From sleepy Shih Tzus to nodding-off Newfoundlands, the right dog bed for your canine companion should be comfortable and suitable for lounging or sleeping. It should also be able to endure a little slobber and snacking, so the ability to wipe up spills or toss the bed's cover in the washing machine is a must.
We tested more than 60 top dog beds, separating the lumpy and the poorly made from the very best. Each of our testers tried out a different dog bed at home with their dog for more than three weeks, giving their dogs time to nap, snooze, and dreamily kick their legs in them. Meanwhile, our human testers recorded their canine companion's reactions, evaluating each bed for comfort, build quality, size, and ease of cleaning along the way.
Our favorite dog bed for most pooches is the FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed, which earned perfect scores from our tester. It's got an incredibly comfortable plush cushion, memory foam support, and a removable, machine-washable cover. Plus it's available in five colors and five sizes, so there's likely a FurHaven bed that will work for your dog.
But what’s comfortable for one dog won’t necessarily suit another, so we curated a list of the top-ranking dog beds to complement a variety of dogs and their needs. We also conducted testing of specialized beds, if you're looking for the best cooling summer option or the right bed for an aging doggo in need of a little extra orthopedic support.
Best Overall
FurHaven Ultra Plush Faux Fur & Suede Sofa Bed
Three supportive bolsters
Orthopedic memory foam
Option to include cooling gel
Soft faux fur cover
Removable, machine-washable cover
Not recommended for chewers
If your canine loves to cuddle, then this snuggly soft bed made with plush faux fur will be their new go-to spot in your home. The FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed is supportive, roomy, and easy to clean, which makes it our best pick overall.
To get our 75-pound golden retriever acclimated to the new bed, we laid down on the bed next to them several times. We both found the mattress-like nature of the bed to be very appealing. The bed is made with quality materials and the memory foam bounces right back, developing no indentations despite lots of weight being applied to it.
The bed's design can accommodate a variety of sleeping styles and habits, including burrowing and digging before rest. Our participating pup enjoyed resting their head on the bolstered sides, curling up, and stretching out. After a few weeks, there were no signs of grime or stains on the cream-colored version of the bed. In the name of research, we also unzipped the cover to machine wash and hang it dry. The entire process—including putting the cover back on the cushions—was simple and straightforward, and the appealing texture of the faux fur fabric was unchanged.
FurHaven also offers a wide range of configurations, allowing you to tailor a Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed to your pooch. In addition to five different mattress options—including cooling gel foam and two types of orthopedic foams—the FurHaven bed is available in five different sizes and five color choices: clay, gray, "Deep Pool," espresso, and almondine.
Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 8.5 inches (large) | Materials: Polyester, foam, synthetic fabric | Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large, jumbo, jumbo plus | Bed Type: Bolstered
Best Cooling
K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed
Chew resistant and 120-day chew-proof guarantee
Easy to wipe clean or hose down
Certified B Corporation and made in the United States
Orthopedic support
Fits inside most standard-sized crates
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Our tester's dog was able to easily drag the lightweight bed
Help your dog cool off and unwind with this lightweight, cot-like bed. The Chew Proof Armored Rip-Stop Elevated Dog Bed is made with lightweight aluminum and raised between three to seven inches off the ground—depending on which size you select—to facilitate airflow.
A 65-pound English bulldog—with a reputation as a bed destroyer—put this bed through the wringer, chomping and pawing to their heart's content, but we hardly noticed a scratch. The body of the bed is composed of K9's proprietary Rip-Stop fabric that is woven to handle canine exploits and can easily be wiped clean or hosed down. Plus, K9 Ballistics offers a 120-day chew-proof guarantee and is a certified B Corporation (a nonprofit regularly audits B Corporations according to high environmental and ethical standards), moving toward a zero-waste business model with a 2024 goal.
The bed can support up to 250 pounds, but it's still easy to move and can be used indoors and outdoors. But the lightweight design also makes it easier for a dog to drag, so that is something to consider if you think your dog might want to redecorate.
Dimensions: 41 x 27 x 6 inches (large) | Materials: Woven rip-stop fabric and aluminum | Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large, xx-large | Bed Type: Elevated
Best Orthopedic
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
Available in a variety of colors
Bolstered edge serves as pillow
Removable and machine-washable cover
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Water-resistant cover, waterproof liner
Low chew resistance
For mature dogs and dogs with mobility issues, an orthopedic bed can help to alleviate pressure on their joints. Over the course of our testing period with a senior dog, they quickly began to bypass their former bed, preferring to rest and unwind on the Pet Fusion Ultimate Dog Bed.
This soft bed uses memory foam to comfort and support, and with three bolstered sides, it can accommodate your dog's unique sleeping habits. The foam interior is CertiPUR-US certified, which means a third-party nonprofit has verified that the foam used in PetFusion's construction does not contain mercury, lead, formaldehyde, or phthalates, and won't harm indoor air quality.
The bed features a removable, machine-washable cover, a waterproof liner to protect the cushion from drool and spills, and a non-skid bottom to keep it in place while your dog finds the perfect spot for resting.
Dimensions: 36 x 28 x 9 inches (large) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, natural fabric, synthetic fabric | Sizes: Small, large, extra-large, jumbo | Bed Type: Bolstered
Best Cozy
Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Bed
Removable, washable cover
Memory foam
Flexible hood with removable hoop
Available in a variety of colors
Low chew resistance
Give your pup some privacy and a cozy den of their own with a soft, flexible hood attached to their bed. The FurHaven Snuggery Burrow Dog Bed is made for dogs that love to snuggle, burrow, and get under the covers, this snuggly bed instantly became a 25-pound Frenchton's favorite spot to snooze.
It features an attached shapeable blanket with a removable plastic hoop, so depending on your dog's preference and mood, the soft faux-sheepskin can have a little bit of structure or not. This snuggly bed instantly became a 25-pound Frenchton's favorite spot to snooze.
The bed's cover is made of suede and faux sheepskin. It's easy to unzip and machine washable. The interior of the bed is made of memory foam, but the Snuggery Burrow Dog Bed is also available with cooling gel foam that brings the surface temperature down by up to 2 degrees or an egg-crate type of foam that FurHaven refers to as "convoluted orthopedic" for additional support.
Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 3 inches (large/35-inch) | Materials: Polyester, synthetic fabric, foam | Sizes: 18-, 26-, 35-, 44-inch | Bed Type: Round
Best Design
Tuft & Needle Dog Bed
Available in three colors and three sizes
Fits within most standard-sized dog crates
100-night sleep trial guarantee and 10-year limited warranty from the manufacturer
Removable, washable cover
Canvas-like cotton exterior can be less inviting to dogs who prefer a plush surface
If your dog likes your bed, then they'll probably enjoy a dog bed designed by a mattress manufacturer. Tuft & Needle has taken its sleep-centric approach and applied it to create a bed for dogs.
The Tuft & Needle Dog Bed features a foam base and, for convenience with traveling and washing, a detachable foam pad cushion. The outer cover is made of durable canvas-like cotton that is more structured than plush. Plus, it's easy-to-remove and has toggles attached on the corners to keep the cushion connected to the base. The exterior's fabrication adds to the aesthetic appeal and the longevity of the bed, but its not as cozy and inviting as other beds designed for dogs.
While the bed is one of the more expensive selections on our list, it does come with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. After several weeks of testing and a few washes, the bed's quality and color were unchanged.
Dimensions: 38 x 26 x 7 inches (medium) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, polyurethane foam | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Bed Type: Rectangle
Best Customizable
Orvis Platform Dog Bed
Available in three colors
Customization with embroidery (additional fee required)
Machine-washable
Our tester found the size and weight parameters on the Orvis website confusing and recommends prioritizing the mattress's size over selecting based on your dog's weight.
The simple silhouette of this pillow-like dog bed from Orvis lends itself to customization, and you can easily personalize your pup's bed with embroidery when ordering.
The Orvis ToughChew ComfortFill-Eco Platform Dog Bed has a rectangular shape and is available in three neutral shades. The versatile shape fits well in a crate, a car, and any room of the house. The exterior is very durable and can even withstand being dragged by a dog without leaving any puncture holes from their teeth or nails.
The absence of bolstered sides on this bed allows dogs to stretch out on their belly, back, or side. Our participating dog who tends to favor a bed with a walled perimeter, seemed to enjoy the fluffy, open design of this bed, quickly burrowing and curling up.
The bed is dense but it's easy to machine wash and comes out of the dryer unchanged. But depending on the size of the bed you select and the capacity of your appliances, it might be difficult to fit the full bed inside. We also found the weight guidelines provided by the manufacture for selecting the proper bed size are misleading and we instead recommend focusing on the length and width dimensions to find the right size for your dog.
Dimensions: 43 x 29 (large) | Materials: Nylon, polyester | Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large | Bed Type: Rectangle
Best for Camping
RUFFWEAR Dog Sleeping Bag
Can be used as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad
Lightweight and compressible
Easy to clean
Water-resistant
Available only in Huckleberry color
Pitch a tent with your pupper and bring along a personal pup-sized sleeping bag for your furry friend to keep them warm throughout the night. The Ruffwear Highlands sleeping bag is lightweight and designed for use outdoors, with a water-resistant shell.
The exterior fabric is cool and light, the interior is cozy and soft, and the inside is filled with compressible synthetic down, so it's easy to pack. It's also machine washable, so it's easy to clean once you return home from your outdoor adventure. The bag's zipper is designed to make it easy for your dog to get in and out as they please while also retaining heat. For an extra element of coziness and insulation, the corresponding Highlands Dog Pad can be added.
The sleeping bag comes in two sizes, medium and large. After using the medium size with a 53 pound dog on a camping trip, we recommend sizing up. With the bed fully zipped, dogs in between the two sizes will likely prefer the extra space.
Dimensions: 28.3 x 43.3 (large) | Materials: Polyester, synthetic down, denier taffeta nylon | Sizes: Medium, large | Bed Type: Sleeping bag
Best Chew Resistant
K9 Ballistics Tough Rip-Stop Dog Bed
Easy to clean
Water-resistant fabric
Removable, washable cover
Non-skid bottom
Chew resistant and 120-day chew-proof guarantee
Certified B Corporation and made in the United States
Our tester found the design of the bed lacked an aesthetic quality
For dogs who tend to devour their beds when they aren't busy sleeping, this bed is built to withstand their chewing. It's made with K9 Ballistic's proprietary Rip-Stop fabric and comes with a 120-day chew-proof guarantee, so you can let your dog sink their teeth into it as they familiarize themselves with their new bed.
The CertiPUR-US foam mattress interior provides a comfortable place for your dozing dog to drift away to dreamland. And we found the sturdy yet soft surface to be comparable to a high-quality human-grade mattress.
The K9 Ballistic Tough Rip-Stop Rectangle Pillow Dog Bed features a non-skid bottom to keep it from moving around the floor, and the water-resistant cover can easily be spot-cleaned or removed and machine-washed.
We were highy impressed with how easy it was to wipe off drool and messy treats, like sticky peanut butter, with just a paper towel and all-purpose spray. To test the water resistant capabilities of the fabric, we poured an entire glass of water onto the bed and not a single drop passed through to the inner mattress.
Dimensions: 40 x 34 x 5 (large) | Materials: Woven rip-stop fabric, shredded certipur-us foam | Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large, xx-large | Bed Type: Rectangle
Best Crate Mat
MidWest Home Quiet Time Dog Crate Mat
Removable, washable cover
Fits inside most standard-sized crates
Easy to clean
Non-skid grip bottom
Low chew resistance
If you are looking for a versatile, cost-effective dog gift (more money leftover for treats!), then this cozy bed covered with soft synthetic fur is the one to try. It's available in neutral colors to complement any home decor, and it comes in a variety of sizes to be used as a stand-alone bed or inside your dog's crate. It's a great baseline product for making your dog's space more comfortable, and for a pug, the mat fit perfectly inside their crate.
The entire cushion and cover are both machine-washable and dryer-friendly. The bed also has a non-skid bottom so it won't slide around on hardwood floors or tile. It's lightweight so you can bring it along when traveling, but it's not recommended for chewers or diggers.
Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 2.5 inches (24-inch size) | Materials: Polyester, synthetic fabric | Sizes: 18-, 22-, 24-, 30-, 36-, 42-, 48-inch | Bed Type: Pad
Best Budget
Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed
Comes with a soft external cover and waterproof internal liner
Memory foam adjusts to support dog as they move
Cooling gel helps to regulate body temperature
Six rectangular size options are suitable for use inside of a crate
Microsuede cover is hard to wipe clean
The orthopedic nature of the Dogbed4less Premium Gel Memory Foam Dog Bed makes it easy on the joints and perfect for any dog in need of a comfortable place to unwind. The dense foam cushion includes cooling gel that helps to regulate your dog's body temperature, and to protect the bed from drool, spills, and accidents, it comes with a waterproof liner.
The exterior cover provides a high-end feel for your pup at an affordable price for you, and most online retailers for this bed include two external covers with each order. Our preferred cover while testing was the one made from machine-washable denim. The other cover is made with soft microsuede that is cozy, but challenging to wipe clean.
The bed comes in six size options (small to XXX-large), all of which are four inches tall and rectangular shaped, so they are suitable for use inside of a dog crate.
Dimensions: 35 x 20 x 4 inches (small/medium) | Materials: Memory foam, denim, microsuede | Sizes: Small/medium, medium/large, large, xl, xxl, xxxl | Bed Type: Foam
Most Fuzzy
Paw Brands PupRug Faux Fur Orthopedic Dog Bed
Soft, thick, and comfortable
Water- and odor-resistant
Non-slip base prevents skidding
Comes with a waterproof liner
Removable cover must air dry
Made from body-contouring memory foam with a faux fir cover, the Paw Brands PupRug Faux Fur Bed assures the ultimate comfort for your dog, while providing a stylish accent to almost any room in a home. The non-slip base keeps the bed in place on carpet, tile, and hardwood floors, and the protective waterproof cover shields the inner foam from accidents and spills.
The PupRug bed is available in a classic rectangle or a funky curved design and is topped with plush faux fur for your pup to snuggle into. During testing, we found it highly convenient to be able to remove and machine wash the cover, but it needs to be line-dried which takes a few hours. It's also lightweight and easy to move, so it can serve as a travel bed the next time you hit the road with your dog.
Dimensions: 50 x 30 x 2 inches | Materials: Memory foam, polyester faux fir | Sizes: One size | Bed Type: Foam
Our top pick overall, the FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa, is reasonably priced, has a removable cover that's machine washable, and can support an array of sleeping styles. If you have a dog who really loves to chew and are looking to invest in a bed made to endure, the K9 Ballistic Tough Rip-Stop Rectangle Pillow Dog Bed is a solid choice that's available in a range of sizes and comes with a 120-day chew-proof guarantee.
How We Tested
We researched popular and top-performing dog beds in a variety of shapes and sizes. We then selected 22 dog beds for real-world testing in a home with a dog (or two!). We separately tested 21 beds for dogs with orthopedic needs and an additional 22 cooling dog beds.
Each household received a dog bed designed to appeal to their pup's preferences. For example, a bed with claims of high chew resistance was sent to a dog that likes to chew to see how the bed's construction would hold up against the chomp action. And a bed designed to fit inside a crate was delivered to a dog who regularly unwinds in their personal den.
For three weeks, our canine test subjects went about their normal routine with a new bed—napping, snacking, playing, lounging, and sleeping as usual. All the while, their human counterpart observed, gathered insights, and recorded their experience, providing feedback within the following categories: quality, comfort, size, ease of cleaning, and value. They were also asked if they would recommend the dog bed to friends and family.
At the end of our trial period, we gathered and analyzed the information provided by our testing teams. We then ranked and categorized our top picks to simplify your search for the perfect dog bed to align with your dog's needs, habits, and preferences.
What To Look for In A Dog Bed
Support and Mobility
If your dog is older or has a condition like arthritis, there are models that offer orthopedic support. You should also make sure they can easily get in and out of the bed you select. For example, the Pet Fusion Ultimate Dog Bed has three bolstered sides along with a low barrier of entry for unrestricted access. If your dog is young and healthy, a basic model that allows them to get into their optimal sleeping position should work.
Sleeping Style
Take note of how your dog likes to sleep. Do they dig before laying down? The Tuft & Needle Dog Bed has a cotton-canvas cover that's durable and can withstand pawing. Do they get comfortable by burrowing? The FurHaven Snuggery Burrow Dog Bed might be the bed they've been dreaming of all this time. If your dog is into splaying, laying, and playing, then our pick for best overall, the FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa, is likely the one to try.
Size
Your pet’s weight, length, and height will largely determine the size of the bed you select. You want to make sure your dog has plenty of space to lay out and/or curl up as they please. However, you also want to consider the size of the space in which you’ll be placing the bed. You don’t want to be tripping over it.
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What size should a dog bed be?
Your dog's bed should be large enough for them to comfortably lie down and spread out. You should be mindful of their length, weight, and preferences. Some dogs like to be snugged when they sleep while others like to splay out. If your dog sleeps in a crate, you should look for a rectangular bed designed to fit into a crate.
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What should one look for in a dog bed?
A dog bed should be inviting to your dog. Measure the space you plan to devote to the dog bed while keeping in mind the size your dog will need to feel comfortable. If your dog likes to chew and scratch, then a durable surface is needed; if not, then a more plush surface is likely to appeal. Consider something like NIGHT's Silk Pet Bed for dogs who shed a lot or have allergies and skin issues. You can always add a dog blanket to make a space feel cozier. Look for surfaces and replacement dog bed covers that are easy to clean with a spot treatment, hand-washing, or machine-washing.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets
This roundup was written by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a Pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Anna embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.
A previous version was written by Madeline Burry. She has written about how to care for pets for more than a decade.