When choosing a bed for your dog, the same considerations apply as when you’re picking one for yourself. You don’t just want one that looks good – it has to feel comfy, offer support in all the right places, and ideally be built to last. Professionals say getting the right bed is an investment into your dog’s happiness and health, and could even help them live longer.
It’s not an easy choice to make, though: there are hundreds of designs on the market. To help you out, here’s our pick of the best beds for your hounds, with something to suit every need and every breed. Read on to find out what to look for and which ones to consider.
How to buy the best dog bed for you
What size bed should I get for my dog?
Your dog’s bed should be big enough for it to move around in unrestricted. If in doubt, go for a larger size: dogs (like humans) move around a lot in their sleep, and even dogs that prefer to curl up will probably shift to a sprawling position at some points during the night. Most importantly, your dog’s hips and shoulders should be fully supported.
What sort of filling should I look for?
The filling should provide good insulation and joint support – if you can press hard on the bed and feel the floor, don’t buy it. Be wary of extremely light beds, too; these are likely to quickly become thin or lumpy, as the filling gets flattened or pushed to the side. Conversely, you don’t want an overstuffed bed that stands in the way of dogs’ natural nesting instincts. If your dog is older, consider orthopaedic support.
Check the cover too. You want one that doesn’t slip around the floor, particularly if your dog likes to nest. If you choose a fabric cover, make sure it’s durable, with a tight-weave structure and heavy-duty stitching, so it won’t snag, wear out or come apart.
Waterproof layers tend to cost extra, but are worth considering if your dog regularly gets wet and muddy. They’re also a smart investment for old, incontinent dogs, or bitches in season.
What else should I look for?
Washability is important, for obvious reasons. With some dog beds, you can bung the whole thing in the washing machine; with others, there’s a removable, machine-washable cover. Ideally you want a bed or cover that can be cleaned at a high temperature, to ensure it comes out clean and fresh.
And of course, don’t forget about the look of the thing. Some beds come in a range of fabric types and/or colours, and may even have replaceable covers for a bit of variety.
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The best dog beds to buy in 2018
1. Joules Percher Pet Bed: Best for durability
Price: From £45 | Buy now from Joules
Our canine tester made a beeline for this attractive bed as soon as she saw it, spreading out with a satisfied wag of the tail, resting her head on the low wall. The tough cotton also withstood some razor-sharp clawing from a young pup during our test.
It comes in a choice of pretty floral navy print with vibrant blooms or a chic grey dog-themed design; the fabric is easy to wipe clean, or for a more thorough cleansing, both the removable cushion and outer can be bunged in the washing machine. It’s firmer than it looks, though, so you don’t get quite the sink-into feel of some dog beds.
Key specs – Sizes available: S, M, L; Other colours available: Yes; Washable: Yes
2. Prestige Wicker Dog Bed: Best wicker bed
Price: From £38 | Buy now from Amazon
It’s hard to imagine a cosier image than a dog curled up in a wicker basket by the fire. But while some wicker options cost a bomb, this one comes in at under forty quid – and we found it just as good as alternatives costing double the price. It’s robust, with a comfy pillow and a fabric lining around the sides, in either dark or light to suit the colours of your home. For older or heavier dogs, we suggest adding in an extra blanket for comfort.
Just be warned that it’s wipe-clean only – and not chew-resistant, so putting, for example, a Labrador puppy anywhere near it could be a recipe for disaster.
Key specs – Sizes available: ML, L, XL; Other fabrics available: Yes; Washable: No
3. Barbour Quilted Dog Bed: Best country-style bed
Price: From £40 | Buy now from John Lewis
This smart, tasteful bed come from a respected name, and smacks of luxury on every level. It’s super squishy and comfortable, with a box-quilted tartan lining made from nylon and cotton. And it’s practical too – the inner pad is removable and machine-washable, and the sensible colouring won’t get visibly grubby when visited by a freshly walked dog. Best of all, it’s very well made, with no chance of the stitching coming undone or the cushioning going flat after a few weeks. It comes in small, large and extra-large sizes; we suggest you go one size bigger than you’d usually expect, especially if you have a dog that likes to stretch out.
Key specs – Sizes available: S, L, XL; Other fabrics available: No; Washable: Yes
4. Bunty Cream Ultra Soft Fur Dog Mattress: Best budget orthopaedic bed
Price: From £15 | Buy now from Amazon
Humans with aches and pains can benefit from orthopaedic support, and doggies are no different. This high-density foam mattress is a great way of providing good support for bones and joints. It moulds to the dog’s body to provide support in all the right places, while the top layer is textured so that cooling air can circulate. The soft faux fur is a pull for dogs too – but be warned that it isn’t washable. And while it’s great value, it’s worth noting that there are other, pricier orthopaedic options that can provide superior support.
Key specs – Sizes available: S, M, L; Other fabrics available: No; Washable: No
5. Charley Chau Ducky Donut Dog Bed: Best for luxury
Price: From £180 | Buy now from Notonthehighstreet.com
This huge bed is the dog’s whatsits when it comes to cosiness. The sides are filled with six duck-feather filled pads, which keep their shape despite the squashy, indulgent feel – and the same can be said for the hollow-fibre base. Handily, you can remove that bit (great for stays away), and the hardwearing brushed cotton fabric looks stunning, although you might need to give it a periodic brush if you have a dark-haired dog. The whole thing can also be washed easily enough, and you can accessorise it with a sold-separately waterproof bed liner set and blankets.
Buy now from Notonthehighstreet.com
Key specs – Sizes available: S, M, L; Other fabrics available: Yes; Washable: Yes
6. Wrendale Large Dog Mattress: Best patterned flat bed
Price: From £55 | Buy now from Amazon
This generously filled hollow-fibre mattress is nice and thick – and, joy of joys, it doesn’t start dipping in the middle after a few weeks’ use. We love the stylish design, featuring multiple dog breeds on a pastel blue background, and while the cover is machine-washable, dirt can normally be brushed off with impressive ease.
Two things to note, however: first, it’s unnecessarily big for a small pooch – it’s more suitable for medium or larger breeds. Second, you can get a waterproof liner for the inner pad for an extra £19, but we found that this made the bed puff up with air for a good week or so, which drove our doggie testers mad as they tried to get comfy.
Key specs – Sizes available: L; Other fabrics available: No; Washable: Cover only
7. Silentnight Ultragrade Memory Foam Dog Bed: Best for working or older dogs
Price: From £89 | Buy now from Amazon
Silentnight knows a thing or two about beds – and this British-made, mattress-style bed provides the ultimate in luxury for older dogs, as well as working, herding and sporting breeds. The secret is its tri-layer construction: layer one is high-density foam, providing a solid base. Layer two gets the air moving around. Then, on the top, a layer of memory foam moulds to the shape of your dog’s body for comfort and support.
You can even add a fourth layer – a mattress protector with PU coating, to stop any noise when your dog moves around, plus antibacterial and anti-microbial protection – although be warned that this costs an extra forty quid. There’s also a durable, washable cover in two-tone tartan for a smart look.
Key specs – Sizes available: M, L; Other fabrics available: Yes; Washable: Cover only
8. Cecil Dog Bed: Best raised bed
Price: From £180 | Buy now from Sofa.com
A plush sofa might not be quite what you had in mind when you decided to treat Rover to a new place to curl up, but how can you resist this robust design? It’s made from the same beechwood frame as the manufacturer’s human sofas, and there’s a vast range of fabrics to choose from.
There’s no need to worry about muddy coats and sharp paws either, because the brushed-linen cotton options – or (as shown) print by designer Fenella Smith – are removable and washable, making this a stunning, long-lasting, dog bed that stands out from the crowd. It’s pricey though – and big, making it better for more spacious homes.
Key specs – Sizes available: S, L; Other colours available: Yes; Washable: Cover only
9. Fatboy Doggie Lounge: Best plain flat bed
Price: From £62 | Buy now from Houseology
You may already be familiar with the Fatboy range of ultra-comfy beanbag-style chairs for humans – and this one is made specifically for cool canines, with the brand slogan, “animals have rights too”. It comes in two sizes and plenty of funky colours, with a simple bone motif on the front and some not-so-subtle branding on the corner.
It’s ideal for the kind of dog that likes to really spread out (although you can also curl up on it), with strong moisture-repellent nylon fabric that’s easily washable and resists odours. For pooches who prefer a softer touch, there’s also a soft stonewashed cotton version available in a separate range of ten colours – and you can even personalise them with a name.
Key specs – Sizes available: S, L; Other fabrics available: Yes; Washable: Cover only