- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
With their friendly personalities, beautiful coats, and eagerness to please, it’s no wonder Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds out there. This breed is known for their boundless energy. However, when that energy starts to wane, your Golden deserves a comfortable place to rest.
But not just any dog bed will do for a Golden Retriever. When selecting a dog bed, it’s important to consider a Golden’s size, level of shedding, and tendency to chew.
We spoke to Renee Rhoades, MSc, Dog Behaviorist and founder of R+Dogs, about the best qualities to look for in dog beds for Golden Retrievers. Guided by this expert advice, we’ve assembled a list of recommendations for the different needs of Goldens in all life stages.
Overall Best: FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed for Large Dogs
When choosing a dog bed, Rhoades suggests observing where and how your dog prefers to sleep to help you make a selection. She also recommends looking for styles with lots of support and comfort. For larger breeds like Golden Retrievers, Rhoades says orthopedic materials like memory foam are particularly beneficial—especially since Goldens are prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia.
This bed from FurHaven strikes the ideal balance between comfort and support. Ergonomically designed with a contoured shape to provide back and neck support, it features a thick medical-grade orthopedic foam base. The plush removable cover also offers a soft sleeping surface with machine-washable convenience. Available in six sizes, this bed accommodates Golden Retrievers in all life stages.
Key Features:
- Contoured shape provides neck and back support
- 6-inch, medical-grade orthopedic foam base
- Plush cover is removable and machine-washable
- Jumbo size (30″ x 45″ x 6″) recommended for adult Goldens
Best for Golden Retriever Puppies: Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed
While orthopedic dog beds are often marketed for senior pets, Rhoades points out that support is equally essential for puppies. “Their growing bones need a soft, comfortable place to rest, so choosing a supportive bed is important at any life stage,” she says.
This rectangular bed from Brindle combines the orthopedic support of high-density foam with the puppy-friendly protection of a waterproof layer. The zippered cover is removable for easy cleanup as well, in case of accidents. The cover fabric is nice and soft on top, with a non-slip material on the bottom.
Choose from three sizes, with the smallest recommended for dogs weighing up to 35 pounds and the largest for dogs weighing 65 pounds and over.
Key Features:
- High-density foam base for support
- Waterproof layer protects against accidents
- Removable cover is machine-washable
- Three puppy sizes: small (22″ x 16″), medium (34″ x 22″), large (46″ x 28″)
Best for Senior Golden Retrievers: Big Barker Headrest Orthopedic Dog Bed
“As large breed dogs, Golden Retrievers require beds that are thicker and more robust,” says Rhoades. She also notes that because large breeds are prone to arthritis, a supportive bed is a must for senior Golden Retrievers.
Available in three giant sizes, this bed from Big Barker is a particularly popular choice for larger dogs. Constructed with 7 inches of orthopedic foam, it features a 4-inch contoured foam pillow for added head and neck support. The base consists of three layers: the bottom acts as a stabilizer base, the middle focuses on pressure points, and the top layer helps cushion your Golden’s joints. The removable cover is machine washable, and while it doesn’t have a nonslip bottom, customers report that the bed is heavy enough that it doesn’t slide.
The Big Barker is a pricier pick, but it comes with a solid 10-year warranty. If it flattens or loses shape within this time frame, the company will send you a new one.
Key Features:
- Includes 10-year “no flatten” warranty
- Thick base with three orthopedic foam layers
- Contoured foam pillow for neck support
- Removable and machine-washable cover
- Large size (48″ x 30″ x 7″) recommended for Golden Retrievers
Best Budget: Frisco Pillow Dog Bed with Removable Cover
While you don’t want to skimp when it comes to your dog’s comfort, you also don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on your Golden’s bed. This pillow-style dog bed from Frisco is priced under $35 for the largest size (at the time of writing). It’s stuffed with polyester fiber filling and has a soft faux suede sleeping surface.
It doesn’t provide the same degree of support as a memory foam dog bed, but it could be a good option for an adolescent Golden Retriever or a puppy that will grow out of the bed quickly. Just keep in mind that it may not be durable enough for heavy chewers or super shredders.
Key Features:
- Stuffed with polyester fiber filling
- Soft faux suede sleeping surface
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Large size measures 40″ x 28″ x 6.5″
Best for Anxious Goldens: Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Cuddler (Verified Review)
Dogs can experience anxiety just like humans. Whether you’ve just adopted a new pup who’s feeling a little uncertain in their new home or your Golden Retriever has a case of separation anxiety, a calming dog bed might help them feel more secure.
Easily one of the most popular calming dog beds on the market, this Best Friends by Sheri donut cuddler features high-loft polyester fiber. Bolstered sides comfortably cocoon your Golden Retriever as they sleep, providing a sense of security and soothing warmth.
The large size should work well if your Golden curls up when they sleep, but you might want to size up if they like to sprawl. A few of our Rover test pups found this bed extra cozy, including 85-pound Bernese Mountain Dog Ruby, who learned to burrow deep into her bed when things got stressful.
Key Features:
- Donut shape surrounds your dog in comfort
- Bolstered sides provide security
- Padded with high-density polyester filling
- Machine-washable and dryer-friendly (low or no heat)
- Large (36″x36″) and extra-large (45″x45″) for adult Goldens
Best for Chewers and Shredders: Carhartt Firm Duck Dog Bed (Verified Review)
Rhoades notes that dogs of all ages enjoy chewing, and it’s not necessarily just a puppy phase. If your Golden Retriever tends to chomp on or shred their bed, you’ll need something made of sturdy materials.
This durable Carhartt dog bed was built to withstand some rough treatment. Stuffed with polyester fiber filling, it’s covered with the brand’s heavy-duty cotton duck canvas. The cover features a concealed zipper for added protection against damage. It’s also water-resistant to protect against accidents and removable for easy cleaning.
Though sturdy, the fabric has a broken-in feel that dogs find comfy. Our reviewers also found it to be lightweight enough to easily transport and move around. Available in several large sizes, this dog bed is aa great option for outdoor use.
Key Features:
- Padded with polyester fiber filling
- Heavy-duty cotton duck canvas
- Water-resistant and machine-washable cover
- Several big sizes, with the largest measuring 41.0″ x 33.0″ x 4.3″
Best Orthopedic: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed (Verified Review)
“Because Goldens can be hairy, you might be more inclined to choose a bed with a thicker, waterproof cover to ensure the bed lasts as long as possible,” says Rhoades.
This PetFusion dog bed combines the comfort of a memory foam base with the durability and leak-proof protection of a waterproof liner. The cover itself is water-resistant and tear-resistant, and even the zippers are designed for extra durability. Plus, it’s machine-washable for easy cleaning.
Three sizes skew toward larger breeds. The large and extra-large sizes feature 4 inches of memory foam, while the jumbo has a 5-inch base. All models have padded bolsters for additional head and neck support. Our testers appreciated that the bed features true memory foam, which can help reduce joint pain and support mobility.
Key Features:
- True memory foam base for joints and mobility
- Padded bolsters provide head and neck support
- Waterproof liner and water-resistant cover
- Three big sizes: large (36″ x 28″), extra-large (44″ x 34″), jumbo (50″ x 40″)
Best Waterproof: Kurgo Loft Wander Pillow Dog Bed
Whether you’re housetraining a new puppy or traveling with your dog, there’s something to be said for a simple waterproof dog bed.
This Kurgo pillow bed is an excellent choice for all types of training and outdoor activities with your intelligent, adventurous Golden Retriever. The waterproof top is made of ripstop nylon, and the bottom has a non-slip finish to keep it in place wherever you are. It also rolls up like a sleeping bag and, with the built-in handle, it’s easy to transport.
Though not the most thickly padded dog bed on the market, it may hold up better for accident-prone puppies than memory foam models. Plus, it’s machine-washable for those big messes.
Key Features:
- Made from durable waterproof materials
- Filled with 140g Polytech filling
- Non-slip bottom keeps it from sliding
- Rolls up like a sleeping bag for easy transport
- Two larger sizes: medium (36″ x 27″ x 2″), large (48″ x 36″ x 3″)
Best Elevated: Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed (Verified Review)
An elevated dog bed offers a durable outdoor option for your Golden Retriever. It also provides excellent airflow to keep them cool in warmer temperatures.
This versatile elevated bed by Coolaroo works well inside but is also lightweight enough to move outside when the weather’s nice. And even if you forget to bring it back in, the powder-coated steel frame is built to withstand the elements. Our reviewers found it held up to wind, heavy rain, and direct sunshine.
However, this bed has little cushioning, so it might not be the best for seniors or Goldens with joint issues.
Key Features:
- Sturdy powder-coated steel frame
- Durable cover is resistant to mold, mildew, and pests
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Large size (51″ x 31.5″ x 8″) for adult Goldens
How We Chose
The products featured here are based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and an interview with a dog behaviorist. We prioritized dog beds that were durable, supportive, and catered to the unique needs of Golden Retrievers. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
