Whether they’ve been chasing a ball around the garden or the next door’s cat around the neighborhood, your dog needs a comfortable bed to curl up in at the end of the day, and that’s where the best dog beds come in.
Cats might be the pets with the lazy reputation, but dogs can put in some serious snoozing hours, too, sleeping an average of 8–13.5 hours a day. That’s a good thing, as a good night’s sleep is vital for your dog’s health, happiness, and well-being, and as expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey explains, a good bed “provides them with a space of their own that your dog can retreat to if they want some peace and to feel safe and secure.”
As with most pet-related purchases, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when choosing the best dog beds, but we can offer some general advice. Primarily, you want something comfortable – preferably made with thick foam to offer lots of support. Durability is also key, as you don’t want to buy a cheap bed only for your canine’s catastrophic capers to ruin it in a few weeks. Beyond that, you should tailor the purchase to your dog. Make sure the bed is big enough for them to stretch out in without overhanging, and try to find one that’s easy to wash (and preferably waterproof) to make your own life a bit easier when it comes to cleaning up.
The Quick List
Best dog bed overall
This furry donut-shaped dog bed ticks all the boxes when it comes to canine comfort – it’s plush and snuggly thanks to the ample filling and faux fur cover, it comes in a variety of sizes and colors to suit your pooch, and it’s easy to wash.
Best outdoor dog bed
Most dog beds are designed to stay indoors, but this Utility dog bed is built differently. The mattress is made from premium foam, with plush bolsters for added comfort. On top of that, there is a durable, waterproof cover that’s removable and machine-washable too.
Best large dog bed
Larger pooches deserve a larger bed. This orthopedic bed comes in three size options, including an extra large that’s big enough for even the most massive canines. It has a comfortable mattress and thick bolsters to give them something to lean on, meaning it’s basically a couch for your dog.
Best cooling dog bed
All of the dog beds in our guide are pretty cool, but this elevated cot from Coolaroo is ice cold. The breathable fabric promotes air circulation to keep your pooch’s temperature down, and the elevated design keeps the pressure off their joints.
Best orthopedic dog bed
Take the weight of your dog’s aching joints and bones with this luxurious orthopedic dog’s bed. The memory foam mattress is up to six inches thick and offers extreme comfort for aging dogs, while also helping prevent issues from developing in younger canines. It’s well-built and easy to clean too.
Best dog bed for chewers
If your dog keeps chewing through all their comfy foam beds, it might be time for a tougher solution. Enter the K9 Ballistics Chew Proof bed. It features a tear-resistant fabric suspended by an aluminum frame. If your dog can chew through this, you might want to double-check that they’re not actually a bear.
Best calming dog bed
Take the stress out of your dog’s day with this calming donut bed. It’s super comfortable thanks to the faux shag fur cover and ultra-soft filling, and the donut design means your pup is surrounded by the raised rim, promoting a feeling of safety and security.
Best dog bed for puppies and small dogs
Puppies might be tiny, but they still deserve ultimate comfort. This pint-sized dog bed is built from orthopedic memory foam and features bolstered sides so your puppy can snuggle up. It also has a waterproof inner lining and washable cover to make cleaning up little accidents a breeze.
Best dog bed for traveling
Whether you’re heading out camping or spending a day at the beach, this travel-friendly dog bed will provide your pooch with the perfect resting place in their downtime. It’s made from heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric to withstand the elements, and the whole thing is machine-washable when you get back to civilization.
The best dog beds we recommend in 2025
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Best dog bed overall
This dog bed has several positive features. For a start, it actually seems to have been designed with dogs in mind. Also, the material it is made from is similar to what you'll get in a lot of human beds, so dogs are more likely to be satisfied with this and less likely to resort to invading your sleeping area.
It is available in four sizes, and comes in three colors. The smallest has a diameter of 23 inches, and the largest is 45 inches. With this in mind, you may want to measure your dog in order to make sure they get the one that fits them best.
It also has a skid-proof bottom, meaning that when it gets dirty, you can simply throw the entire thing into the washer, then air dry or even put it in the dryer. Considering the convenience of use it offers, it represents great value for money, and as such makes it to the top of our list.
Best outdoor dog bed
This is premium by name and premium by build quality thanks to a polyester Oxford fabric which makes this tough as well as waterproof on the underside. The cover is also easy to clean for a quick wipe down, or for our hairier friends, a vacuum over. While the main bed is flat, the edges are raised for added warmth and comfort. But not too high to make vacuuming an issue.
Despite being packed with a solid premium and durable foam that offers comfort, this remains light enough to make it easy to move about, should you need to. When it comes to washing, the high-quality zip can be used to remove the outer for washing. That said, this material is quick drying so a wash and dry doesn't take long.
Everything is abrasion-resistant. That's not to say this is built to withstand a continued chew attack. But it will take clawing and a bit of gnawing over time. In fact this is covered by a one-year warranty and there are covers sold on their own, should you want a fresh one, or a change of color. Perhaps a spare cover for those kennel trips could be useful.
Best large dog bed
If you’ve got a large dog breed, you’ll need a heavy-duty dog bed to match and this bed from Frisco is more than up to the task. It has a four-inch thick foam mattress, including an inch of memory foam as the top layer, ensuring a super comfortable experience for even the largest of dogs.
In addition, it has bolstered sides for lounging, giving your pooch somewhere to rest its head and snuggle up against. A gap in the bolster at the front provides easy access, which is especially nice for older dogs who might be suffering from reduced mobility.
This bed is available in two different color options and three sizes: medium, large, and extra large. The extra-large model is our top pick. At 40 x 30 inches, it should provide ample lounging room for extra-large dogs, letting them get comfortable and roll around without falling out of bed. It’s not waterproof or chew-proof, so it might not be the best choice for messy or destructive canines, but beyond that, we’re huge fans of this bed.
Best cooling dog bed
The Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed is a cot-style bed made to allow air to circulate, keeping your dog cool and comfortable even in the heat. A big dog or a breed with thick fur that lives in warmer climates might especially appreciate being able to rest on its breathable surface.
The bed’s frame is coated steel, so it’s incredibly sturdy, and the fabric is waterproof as well as resistant to mold, mildew, fleas, and more. You can wipe off or even hose down the Coolaroo, making it incredibly easy to clean. It’s available in three sizes and several different colors. Like many dog beds we’ve reviewed, the measurements are very important. Buyers state that the measurements are for the frame and not the usable surface itself, so you may want to buy larger than you’d think depending on how your dog likes to sleep.
Some have also stated that it can be difficult to assemble the bed alone, especially as you have to do some stretching to get the fabric to fit the frame. It’s not suggested that you leave this dog bed outside all of the time, as the steel frame would eventually rust. However, Coolaroo does sell replacement covers. This dog bed can last a long time if well cared for, making it an excellent buy.
Best orthopedic dog bed
The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed contains a layer of high-density memory foam over a layer of supportive foam – just like memory foam beds for humans. Unlike a lot of dog beds, it comes in six sizes. The largest size is 64 inches wide, so you can buy this bed for your giant breed. It can support dogs with any type of joint issues, as well as dogs with a predisposition to getting them. However, you can also buy the bed in a size small enough for your toy-sized dog, because who doesn’t want to rest in cushy comfort? The seller claims that it is great for improving mobility and stiff joints, and many customers have purchased the bed to help their dogs as they recover from surgery.
The Dog’s Bed is available with two different types of fabric covers, faux fur, and an easy-clean polyester, so you can choose what your dog would like most as well as what’s most convenient for you. The mattress underneath is protected by another cover. Even if your dog does have an accident, you can easily remove the outer cover to wash.
Some customers caution that the waterproof mattress cover hasn’t entirely held up when their dogs have had serious accidents, so beware. Generally, customers appreciate the thick, firm cushioning, and believe that this orthopedic bed is worth the price, which is why it’s listed in our guide to the best orthopedic dog beds. You can buy replacement covers, too.
Best dog bed for chewers
Aggressive chewing can be the death knell for a dog bed, no matter how plush and comfortable it is for your pooch. That’s where this heavy-duty elevated bed, which features in our guide to the best dog beds for chewers, comes in to save the day. It has a solid metal frame that completely encases the fabric, denying your pooch any easy access to grab and chew at it. On top of that, the fabric itself is a densely woven ballistic fabric that’s resistant to punctures, rips, and tearing.
It comes in various size options to suit most breeds of dogs, and there are three fabric color options to choose from: Obsidian Black, Blue Quartz, and Sandstone. The fabric is waterproof, meaning it won’t soak up mess or retain odors, and the whole thing is super easy to wipe down and clean. The elevated design also helps to keep the bed clean as it’s suspended above any dirt and grime on the floor below. It comes preassembled too, so you don’t need to worry about difficult assembly instructions.
K9 Ballistics is so sure that your dog won’t be able to destroy this bed that they’ve given it a 120-day warranty. Pet owners are overwhelmingly positive about this dog bed, giving it an average rating of 4.5 out of five on Amazon from 1,813 ratings, though some users did note that the fabric is a little noisy when your dog is moving around on it.
Best calming dog bed
Bedsure is best known for making beds for boring old humans, but they also have a fantastic line-up of pet beds, our favorite of which has to be this calming donut bed, which features in our guide to the best calming dog beds. The donut shape results in a sunken center surrounded by a raised rim, encasing your pooch in their own little fortress of comfort. Combined with the super soft faux fur cover, this all helps to give your pet a sense of safety and security, which is a must-have for nervous or excitable dogs.
It comes in a variety of size options to suit all pet sizes – our tester Allie recently tried out one of the smaller options for her cat and she found that her little furball loved this “soft and cushy” bed. There are also a bunch of different colors to help you match your dog’s bed to the décor of your home.
The smaller sizes are entirely machine washable, while the larger models (large and extra large) have a washable removable cover. Allie did note that she’d have preferred a removable cover on the smaller models too, as the full bed can be awkward to wash. Overall though, our reviewer was impressed, and with an average rating of 4.6 out of five stars on Amazon from 21,056 reviews, it’s clear she’s not alone.
Best dog bed for puppies and small dogs
Puppies can be little balls of energy during the day, but even they need somewhere comfortable to lay their heads down and rest — and we can think of no finer puppy pit stop than PetFusion’s Ultimate Dog Bed. It has an orthopedic memory foam mattress for maximum comfort, and the sides feature bolstered cushions for your little pooch to snuggle up against.
Puppies are also notorious for their little accidents, and that’s where the combination of a waterproof inner lining and fully machine-washable, removable covers comes in. The bolsters come prefilled too, so assembly is super simple. And while we love it for puppies especially, this bed comes in a variety of size options for older/larger dogs too.
It has an average rating of 4.6 out of five from a massive 19,443 reviews on Amazon, so most people seem to agree with our assessment of this excellent puppy bed. Positive reviews praised the bed for its comfort and ease of cleaning, while negative reviews noted some inconsistency with the foam quality. Our only other word of caution would be that it’s not suitable for aggressive chewers, so if your puppy is taking their teething frustrations out on the furniture, we’d recommend you go for something durable instead.
Best dog bed for traveling
The Scruffs Expedition Water Resistant Box Dog Bed is made of strong water-resistant fabric that won’t become stained with mud or grass if your dog is the rough-and-tumble type. The whole bed can be put into the wash if it gets dirty, and it won’t easily rip or tear either. If your dog enjoys chewing on fabric, though, this may not be the best bed for them.
The Scruffs bed is available in multiple sizes and colorways, so you should be able to find one that both you and your pooch will enjoy. Because it is all one piece, the Scruffs bed should hold up well and provide support for dogs of all sizes.
One important note based on customer feedback: Look closely at the measurements to ensure that it will be large enough for your dog. The seller's measurements appear to be based on the inside cushion area, and your dog will need a few inches beyond that depending on how they sleep. Overall this bed is a good choice for a messy dog, though.
How to choose the best dog bed?
Your dog's personality will play a part here. Does your four-legged friend like feeling secure? If so, a bed that is covered and shaped like a dome will help to give them the security they need for a good sleep. In contrast, some dogs will like the freedom to stretch out, in which case a rectangular pillow bed will be likely to do the job.
Size and age can factor in too. Smaller dogs that like curling up will be suited to round or oval-shaped options, while larger and senior dogs will appreciate the support of an orthopedic bed, which prioritizes cushioning and joint support.
Then there are bolster beds - available in a variety of styles, these are well suited to pups who like resting their chin on the bolster but will be less suited to dogs who wouldn't like feeling hemmed in.
Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds?
Only your dog can definitively answer this question but dog owners can get an indication of their preferences by seeing where their four-legged friend currently curls up. If you find your dog is generally lying on the floor, it points to a preference for a harder bed, while sleeping on the sofa suggests a more comfortable sleep setup will be preferred.
Age can also play a part. Speaking from personal experience, my dog (a 14-year-old cockalier) has changed his habits as he’s got older. When he was younger, he preferred a harder bed and enjoyed resting on the floor. In more recent years, he’s liked the comfort of the sofa, so I bought a softer bed for him, which he loves curling up in, especially at night.
How big should a dog bed be?
Dog beds come in a variety of sizes, catering to the differing requirements that each breed will have. Certain aspects are obvious – for example, a smaller dog will require a smaller bed – but you also need to consider your dog's sleeping style.
Dr. Hannah Godfrey advises to “measure them from their nose to their tail, then their shoulder width, to give you an idea of the absolute minimum size. However, your dog will likely choose to lie down and spread out sometimes, so it’s best to make sure they have enough room for this.”
Godfrey added, “don’t go overboard – some dogs like the security and coziness of a bed that’s not too roomy, but you can always add a blanket or a cushion or two (if they’re not likely to chew them!) to help with this.”
Do dogs prefer round or rectangular beds?
This is another question best answered by observing your dog's habits. Round or oval-shaped beds are better suited to dogs who like curling up into a ball but will be less ideal for bigger breeds who need support for their joints or dogs who like stretching out.
In contrast, a rectangular dog bed, typically in the shape of a pillow bed, will be better for dogs who like stretching out more and are likely to change their position in their sleep.
Do dogs prefer raised beds?
“Raised dog beds offer health benefits as well as being optimal for comfort. All dogs, young and old, seem to prefer a raised bed to a standard floor bed if given the choice.” states veterinary surgeon Dr Lily Richards.
It’s for this reason that raised dog beds are favored by dog trainers, as well as many dog-owning homes, over traditional dog beds.
“Raised beds offer even pressure-relieving comfort which is good for older dogs, particularly those suffering from arthritis or dogs with orthopedic complaints.” says Dr Richards, though she’s keen to point out that “All ages of dogs appreciate an increased level of comfort from these types of beds.”
There are other benefits beyond comfort though. “Raised beds keep dogs up off the floor, which is advantageous in wet weather, keeping dogs off a muddy, cold floor but also allows for better air circulation than standard floor beds, helping dogs keep cool on a hot day.” explains Dr Richards.
Raised dog beds are also more hygienic too. It’s easier to clean under and around the dog bed due to the elevation, and the raised position also means that there is more airflow to keep dust and grime from building up. They can also help your pup stay cooler during the warmer weather, as the lack of padding can offer better ventilation.
Finally, raised dog beds are typically formed from a taught material stretched over a frame rather than a stuffed mattress. This means there is no stuffing for your dog to chew on and swallow if they decide to have a nibble on their mattress, letting you avoid a trip to the vet thanks to foreign body blockage in their digestive tract.
Dr Hannah Godfrey is a small animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but focussed on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.
Dr. Lily Richards qualified as a vet in 2011 and has experience in farm, equine, small animal and exotic patient care. After running a busy clinic she took a step into client education focusing on getting the right information to those that need it and are searching for help and advice from professionals online.
