Best dog bed: Give your dog a cosy night’s sleep

Choosing the best bed for your dog isn’t a task to be taken lightly. Just like us, dogs spend a huge proportion of their lives in bed – in fact if you’ve got a particularly lazy pooch, it’ll be the place they spend most of their day.

So, choosing one that suits their needs as well as it can is a wise investment. You might want it to look good, but the key consideration has to be that it’s comfy and cosy and, if your dog needs it, offers extra support.

If you’ve got a dog who likes to chew, you might want to also consider spending a little bit more on a tough or reinforced bed so you’re not greeted with a scene of destruction every time you return home. Upping your budget to get a long-lasting bed will mean you spend less in the long run, and can make a big difference to your dog’s happiness and even health.

That being said, it’s not necessarily a straightforward purchase, with hundreds of different designs and materials to choose from, at dozens of different price points. Luckily for you, we’ve narrowed down the selection to a few fantastic options, so we can point you in the right direction.

We’ve got everything here, from cost-effective budget options, all the way up to the swankier end of the market for those who want to really pamper their pooch.

Best dog bed: At a glance

• Best overall dog bed: Creature Clothes Dog Doza
• Best wicker bed: Archie & Oscar Chapple Wicker Dog Basket
• Best for comfort and support: Scruffs Chateau Orthopaedic Dog Mattress
• Best country-style bed: Barbour Quilted Dog Bed
• Best dog bed for plush elegance: Ivy & Duke The Lounger
• Best for luxury: Charley Chau Ducky Donut Dog Bed

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.

If you’re still unsure what size bed to get for your furry companion, Pets At Home has drawn up this handy size guide.

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.

How much should I spend?

A decent and affordable dog bed could cost you as little as £15, but you might want to pay a bit more for a sturdier bed if your dog likes to chew. The size of your dog will also play a part in how much you pay, but it should go without saying that making sure your dog has enough space is more important than saving money by buying small.

Of course, some dog beds can be ludicrously lavish. If you want to pay hundreds of pounds on a dog bed that looks like it’s fresh from an interior design catalogue, there’s plenty of choice (if you like the Kooper sofa featured in our best sofas roundup, you’ll be happy to hear that Made.com have a miniature pet equivalent available).

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.

The RSPCA recommends buying an ‘igloo type’ dog bed if your canine friend is particularly nervous and likes to hide. If you’ve got multiple dogs, it’s important that each dog has their own bed – and perhaps also an extra bed on the larger side if they like to cuddle together.

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.

READ NEXT: The best dog toys you can buy

The best dog beds to buy in 2022

1. Creature Clothes Dog Doza: Best overall dog bed

Price: From £50 | Buy now from Creature Clothes

This is the dog’s whatsits when it comes to cool, making it a fine choice for anyone who wants their canine’s sleeping spot to be as stylish as their interiors. And you don’t have to compromise on the practicality front, either – far from it, in fact, as the cover is very easy to remove and wash along with the bed itself.

The fact that it’s made from a double layer of 15 tog no-dip duvet cushion tells you all you need to know about comfort levels, while the flat floor cushion style means it suits dogs that like to really spread out or sleep on their side. The Doza is available in three sizes (the large is a huge 34cm x 42cm) and a wide selection of colours and patterns; you can also have it personalised with your dog’s name. Highly recommended.

Key specs – Sizes available: S, M, L; Other colours available: Yes; Washable: Yes

Buy now from Creature Clothes

2. Scruffs Chateau Orthopaedic Dog Mattress: Best large dog bed for comfort and support

Price: From £66 | Buy now from Pets at Home

Many larger dog breeds like German Shepherds and Labradors tend to develop osteoarthritis when they reach their twilight years. If the animal keeps changing positions a lot in its current bed or on the floor, chances are its pressure points are being irritated. Incessant panting is usually another sign that the dog is in pain. A vet might prescribe a suitable course of treatment, but owners can do their bit too by investing in an orthopaedic memory foam bed like this superb mattress model from Scruffs (also available in bed form with bolsters).

The Chateau Orthopaedic Dog Mattress arrives vacuum packed, so don’t be alarmed by how thin it looks. Once you’ve snipped the plastic covering, the whole thing expands to about 15cm (6 inches) in depth. Available in two sizes (100x70cm and 120x75cm), this mattress-style bed features a thick, firm but forgiving memory pad covered in removable outer fleece and a water-resistant inner liner. The outer fleece cover is incredibly soft and very loosely fitted to encourage the dog’s primal urge to scrabble about and make a nest.

Our older test lab (a Labrador, that is) jumped straight on and snuggled down, remaining there for most of the evening. This bed provides excellent support with no sign of dipping, even after several nights’ use. In fact, it’s so soft and comfortable we would recommend it for any dog, young or old.

Key specs – Sizes available: M, L; Other fabrics available: No; Washable: Yes

Buy now from Pets at Home

3. Archie & Oscar Chapple Wicker Dog Basket: Best wicker bed

Price: From £33 | Buy now from Wayfair

Wicker baskets can often cost an arm and a leg, but this sturdy handmade basket from Archie & Oscar starts at less than £30 for a small. It’s wipe-clean only and not chew-resistant, but many Wayfair customers have left positive comments from their happy dogs, cats, and even parrots…

One downside is that it doesn’t come with a cushion. If that’s an issue, you might be better off with one of the brand’s other baskets, such as the Jessamine or Gaston. However, if you’re happy to buy a cushion separately, then the Chapple wicker basket is a solid and affordable choice.

Key features – Sizes available: S, M, ML, L, XL; Other fabrics available: No; Washable: No

Buy now from Wayfair

4. Muswanna Plush Donut Pet Bed: Best calming dog bed

Price: From £27 | Buy now from Amazon

If you’ve got a nervous pup, investing in a dog bed that’s specifically designed to calm them down is a good idea.

Doughnut beds have become more popular in recent years. They provide a soft, warm and snuggly surface that’s designed to recreate the feeling the puppy has of lying with its mother, for a soothing effect.

This model from Muswanna is a good choice, at an affordable price. The raised rim of the donut bed provides good support for your dog’s head for maximum comfort. It’s “self” warming so you should find that the dog doesn’t necessarily need any additional blankets to keep warm.

Although it is machine-washable, hand washing is recommended to keep it at its maximum fluffiness. You can pop it in the tumble dryer at a low heat, too. The bottom of the bed has a non-skid surface, so this is a good choice for using on polished surfaces like wooden floors.

Available in four sizes, this bed is best suited to small-medium dogs. Very large dogs may struggle to fit on even the XXL size. You should always watch your pet with any new bed that you give it, especially at first or if they are prone to chewing. Dogs that chew may be extremely tempted by the fur texture of this bed, so it’s something to be aware of.

Key specs – Sizes available: M, L, XL, XXL; Other fabrics available: No; Washable: Machine

5. Ivy & Duke The Lounger: Best dog bed for plush elegance

Price: From £105 | Buy now from Ivy & Duke

Ivy & Duke is a Manchester-based, family-run business that specialises in high-quality made-to-order dog beds in a variety of styles and fabrics. The Lounger is available in four sizes (including a huge XL model that measures 136cm x 103cm) and 11 different fabric colours and patterns. We opted for the duck egg pattern in large, which arrived in about 10 days, and our two labradors promptly piled in and stayed there for hours, snuggling up against the tall, firm bolsters.

The Lounger’s base cushion is made from locally sourced memory foam that provides a depth of between 22cm and 27cm depending on the size, and the entire bed is covered in strong, upholstery grade wool-based fabric (the pad section can be removed for washing).

Granted, Ivy & Duke products are an investment, but given the amount of work that goes into each bed and the quality of the materials used, its prices seem comparatively reasonable. If money’s no object and you’re looking for an ultra comfortable dog bed that oozes class and comfort, then we suggest you step right this way.

Key specs – Sizes available: S, M, L, XL; Other colours available: Yes; Washable: Yes, bed pad only

Buy now from Ivy & Duke

6. Charley Chau Ducky Donut Dog Bed: Best for luxury

Price: From £222 | Buy now from Not on the High Street

This huge donut-shaped bed provides supreme comfort for dogs that like to curl up. 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.

Key specs – Sizes available: S, M, L; Other fabrics available: Yes; Washable: Yes

Buy now from Not on the High Street

7. Bunty Cream Ultra Soft Fur Dog Mattress: Best budget orthopaedic bed

Price: From £20 | 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

8. Cecil Dog Bed: Best raised bed

Price: From £150 |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

Buy now from Sofa.com

9. Charley Chau Daybed Mattress in Velour Contrast: best luxury flatbed

Price: From £82 | Buy now from Not On The High Street

The velour fabric and squishy filling feel so luxurious that our dog tester was lucky to get a look in on this bed, which doubles up as an extremely comfy floor cushion for humans. That is, until it gets covered in dog hair – but then again, hairs brush or hoover off easily enough and the cover can go in the washing machine too. The mattress is also machine washable, with no signs of lumps post-wash.

The mattress lies flat, which means your canine can spread out or curl up and – music to the ears of owners of messier dogs – you can get waterproof liners. Spare covers are also available, either in the same velour (which comes in some really gorgeous colours, all with a contrasting flip side) as well as weave fabric or cotton (again in several colourways). If you’re feeling really decadent, you could give your dog bed a dual-tone look.

Key specs – Sizes available: S, M, L; Other colours available: No; Washable: Yes

Buy now from Not on the High Street