How to Choose a Dog Bed
Measure your dog, match the fill to their needs and pick a cover you can wash. A practical guide to choosing a dog bed that fits.
By Best Pet Supplies Guide
Updated November 2, 2026
To choose a dog bed, focus on four things: size, fill and support, a cover you can wash, and any special needs such as age, chewing or crate use. Start by measuring your dog, then match the fill to how your dog sleeps and moves, and pick a cover that comes off easily. This guide covers each step and ends with a quick decision table.
It is a buying framework, not a product ranking. You can read about how we research our guides, and when you are ready to compare styles, the dog beds category is the place to browse.
Measure Your Dog First
Size is the most common reason a bed does not work, so measure before you shop. Barker Beds’ size guide measures from the nose to the base of the tail. Use a soft tape measure or a piece of string, then lay the string flat and measure it.
Compare that number with the bed’s interior sleeping area, not just the outer dimensions. Thick bolsters and padded edges can take up several inches, so the usable space may be smaller than the listed size. Check the product page for the inside measurements, and if only a size label like “large” is shown, look for the actual numbers before you buy.
Size charts often use example breeds as a rough guide. The same Barker Beds size chart gives examples ranging from French Bulldogs to Great Danes. Dogs of the same breed vary a lot in build, so treat breed examples as a starting point and rely on your own measurements.
Here is a practical rule of thumb about sleeping style. If your dog tends to sprawl out flat, prioritize length and width. If your dog usually curls up, you have more flexibility, and a bed with raised edges may suit them. If your dog falls between two sizes, sizing up is usually the easier choice, because a bed that is slightly roomy is more usable than one your dog hangs off.
Puppies need a little planning. A bed sized for a small puppy may be outgrown within months, so think about your dog’s expected adult size and ask your breeder or veterinarian if you are unsure. A cheaper or temporary bed while your puppy grows is a reasonable approach.
Bed Types and Fills
The fill decides how much support and cushioning your dog gets. The AKC’s bed guide lists egg-crate or memory foam, interlocking fill, self-warming beds and elevated cots among the main options, and notes that a supportive bed may help dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia feel more comfortable. If your dog has joint problems, talk to your veterinarian about what kind of support is right.
Egg-crate and memory foam
Foam beds are built to cushion and support the body. Egg-crate foam has a ridged surface, while memory foam is designed to contour to the dog lying on it. Foam suits dogs who like to stretch out, and it is a common choice for older or heavier dogs. Look for a foam layer that is thick enough that your dog does not bottom out when lying down. Check the manufacturer’s product description for thickness.
Bolster beds
Bolster beds have raised edges on one or more sides. Many dogs like to rest their head or lean against the rim, and the edge can make the bed feel more enclosed. The trade-off is that the raised sides reduce the flat sleeping area. Measure the interior carefully, and note that a high edge can be harder to step over for a dog with stiff legs.
Interlocking fill
Interlocking fill is another fill style the AKC mentions. Product descriptions vary, so read what the manufacturer says about how the fill is built and whether it keeps its shape. Press on the bed if you can, or check the care instructions to see whether the fill can be washed.
Self-warming beds
Self-warming beds are designed to help hold in a dog’s own body warmth without a power cord. They may appeal if your dog tends to seek out warm spots, but the details of how they work differ by product, so follow the manufacturer’s description and care notes. If you are unsure whether your dog needs extra warmth, ask your veterinarian.
Elevated cots
An elevated cot lifts the sleeping surface off the floor on a frame, usually with a stretched fabric top. Cots are often used on porches, in kennels or in warm rooms because air can move under the dog. They are firm rather than plush, so some dogs like a blanket on top. Check the stated weight limit and the fabric before you buy.
Covers and Cleaning
A bed you can keep clean is a bed you will actually keep using. The AKC suggests choosing a bed with a removable cover and washing it weekly. It also says machine-washable covers are especially useful for puppies and for senior dogs with incontinence, and that a waterproof, removable cover is ideal for older dogs.
When you compare covers, look at a few practical details:
- Zipper placement: A zipper that runs along a long side is easier to work with than a short one, especially on thick foam.
- Care label: Confirm that the cover is machine washable and check the temperature and drying instructions.
- Inner liner: A waterproof liner can protect the fill. Check whether the liner itself can be wiped or washed.
- Spare covers: If the maker sells replacement covers in your size, you can swap one in while the other is in the wash.
For the fill itself, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, because foam and other fills are not all handled the same way. For stain, smell and washing help, see the cleaning and odor control category.
Special Situations
Senior dogs
Older dogs often benefit from a supportive fill, a cover that is easy to wash and a bed that is easy to get onto. A low edge or a flat design can make stepping on and off simpler, though that is a design feature and not a medical solution. Place the bed somewhere quiet, away from drafts and on a surface that is not slippery.
If your dog seems stiff, slow to get up or reluctant to use stairs, mention it to your veterinarian. A bed can add comfort, but it does not replace a checkup.
Puppies and accidents
Puppies chew, drool and have accidents, so a washable cover matters more than a plush design. Choose a bed with a cover that can go straight into the washer, and consider buying a spare so you are never without a clean one. A waterproof layer under the cover is a practical extra. Since puppies outgrow beds quickly, many owners start with a simple, easy-to-clean bed and upgrade later.
Large and giant breeds
Large and giant dogs need a bed with enough room to stretch out fully. Measure from nose to base of tail and add room for a comfortable sprawl. Look for a firm, supportive fill, because a heavy dog can flatten a thin pad quickly, and check the product’s listed weight guidance if there is any.
Also check the floor space where the bed will go, since a giant bed can crowd a small room. For very big dogs, a bed made of two or more sections or an elevated cot with a high weight limit may be worth a look, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Chewers
If your dog chews bedding, no bed is guaranteed to hold up. Look for tightly stitched seams, covers without loose buttons, zippers or decorative pieces, and consider a bed with a tougher outer fabric. Supervise your dog with any new bed and remove it if your dog starts pulling out the fill or eating fabric. If your dog swallows bedding material, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Crate beds
A bed that lives in a crate should lie flat and fit the floor without bunching. Measure the inside of the crate and choose a pad that covers the floor without climbing up the sides. A thinner pad is often better than a thick bolster in a crate, since a bulky bed takes up the space your dog needs to stand, turn and lie down. For help sizing the crate itself, see the dog crates and playpens category. If your dog tends to chew or soil bedding in the crate, choose a washable pad and check on how your dog uses it.
Quick Decision Table
| If your dog… | Look for… |
|---|---|
| Sprawls out flat when sleeping | A bed with generous length and width, sized up if between sizes |
| Curls up or leans on things | A bolster bed with enough interior space |
| Is a senior or has stiff joints | Supportive foam, an easy-to-enter shape and a washable, ideally waterproof cover (ask your veterinarian about joint concerns) |
| Is a puppy | A fully machine-washable cover, a spare cover and a simple design |
| Is a large or giant breed | Room to stretch out, a firm fill and clear weight guidance |
| Chews bedding | Tough fabric, tight seams, no loose parts and close supervision |
| Sleeps in a crate | A flat pad that matches the floor size of the crate |
| Likes warm or cool spots | A self-warming bed or an elevated cot, depending on the dog’s preferences |
Common Mistakes
- Guessing the size. Measure nose to base of tail instead of relying on a label like “medium” or on breed alone.
- Ignoring the interior dimensions. Thick bolsters can shrink the usable sleeping area.
- Choosing a cover that cannot be removed. If it cannot be washed easily, it tends to get skipped.
- Buying thin padding for a heavy dog. A bed that flattens quickly will not give much support.
- Buying a big bed for a small puppy and calling it done. Plan for growth, but start with something practical.
- Putting the bed in the wrong spot. A bed in a drafty or noisy area may go unused, so try a quiet corner near the family.
- Skipping the care label. Fill and cover materials differ, so follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size dog bed to buy?
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail, as the Barker Beds size guide recommends, and compare that with the bed’s interior sleeping area. If your dog is between sizes, sizing up is usually the more practical choice.
How often should I wash a dog bed?
The AKC suggests washing a removable cover weekly. Check the care label and the manufacturer’s instructions for the fill, since foam and other fills are not all washed the same way.
What kind of bed is best for an older dog?
Look for a supportive fill, a design that is easy to step onto and a washable cover, ideally a waterproof one. If your dog seems stiff or sore, talk to your veterinarian about what kind of support is appropriate.
Should I buy a bed for my puppy’s adult size?
It depends. A bed that is far too big may not feel cozy for a small puppy, and puppies chew and have accidents. Many owners start with an easy-to-clean bed and replace it as the puppy grows.
Can I put a regular dog bed in a crate?
Only if it fits. Choose a flat pad that matches the crate floor and leaves your dog room to stand, turn and lie down. A bulky bolster bed may take up too much space.
Sources
About the author
Best Pet Supplies Guide publishes research-based buying guides, size guides and care how-tos for dog, cat and pet home supplies, using manufacturer specifications and guidance from reputable pet-care organizations.