While dogs seem to be happy lounging just about anywhere around the house, it’s important that they have a dedicated bed for napping and sleeping to get a good rest. So, what is the best bed for your dog?

Every dog is different. The answer will depend on their personality, health, sleeping preferences, and living conditions.

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What is the best shape of dog bed?

Is your dog a sprawler or a curler? The position your dog prefers to sleep in will help determine the shape and kind of bed they’ll like best.

Do dogs prefer round beds?

If your dog loves curling up into a snuggly ball or burrowing into soft bedding, a bolster or basket bed may be the best choice for them.

Bolster or basket beds have slightly raised sides that your dog can nuzzle up against for warmth as they dream the night away. The raised sides also provide a little headrest for them to prop their head against if they prefer. These edges can also help dogs feel safe and secure.

Do dogs prefer flat beds?

If your dog loves sprawling out while they sleep, a cushion, pillow or mattress style bed will be a better match.

These types of beds don’t have any raised sides so they give your dog more freedom to stretch out. They’re also great fits for crates and kennels.

What size bed does my dog need?

The size of your dog will help determine the size of their bed. It’s important to get the right sized bed as this can make a big difference to your dog’s warmth and comfort. Ideally, you want a bed that’s big enough for them to sprawl out in.

How to find the right size bed for my dog

The recommended width and length of your dog’s bed is determined by their foreleg length and sprawl length.

Follow these steps to find your dog’s foreleg length and sprawl length.

How to measure your dog for a bed

Step 1: Using a flexible tape measure, measure the length of dog’s back and head. Measure from the tip of your dog’s nose to the base of their tail. Record this length measurement.

Step 1a: Divide this back length measurement by two to get the half-back length. You’ll need this for the final step of calculating sprawl length.

Step 2: Measure the length of your dog’s front legs. Start from the top of their shoulder and end at the floor. Record this measurement. This measurement also helps guide how wide your dog’s bed should be.

Step 3: Measure your dog’s back legs. Start at the top of their leg and end at the floor. Record this measurement.

Step 4: Now you have all the numbers you need to calculate your sprawl length. First, add the back (step 1), front leg (step 2) and back leg (step 3) length measurements together. From that total, subtract the half-back length number (step 1a). This final number is your dog’s sprawl length.

What if my dog measures between two different bed sizes?

A bed that’s too small may be cramped and uncomfortable so if your dog is in-between sizes or still growing, we recommend sizing up.

Light brown retriever with a white poor sitting on a grey bed under a blanket

What type of bed is best for my dog?

Orthopaedic beds

Orthopaedic beds feature a high-density memory foam mattress which is ideal for dogs that require a little extra support for their joints, muscles and spines, like large dogs and senior dogs. The memory foam moulds to their body to provide support and ease aches and pains.

If you have an older dog, you may want to look for good quality beds with memory foam that are lower to the ground so they can easily get in and out of bed.


Raised beds

Raised beds are a great option for outdoor dogs as they are sturdy and easy to clean. The raised sleeping platforms are made from a durable fabric like hessian or shade-cloth which means they don’t hold as much dust or dirt as plush bedding materials. Some are also treated with a “flea-free finish” to prevent any nasties laying eggs or nesting on your pooch’s bed.

These beds also have higher levels of air circulation and ventilation, which is great for hotter climates. Long-haired dogs and those built for colder climates like huskies can be prone to overheating in warmer months. It’s important to provide a bed that provides plenty of ventilation and air flow so they can stay cool and better regulate their body temperature during their sleep.


Water resistant beds

Water resistant beds are great for outdoors use, especially for dogs that love getting wet. Owners of incontinent dogs will appreciate water-resistant beds for the ease of cleaning.


Chew-resistant beds

Chew-resistant beds are generally made of tougher materials designed to withstand the force of dog’s teeth for longer than a standard bed will. These beds are great for owners of puppies that like to try and destroy their bedding.


Self-warming beds

These warming beds are perfect for colder climates and dogs with thinner coats or arthritis that may struggle in winter. They’re made of fabrics that retain heat and reflect it back to the dog.

Frequently asked questions about dog bedding

Where should I place my dog’s bed?

Indoor beds should be placed in locations where your dog likes to rest. Make sure to have bedding options in quiet, low traffic areas.

Outside, put beds in areas that are protected from the elements, like their kennel or under the verandah roof.

How many beds should a dog have?

Is there such a thing as too many beds? The more options your dog has the better.

If you only have one dog, you’d ideally have at least two: one for outdoors and one for inside. If you are a multi-dog household, the minimum number of dogs is one per dog per location to reduce any potential competition and fighting.

Do dogs need a bed to sleep?

Dogs like having soft, supportive beds they can fully relax on. Beds can be very beneficial, especially for older and larger dogs who can suffer from joint problems like arthritis.

Why does my dog prefer to sleep on the floor than my bed?

Dogs will form their own preferences for where they like to sleep. Maybe they found your bed got too hot or felt too crowded to sprawl. Maybe they appreciate their own little space to fully relax into a deep sleep.

Do dogs need blankets?

It’s always a good idea to give your dog the option of a blanket. They may not use it, but the choice is there. They can burrow underneath it if they’re feeling cold or want to feel hidden and secure.

Where can I buy a dog bed?

You can find the perfect dog bed for your furry friend at Petbarn. Check out the dog bedding range online or at your nearest Petbarn store.