If you’ve got a jumbo-sized best friend and need to source them an equally massive bed, our guide to the best large dog beds has you covered.
For the most part, we’re looking for the same qualities in the best dog beds, no matter how large they are, but colossal canines do have some unique needs. Larger dogs need a bigger space to stretch out on, but they're also more susceptible to mobility issues such as arthritis. This means they can benefit from the best orthopedic dog beds, which are designed to support their bodies and take the weight off their aching joints and muscles.
Large dog breeds are also more susceptible to overheating due to their lower surface-to-weight ratio. With summers getting hotter, this is a big concern so you should also consider getting a raised dog bed, or one made using cooling materials.
To help you make the right choice, we’ve researched the best large dog beds from a huge selection of brands and consulted with expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey to help you make an informed decision.
The Quick List
Best overall large dog bed
This bolster-style dog bed has a lowered front entry that’s perfect for older dogs, while the orthopedic foam will offer maximum comfort to pooches of any age.
The bolsters on the side give your canine somewhere to rest their heads too.
Best orthopedic large dog bed
Dogs love sleeping on your bed, so give them a mattress of their own! This foam is 7in thick, so even the heaviest dog won’t squash it down to the floor when lying on it.
There are multiple size options for larger dogs, and you also get a 10-year guarantee.
Best durable large dog bed
Defend your investment against boisterous dogs with this chew-proof dog bed. The elevated design keeps their pressure points off the hard floor, and while it’s not 100% indestructible, K9 Ballistics offers a 120-day warranty if your canine does destroy the fabric.
Best reversible large dog bed
Like most options on our list, this egg-crate foam dog bed is super comfortable, but we especially love the reversible cover. It has a fleece side for colder weather and an Oxford fabric side for the summer months.
Best outdoor large dog bed
Give your pup somewhere comfortable to lounge about in the garden with this elevated pet bed. The elevated design keeps them out of the mud and dirt, and it even has a waterproof canopy to keep them dry during light showers.
Best waterproof large dog bed
Whether it’s through old age or youthful exuberance, sometimes dogs have little accidents and this waterproof dog bed is the perfect solution. Both the super-soft memory foam mattress inside and the underside of the bed are waterproof, so you just need to wash the removable cover.
Best memory foam large dog bed
This orthopedic dog bed is ideal for older canines thanks to a two-inch thick memory foam layer supported by a four-inch base giving an ideal mix of comfort and support for dogs with joint issues. You also get a waterproof mattress and removable covers to make cleaning a breeze.
Best large dog lounger
This deluxe lounger is part dog bed, part doggy sofa thanks to the contoured design. The combination of orthopedic foam and plush faux fur cover makes it super comfortable, and it comes in a variety of sizes from a respectable medium all the way up to a 6-foot giant model.
The best large dog beds we recommend in 2024
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Best overall large dog bed
When it comes to the best all-around large dog bed, the Frisco Plush Orthopedic Front Bolster Bed beats out the competition. It features a lowered front entry, which is perfect for older dogs dealing with mobility issues who can't climb into raised beds. This bed has a four-inch foam mattress, with an inch of memory foam on top of three inches of orthopedic foam, which means it's capable of supporting even extra-large dogs.
This bed is available in two colors, and three sizes. The extra-large bed measures 40 inches by 30 inches, which should be large enough for most breeds, although extra-large dogs may have issues getting comfortable. It even features a removable exterior, which makes it easy to clean without a giant fuss. Bolsters along the edge of the bed also deliver a spot for your pup to rest their head when hanging out. Just keep in mind this bed isn't waterproof or water-resistant, so it may not be ideal for incontinent dogs, or canines that are still being house-trained.
Best orthopedic large dog bed
Fans of the Big Barker rave about how much their dogs enjoy sleeping on this large dog bed. It’s made of the same kind of foam used in human mattresses, and owners who have tried out the bed themselves mention how comfortable it feels to them. The Big Barker dog bed has a full seven inches of foam, so no part of your dog’s body will touch the floor. The company provides a 10-year money-back guarantee if the bed loses more than 90% of its loft and shape, which lets you know how much they believe in their product. A guarantee of any kind is rare in the dog bed business.
The giant size is 60 x 48in, which is wider than a twin-sized bed and sized for breeds such as Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes. It comes in four colors, and has a microfiber cover that zips off for machine washing.
Some owners complain about the lack of a waterproof liner, which is sold separately. However, if you’re concerned about accidents or big messes, it’s probably worth protecting your investment. Not all dogs love this bed, but that’s going to be true of any dog bed that you buy. Check the refund policies! Big Barker also sells replacement covers, and there’s a version with a headrest as well.
Best durable large dog bed
Okay, it’s not really possible to make an entirely “chew-proof” or indestructible dog bed. If a dog really wants to dig or tear a hole into a bed, nothing will stop him. According to reviews, however, the K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed comes as close as possible to being chew-proof. The seller claims that they had to design their own fabric for the bed because Kevlar wasn’t strong enough.
This bed can be used indoors and outdoors, and is advertized as being especially good for dogs who are kept in crates or kennels. It should fit well - measure first of course - and will keep them off the floor of the crate with no gaps. The giant-sized bed is 50 inches long. Some sellers have complained that the bed sags too much for very heavy dogs and that it can move because the legs aren’t skidproof.
K9 Ballistics does claim a 120-day warranty, meaning that if your dog chews through it within 120 days of purchase, they will replace the fabric.
Best reversible large dog bed
Your dog is going to love lazing about on this high-density egg-crate foam pillow, which evenly distributes your pets’ weight, alleviating pressure on their bones, supporting their joints, and relieving muscle pain.
This bed comes in a whopping eight different sizes and ten different color options. The largest bed measures 54 inches long by 44 inches wide, making it great even for giant breeds. Bedsure's large dog bed features a pillow shape, making it easy to pop in a crate, the back of the car for road trips, and anywhere with space in your home.
If you're hoping for an all-year dog bed, this is the one to pick. The cover has a reversible design featuring fleece for warm naps during chilly months, and Oxford fabric to keep your pup cool when temperatures rise.
Durable enough to hold up to light to moderate chewers and scratchers, it has a removable zippered cover that’s machine washable, making cleaning a breeze. This is a wonderful no-fuss dog bed at a great price.
Best outdoor large dog bed
Many large dog breeds thrive in the great outdoors and enjoy adventures at beaches, lakes, and more. The Pawhut elevated bed not only provides them with a cool and comfortable place to sleep, but it also has a canopy to keep them shaded. The bed part is a cot elevated about nine inches off the ground, which might help keep your doggy cleaner than lying directly on the ground. Air can circulate through the mesh openings. The metal tubing has supports so the bed won’t tip when your dog throws themselves on top for a snooze. A tent-like frame supports the canopy, which should help keep it from collapsing.
While this option does have a waterproof canopy, we still recommend you keep it covered or bring it indoors during storms. Some customers complained that the metal tubing held water, but that’s probably why the seller suggests that you don't store it outside permanently. In addition, the sun will fade the fabric and the bed won’t last as long.
This Pawhut bed comes with a carrying bag and is available in a range of colours. The large bed should hold a dog weighing up to 66lbs, and the XL up to 110lbs.
Best waterproof large dog bed
If your dog is prone to a few little accidents in their old age then this bed is perfect for keeping them dry. The bed itself is super-soft and made from memory foam, which does take a few days to plump out, but once it does this is the ultimate luxury bed for your dog. This is perfect for larger dogs with joint problems and it has a big fluffy bolster for relaxing against too. The sides are not the most supportive if your dog likes to lean or sit with their head supported, but it would make a comfy pillow when it comes to sleeping.
The bed can hold dogs up to 100lbs and the bottom of the bed has a built-in rubber backing which will stop this large dog bed from sliding around when they're trying to get comfy. The cover is removable and machine washable so it’s super easy to clean regularly and it won’t get misshapen in the wash either. The bed also features a waterproof liner which protects against any accidents and keeps this dog bed fresher for longer.
Best memory foam large dog bed
This luxurious orthopedic dog bed offers a solid 2in of high-density memory foam over a 4in base of stability support foam for a comfortable sleep surface that will leave your canine companion feeling like they're sleeping on a cloud.
Available in a range of generous sizes and colors, this stylish mattress-style bed will blend seamlessly into any home and the therapeutic design makes it ideal for senior dogs or any pup suffering from joint pain or mobility issues.
Providing the ideal mix of comfort, support, and relief, this bed is geared towards dogs with joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, patella luxation, osteochondritis, and other conditions and is also great for dogs recovering from surgery.
The bed comes with removable covers, making it a breeze to wash and keep clean, and it has a waterproof mattress protector to catch any accidents associated with incontinence. It's not the cheapest bed on the market, but the high-quality design and materials make it well worth the investment.
Best large dog lounger
We all like to lounge around after a long day, and dogs are no exception. This Furhaven lounger is ergonomically designed with a sloping contoured shape to offer your pooch maximum support and comfort. It’s super comfortable too thanks to the thick, plush faux fur outer layer that’s still soft and gentle on your dog’s nose and paws.
There are a variety of size options to choose from, ranging from a rather reasonable medium up to the giant version that’s nearly 6ft long… that’s practically a full-size doggy mattress. Speaking of the mattress, it’s made from extra-thick CertiPUR-US certified foam, offering a comfortable sleeping experience by taking pressure off your dog’s joints and pressure points.
The cover is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning and comes in three color options – cream, chocolate or gray – to suit your stylistic needs. With an average rating of 4.5 stars out of five from a whopping 15,250 reviews, it’s safe to say that pet owners (and their pets) have been very impressed by this high-quality dog bed.
How to choose the best large dog bed
With so many options to choose from, it can easily become overwhelming trying to find the best option for your furry friend. Before you snag the first bed they can fit in, it's worth considering a few things. Just remember, the most important thing is finding the bed your dog will use, and that can fit into your budget.
Getting the right size is also super important. You need something that will fit in your space while also making sure it's big enough for your dog to stretch out on without overhanging the edge.
Do large dogs need their own bed?
Larger dogs are at a higher risk of mobility and joint problems like arthritis, or hip dysplasia, and because of this we definitely recommend they have their own bed. A large dog bed helps to take pressure off aching joints, and evenly distribute their weight when resting or hanging out.
Beyond that, large dogs are... well large, and they take up more space. This means that unless you get a truly massive dog bed, there won't be enough room for them to share with other dogs easily.
What type of bed is best for a large dog?
Different dogs are going to have different needs, so it's worth considering what your dog needs. Older dogs may benefit more from bolstered beds, while younger pups who enjoy a more active lifestyle may be more suited to a raised bed.
"Large breed dogs need a large bed!" Dr Godfrey. It might seem obvious, but bigger pooches need more room to be able to lounge around. "However, traditional, softer dog beds make it hard for your dog to cool down in warmer weather, and many don't provide enough support for a heavy dog.
If you have a particularly boisterous pup then Dr Godfrey recommends you avoid traditional beds until they mature. She explains that "they're also full of padding, and many dogs make it their mission to destroy their bed by chewing it and removing the stuffing, which can cause a gut blockage. So, a well-ventilated raised bed could be a better option for large dogs because they provide support without any stuffing to chew!"
Are raised beds good for large dogs?
"Raised beds are great for large breed dogs because they provide all-over support for their muscles and joints, just like a good human mattress does." explains Dr Godfrey. "Your large-breed dog can rest comfortably on a raised bed without aches and pains from the pressure points contacting the ground. This is especially important for dogs with arthritis and joint pain."
There are additional benefits for raised dog beds, such as helping to keep your dog cool during the warmer months, as Dr. Godfrey explains: "Large dogs are also more likely to get warm in the summer, so a raised bed with no padding or stuffing will allow more ventilation, keeping your dog cooler"
Shepherds in particular may enjoy a raised bed since it allows them to keep a better eye on their environment and surroundings.
Hannah 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.
Since 2018, she has worked at a smaller, independent practice close to home, in order to devote more time to her other love – writing comedy fiction. February 2023 marks a big development in Hannah’s career, as she moves from permanent clinical veterinary work to become an Editor for a global medical communications company. She won’t be giving up clinical work altogether, though, and will still do regular locum shifts at her local veterinary practices.
