I adore having my dogs pile onto the bed with me as much as anyone, but there is real value in giving a pup a spot that is theirs alone. For one, it keeps your own sleep from getting hijacked at 3 a.m. For another, it hands your dog a private retreat for the moments they want a little space. The trick is not grabbing the first bed you see and calling it done.
Our dogs deserve the same care we put into our own sleep setups, which means weighing size, cushioning, fabric, and structure before you buy. To spare you an endless scroll through lookalike options, we pulled together the 10 best dog beds of the year. Whatever your pup’s size, mobility, or napping habits, there is a bed below worth clicking on.
The 10 best dog beds at a glance
- Best overall dog bed: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Cuddler Donut Bed
- Best washable dog bed: Ruggable Jonathan Adler Bolster Pet Bed
- Best luxury dog bed: Lola Blankets The Lola Pet Bed
- Best affordable dog bed: Bedsure Washable Calming Donut Dog Bed
- Best covered dog bed: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Cuddler Covered Donut Bed
- Best waterproof dog bed: FunnyFuzzy Stripe Waterproof Foldable Large Dog Sofa Bed
- Best structured dog bed: FunnyFuzzy Cozy Dog Anti-Anxiety Calming Bed
- Best orthopedic dog bed: Casper Memory Foam Dog Bed
- Best dig-proof dog bed: LAY LO Dog Bed with Cover
- Best donut dog bed: UnHide Floof Donut Pet Bed
How to pick the right dog bed
Size. Dog beds come in a huge range of sizes, so make sure whichever one you choose lets your pup both curl up and stretch out. A good test: if your dog cannot comfortably lie on their side in it, size up.
Design. Shape matters too. Round and rectangular beds are the classics, but from there you can choose sunk-in bolstered styles or covered, den-like designs. The best pick comes down to your dog’s preferences. My 14-pound Jack-Chi loves to burrow into his covered Best Friends by Sheri Calming Cuddler Covered Donut Bed, while my 90-pound Black Lab-Husky-German Shepherd mix would rather sprawl on his Ruggable Jonathan Adler Bolster Pet Bed. They do agree on one thing: both happily share the plush Lola Blankets The Lola Pet Bed.
Type. Think about what will hold up best in your home. If your dog kneads and digs before settling, look for a durable, dig-proof bed. If they tend to get a little funky between baths, a removable, washable cover is your friend. And if your dog deals with anxiety, general or separation-related, a bolstered donut or sunk-in rectangle can help them feel held and safe.
Price. Great dog beds exist at every budget. Thirty dollars buys you a soothing donut bed that tens of thousands of shoppers swear by, while $300 to $400 gets you a design that is as easy on your dog’s joints as it is on your decor. It comes down to how much you want to spend.
Best overall dog bed
The Best Friends by Sheri Calming Cuddler Donut Bed is an Amazon’s Choice product with nearly 13,000 detailed five-star reviews and more than 69,000 global ratings. Its appeal comes down to that long, soft, bristled fabric, which seems to make pups feel snuggled up against their mom. The bolstered donut shape takes dogs back to the safety they felt curled up with their litter, which helps settle their nervous system and ease stress and anxiety. I cannot read my dogs’ minds, but I can tell you this bed is a hit with small, medium, and large dogs alike, since various members of my family rely on it for Jack Russells, Beagles, Border Collies, and Labs.
Pros
- Shaggy, faux-fur design
- Calming bolstered donut silhouette
- Machine-washable
- Sold in six sizes and 10 colors
Cons
- Only available in neutral colors
- The cover does not remove, so the whole bed goes in the wash
Overall review
“The Best Friends by Sheri Calming Cuddler Donut Bed is a godsend for my Jack Russell Terrier who experiences mild separation anxiety but also doesn’t love being held by people. The bolster design of the donut bed makes him feel safe and secure, so much so that sometimes it prompts him to nibble it like it’s his fur mama. Best of all, it’s machine-washable, so it’s stayed looking and smelling fresh for years.” —writer’s personal review
Review rating: 5/5
Best washable dog bed
The Ruggable Jonathan Adler Bolster Pet Bed wins points for its roomy, structured shape, easy cleanup, and undeniable style. It is a two-piece design, an outer bolster plus an inner memory foam mattress, each with its own machine-washable, removable cover. It runs thicker and sturdier than a lot of beds out there, and the water- and stain-resistant fabric holds up well against skidding dog nails (something I can confirm from experience). If your pup likes their beds extra soft, you will want to toss a cozy blanket on top.
Pros
- Machine-washable cover
- Durable water- and stain-resistant fabric
- Ultra-stylish decor statement
- Orthopedic bolstered design with memory foam mattress
- Non-slip bottom
- Sold in three sizes and four prints
Cons
- Pricey (but worth it)
Overall review
“As a big fan of Jonathan Adler, I just had to have the Ruggable JA Bolster Pet Bed for my big boy, Archer. The large size works well for his lanky 90-pound frame, and he loves being able to rest his head on the raised edges. Sometimes, I find Cash curled up against the corners, too. All in all, we love that it’s made with durable, dig-proof, machine-washable fabric, as the boys like to jump, romp, and knead it from time to time, and it’s held up beautifully all the while.” —writer’s personal review
Review rating: 4/5
Best luxury dog bed
Ready to splurge on your fur baby? The Lola Blankets The Lola Pet Bed is a genuine dream. If it came in human size, I would already be clearing space at home. It is made of the same outrageously soft faux-fur fabric as the brand’s cult-favorite blankets, and it holds up beautifully in the wash. It arrives in two parts, foam and cover. Let the foam fluff up out of its compressed packaging, then wrestle it into the cover and zip it shut. Fair warning: this bed is so plush it may tempt your pup to spend more time curled up on their own.
Pros
- Unbelievably soft faux-fur cover
- Structured, bolstered, rectangular design
- Removable, machine-washable cover
Cons
- Undoubtedly expensive, but a worthwhile investment if you can spring for it or find it on sale
- Only sold in two sizes and one color
Overall review
“Our boys are obsessed with Lola Blankets so when the brand launched a pet bed, we knew they’d be head over paws for the design. (And so are we! It looks like an Aspen dream!) Sure enough, both Archer and Cash love curling up in this luxuriously soft bolstered rectangular bed. The best part? The cover comes off so you can toss it in the wash to keep it looking fluffy and fresh.” —writer’s personal review
Review rating: 5/5
Best affordable dog bed
Love the idea of a calming donut bed but not the longer, shaggier fabric? The Bedsure Washable Calming Donut Dog Bed has a plusher, shorter-bristled design that shoppers adore, and it is machine-washable to boot. It also comes in a much wider color range, including fun shades of light green, baby blue, peach, and pink.
Pros
- Calming bolstered donut design
- Machine-washable
- Non-skid bottom
- Amazon’s Choice product
- Sold in seven sizes and 17 colors
Cons
- The faux fur can knot in the wash, so use the gentle setting and wash one at a time
- The cover does not remove, so the whole bed goes in the wash
Overall review
“I opened my dog bed, gave it a good shake, and popped it in the dryer on cool with two fabric sheets. I placed it on the floor and planned to allow it to fully expand for the next 48 hours; however, when I left the room to get some water, I returned to find my 21-pound mega mutt curled up and then stretched out like a champ. My dog is in 100 percent bliss. I hope it can fully expand with him burrowed in it, because he is not moving any time soon. I am so pleased right now!” —Amazon reviewer
Review rating: 4/5
Best covered dog bed
If your dog likes to burrow and nest, the Best Friends by Sheri Calming Cuddler Covered Donut Bed is your best bet. It has the same cozy, secure shape as the original donut bed, plus a faux fur-lined cover. It also looks a touch more upscale than the OG, with one of two textured suede prints (croc or geometric) depending on the color you choose. Put simply: my Jack-Chi is obsessed with it.
Pros
- Calming bolstered donut design
- Faux-fur blanket cover for den-like feel
- Amazon’s Choice product
- Water-resistant fabric
- Sold in two sizes and six colors
Cons
- The cover does not remove, so the whole bed goes in the wash
Overall review
“My 14-pound Jack-Chi, Cash, loves to burrow and snuggle, and this Calming Cuddler bed is his happy place for exactly that reason. I have it in my office so that when I’m working, he’s cozied up, feeling safe and secure, even if he can’t crook in his favorite place: behind my legs. It’s a cushy donut bed that holds up well over time. Though, it’s so soft that it inspires him to nibble himself to sleep sometimes, so he has managed to fray the edges of the blanket cover.” —writer’s personal review
Review rating: 4/5
Best waterproof dog bed
Looking for a bed that works as well at the beach as on the back patio? The FunnyFuzzy Stripe Waterproof Foldable Large Dog Sofa Bed is worth a look. The trendy striped bed has a water-repellent, anti-scratch, machine-washable cover wrapped around double-layer memory foam for solid ergonomic support. It looks cute and kitschy at first glance, but it is genuinely well-built.
Pros
- Removable, washable, waterproof cover
- Spacious, expandable fold-out design
- Fun striped print
- Non-skid base
- Sold in six colors and four sizes
Cons
- None that we can tell
Overall review
“The FunnyFuzzy Stripe Waterproof Foldable Large Dog Sofa Bed pops up regularly on social media, but it doesn’t tout any reviews on site. That said, we love the fact that it’s waterproof and easy to clean, as well as expandable, so that it can allow a dog or multiple pups to really sprawl out. It’s great for beach and pool days, as well as around the house.” —writer’s personal review
Review rating: 5/5
Best structured dog bed
If you have a larger dog who struggles with stress and anxiety, or a small dog who likes to sprawl, a structured rectangular bolster bed may be the answer. The FunnyFuzzy Cozy Dog Anti-Anxiety Calming Bed has a thick, in-laid, faux fur-lined foam build that lets pups feel held whether they are tucked into a corner or stretched flat. The cover zips off for easy washing.
Pros
- Structured, bolstered rectangular silhouette
- Faux fur-lined for ultimate comfort
- Ergonomic foam design
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Calming, in-laid design
Cons
- Only sold in tartan print
- Can be cumbersome to assemble
Overall review
“My little Daisy loves her new bed. The moment after I put the pieces of the bed together, she jumped in and took a nap. The interior of the bed is soft and fuzzy. A real snuggle factor for my little snuggle girl. The only downside is in putting the foam rubber sides together into the bed’s outer fabric shell. It took a bit of finagling, but it was worth it! We love her Funny Fuzzy bed!” —FunnyFuzzy reviewer
Review rating: 5/5
Best orthopedic dog bed
If you are brand loyal, you can match your dog’s mattress to your own with the Casper Memory Foam Dog Bed. This structured bolster bed earns praise for its durable, removable, machine-washable cover and orthopedic memory foam mattress. A heads-up: the cover is meant to fit a little loose, by design, so your dog gets that satisfying earth-pawing sensation (also known as baking biscuits) before they settle in.
Pros
- Memory foam bolstered silhouette
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Durable, dig-resistant fabric
- Sold in three sizes and four colors
Cons
- Only available in neutral colors
- It is supportive rather than soft and plush
Overall review
“Casper sent Cash this bed when it first came out and he loved resting his head on the supportive bolstered sides. It’s great for dogs that like to lounge and look around, as well as those who require extra orthopedic support. If cozy comfort is your top priority though, you’ll have to add a blanket or opt for a different bed.” —writer’s personal review
Review rating: 4/5
Best dig-proof dog bed
For a more traditional bed without bolsters or luxe faux fur, check out the LAY LO Dog Bed with Cover. It has a dig-proof, removable, machine-washable cover that makes upkeep a breeze, and a blend of supportive foam and poly-fill that ranks it among the more supportive beds out there.
Pros
- Durable, dig-proof canvas-like fabric made from recycled PET water bottles
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Covers can be purchased on their own
- Sold in four sizes and 23 colors
Cons
- Not the softest compared to faux-fur designs
Overall review
“I was skeptical about how good this would be because of the price and because it looked ‘aesthetically pleasing.’ I was hopeful (but doubtful) I could have something that looked nice, was durable and a quality orthopedic bed for our dog with IVDD. If I could give it another star I would. This is great-quality orthopedic memory foam that is dense. Not a cheap little egg crate. The density makes it so that it doesn’t have to be so thick so it’s still thin enough for it to be easy for him to climb on and off yet very supportive. The cover is such a nice thick material that almost feels like a really heavy canvas. I can’t imagine this would have any wear and tear issues in the next couple years. It has a strong handle with a leather cover that snaps off for cleaning. Worth every penny and I will probably end up swapping out other beds for a few more of these over time.” —LAY LO reviewer
Review rating: 5/5
Best donut dog bed
One more donut bed for good measure, because trust us: dogs adore them. The UnHide Floof Donut Pet Bed is like the Best Friends by Sheri or Bedsure donut bed had a baby with The Lola Pet Bed. It is supremely soft, snuggly yet supportive, and easy on the eyes, with some seriously fun prints like leopard, cow, and deer. If your pup likes to burrow, you can add a matching blanket (though that part does not come in prints).
Pros
- Made with luxuriously soft faux fur
- Calming bolstered donut design
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Option to add matching blanket for bundle pricing
- Sold in four sizes and seven colors
Cons
- Some shoppers complain about the zipper placement
Overall review
“We just brought home an English Cocker Spaniel, who for the first few days was scared of his own shadow. The Floof has become his favorite place to curl up. It’s so snuggly and safe. Love that he already loves it so much!” —UnHide reviewer
Review rating: 5/5
FAQs
What size dog bed do you need for your dog?
A good rule of thumb is to buy a bed that lets your pup both curl up and sprawl out. Measure your dog’s length and height to land on the right size. Keep in mind that round and donut beds are made specifically for curling up, so you do not have to obsess over full-body measurements if that is the style your dog prefers.
What is the most comfortable dog bed?
It depends on your dog’s needs. If your pup is large or has orthopedic issues, a structured, supportive bed like the Ruggable Bolster Pet Bed or Casper Pet Bed is best. If they are anxious or love to curl up, a donut bed like the Best Friends by Sheri Calming Cuddler or Bedsure Washable Calming Donut Bed will suit them. And if they gravitate toward your softest blankets, a plush faux-fur bed like the Lola Pet Bed or UnHide Floof Donut Pet Bed will feel coziest of all.
How many types of dog beds are there?
There are two primary shapes: rectangular and round. From there, they branch into subcategories, covered round and rectangular, bolstered round and rectangular, faux fur round and rectangular, and so on.
How much does a dog bed cost?
The best dog beds run between $30 and $500. As a rule, the more you invest, the more quality and convenience you get, including ultra-soft fabric, orthopedic support, and machine-washable covers.
What to look for now
A couple of things have become clearer since we first put this together. For older dogs and big breeds prone to joint trouble, genuinely orthopedic beds, the kind built around a solid slab of memory foam rather than loose fill, have become much easier to find and far less of a splurge than they used to be. If your dog is aging, stiff in the morning, or simply large, that’s the upgrade most worth paying for.
The other quiet improvement is washability. More beds now come with removable, machine-washable covers and even waterproof liners under the cover, a small feature that makes a real difference for puppies, seniors, and any dog who tracks in mud. When you’re comparing options, a zip-off washable cover is one of the best predictors of whether you’ll still like the bed a year from now.
References
- Sherman, B. L., and Mills, D. S. “Canine Anxieties and Phobias: An Update on Separation Anxiety and Noise Aversions.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 2008. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195561608000557
- Patel, S. I., et al. “The Effect of Dogs on Human Sleep in the Home Sleep Environment.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2017. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(17)30587-3/fulltext
- “Osteoarthritis in Dogs.” American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/aaha-guidelines-for-pet-owners/pain-management/
