Choosing a dog bed sounds simple—until you start looking at all the options.
There are orthopedic beds, memory foam beds, bolster beds, pillow beds, cooling beds, washable beds, natural dog beds, and seemingly endless combinations of materials and sizes.
So how do you know which one is actually right for your dog?
The best dog bed isn't necessarily the most expensive or the one with the most features. It should fit your dog's size, sleeping style, comfort preferences, and everyday needs.
In this guide, we'll walk through the most important things to consider when choosing a dog bed, from size and support to materials and maintenance.
1. Start With Your Dog's Size
Size is one of the most important factors when choosing a dog bed.
Your dog should have enough room to lie down comfortably in their preferred sleeping position without constantly hanging over the edges.
To get a better idea of the size you need, measure your dog from their nose to the base of their tail while they're stretched out. Then consider adding some extra room, especially if your dog likes to sprawl.
If your dog sleeps curled up, they may prefer a cozier fit. If they sleep stretched out, they'll need considerably more surface area.
When you're between sizes, choosing the larger option is usually the safer bet.
Don't Forget About Bed Height
The height of the bed can matter, too.
Some dogs enjoy climbing onto a thick, elevated bed, while others—particularly older dogs or dogs with mobility challenges—may find a lower-profile bed easier to access.
If your dog has difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, or jumping onto furniture, consider a bed that they can step onto easily.
2. Consider How Your Dog Sleeps
Your dog's sleeping position can tell you a lot about what kind of bed they might prefer.
The Sprawler
If your dog sleeps completely stretched out, prioritize a generously sized bed with plenty of open surface area.
A bed that's technically large enough but has raised sides can still feel restrictive if your dog likes to spread out.
The Curler
Dogs who curl tightly into a ball may appreciate a softer, cozy sleeping surface.
They may also enjoy a bed with a little more cushioning around them.
The Belly Sleeper
Dogs who sleep on their stomachs often seem comfortable on flatter, supportive surfaces.
A bed that allows them to settle without sinking deeply into the filling may be a better fit.
The Burrower
Some dogs love to nest, dig, and rearrange their bedding before settling down.
If this sounds like your dog, look for a durable cover and construction that can handle some movement.
The important thing is to watch what your dog naturally does, rather than choosing a bed based solely on how it looks.
3. Think About Support and Cushioning
A dog bed should be comfortable, but comfort doesn't necessarily mean the softest possible surface.
Your dog's body still needs support underneath the cushioning.
This can be particularly important for larger dogs, senior dogs, or dogs who spend a lot of time resting.
For dogs with mobility challenges, VCA Animal Hospitals recommends comfortable bedding that is easy to access and doesn't require excessive effort to get onto or off of.
When comparing beds, pay attention to both the comfort layer and the supportive core.
A bed made entirely from loose, fluffy filling may feel comfortable initially but can compress over time. A bed with a resilient core can provide more consistent support underneath.
4. Pay Attention to What's Inside
The materials inside a dog bed can affect its feel, durability, breathability, and overall construction.
Many conventional dog beds use materials such as polyester fiber fill or polyurethane foam.
There's nothing inherently wrong with every synthetic material, but if you're intentionally looking for a more natural dog bed, it's worth knowing exactly what you're buying.
Look for specific descriptions rather than vague terms like:
- “Premium filling”
- “Luxury foam”
- “Eco-friendly materials”
- “Natural feel”
Instead, look for manufacturers that clearly tell you what the filling actually is.
At The Woolly Hound, we use shredded natural latex as the supportive core, surrounded by your choice of natural wool or organic cotton.
You can learn more about why we chose these materials in our complete guide to non-toxic dog beds.
5. Choose Materials That Fit Your Dog
Different materials have different characteristics, so think about what your dog actually needs.
Wool
Wool offers a soft, lofty feel and naturally helps manage moisture and temperature.
It can be a great choice for dogs who enjoy a cozy, cushioned sleeping surface.
Cotton
Cotton is a lighter, breathable alternative.
It's a good option for dogs who tend to sleep warm or prefer a less lofty bed.
At The Woolly Hound, our organic cotton filling is designed to provide lightweight comfort without sacrificing support.
Natural Latex
Natural latex provides resilience and structure.
Made from rubber tree sap, natural latex can spring back after compression and makes a supportive alternative to conventional polyurethane foam.
The combination of these materials allows you to choose a sleeping surface based on your dog's preferences while still providing a supportive foundation.
6. Think About Temperature
Does your dog spend the summer sleeping on the hardwood floor?
Or do they burrow under every blanket they can find?
Your dog's temperature preferences should influence your choice of bed.
Dogs can be sensitive to overheating, and panting is their primary way of cooling themselves. The American Kennel Club explains that dogs can be vulnerable to overheating because they rely heavily on panting for cooling.
Breathable materials can be especially appealing for dogs who tend to sleep warm.
Natural fibers such as cotton and wool are breathable, although the entire construction of the bed contributes to how warm it feels.
Your dog's coat matters, too. A thick-coated dog may prefer a lighter sleeping surface, while a short-coated dog may appreciate something cozier.
7. Look for a Washable Cover
This one is easy to overlook when you're focused on materials and comfort.
But your dog is going to get their bed dirty.
Even indoor dogs bring hair, dirt, moisture, and everyday debris into their sleeping space.
A removable cover makes regular cleaning much easier and can help your bed last longer.
Ideally, look for a cover that can be removed without taking apart the entire bed.
It's also worth checking the manufacturer's washing instructions before you buy. A beautiful dog bed isn't particularly practical if cleaning it is a major project.
8. Consider How Long the Bed Will Last
A low-priced dog bed isn't necessarily the least expensive option if you have to replace it repeatedly.
When comparing beds, consider:
- How durable the cover is
- Whether the filling compresses over time
- Whether the cover can be replaced
- Whether the filling can be refreshed
- Whether individual components can be repaired
This is an important part of how we approach dog beds at The Woolly Hound.
We don't want to create a bed that's designed to be thrown away when one component eventually wears out.
Our Classic Bed has a removable cover, and our Bed Refresh Kits are designed to help extend the life of the natural filling.
9. Choose a Bed That Fits Your Home, Too
Your dog's comfort comes first, but you're the one who has to live with the bed.
Think about where it's going to go.
Will it be in your bedroom? Living room? Office? Mudroom?
Consider the available space, the color and style of your home, and how easy it will be to move or clean.
A dog bed that fits naturally into your home is more likely to stay in use for years.
That's one reason we designed The Woolly Hound beds with a classic, simple aesthetic. They're made to feel like part of the home rather than something that needs to be hidden away.
So, What Is the Best Dog Bed?
The best dog bed is the one that fits your individual dog.
Before buying, ask yourself:
How does my dog sleep?
Do they curl, stretch, burrow, or sprawl?
How much space do they need?
Measure them rather than relying only on weight recommendations.
How much support do they need?
Consider their size, age, and mobility.
Do they sleep hot or cold?
Choose materials accordingly.
What is the bed actually made from?
Look beyond marketing terms and check the specific materials.
Can I clean and maintain it?
A removable cover is a major practical advantage.
Will it last?
Look for durable construction and options to repair, replace, or refresh individual components.
And remember: your dog may have an opinion, too.
Sometimes the best way to choose a bed is to pay attention to where your dog already chooses to sleep. Their favorite spot, position, and sleeping habits can tell you a lot about what they'll enjoy.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right dog bed doesn't have to be complicated.
Start with your dog's size and sleeping style. Then consider support, materials, temperature, cleaning, and durability.
If you're looking for a more natural option, pay close attention to the actual materials inside the bed rather than relying on broad labels like “eco-friendly” or “premium.”
At The Woolly Hound, we've taken a simple approach: a supportive natural latex core, your choice of wool or organic cotton filling, and a durable organic cotton canvas cover.
It's a bed designed around the things that matter most—comfort, support, thoughtful materials, and longevity.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a bed based on your dog's actual size and sleeping position.
- Make sure your dog has enough room to stretch out comfortably.
- Look for a balance of cushioning and support.
- Consider whether your dog tends to sleep hot or cold.
- Pay attention to the specific materials used inside the bed.
- A removable, washable cover makes maintenance much easier.
- Consider whether the bed can be repaired, refreshed, or partially replaced.
- Your dog's existing sleeping habits can help guide your decision.
Ready to find the right bed for your dog?
Explore The Woolly Hound Classic Bed, or email hello@thewoollyhound.com with questions about sizing, materials, or choosing between wool and cotton.
