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18 best dog beds to keep your pup cosy, according to pet parents
Including cooling options for summer

Dogs may be able to fall asleep anytime, anywhere, anyhow (sometimes upside down with their legs in the air, balanced atop chairs, on top of you) but that doesn’t mean they’re not discerning when it comes to bedtime.
There's a huge choice of beds out there, including orthopaedic options, donut styles made to soothe anxious dogs and cooling designs for hot summer nights. Many pampered pooches will also have day beds for when they need to catch a quick 40 winks (watching out for delivery drivers and cats is tiring work).
They expect their creature comforts, which is why we’ve searched high and low to find the best dog beds on the market to ensure they get a great night’s sleep. We’ve also asked pet parents to give us their recommendations on behalf of their VIPs (very important pups).
These are our top picks at a glance but read on for everything you need to know before you add to basket.
Read more pet-friendly roundups: Best dog harnesses | Best dog coats | Best dog toys
What’s the best type of bed for a dog?
Much like humans, the best bed for your dog will depend on how they like to sleep. Some like to spread out, so need a bit more room, while others like to burrow in and get extra cosy. These are some of the key factors you should consider before investing, according to Johanna Buitelaar-Warden, founder of Lords and Labradors.
Size
Even if your dog usually likes to curl up, make sure the bed is big enough for them to stretch out in if they want, but not too big that they struggle to get cosy.
“To determine the size of bed needed, measure your furry friend from nose to back paws while they're sleeping,” says Buitelaar-Warden. “Then, add 25 centimetres onto this figure, and choose a bed with a similar length.”
You’ll also need to consider where the bed will live (choose a private, draught-free spot) and whether you have the space for your chosen design.
Shape
“Consider both your dog's size and sleeping habits when choosing the right bed,” says Buitelaar-Warden. “Pay attention to how they sleep daily, whether they stretch out or prefer curling up.” Here are the designs she recommends for different sleep styles.
Mattress or cushion style beds: “These provide ample space for dogs who love to sprawl out in their sleep as they have open sides and can be easily moved around.”
High wall beds: “These offer support for those who like to curl up with something to lean on.”
Donut beds: “They provide ample support and are ideal for anxious dogs seeking comfort in a cocoon-like space.” Like nests, these beds are made from super-soft material with a raised rim to make them feel safe and protected.
Box beds: “These suit those pups who love to stretch out, but still want a soft headrest.”
Orthopaedic beds: “They cater to specific health needs, providing support for joint problems or senior dogs.” These beds are often shallower and can feature supportive memory foam mattresses.
Den (or hooded) beds: “These are perfect for burrowers like Dachshunds or Jack Russells, offering a cosy hideaway with an attached blanket for added comfort.”
Materials
If you have a mucky pup, you’ll want a bed that has a removable cover you can pop in the machine or is completely machine-washable (although check it isn’t too big and bulky to go in your washing machine). Your dog’s bed should be washed once a week or every two weeks at a minimum. You can also air it outside and give it a vacuum in between washes.
Dogs are prone to chewing their bed or occasionally dragging them around the floor, so look for a durable fabric. You also want something soft, yet stain-resistant. Microfibre is a good option as it also absorbs moisture well if your dog comes in wet from their walk. Cotton is another great pick as it’s breathable and hypoallergenic.
Now you know the essentials, let’s run through our favourite picks.
All prices are for a medium-sized bed unless stated.
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.


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