.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and good for travel
- 3″ shredded foam layer that conforms to dog’s shape
- Breathable, and helps to eliminate pressure points
- Cover is machine-washable
To Consider:
- Inner layer is not washable
- Not chew-proof (power chewers, read on!)
Best Couch Bed: FurHaven Comfy Couch Orthopedic Bolster Bed
There aren’t a lot of highly bolstered beds out there big enough for Great Danes, but this couch option from FurHaven gives even giant breeds the option to rest their back against something soft and sturdy, or to pillow their head for extra neck support.
It uses egg-crate foam, which is soothing on the joints, and comes in a jumbo plus size that measures a whopping 53″ x 40″ x 10.5″. The faux-fur cover is gentle on paws and noses—and both removable and machine washable.
Key Features:
- Orthopedic egg-crate foam material supports aching joints and muscles
- Bolstered sides are ideal for burrowing
- Jumbo-plus size measures 53″ x 40″ x 10.5″
- Features a removable, machine-washable cover
- Available in many colors
To Consider:
- This bed is not chew-proof
- Remember with bolstered beds to check the dimensions of the sleep surface (not the bed as a whole)
Best Calming Bed: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Dog Bed (Verified Review)
Though rectangular beds are more popular for large breeds, some Great Danes break the mold and love to sleep curled up nose to tail—in which case, they’ll need an especially large donut bed.
The Best Friends by Sheri calming dog bed comes highly reviewed by Rover pups. It’s available in a 2XL size that measures a full 54″ across and features a faux-shag exterior for maximum softness, plus an inner clump-resistant Airloft fiber layer. It’s not orthopedic, so we recommend it for younger Great Danes who may be able to get away with a little less support than seniors.
We like that the exterior cover can be removed (it zips closed) and machine-washed.
Key Features:
- Soft faux-shag and machine-washable exterior
- Available in many colors and fits with home decor
- Extremely soft, with clump-resistant fibers
- May help with anxiety in nervous dogs
To Consider:
- Will not withstand intense chewing
- Ensure that your Great Dane can stretch out in a round bed (go as large as possible)
Best Elevated Bed: Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed
Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed
The Veehoo cooling elevated dog bed is one of the few elevated options that can accommodate Great Danes.
Dr. Alleyne tells us that because of their size and impressive chew power, durability goes a long way in a Great Dane bed. Elevated beds tend to be some of the sturdiest and best defenses against enthusiastic gnawers, and the Veehoo can accommodate large dog breeds up to 150 pounds (or, in Veehoo speak, a “high load-bearing capacity”).
The Veehoo uses a cool Textaline mesh fabric that is heat-resistant, sturdy, and breathable. This bed features a steel frame (which is what makes it great for Great Danes) and is easy to assemble. The rubber feet are skid-free to help keep the bed in place as dogs jump in and out. Because this bed does not contain plush, it is ideal for puppies and teens who still are tasting and chewing the world around them, as well as pups who gravitate to cool floors instead of squishy pillows.
Key Features:
- Elevated design allows airflow and keeps your dog cool
- Made with cool Textaline mesh that is heat resistant, sturdy, and breathable
- Easy to clean
- Perfect for outdoor use
To Consider:
- Some Great Danes may exceed the 150 pound capacity
Best Cooling Bed: Furhaven XXL Cooling Bed, Size Jumbo Plus
Furhaven XXL Cooling Bed, Size Jumbo Plus
The Furhaven XXL Cooling Bed features a gel-infused layer. This bed contours to your dog’s body and helps alleviate joint pain.
Though elevated beds are some of the coolest because of their breathability, they’re not for all pups—notably those who love a plush sleeping surface.
The Furhaven XXL Cooling Bed comes in a “Jumbo Plus” size, which translates to 53″ x 40″ x 5″. Gusseted sides add about 5″ of lift, and the sleep surface is lined with thick and plush faux fur for softness. It isn’t, however, toasty: beneath that layer is a gel-infused memory foam that whisks heat away and contours to your Great Dane, offering cooling relief for joint pain and providing support for larger breeds.
The bed cover is removable and machine-washable. Like most plush beds, though, it won’t hold up to serious chewing.
Key Features:
- The Jumbo Plus size measures 53″ x 40″ x 5″
- Uses a gel-infused memory foam to whisk away heat
- Contours to your dog’s shape
- Washable faux-fur cover
To Consider:
- This bed is not chew-proof
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 across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized huge sizes, orthopedic and memory foam filling, durability, and washable covers. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated big pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.