dogs

The 14 Very Best Dog Beds

For sprawlers, burrowers, nappers, and every dog in between.

Photo: Marcus McDonald
Photo: Marcus McDonald

In this article

When it comes to dog beds, there truly is no “one size fits all.” I’ve found that my 160-pound Great Dane, Benny, likes to curl up cinnamon roll style on a bolster-style bed. Meanwhile, my Aussie, Shea, prefers sleeping on her side, especially on a cool, hardwood floor. And after hearing from Dr. Lisa Lippman, a house-call veterinarian and the founder of Vets in the City, that dogs sleep for “as much as 80 percent of the day,” I wanted to make sure they each had the bed that’s just right for them.

Not unlike the mattresses we sleep on, there are many dog beds on the market to sort through, from beds for burrowers to spacious pads for sprawlers. To help you find the best one for your dog, I spoke with 17 dog experts — including trainers, veterinarians, dog owners, and the parent of one of the first dog influencers — about the very best dog beds they recommend for all breeds and sizes and had my dogs try some of their top picks out. To make your search simpler, I’ve organized each suggestion by type of dog so you can choose the one that best fits your pet. And since you’ll likely want something that goes with your overall décor, I considered how the beds actually look in a room and found some especially attractive options.

One thing that’ll be helpful as you go through this list is to measure your dog. (Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian and the founder of Animal Acupuncture, says to “measure nose to tail.”) Then add a couple of inches so your dog will have more room to spread out. From there, consider your dog’s preferences: What is their favorite napping position? Do they run hot? Do they tend to have accidents? All of these factors can influence your dog-bed choice, whether you’re shopping for a nine-week-old puppy or your shy senior rescue. And if you’re looking for more pet-related advice — like which treats to feed or which leashes are dog walker–approved — check out our other buying guides to find exactly what you need.

What we’re looking for

Support

Most dog beds are made with some sort of foam base mattress or polyester fill. Solid memory-foam beds are more supportive and come in a range of firmness levels. Beds that use polyester fill are fluffier and more squishy but can only provide support for smaller and lighter-weight dogs as long as they are tightly packed with material. Ideally, you should buy something that’s firm enough to support your dog’s spine and joints but squishy enough to lull them into a deep slumber. Big, heavy dogs like Rottweilers and Great Danes will need beds with extra-dense foam to keep them from sinking down to the floor. But skinny dogs that lack the natural cushioning of plump thighs and butts need support with more give — either polyester fill or softer foam. If you can’t feel the bed in person before buying it, certain keywords like orthopedic and overstuffed can help steer you in the right direction. Customer reviews will also give you insight into the foam’s density and overall quality.

Comfort

Some dogs sleep curled up in a ball, some prefer the sensation of sleeping in a cave or burrow, and others, usually giant-breed dogs or those with double coats, are most comfortable sleeping on something cool and airy. Whatever their preference, the bed you buy should encourage relaxation, a sense of security, and restful sleep. Details like plush covers, soft bolsters, breathable fabrics, and even nooks where they can dig or hide a treat will entice dogs to choose their bed over the couch or a pile of clean laundry. If you’re not sure which kind of bed your dog would prefer, try observing their behavior. Do they like to hide under your covers? Try a cave-style bed. Do they nap on your hardwood floors or kitchen tile? A cooling bed is a good bet. Or are they always trying to create the perfect nest by circling and digging? Pick a bed with bolsters or one that’s doughnut-shaped.

Durability

Jessica Gore, a certified professional animal behaviorist in Los Angeles, stresses durability as an important factor to consider. “Expect your dog’s bed to get used,” she says. “There may be circling, digging, scratching, dragging, and lots of repeat plopping, which can cause significant wear and tear in no time.” Look for sturdy base materials like dense memory foam or aluminum framing and cover materials that won’t easily snag, rip, or stain, like nylon, canvas, and microfiber. For elderly dogs and puppies prone to accidents, find a bed with a cover that’s water resistant to protect the inner bedding from stains and odors.

Washability

No matter what you do, your dog’s bed is going to get dirty. And while you may be able to spot-clean dirty paw prints, urine stains that aren’t properly removed will draw your pet back to pee in the same spot. If it’s not easy to wash, it’s not a good purchase. Make sure that the bed you buy has a removable machine-washable cover or that the whole thing can be thrown in the wash.

Best dog bed overall

From $107

Support: Memory-foam base | Comfort: Four raised side bolsters | Durability: Sewn-in pockets to hide metal zippers | Washability: Removable and washable microfiber cover

After testing this bed from Casper for over a year, it still looks, feels, and smells practically brand new, even after daily use by my 50-pound Aussie mix, Shea — and that’s one of the main reasons it remains my pick for the best dog bed overall. I’ve found it to be extremely durable, even after Shea burrowed in it many, many times. The cover is remarkably scratch resistant, doesn’t collect hair, and zips off easily so I can throw it in the laundry.

What’s most impressive about this bed, though, is the memory-foam base. It provides premium support and comfort, and the four bolstered sides mold to Shea’s head, neck, and backside so she can curl up or nest while feeling cradled. “It’s basically a human-grade mattress,” says one vet, Dr. Barrack, who told us several of her clients’ dogs love it, too. Barrack was one of many experts who raved about this bed. According to Logan Mikhly, co-owner of Manhattan’s off-leash dog café Boris & Horton, the memory foam makes it especially good for “older dogs to aid with their achy joints.”

Whether your dog is old or young, big or small, this bed will fit thanks to its small, medium, and large sizes. It’s nice to look at, too. It comes in three colors: gray, beige, and a lovely blue that complements the cool tones in my living room. And at $139, it’s not the cheapest bed on this list, but because of its high marks all around, I’m convinced it’s far and away the best of the bunch.

Best dog bed for anxious dogs

Support: Polyester-fill base | Comfort: Warming shag faux-fur exterior, flexible raised rim | Durability: Water- and dirt-resistant bottom | Washability: Removable, machine-washable cover on sizes M–XL

While the Casper bed is bolstered on all sides, this doughnut-shaped one provides a soft curve for a little extra security, making it especially good for anxious pups. Carolyn Chen, founder of the Dandylion line of dog-care products, bought it for her 11-year-old cockapoo, Mocha, who is “more relaxed in this bed than in any other bed we’ve had before.” The faux-fur shag exterior — which mimics the coat of a mother dog — makes it particularly warm and cozy for colder months, and the shape is ideal for burrowing, according to Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo, who tested this one out with her dog, Uli. The larger sizes of the bed have a removable, machine-washable cover, and while the small-size bed doesn’t have a removable cover, the whole bed is technically machine washable. (Just note: When Corsillo washed hers and dried it on hot, the fur never regained its full fluff. She suggests drying it on low heat with a few tennis balls to avoid this.)

Best dog bed for small and medium dogs

Support: Memory-foam pad | Comfort: Four side bolsters | Washability: Removable and washable microfiber cover

You may know Barefoot Dreams for its insanely soft, celebrity-approved throw blankets and bathrobes. But did you know the brand also makes a plush dog bed that’s just as cozy? Beauty director Caitlin Kiernan’s French bulldog, Gordon, became so obsessed with his Barefoot Dreams CozyChic bed that she bought two more for other rooms in her house. “We wanted a dog bed that was structured but cozy,” she says, adding that this one checks both of those boxes. “The shape gives him plenty of room to stretch out and relax, and the memory foam makes it supportive and comfortable.” While the CozyChic bed comes in two colors and three sizes, accommodating dogs up to 36 inches from head to tail (a golden retriever, for example), the four bolsters, plush texture, and memory-foam pad make it perfect for little dogs who prefer warming beds that cradle them on all sides.

Best dog bed for big dogs

Support: Memory-foam base | Comfort: One raised side bolster | Durability: Tear-resistant fabric | Washability: Washable microfiber cover

Big Barker’s bolster dog bed is our pick for large dogs (and especially older big dogs with joint pain) because it’s designed with multiple layers of supportive, orthopedic foam. Two experts I interviewed vouched for its sturdy, supportive construction, too. Erin Askeland, a certified dog behaviorist and training manager at Camp Bow Wow, says this heavy-duty bed (which Big Barker guarantees will hold its shape for ten years) is ideal “for dogs who like to sprawl and rest their head.” Devin Stagg of Pupford, a company specializing in dog training and healthy dog food, is also a fan. His two Labs sleep on Big Barker beds, which he notes have machine-washable covers and are available in three sizes and four colors. “Even if your dog is potty trained, stains and spills can ruin the integrity of a dog bed, so make sure you buy a bed with a cover you can remove and clean,” he explains.

Best (less expensive) dog bed for big dogs

Support: Memory-foam base | Comfort: Three raised side bolsters | Durability: Interior waterproof lining | Washability: Washable and water-resistant cover

If the Big Barker is out of your budget, I recommend this three-sided PetFusion bed that features a similarly supportive foam base plus bolsters and a water-resistant cover. It’s one of the four different beds Askeland’s four dogs sleep on. She calls it “upscale” and notes that the “very thick, dense foam doesn’t immediately flatten.” This one is also recommended by Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary, who bought one for her elderly Labrador several years ago and says the memory foam is such good quality it hasn’t lost its shape. Richardson adds that if you have a dog that likes to chew or dig, you can purchase replacement covers, which are available in three colors, to help extend the bed’s life span. PetFusion also offers four sizes of this bed.

Best dog bed for giant-breed dogs

Support: Furniture-grade high-density orthopedic foam | Comfort: All-around circular bolster | Durability: Industrial-strength canvas | Washability: Removable, washable cover

Giant-breed dogs need an ultraspacious bed — and this Extra Extra Large Dog Bed from Mammoth is the only one big enough for Benny to snooze with his legs outstretched. Not only is the six-by-four-feet-wide bed perfect for stretching out, but it’s so comfortable that Benny stays off our family’s beds and couches. (And yes, it’s large enough for a human to comfortably sleep on, too … I’ve tried it.) This bed is a solid option if you have multiple big dogs, too — my Aussie and Great Dane can fit together on this bed with extra room to spare. Notably, it’s available in 17 cover styles.

Best (less expensive) dog bed for giant-breed dogs

Support: Orthopedic-foam base | Comfort: Fleece-top cover | Washability: Removable, machine-washable cover

When I’m traveling with my dogs, I bring this more affordable option — which is available in three sizes and as many colors — because it’s lightweight and easy to roll up and stow away. The simple, bolster-free design makes this one a good fit for dogs that prefer the floor over the bed, while the fuzzy, machine-washable cover still provides some cushioning. Benny regularly opts for this bed in the summer when he’s prone to overheating.

Best dog bed for older dogs

Support: Overstuffed with hypoallergenic, eco-friendly fiber filling | Comfort: Raised sides | Durability: Open weave fabric backed with polyester | Washability: Removable, machine-washable cover

Older dogs and dogs with less meat on their bones may not find extra-thick foam beds comfortable because they don’t weigh enough to sink into them. Instead, they will prefer something soft and pillowy, which our experts say will be cozier and easier on their joints. When Barrack’s dog, a 4.5-pound Chihuahua named Eloise (a.k.a. Lil Weezy) isn’t snuggling next to her in a human bed, she sleeps on a dog bed from Jax & Bones. “It’s a soft, fluffy bed that’s gentle on her older joints,” Barrack says. “Plus, it’s available in a small size for my little pup” (along with three other sizes for larger dogs). Askeland also recommends this bed, telling us that its bolsterlike sides, while soft, are plenty sturdy and that its cover can be removed for cleaning. Tazz Latifi, a certified pet nutritionist and retail consultant, is a fan too and recommends Jax & Bones’ crate mats, which she says are “long-lasting and wash and dry well.” The brand also offers nine fabrics, nine colors, and four patterns to choose from.

Best dog bed for those who prefer organic

Support: Four-inch and 100 percent organic cotton batting | Comfort: Handmade, dye-free interior pillow | Durability: 100 percent organic cotton twill exterior | Washability: Removable, machine-washable cover

When searching for the perfect dog bed, Wendy Wen, founder of the pet-wellness platform Antelope, was set on finding one free of toxic materials, which she says are similar to the cancer-causing chemicals found in some human mattresses. That’s why she says this 100 percent organic (and handmade) bed from Rawganique — made without fire retardants, dioxin, and formaldehyde, according to the brand — is her top choice for her Chihuahua mix, Poke. Beyond its composition, this bed also provides ample cushioning to support the dog’s small joints with its four inches of cotton batting, she says. After owning it for almost a year, Wen says her “picky” pup is also a big fan of the plush bed. While the interior pillow is not washable, the zippered twill cover is easy to remove and launder at home; however, Wen suggests air-drying it to protect the delicate fabric. It’s available in three sizes and ten colors, including charcoal, khaki, and olive green.

Best dog bed for dogs who like to burrow

Support: Egg-crate orthopedic-foam base | Comfort: Cozy sherpa lining | Durability: CertiPUR-US standard foam | Washability: Washable microfiber cover

Lippman says this cave-style bed from Furhaven is “the perfect bed for pups that love to burrow under the covers and get super-cozy before they sleep.” It comes with a snuggly built-in cover that Askeland, another fan, describes as “essentially a blanket attached to the top of the bed that a dog can slide under to cuddle.” Lippman told us her Rhodesian ridgeback, Chloe, loves to burrow under the fleece-lined top, but Richardson notes the bed is just as good for toy breeds like Chihuahuas because “covered beds can provide the security and warmth these pets crave.” It’s available in four sizes and nine colors.

Best dog bed for dogs who like to chew

Support: Polyester fiberfill | Comfort: Ripstop micro-velvet cover | Durability: Ballistic nylon liner, solid brass zipper | Washability: Entire bed is machine washable

As veterinarian Dr. Shelly Zacharias points out, owners of dogs who love to chew and gnaw on almost anything should prioritize materials when choosing a bed. “Any bedding that is ingested by your dog poses a very dangerous threat as a foreign body in the digestive tract,” she explains. This Orvis bed, she says, is specifically designed to be chewproof, making it a good option for anyone with a dog they think will enjoy gnawing on their bed as much as sleeping in it. The bed is constructed with no seams and two layers of tear-resistant nylon that are bonded to its micro-velvet upper layer that comes in three colors. If Fido manages to destroy it — which is highly unlikely — Orvis will give you a full refund. Four sizes are available.

Best dog bed for accident-prone dogs

From $179

Support: Memory-foam base | Comfort: Four side bolsters | Durability: Water-resistant lining and non-skid base | Washability: Removable and washable microfiber cover

With a design similar to our best-overall dog bed from Casper, the Barney bed has a water-resistant lining that protects the internal memory foam from soiling and other pet messes. It also comes recommended by two experts: Royah Nuñez, a dog trainer and the founder of Quing Canine, and Michael Kim, founder of the dog skin-care brand Floof. After using it with a furry client who was accident-prone, Nuñez says the bed got her attention because she could easily spot-clean the cover or unzip it completely for machine washing. She also prefers that this bed features several foam segments encased in a moisture-proof lining instead of shredded foam bolsters. Kim, who owns the medium size for his French bulldog, Leo, says the quality of the orthopedic foam and extra-thick microfiber material is top-notch: “The bed not only looks sleek but is super comfortable — I would even sleep on it.” And while Leo is picky about where he sleeps, Kim says the Barney bed has been a hit for over six months. And if you’re the owner of a particularly messy pup or plan to use the bed outdoors, the brand offers a waterproof lining kit, which works like a mattress protector for the interior. Nuñez also appreciates the variety of covers offered, such as bouclé, linen, towel, and teddy styles, plus it’s available in five sizes.

Best cooling dog bed

Support: Elevated aluminum frame | Comfort: Ripstop ballistic fabric with good airflow | Durability: Waterproof, shielded fabric edges | Washability: Washable with a damp cloth or hose

“Some large dogs, like a Bernese mountain dog, may prefer a cooler place to plop, so a giant, fluffy bed may not be ideal,” says Gore, who recommends this cot-style bed from K9 Ballistics as “a cooler option” because its design allows for more airflow. She says the brand’s beds, which are available in five sizes, are “durable and supportive for the largest or heaviest dogs” and are “easy to clean,” too — a sentiment Weber agrees with. He says cot-style beds like this can be rinsed with a hose and don’t need to be treated delicately because there’s no expensive memory foam to worry about. That said, if you want to give a little extra cushioning to your dog’s cot, Weber suggests adding a soft, washable blanket.

Best dog bed for dogs who toss and turn

Support: Microcoil and fiberfill core | Comfort: Fabric cover with gusseted sides and layered pillow top | Durability: Liquid-repellent cover, nonslip bottom | Washability: Removable cover, washable with a damp cloth

From Saatva, the maker of our best-performing mattress for humans, this bed is filled with responsive microcoils, much like the ones that give the brand’s human mattresses their spring. I tested this bed for over three months with Shea and found that the unique interior construction helped it hold its shape and support better than foam-filled dog beds I’ve owned over the years. Plus it’s roomy enough to fit Shea’s varying positions: curled in a ball, belly up, and legs fully outstretched. There are three sizes available to support dogs up to 120 pounds, and the removable cover comes in three surprisingly chic textures, including bouclé and linen.

Some more dog beds we’ve written about

Our experts

• Erin Askeland, certified dog behaviorist and training manager at Camp Bow Wow
• Dr. Rachel Barrack, veterinarian and founder of Animal Acupuncture
• Carolyn Chen, founder of Dandylion
Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer
• Jessica Gore, certified professional animal behaviorist
• Caitlin Kiernan, beauty director at TalkShopLive
• Michael Kim, founder of Floof
• Tazz Latifi, certified pet nutritionist and retail consultant
• Dr. Lisa Lippman, veterinarian and founder of Vets in the City
• Logan Mikhly, co-owner of Manhattan’s off-leash dog café Boris & Horton
• Royah Nuñez, dog trainer and founder of Quing Canine
• Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary
• Devin Stagg of Pupford, a company specializing in dog training and healthy dog food
• Wendy Wen, founder of Antelope
Dr. Shelly Zacharias, veterinarian

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The 14 Very Best Dog Beds