How to measure your dog for a bed, which bed style suits how they sleep, and what to look for in washable, orthopaedic and travel beds.
Quick answer: measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail while they're lying stretched out, then add 15 to 30 cm. That's the minimum length your dog bed should be. For dogs who curl up tightly, a round or bolster bed can be slightly smaller. For dogs who sprawl, choose a flat mattress or rectangular bed with plenty of extra room.
A good bed protects your dog's joints, keeps them warm and gives them their own safe space. Getting the size right is the most important part.
How to measure your dog for a bed
- Length: while your dog is lying down in their usual sleeping position, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
- Width: measure from the floor to the top of the shoulder (or across their body when they're stretched out on their side).
- Add room: add 15 to 30 cm to both measurements. Small dogs need less extra room; large dogs need more.
- Compare with the internal sleeping area on the size chart, not the external dimensions, as thick bolsters reduce the usable space.
Choose a bed style by sleeping position
Curlers
Dogs who curl into a ball, tucking their nose under their tail, love round or doughnut-shaped beds with raised sides. These help them feel secure and warm. Cats often love them too, like our bear paw plush bed.
Sprawlers
Dogs who stretch out on their side need a flat mattress, a large rectangular bed or a cushion with low sides.
Leaners
Dogs who like to rest their head on something love bolster beds. Our sofa bed mat with bolsters gives them a pillow.
Burrowers
If your dog digs at blankets and hides underneath, try a covered or cave-style bed, or simply add a soft fleece blanket.
Bed features to consider
- Washable covers: removable, machine-washable covers make life much easier.
- Orthopaedic or memory foam: ideal for older dogs, large breeds and dogs with arthritis or joint problems.
- Waterproof base: useful for puppies, elderly dogs and muddy walkers.
- Non-slip base: stops the bed sliding on wooden or tiled floors.
- Chew resistance: for puppies and determined chewers.
- Cooling or warming: raised beds and cooling mats for summer, fleece and plush for winter.
Bed sizes by breed (as a rough guide)
| Dog size | Example breeds | Approx. bed length |
|---|---|---|
| Extra small | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier | 45 to 55 cm |
| Small | Jack Russell, Shih Tzu, Dachshund | 55 to 70 cm |
| Medium | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Staffie | 70 to 90 cm |
| Large | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer | 90 to 110 cm |
| Extra large | German Shepherd, Great Dane, Newfoundland | 110 cm and over |
Always measure your own dog, as individuals vary a lot within a breed.
Where to put your dog's bed
- Somewhere quiet, away from busy doorways and draughts
- Not directly next to a radiator or in full sun
- Where they can still see or hear the family, as most dogs like to be near you
- Consider a second bed in the room where you spend evenings
Keeping the bed clean
Wash the cover every one to two weeks, and vacuum the bed between washes. A pet hair remover brush helps lift hair from fabric. Protect the sofa from muddy paws with a waterproof sofa cover.
Frequently asked questions
Should a dog bed be bigger than the dog?
Yes. It should be at least 15 to 30 cm longer than your dog's nose-to-tail length so they can turn and stretch.
Is a bigger dog bed always better?
Not always. Dogs who like to curl up may feel less secure in a bed that's far too big. Match the bed style to how your dog sleeps.
How often should I replace my dog's bed?
When the filling has flattened, it no longer supports your dog, or it can't be cleaned properly. That's often every one to two years for heavily used beds.
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