Dog Bed – How to Choose the Right Bed for Your Dog

A dog bed is much more than just a soft place for naps. Dogs spend a large part of their day resting and sleeping, which makes a good bed an important part of their everyday life and personal space. In the right bed, your dog can settle down, change sleeping positions freely and rest comfortably both during daytime naps and throughout the night.

There is a huge variety of dog beds available. You can choose from soft beds with raised sides, firmer mattress-style beds, orthopedic dog beds, cooling dog beds, as well as options made from natural and recycled materials. Dogs also have very different preferences. One dog may love curling up tightly in the corner of a bed, another sleeps on its back with its legs in the air, while a third wants to stretch out as long as possible.

So, what is the best dog bed for your dog? When choosing a bed, it is worth considering your dog's size and age, sleeping positions, the material and support of the bed, and where it will be used. Practicality matters too: an easy-to-clean and durable dog bed can make everyday life considerably easier.

In this guide, we go through the most important things to consider when choosing a new dog bed.

Why is a good dog bed important?

Dogs need plenty of rest throughout the day. In addition to sleeping, dogs often spend time simply lying down and observing their surroundings, which means a comfortable resting place can be used several times a day. A good dog bed gives your dog a place to retreat to whenever they want to relax in peace.

Having their own bed can also help your dog recognise a calm space in the home that belongs to them. Even if your dog sometimes sleeps on the sofa, on a rug or next to you, their own bed is a place that is always available to them. For many dogs, their bed quickly becomes a familiar and comfortable place to rest.

A good bed becomes particularly important in homes with hard or cool floors. When sleeping directly on the floor, your dog's body does not get the same cushioning and support as it would from a good-quality mattress. A sufficiently thick bed creates a comfortable layer between your dog and the floor and makes resting more pleasant.

It can be helpful to think of a dog bed as an everyday essential, much like a mattress is for us. Appearance matters, but above all, the bed should feel comfortable for the one actually sleeping in it.

What makes a good dog bed?

A good dog bed is, above all, one that suits your dog. There is no single bed design that is perfect for every dog. A small terrier, a large sighthound and a senior Labrador, for example, may all need very different features from their sleeping space.

One of the most important things to consider is the support the bed provides. A good bed should not immediately collapse completely under your dog's weight. Instead, the filling or mattress should create a soft yet supportive surface. For larger and heavier dogs in particular, it is worth paying attention to the thickness and construction of the mattress. A very thin bed may look plush when empty, but once your dog lies down, they may sink almost all the way to the floor.

The cover material also affects comfort. Some dogs love soft and warm fabrics, while dogs that tend to get hot may prefer a smoother, more breathable surface. For this reason, the ideal bed for a long-haired dog may be different from one designed for a short-haired dog that gets cold easily.

Durability is especially important when the bed is used every day. Your dog may turn around several times, dig at the surface with their paws before settling down or jump enthusiastically into bed. High-quality materials, strong seams and thoughtful construction help the bed retain its shape over time.

Ease of cleaning is another important consideration. Hair, dust, sand and moisture inevitably find their way into a dog's bed. That is why a removable and washable cover is one of the most useful features a dog bed can have in many homes.

What size dog bed should you choose?

When choosing the right dog bed size, start with your dog rather than how large the bed looks in an online product photo. Your dog's breed or weight can provide a useful starting point, but their actual measurements and sleeping style usually tell you much more.

An easy way to estimate the right size is to observe your dog while they sleep. If your dog likes to sleep fully stretched out on their side, the bed should provide enough room for them to do so without their head or legs constantly hanging over the edge. You can also measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they are lying naturally stretched out and compare this measurement with the internal dimensions of the bed.

With a dog bed that has raised sides, it is particularly important to look at the internal sleeping dimensions. A bed that measures 80 centimetres across on the outside, for example, may not provide 80 centimetres of actual sleeping space if thick sides take up a significant amount of room.

A bed that is too small can limit your dog's ability to change sleeping positions, but an extremely large bed is not automatically the best option either. Dogs that like to curl up may particularly enjoy a slightly more compact and cosy bed. However, a suitable bed should always allow your dog to lie comfortably on their side as well.

If your dog falls between two sizes, choosing the larger size is often a safe option, especially if your dog likes to sleep stretched out. When choosing a bed for a puppy, you can also consider their estimated adult size, although there is no need to buy an enormous adult-sized bed straight away in every case.

Your dog's sleeping style can help you choose the right bed

If you have never paid much attention to your dog's sleeping positions, try observing them for a few days before buying a new bed. The way your dog sleeps can tell you surprisingly much about the type of bed they are likely to enjoy.

A dog that likes to curl up may particularly enjoy a bed with raised sides. Soft sides create a cosy, nest-like sleeping space where your dog can settle in comfortably. The sides also provide something to lean their back or head against.

The CAFIDE Cuadra bed is ideal for dogs that like to stretch out, while the high-sided dog bed from Lords & Labradors invites your dog to curl up.

Some dogs use the side of their bed almost like a pillow. If your dog sleeps on the sofa with their head resting on the armrest or is constantly looking for something to rest their head on, a bed with raised sides may feel like a natural choice.

If your dog often sleeps on their side with their legs stretched out or on their back taking up as much space as possible, an open mattress-style dog bed may work better. With no raised sides restricting their position, your dog can use the entire surface of the mattress.

It is also worth observing how your dog's sleeping habits change throughout the year. In winter, your dog may love curling up in a soft bed, while in warmer weather they may suddenly prefer sleeping on a cool floor. In this case, providing an alternative cooler sleeping spot can be a great addition to the home.

For example, Spanish brand CAFIDE offers a wide selection of different bed styles for different types of sleepers.

Orthopedic dog beds – who are they suitable for?

Orthopedic dog beds are often associated with senior dogs, but a high-quality, supportive bed can be a comfortable choice for dogs of many ages. The purpose of an orthopedic bed is to provide a more even and supportive sleeping surface than a conventional soft-filled bed.

Orthopedic dog beds often use foam or memory foam-type materials that adapt to the shape of the dog's body. The aim is to distribute the dog's weight more evenly rather than allowing the heaviest parts of the body to sink through a thin layer of filling towards the floor.

A supportive bed can be an especially good choice for large and heavy dogs, as their weight places greater demands on the mattress. A comfortable and sufficiently supportive resting place is also important for older dogs, as senior dogs may spend an increasing amount of their day resting.

When choosing an orthopedic bed, it is worth looking beyond the word “orthopedic” and checking the actual construction of the bed. How thick is the mattress? What material is used inside? Is the mattress made from a single material or several layers? Does the material return to its original shape after use?

A good orthopedic dog bed should also be large enough for your dog to lie in a natural position. Even the most supportive mattress will not be particularly useful if your dog cannot comfortably stretch out on it.

Choosing a dog bed for a puppy

A puppy's first bed often has to withstand slightly different use than an adult dog's bed. Puppies sleep a lot, but at the same time they are exploring the world with their teeth and paws – and the occasional little accident is also part of puppy life. This makes practicality particularly important when choosing a puppy bed.

An easy-to-wash dog bed is extremely useful with a puppy. A removable cover makes cleaning easier, as you do not have to try to fit the entire bed into the washing machine every time an accident happens. It is worth checking the product's washing instructions before purchasing.

When it comes to size, there are two options. You can buy a bed that suits your puppy's current size and replace it with a larger one as they grow, or choose a bed based on their estimated adult size. The latter may be more economical, but for a breed that grows from a tiny puppy into a large adult, a full-sized adult bed may feel enormous during the first few months.

Your puppy's bed should be placed somewhere they can settle down without feeling completely separated from the rest of the family. Puppies often want to stay close to their people, so a completely isolated room may not be the most appealing place for them to sleep.

You can also teach your puppy that their bed is a place for relaxing. When your puppy chooses to go to their bed to rest, it is a good idea to let them enjoy that space undisturbed.

A washable dog bed makes everyday life easier

No matter how clean your dog is, their bed will not stay spotless forever. Sand and dust travel indoors on paws, hair sheds from the coat, and wet weather can bring moisture and mud into the bed. Over time, the fabric also collects natural oils from the dog's skin and coat, along with different odours.

For this reason, washability is worth considering before you even buy a dog bed.

A dog bed with a removable cover is usually the easiest to keep clean. The cover can be removed and washed according to the manufacturer's instructions without having to wash the entire mattress. If the cover has a zip, it is also worth checking how easy it is to remove and put back on.

A removable cover makes washing easier. CAFIDE dog beds feature removable, machine-washable covers.

Regular vacuuming or removing hair with a fabric brush helps keep the bed clean between washes. If your dog often comes indoors wet, make sure the bed is also allowed to dry properly.

Always check the manufacturer's care instructions before washing. Not all materials can withstand high temperatures or tumble drying, and the inner parts of some orthopedic mattresses, for example, are not designed to be washed with water at all.

A high-quality washable dog bed is particularly practical in an active dog's home, where forest walks, swimming and muddy paws are all part of everyday life.

Dog beds for summer and winter

Your dog's favourite sleeping spot may change with the seasons. During the cooler winter months, a soft and warm bed may be the most popular place in the house, while during a summer heatwave the same dog may suddenly be found stretched out on the cool bathroom floor.

For warmer months, it can be useful to choose materials and constructions that do not feel too warm. There are also dedicated cooling dog beds and mattresses designed to provide a cooler sleeping surface during warm weather.

A cooling dog bed can be particularly useful for a dog that constantly seeks out cool surfaces during summer. However, a cooling bed does not replace other precautions needed in hot weather. Your dog should always have access to fresh water and a place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Finnish brand PAIKKA offers high-quality cooling mattresses and mats for the summer season.

In winter, the situation may be the opposite. Short-haired and smaller dogs in particular may enjoy a plush bed that provides good insulation from a cool floor. The location of the bed also matters: a bed next to a draughty door can feel very different from the same bed placed in a warm, sheltered corner.

You do not necessarily need to buy a completely different bed for every season. In some homes, one high-quality everyday bed works perfectly well when complemented with a blanket in winter and a separate cooling mat during summer.

Where should you place your dog's bed?

Even the perfect dog bed may go unused if it is placed in the wrong location from your dog's point of view. When deciding where to put the bed, think about where your dog naturally likes to spend their time.

Most dogs enjoy resting somewhere they can still be part of what is happening at home without constantly being in the middle of a busy walkway. A quiet corner of the living room can therefore be an ideal location. Your dog can keep an eye on the family while still enjoying their own space.

It is generally best not to place the bed directly in front of a door or anywhere people constantly need to walk past your dog. Draughts, direct sunlight and proximity to radiators are also worth considering.

If your home is larger or has several floors, a single dog bed may not be the only practical solution. Many dogs naturally follow their owners from room to room. In this case, you could have a main sleeping bed in the bedroom and another resting place in the living room or home office.

Your dog's own opinion is also worth taking seriously. If the bed is placed in one corner but your dog constantly chooses to sleep a metre away from it, they may simply prefer the other spot. Moving the bed to the location your dog has chosen for themselves can solve the problem surprisingly easily.

A dog bed as part of your home interior

A dog bed is often one of the largest pet accessories in the home. A large dog bed in particular can take up a considerable amount of floor space, so it is understandable that its appearance matters when it is sitting in your living room or bedroom.

Fortunately, you no longer have to choose between practicality and good design. Dog beds are now available in a wide variety of colours, materials and shapes, making it possible to choose a bed based on both your dog's needs and your home's interior style.

Neutral shades such as beige, brown, grey and off-white blend easily into many interiors. On the other hand, a dog bed can also be an intentional design feature. A colourful or patterned bed can add personality to a room in much the same way as a rug, cushion or other textile.

Materials also have a significant impact on the overall look of a dog bed. Bouclé and teddy-style fabrics, for example, give a bed a soft and cosy appearance, while simple fabrics and mattress-style designs work particularly well in minimalist interiors.

However, appearance should never come before your dog's needs. A beautiful dog bed is a great purchase when your dog actually wants to use it too. At their best, the two go hand in hand: the bed is comfortable for your dog while also looking good enough that you do not feel the need to hide it when guests arrive.

See Ruffy's tips for dog beds that complement different interior styles.

How often should you replace a dog bed?

A high-quality dog bed does not have a specific expiry date. A well-made and properly cared-for bed can last for years, but it is still a good idea to check its condition regularly.

One of the clearest signs that it may be time for a replacement is when the mattress or filling loses its structure. If a previously supportive bed has completely collapsed in the middle and no longer returns to its original shape, it may no longer provide your dog with the same comfortable sleeping surface it once did.

It is also worth keeping an eye on the condition of the cover. Minor signs of wear do not necessarily affect use, but broken zips, large tears or damage that exposes the filling can indicate that the bed needs to be repaired or replaced.

Replacement covers are available separately for some high-quality dog beds. This can significantly extend the lifespan of the bed if the mattress itself is still in good condition.

Longevity is worth considering at the time of purchase. A durable, maintainable and washable dog bed may initially be a slightly bigger investment than a simple basic bed, but at its best it can serve your dog for considerably longer.

The best dog bed depends on your dog's individual needs

The best dog bed is not necessarily the softest, largest or most expensive option on the market. The best bed is one that suits your dog's size, sleeping style and everyday life.

Before choosing a new bed, observe your dog. Do they prefer to sleep curled up or stretched out? Do they always rest their head on something? Do they seek out a soft sofa or would they rather lie on a firm rug? Do they get hot easily? Paying attention to these small details can make choosing the right bed much easier.

In addition to size, check the bed's construction, materials and care instructions. For everyday use, a removable and washable cover can turn out to be just as important as the appearance of the bed. For a large dog or one that spends a lot of time resting, a sufficiently thick and supportive mattress may be one of the most important features to consider.

And because a dog bed is usually a visible part of your home, you are allowed to choose one that looks good too. Comfort, practicality and style do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Once you find the right bed, you will usually know pretty quickly: in the best-case scenario, the new bed soon becomes a place you have to persuade your dog to leave when it is time for the next walk.