Choosing a Dog Bed: Which Type Suits Your Dog Best?

August 16 2026, by Michael van Wassem, 8 min reading time

Donut bed, flat mattress or orthopaedic bed? Find out which type of dog bed best suits your dog's size, age and sleeping habits.

Choosing between a donut bed, a flat mattress or an orthopaedic bed can seem like a matter of taste at first. In reality, the type of bed makes a real difference to how well and how deeply your dog sleeps. Getting it wrong often means the bed ends up gathering dust in a corner within a few weeks, while your dog prefers the sofa or the cool floor instead.

The short answer: the best dog bed matches your dog's size, age and sleeping habits, as well as the spot in your home where it will go. In this article you'll find the different types of dog beds, how to work out the right size, and what to look out for before you buy.

What types of dog beds are there?

Most dog beds fall into one of the following categories. Each type has its own pros and cons, depending on how your dog likes to lie down.

Bolster bed (raised-edge bed)

A bed with a raised edge gives back support and a enclosed, secure feeling. Dogs that like to lean against something, or rest their head on the edge, usually benefit from this. For dogs that sleep fully stretched out, this type is often less suitable, as they simply won't fit comfortably.

Donut bed

The round donut shape invites dogs to curl up and feels cosy and sheltered to many of them. This type works well for small and medium-sized dogs that naturally like to curl into a ball. Large dogs, or dogs that prefer to lie flat and stretched out, tend to get less use out of it.

Flat mattress bed

A flat mattress bed offers the most freedom of movement: your dog can stretch out fully, which is especially pleasant for large breeds and on warm days. This type also fits easily into a crate. The downside is that a flat bed offers no side support, which can be less comfortable for dogs that like to feel enclosed.

Orthopaedic bed

An orthopaedic bed has a thicker layer of pressure-relieving foam, often memory foam, that spreads your dog's weight more evenly. This reduces pressure on joints and pressure points such as elbows and hips. This type is especially worth considering for senior dogs, large breeds, and dogs with joint problems.

Plastic bed

A plastic bed is sturdy, easy to clean, and lasts a long time. It suits dogs that might scratch or chew at their bed, and works well in a shed, garage or outdoor kennel. Add a cushion or blanket yourself for extra comfort.

Travel or outdoor bed

For camping, the car, or days out, a foldable, water-resistant travel bed is handy. These are lighter and more compact than a fixed bed, but generally less comfortable for everyday use at home.

What size dog bed should you choose?

A bed that's too small is the most common mistake. Measure your dog while lying fully stretched out on their side, from nose to the base of the tail, and add around 15 to 20 cm. That way, they'll also have room to turn and change position. If you're torn between two sizes for an adult dog, go for the larger one, unless your dog clearly prefers an enclosed, curled-up position.

For a puppy that still has growing to do, it's often more cost-effective to choose a bed based on the expected adult size, or to use a smaller, budget bed temporarily during the puppy stage.

Material and care: what to look for

A cover you can zip off and wash at a minimum of 30 to 40 degrees will save you a lot of hassle over time. Also look for a non-slip base so the bed doesn't slide around on smooth flooring. For dogs that sleep outside or in the car, a water-resistant or easily removable outer layer is a plus. For puppies and dogs that occasionally have accidents, a waterproof inner layer under the cover is practical.

When is an orthopaedic bed worth it?

As dogs age, joint problems such as arthritis become more common, especially in large and heavy breeds. An orthopaedic bed doesn't replace veterinary treatment, but the pressure-relieving foam layer can help make lying down and getting up more comfortable. If you notice your dog getting up stiffly, preferring the cold floor over their own bed, or clearly struggling to lie down and stand up, discuss this with your vet and consider an orthopaedic model as part of the approach.

Where should you put the bed in your home?

The location of the bed matters at least as much as the type. Choose a quiet spot, away from draughts and not directly next to a radiator or in full sun, since dogs can't easily cool themselves down. Sociable dogs often prefer somewhere they can keep an eye on family life, while nervous or older dogs tend to do better with a calm corner. If you use a crate, choose a thinner crate mat or mattress rather than a tall bed, so there's still enough room.

Common mistakes when choosing a dog bed

• Buying a bed that's too small. Dogs that can't fully stretch out sleep less deeply.
• Choosing on price or looks alone. An attractive bed that doesn't match your dog's sleeping habits is often ignored.
• Not accounting for a puppy's growth. A bed that fits perfectly at eight weeks old will be too small within a few months.
• Forgetting about washability. A cover that doesn't come off means you'll eventually replace the whole bed instead of just the cover.
• Ignoring joint problems in a senior dog. A thin, flat bed doesn't offer enough support if a dog already struggles to get up.
• Placing the bed somewhere draughty or too warm. This can cause your dog to avoid the bed altogether.

Checklist before buying a dog bed

• Have I measured the right size, including 15-20 cm of extra room?
• Does the type of bed suit how my dog likes to lie: curled up or stretched out?
• Is the cover removable and washable?
• Does the bed have a non-slip base?
• Is an orthopaedic model needed given my dog's age, breed or joint problems?
• Do I have a quiet, draught-free spot for the bed?

Frequently asked questions

How often should I wash the bed cover?
On average every two to four weeks, or more often if your dog spends a lot of time outside or isn't fully house-trained yet.

Does my puppy already need a proper bed, or can I wait?
A puppy needs a fixed sleeping spot from the start, but it doesn't need to be the final, expensive model right away. A smaller, budget-friendly bed or a sturdy blanket is often enough until most of the growing is done.

Can I use the same bed in the crate and in the living room?
Yes, as long as the bed fits in the crate without your dog having to duck. Often a thinner crate mat for the crate and a full-size bed for the living room works better in practice.

My dog prefers lying on the floor to their bed, what now?
This often happens in warm weather, since a hard, cool floor cools your dog down better than a padded bed. A bed that doesn't suit your dog's sleeping habits can also be the cause. Try a different type, or move the bed to a cooler spot.

Is a more expensive bed automatically better?
Not necessarily. Price mostly reflects material and finish, not necessarily whether the type suits your dog. Choosing deliberately based on size, age and sleeping habits matters more than the price tag.

Summary

There's no single "best" dog bed that works for every dog: the right choice depends on how your dog likes to lie down, their age, their size, and where the bed will go. Always measure the correct size, look for a washable cover and a non-slip base, and consider an orthopaedic model for senior dogs or dogs with joint problems. Place the bed in a quiet, draught-free spot and give your dog time to get used to it.

Looking for a new dog bed? The Gor Pets Slumber Dog Bed is a washable, everyday option available in several sizes. For extra support and a more premium feel, take a look at the Gor Pets Camden Deluxe Bed. Prefer a cushion-style bed? The Gor Pets Camden Comfy Cushion is a comfortable, water-resistant choice.

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