Dog Beds for Your Four-Legged Friend
The right dog bed for my dog
The now huge selection of sleeping places for dogs on the market often leads to confusion and uncertainty. In the past, the only decision was between dog cushions, dog baskets, or dog beds with raised edges.
Today, all kinds of shapes, filling materials, and manufacturing methods come into play. Sleeping bags or caves for dogs are advertised just as much as dog sofas, orthopedic dog beds, puppy baskets, or dog poufs.
Since dogs spend the majority of their lives, around 2/3 and up to 20 hours a day, sleeping, choosing the right dog bed plays an enormously important role.
We have therefore put together some helpful tips and decision-making aids to help you make a good choice that meets your dog's individual needs and sleeping habits.
The right shape and size
There are dog beds in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and sizes. Whether round or square, with or without edging. There are few advantages or disadvantages that clearly speak for or against a specific shape.
The choice should simply depend on your dog’s preferences and habits. Every animal is different, although some sleeping habits can also be linked to the dog’s breed. You probably already have an idea of your four-legged friend’s sleeping behavior: does your dog need a greater sense of security? Does your dog like to rest its head? Then a dog basket or dog bed with edges is certainly a good choice. Does your dog prefer something firm, stable, and simple? Then a firmly padded cushion without edges is the better choice.
Always make sure the new sleeping spot has a sufficiently large lying surface. Your dog likes to turn and move around while sleeping at night, just like we humans do. They don’t like bumping into edges in their sleep either. The rule of thumb says that around 15–20 cm should be added to the dog’s back length, including the snout. This gives the perfect width for the lying surface. In general, dog beds can be divided into the following categories:
• Dog beds (square) with edges
• Dog baskets with edging
• Dog cushions square or round without edges
• Dog blankets
Round or oval dog beds & dog baskets
Suitable for all dogs that seek protection and like to lie in corners. They can rest their head on the edge and observe their surroundings. Baskets with a higher edge provide protection and security.
They are available worldwide in a wide variety of materials: felt, woven wicker, leather, faux leather, cotton, polyester, or plush.
When making your selection, it is naturally about your taste and interior style, but you should also consider how easy the material or covers are to care for and wash.
For puppies, it is advisable to choose more robust outer materials, as puppies tend to chew on objects, including baskets and dog beds, especially during teething.
The same applies to dogs that like to scratch and dig before settling down.
In terms of shape and design, however, dog baskets and beds with high edges are suitable for almost all dogs, including Vizslas, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Australian Shepherds, Pugs, Dachshunds, and Beagles, etc.
Square or round dog cushions?
Square dog cushions or round cushions, also called dog poufs, clouds, loops, or donuts, are usually elevated, stable, and cuddly soft.
Round dog cushions are especially suitable for dogs that like to curl up. They form a hollow in the middle, so sinking into them automatically creates a pleasantly warming edge. In general, especially small dogs with little undercoat like to curl up, but larger breeds such as greyhounds and Border Collies also prefer to rest closely snuggled up.
Square dog cushions provide healthy sleep especially for XL dogs such as Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, Mastiffs, etc.
The dog cushions are stable and supportive thanks to hand-stuffed filling, quilted chambers, and high-quality filling material, offering high sleeping comfort with orthopedic properties.
These cushions are especially suitable for animals that stretch out and like to sleep on their backs or sides. No edge is needed, just a large, cozy sleeping space. Again, the rule of thumb applies: around 20 cm of extra space for stretching out.
Which mattress for which dog?
Every dog bed should fulfill both a stable, supportive function and be cozy. Some manufacturers of inexpensive dog beds use inferior mattress fillings that may seem very comfortable at first glance but do not adequately support the sensitive dog’s back and joints.
In the long term, it is worth investing in a high-quality mattress made of different chambers that will not sag even after years of use while also protecting the joints.
In addition to foam, cold foam, or latex mattresses, there are also microbead cushions and padding with fillings made from various flakes.
It is often helpful to inspect a dog bed in a specialty store before buying, touch it, and if possible, even let the dog try lying on it. This is the easiest way to determine whether the padding meets both your expectations and those of your four-legged friend. For good sleep, a dog mattress should be stable, sufficiently soft, and quiet. Depending on the dog’s size and weight, softer or firmer fillings are recommended.
Heavy dogs
Heavy XXL dogs such as Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Labradors, or Great Danes require the strongest and firmest mattress fillings possible to relieve the joints and prevent joint problems. This also applies to smaller but very muscular breeds such as French Bulldogs and overweight dogs. Robust mattresses with intensive padding and high resilience are recommended. Otherwise, if the models are too soft, these dogs may eventually struggle to get up.
Light dogs
To ensure that even the smallest and lightest dogs have a perfect sleeping place and feel secure in their basket, cushions or mattresses for Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Bolonkas, Maltese dogs, and similar breeds can be somewhat softer and less firmly filled. These dogs do not feel comfortable on mattresses that are too firm, as such mattresses require a certain amount of weight before they give way. For optimal comfort and healthy support, the dog bed must still remain stable. Cushions with chamber systems are a good solution that keeps their shape for many years.
Older dogs
It is also important to consider the special needs of older dogs. As your beloved companion’s movements become slower and more difficult, older dogs need a dog bed that makes lying down and getting up easier. The mattress for older dogs should therefore be as weightless and low to the ground as possible; at the same time, the filling must not be too soft. This also applies to pregnant female dogs, as their growing puppies can limit freedom of movement.
Dogs with joint problems or arthritis
There is a wide selection of so-called orthopedic dog beds or wellness beds available both online and in specialty stores. Especially important for dogs with joint problems or arthritis is relieving pressure on the joints while lying down and preventing pressure sores. This is made possible by dog beds with thick mattresses that are high-quality and provide strong filling support.
It is also helpful if the mattress is divided into individually quilted chambers, as this prevents the dog bed from sagging.
A high-quality mix of foam and visco flakes combined with poly-fiber flakes for good air circulation is a good choice here.
Which dog breeds sleep in which dog bed?
It is not possible to determine the optimal dog bed for your four-legged friend based solely on breed. However, general recommendations can certainly be made for dogs with long or short fur, as well as for specific sizes. Nevertheless, every dog is unique with its own wishes and sleeping preferences, so there can also be differences within the same breed.
Round dog cushions with softer mattresses are especially suitable for light dogs that like to curl up. These include Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, Bolonkas, Pugs, Maltese dogs, Jack Russell Terriers, and Dachshunds.
Dog baskets with high edges are especially suitable for dogs that seek protection and peace in corners. There they are undisturbed and feel secure, which is especially important for puppies.
With a lower edge, on the other hand, the head can be rested comfortably while still allowing the surroundings to be observed at all times. This is particularly pleasant for typical guard dogs such as German Shepherds, Border Collies, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Boxers, etc., when dozing. Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, Wolfdogs, and other large breeds, on the other hand, need space and a sufficiently padded mattress. A firm, stable dog cushion is ideal for these dogs.
Dog caves and dog sleeping bags – what are they for?
Certain dog breeds naturally prefer dark and enclosed spaces due to their evolutionary background.
Dachshunds, for example, were originally bred to assist with badger hunting. Since badger dens are dark and cave-like, modern Dachshunds and related breeds still feel very comfortable in such environments today.
These animals therefore still love burrowing under blankets or getting cozy in small dog caves and dog sleeping bags. These products are also a popular option for dogs with little undercoat or small dogs that get cold quickly, such as smaller greyhounds or Italian Greyhounds.
Dog blankets
Some dogs love being covered up in their dog bed, especially in autumn and winter. Cozy dog blankets made of fleece, cotton, teddy fabric, velour, or faux fur provide security and warmth so your beloved companion stays comfortable during the cold season.
Blankets are also suitable as covers for sofas or cars to protect surfaces from pet hair and stains. Your dog’s own blanket is also a practical and portable way to show your dog where its resting place is while traveling, thanks to the familiar smell. This allows them to relax anywhere and anytime.
Suitable materials / outer fabrics for dog beds
While short-haired dogs love cozy, soft, and fluffy materials such as plush, bouclé, or wool, dogs with long fur often prefer smoother, cooler materials such as cotton, canvas, smooth polyester, or even faux leather.
Dogs that get cold easily especially need soft materials during colder months to snuggle up and stay warm. A dog bed should always provide insulation from both heat and cold.
For sensitive dogs prone to allergies, it is highly recommended to choose materials that are either machine washable or made from faux leather.
Since some dogs scratch, scrape, and dig extensively until they find their perfect sleeping position, owners of such dogs should choose especially durable materials.
Soft, stretchy outer fabrics such as teddy plush or bouclé with looped material are less recommended here, as pulled threads and small holes can form.
When choosing materials, you should also ensure that the fabric is easy to care for and that the cover is removable.
The material should be washable without problems, otherwise the dog bed can become a breeding ground for unwanted fleas and parasites.
Where is the best place to put the dog bed at home?
People are part of a dog’s pack, so the dog bed should be placed where the four-legged friend can still participate in family life while sleeping.
It should have a fixed place where your dog can relax and retreat — despite being close to the pack, the dog bed should still provide an undisturbed resting zone without constant observation.
The sleeping place should neither be too close to a window nor too close to a heater. Excessive heat can dry out mucous membranes, while drafts can cause tension and discomfort.
For optimal relaxation, the lying surface should also never face the entrance door directly. Dogs may want a good overview of the room, but especially alert dogs often cannot rest enough if the door is in their field of vision. In their opinion, it must constantly be watched.
When a dog has just moved in, experts also recommend placing a dog bed for the new four-legged family member in the bedroom. This helps build a bond especially quickly.
Dog owners can also recognize restless behavior more easily, especially in puppies or dogs not yet house-trained, and know when it’s time for a walk.
Dog beds for cars and traveling
Not all dogs enjoy car rides and traveling. To make things as comfortable as possible for them, there are various options depending on the dog’s size to ensure pleasant journeys.
When traveling by car with dogs, always make sure the dog is properly secured in the vehicle to ensure everyone’s safety.
It is also useful to have a resting place for the dog outside the car while traveling. Travel beds also serve the purpose of giving the dog its own familiar place in restaurants, hotels, and similar environments, providing a protected retreat even in unfamiliar places.
Dog beds for the trunk
If dog mats and dog blankets are not enough for the trunk, a practical and lightweight dog cushion is recommended. Dog cushions with handles or foldable dog cushions can be a suitable solution. It is important to consider whether the dog bed will always travel in the car or only be placed in the trunk when needed. If a dog rides daily, a comfortable and high-quality dog cushion should be available to avoid muscle tension and joint problems. It should also be washable and easy to clean, as paws can otherwise dirty the cover after rainy walks.
Foldable dog beds for travel
Even in hotels, restaurants, dog daycares, or at friends’ homes, dogs need their own retreat for restful sleep. This resting place should take up little space during transport while still offering the cozy comfort the dog is used to at home. There are softly padded dog mats and travel beds equipped with comfortable cushioning that are practical and can be folded or rolled up and stored away in just a few steps. They take up hardly any space. Dog blankets, mats, or cushions with one side made of faux leather are especially recommended. They are easy to clean, durable, and protect your dog from moisture and cold from below, such as damp grass during a trip to the park. The Travel Beds from DOGS in the CITY meet these requirements.
Cleaning dog beds
A dog is a dog — and should stay that way!
They love running around in meadows and forests, rolling in mud and puddles.
However, when they head straight to their dog bed afterward, unpleasant side effects such as moisture and stubborn stains can occur. That’s why it’s helpful if the dog bed cover can be easily removed and washed without problems.
Even without direct dirt contact, you should pay attention to the care instructions when buying a dog bed. An easy-care dog bed is essential, because without regular washing, your beloved pet’s resting place can quickly become a breeding ground for germs and parasites. Experts therefore recommend washing dog beds about once a month to avoid this. A washing cycle at 30 degrees in the washing machine is usually completely sufficient. However, please avoid detergents with fragrances and fabric softeners, as their smells can be unpleasant for a dog’s highly sensitive nose.
Cleaning dog beds
Replacement/changeable covers for the dog bed are especially useful during washing. Some covers are not suitable for tumble dryers; therefore, to ensure your dog can continuously use its retreat without waiting for the cover to dry again, replacement covers are very helpful. If an extra cover is not an option for you, you should choose a dog bed with a quick-drying outer fabric.
Inlets
In addition to the cover, the inner cushions can often also be washed. Please follow the washing instructions and care recommendations on the inner cushions!
This is particularly useful if your four-legged friend suffers from incontinence and the cushion regularly comes into contact with urine. Depending on the thickness of the cushion, the outdoor temperature, and the humidity, it may take several hours to days until it is completely dry both inside and out.
Please make absolutely sure that this is the case before putting the cover back on and that the cushion has no damp spots at all — not even in the core of the cushion. Otherwise, unpleasant odors and harmful mold growth can quickly occur. In summer, sunlight can greatly speed up the drying process, while in winter a place near the heater is highly recommended. The cushion should be turned regularly to ensure it dries completely throughout.
