The 9 best dog beds for pups of all shapes and sizes

Karen Asp/Insider

The Aspen Pet Self-Warming Rectangular Bed provides instant, whole-body warmth for small dogs, without the need for electricity. 

Pros: Nonskid bottom, lightweight, self-warming

Cons: Not waterproof, cover cannot be removed, only one color option

Compared to large dogs, small dogs can quickly lose body heat and become cold. A self-warming bed can be just what small pups need to stay warm while they sleep. The Aspen Pet Self-Warming Rectangular Bed uses the same heat-reflecting technology found in Mylar space blankets. When your dog lies in the bed, the material generates warmth. Crevices around the four sides of the bed allow them to get even closer to the walls for warmth on their back. 

Although this bed was too small for my golden retriever and golden/lab testers, my cat slept in it regularly. If there's anybody who knows something about finding warm spots, it's a cat, so getting his paw of approval confirms that the bed provides a good level of warmth.

The bed is made from a faux wool plush, and the eco-friendly recycled polyfill creates an ultra-pillowy feel. Even with this softness, the bed provides good body support. The bottom is made of a nonskid material, so it will stay put on any surface in your house. If you don't like the rectangular shape, there's a round version, too. 

Karen Asp/Insider

The Big Barker 7" Headrest Edition provides ample body and orthopedic support for large dogs and comes with a 10-year "can't flatten-won't flatten" guarantee. 

Pros: Removable cover, super supportive foam, 1-year trial period, 10-year warranty

Cons: Heavy, waterproof liner sold separately

Large- and giant-breed dogs are especially prone to joint and mobility problems and benefit from beds that provide ample body support. The Big Barker 7" Headrest Edition features a triple-layer orthopedic foam base and is designed for dogs weighing 50 to 250 pounds.  

A 2020 study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine evaluated the Big Barker bed and reported large reductions in joint discomfort. It also found improved mobility and quality of life for large dogs that slept on the bed for 28 days.

If your dog likes to prop their head up while they sleep, as my golden/lab foster does, this bed has a headrest on one side. And if not, your pup can choose to just lie flat. There's plenty of space for your dog to move about and even invite a canine (or human) friend for a slumber party. 

The bed's foam is certified by CertiPUR-US, meaning that it is free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and heavy metals. With zippers on three sides, I had no problem removing the microsuede cover for washing. 

An added bonus: Big Barker offers a one-year trial for the bed. If your dog doesn't like it or does not benefit from it, you can get your money back. 

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The Casper Dog Bed gives your dog a place to relax with memory and support foam that provides much-needed relief from orthopedic pain and discomfort.  

Pros: 30-night trial period, memory foam, dig-proof cover

Cons: Only comes in one color, not waterproof

Any dog can benefit from a supportive orthopedic bed. "Because dogs sleep for most of the day, it can be taxing on their body if they're lying on hard surfaces or nonsupportive bedding," said Felicity Moffatt, DVM, lead veterinarian for Dr. Treat, adding that owners of dogs that use orthopedic beds report significant reductions in joint pain and stiffness and improvements in quality of life. 

Casper is renowned for its human mattresses, so you can rest assured that you're getting a high-quality product with the Casper Dog Bed. It's made from pressure-relieving memory foam that feels supportive and durable. Small bolsters on each side give dogs a spot to rest their heads, but there's plenty of room on the bed's interior if your dog wants to go bolster-free. 

Orthopedic beds are particularly beneficial for dogs that are obese, old, lean, or physically active; those that suffer from orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and joint pain; and dogs with bone or soft tissue injuries, muscle problems, and spinal disease. My foster, who spends many hours in this bed every day and is suffering from an ACL tear, does both.  

The bed also earned high marks for its dig-proof cover. The company says the material makes it feel like your dog is pawing at loose earth. There is some minor assembly required when you first get the bed and after you wash it, but it's easy to do. The cover is easily removed to put through the washing machine. If your dog doesn't like the bed after 30 nights, you can return it.   

Read our full review of the Casper Dog Bed.

Karen Asp/Insider

The Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Donut Dog Bed has a rounded shape that cradles a dog and helps them calm down naturally.

Pros: Water-resistant bottom, comes in 5 sizes and multiple colors

Cons: Must remove filling from larger bed to wash

The world can sometimes be a scary and stressful place for a dog. Having a safe, cozy space to curl up can help dogs feel calmer by providing warmth and psychological comfort. The super-soft Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Donut Dog Bed earned our top spot for calming dog beds.

It is donut-shaped so dogs can automatically assume a rounded, calming position. Plus, there's a natural crevice around the bed's circumference that allows dogs to burrow deep into the sides, adding another layer of comfort. 

If a dog wants to look out from their bed, they can prop their head onto the raised sides, something my golden/lab foster prefers doing. There's no need to worry if your dog has an accident while in the bed because the water-resistant bottom will prevent urine from hitting your floor. 

The smaller sizes of the bed can be placed in the washing machine whole, but the larger sizes require that the filling be removed first, which we found is easy to do.  

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The K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangle Dog Comfort Bed combines comfort and  durability and is well-suited for dogs that love to chew, scratch, and dig.

Pros: Comes with 3-month chewing warranty, water-resistant, comes in 5 sizes and 4 colors

Cons: No bolster support

The chewers and scratchers of the dog world need a bed that can withstand even the most aggressive munching and scratching habits. You'll be hard-pressed to find a dog that can destroy the K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangle Dog Comfort Bed, which is made from a rip-stop fabric that's cool to the touch. Plus, the bed comes with a chew-proof warranty. If your dog damages the bed within 120 days of receiving it, the company will give you a one-time-only store credit to replace the bed. 

Two tips to help if you have a chewer in your house: Rotate your dog's toys so they don't see the same 3 (or 25!) toys all the time. "This could cause their bed to be the new chew toy," said Amber Walker, KPA-CTP, dog trainer in Batavia, Illinois. Then consider a chew toy that matches the texture of the bed so you can redirect them to a toy their mouth is craving if they begin chewing on the bed. Of course, some dogs do consume toy parts when chewing so be mindful of that, she added. 

The K9 Ballistics bed has a nonskid bottom, so you can place it on any surface in your home. The cover is water-repellent and easy to spot clean and wash. I accidentally spilled coffee on it, and the liquid rolled right off. K9 Ballistics uses shredded Certi-PUR US foam in its dog beds to cut down on waste during the manufacturing process. 

Karen Asp/Insider

The Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam Pet Bed is a comfortable, well-designed bed that is perfect for dogs who are prone to bathroom accidents.

Pros: Memory foam, waterproof liner, nonskid bottom

Cons: None

A dog's bathroom accidents are no fun to clean up. Unfortunately, these accidents are common in dogs who suffer from incontinence, often caused by health conditions like spinal injury and bladder stones. The Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam Pet Bed is ideal for these dogs who just can't make it outside in time or who can't go to the bathroom as other dogs do and must wear diapers.

There's no better tester for a waterproof bed than my paralyzed, incontinent pittie mix foster. She's used this bed daily for well over a year (and is on it almost any time she is resting during the day), both with and without diapers. Impressively, it has held up to her many accidents.

The 4-inch memory foam interior is encased in a waterproof liner to keep the foam protected from urine. The foam provides incredible support and is so comfortable that the bed will surely become a favorite resting spot for your dog. The bed's ultra-soft cover zips off for machine washing, and it comes out looking almost brand new every time.

A nonskid bottom prevents slipping, and the bed is light enough to easily move around your house if you want. As a nod to community service, the company donates a bed to its local Humane Society each day, and the bed goes home with the dog at adoption.

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The Yeti Trailhead Dog Bed is a versatile two-in-one dog bed that provides comfort for dogs at home and on the road.

Pros: Water-resistant, bolsters, waterproof nonskid bottom

Cons: Both parts combined are somewhat heavy, only available in one size

Choosing the best travel dog bed was especially tough. There are vast differences among travel beds. While we wanted to opt for the most convenient bed, namely one that could be rolled up and stuffed in a pack if necessary, we fell in love with the Yeti Trailhead Dog Bed. That's because this bed fulfilled some additional criteria dog trainer Walker shared with us. 

Walker recommended choosing a travel bed that is water-resistant, easy to clean, and easy to tote while also providing comfort. "If possible, you should match your dog's home bed's style or shape to their travel bed," she said. For instance, if the home bed has sides, consider a travel bed with sides.  

While it carries a high price tag, the Yeti Trailhead Dog Bed is great for both home and travel. For home use, it has cushioned sides for easy chin resting (a must for my golden/lab foster), a high-density foam interior, and a water-resistant, EVA molded bottom that provides greater durability and stays put on hardwood floors.

When you're ready to hit the road, you can quickly and easily remove the travel pad, which has the same quilted material as the main bed. The travel pad contains a supportive foam interior and waterproof bottom. Its cover easily unzips for machine washing. 

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The Frisco Pillow Pet Bed Mat is an affordable bed that features a cozy landing spot and a surprisingly supportive filling. 

Pros: Only available in 2 sizes and 2 colors

Cons: Not as supportive as pricier beds, filling can shift, not waterproof

You don't always need to spend a lot of money to get a good dog bed. The Frisco Pillow Pet Bed Mat features a faux suede fabric around the sides, a fleece-like top, and a polyester fiber filling that allows the bed to rise about 7 inches off the floor. Yet it's still easy for dogs of all sizes to step onto it, something I saw my 58-pound golden/lab foster do several times. 

The bed is lightweight enough that you can easily move it around your house or send it with your dog if they'll be spending the night away from home. While it lacks the sturdy support of beds with orthopedic foam, it provides enough support that even I loved curling up on it. 

The design of the Frisco Pillow Pet Bed Mat is simple: It's rectangular in shape with minimal frills and the color is neutral so it will blend into any household. For cleaning, you just pull the filling out through a convenient zipper on the back and throw the cover into the washing machine. Just note, though, that you may have to refluff the bed from time to time as the filling can shift. 

Karen Asp/Insider

Although these beds didn't land in the top spots, they may still be a good fit for some dogs:

Purple Pet Bed: If Casper weren't our favorite orthopedic dog bed, Purple would have snagged the win. There's nothing wrong with this bed, other than it doesn't have the elevated sides of the Casper.

Snoozer Overstuffed Luxury Dog Sofa: Our golden/lab mix vacillated between this bed and the Casper, but we preferred the design and more compact nature of the Casper.

PupRug Faux Fur Orthopedic Dog Bed: This is a fantastic, good-looking bed, also preferred by our pittie tester, but it didn't have as much support as our top picks.

The Original Calming Bed: This is a solid choice for a calming bed, but it didn't have as much support as the Best Friends by Sheri Calming Bed.

Petfusion Calming Cuddler Dog Bed: This bed has some great attributes, including a waterproof inner and outer liner, eco-friendly material, and an orthopedic foam insert. The loose fleecy top allows your dog to burrow as well as hide toys and treats, but we thought our winner provided an overall cozier feel. 

Handicapped Pets SleePee Time Bed: This would be our top pick for a bed that allows incontinent dogs to sleep diaper-free at night without getting urine burns since their urine drops into a tray below. It's also the bed our paralyzed pittie tester sleeps in every night, but because not every dog needs this level of waterproofing, we chose the Brindle. 

Chuckit Travel Dog Bed: When it comes to pack-ability, you can't beat this bed. It rolls up into its own carrying bag, but we preferred the heftier Yeti Trailhead, which more closely resembles a dog's home bed.

Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag: Campers and backpackers will find this lightweight sleeping bag convenient. Not only is it lightweight, which makes it easy to carry, it's also small enough to fit in the tent. 

Over the course of three months (and more, as some of these beds have been in use for over a year), we tested 19 dog beds. Two large-size dogs and one medium-size dog — a 13-year-old golden retriever, 7-year-old foster golden/lab mix, and 5-year-old foster paralyzed pittie mix — made up the core testing team. We then evaluated each bed according to the following criteria:

• Durability: We considered whether each bed seemed like it would stand up to the test of time. We looked for beds that weren't too flimsy and could withstand multiple washings.
• Comfort: We considered how the beds felt, even curling up in them ourselves. When our dogs lay in the beds, we observed them for signs of discomfort or relaxation. 
• Ease of cleaning: Beds that were easy to clean according to care instructions or by spot-cleaning with a damp cloth received higher marks. 
• Marketing claims: If a bed was marketed with claims like being dig-proof or chew-proof, we verified their accuracy.
• Sustainability: While not a major factor, with growing concerns about the environment, we considered whether brands used eco-friendly materials, like pet-safe recycled plastic, in their designs.

Do dogs really need beds?

Yes. Dog beds have many benefits, including providing physical comfort and keeping dogs warm or cool, as necessary. They can also give your dog a space to rest. "Dogs resting on the floor can pose a tripping hazard to people in the house and may even put the dog in harm's way, especially if the dog is allowed in the kitchen when people are cooking," said veterinarian Martin. In addition, dog beds can serve as a training tool.

What kind of dog beds are best?

There is no "best," as every dog is different. "Dogs have individual preferences and should be given options," said Martin.  

What do veterinarians recommend for dog beds?

Although your dog's individual preferences and health will make a difference here, there are certain parameters you may want to consider. For instance, if you have a short-haired dog or a dog without much fur, look for a plush, warm bed, said Martin.

If you have a chewer or digger, a bed with fabric that your dog's teeth and nails can't penetrate is a must. Meanwhile, if your dog has arthritis or other orthopedic problems, memory foam beds are ideal. Puppies or dogs who have incontinence issues will do best with a waterproof bed.

Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds?

That depends on your dog, but most beds contain a mix of both, and many dogs may require orthopedic beds for health issues. 

What factors should I consider when selecting a dog bed?

"Choose a bed that meets your needs as well as your dog's needs," said Martin. Determine where your dog likes to rest in your home and factor in your dog's breed, size, age, and health status. Then make sure the bed will allow your dog to curl up and stretch out. Also, check the care instructions to ensure that the bed is easy to clean.