Dog bed guide: getting the size and shape right

Most dog beds get replaced not because they wore out but because the dog never slept in them. The secret is not the brand and not the price. What matters is that the bed matches how your dog actually sleeps.

Start by watching how they sleep

Some dogs curl up into a ball, nose tucked under the tail. They want a bed with a raised rim, almost a nest: the rim gives support and keeps them warm. Others sleep stretched out on their side, legs everywhere. They need a flat mattress with no rim at all, because a rim would only be in the way.

The third type seeks out cool spots and moves to the tiles in summer. For them, consider a raised mesh bed that lets air flow underneath.

Sizing is simpler than you think

Measure your dog while lying down, nose to the base of the tail, and add about 20 centimetres. That is the ideal inner length of the bed. A 60 cm dachshund needs a bed of roughly 80 cm, while a labrador who sleeps stretched out can easily use 110–120 cm.

If you are between two sizes, take the larger one. A dog cannot change position in a bed that is too tight, while a bed that is too big costs you nothing but a little living-room space.

A few things worth checking

• A removable, washable cover: sooner or later every bed meets the mud.
• A non-slip base, especially on wooden or laminate floors.
• Memory foam for older dogs, to go easy on the joints.
• For a chewing puppy, start with a sturdy budget bed; the premium one can wait.

Where to put it

Pick a spot where your dog can see family life without being in the way. The middle of the hallway is a poor choice; the corner of the living room usually works perfectly. If your dog keeps choosing the sofa over the bed, the problem is often the spot, not the bed.

Unsure about a specific bed? Write to us and we will happily help you choose.