Nothing beats the feeling of getting cosy and stretching out in bed, that’s why the best dog beds for large dogs are designed to provide enough space for your big pooch to sprawl out and relax. Just like us humans, a comfortable bed is vital for making sure our pooches get a good night’s sleep. That’s why you want to choose a good-quality dog bed that has enough room to accommodate your hound’s size while also giving their body the support it needs.
As any dog owner knows, dogs LOVE to sleep. In fact, they can spend over half their day sleeping, so that’s a lot of time catching some Zzz. The average time hounds sleep for is over 14 hours, but this is even more in senior pooches and puppies, so choosing the right bed is super important for a comfortable stay in the Land of Nod. A common problem with finding the best dog bed for big dogs is finding one that is simply big enough to their full size, leading to your pooch sleeping with their head hanging off the side or having to curl up tightly to squeeze themselves in. This can then end up putting pressure on their joints and cause stiffness in their muscles, which can result in longer-term health problems further down the line.
Best dog beds for large dogs at a glance:
• Best overall large dog bed: Mikki Dog Ultra Soft Donut Bed – View on Amazon UK
• Best sofa bed for large dogs: Argos Pet Grey Sofa Bed – View on Argos
• Best stylish dog bed for large breeds: Wainwright's Quilted Oval Espresso Dog Bed – View on Pets at Home
The best dog beds for large dogs should have more than enough room for them to spread out and make themselves comfortable. They will also offer your pooch the support they need to support their body. We’ve listed what type of bed you should look for and why in our FAQs section, but orthopaedic and memory foam beds are great for body support, while easy-to-clean beds will be exactly what you need if your beautifully big boy or girl is a bit of a mucky pup. You may also want to consider a sofa-style dog bed to give your pooch plenty of space to do those big stretches before bedtime.
While large beds tend to come with a higher price tag compared to ones for their smaller counterparts, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a luxury dog bed to accommodate your hound. There are many cheap dog beds for large dogs out there that don’t have a hefty price tag attached to them too. To help you find the right bed for your pooch, we’ve searched the web to bring you a selection of the best dog beds for large dogs that the internet has to offer at various price points to keep both you and your pooch happy.
Best dog beds for large dogs
Donut-shaped beds are designed to ease anxiety to give your pooch a peaceful sleep and this Mikki Dog Ultra Soft Donut Bed is no exception to that as its raised rim creates a sense of security
Anyone who owns a large dog knows that even when you give them the biggest bed in the world, they may still end up with their head or legs over the side of it but as this Mikki bed has padding in the raised edge, it offers extra head, neck and limb support while your pup is snoozing to ensure they're comfy at all times. It's also a great option for large dogs who love to curl up to sleep as it's ultra soft and self-warming, so it'll soothe your pet to sleep.
We got our resident 'big dog' Barney to test the Mikki bed and we're pleased to report that we've FINALLY found a dog bed that is actually completely big enough to fit all of Barney in. He equally loved to stretch out and curl up in this one so it definitely gets his paw of approval. We found the light colour of this bed does mean it shows up Barney's muddy paw prints and drool marks more easily but as it's machine washable on a low temperature, it soon looks as good as new again.
Pros
- Raised rim for extra support and security, which is great for anxious dogs
- Super soft so it'll feel nice to snuggle up to when they're curled up or stretched out
Cons
- Light colour gets dirty more easily
| Dimensions: | Extra large: 90 x 90 x 23cm |
Best sofa bed for large dog
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
Argos' Pet Grey Sofa Bed stands out for its plush, fleecy lining that guarantees your large pooch the cosiest resting spot in the house after burning off energy in the garden or on a walk.
To ensure they stay firmly in their spot while lounging, this bed is equipped with a non-slip backing which ensures your furry friend stays put even when they're tossing and turning to find the comfiest spot. The cover and the internal pad are also removable to help you keep the bed as fresh as possible for your pooch.
This bed comes recommended by 76 per cent of pet owners on Argos with an average star rating of 4.3 stars out of five. There are a couple of reviews that expected the bed to have more padding, and we agree this bed probably could have a bit more padding to add more structure to it, but most customers have found this to be a super comfortable and soft bed for their pooch.
To enhance stability, the back is equipped with a non-slip backing, ensuring your furry friend stays put even while they're tossing and turning to find the comfiest spot.
Pros
- Removable cover and internal pad for easy cleaning
- Non-slip backing to stop your pooch from sliding about while they try and get comfy
Cons
- Some customers thought it should be more padded, which will help give this bed more structure
| Dimensions: | One size: 10 x 54 x 110cm |
Best stylish dog bed for large breeds
www.petsathome.com
With its quilted pattern, the gorgeous brown-coloured exterior and the beige faux-fur shearling on the inside, this Wainwright's Quilted Oval Espresso Dog Bed is one stylish place for your dog to rest their head.
Thanks to the faux-shearling inside, your dog will be nice and comfy as they get forty winks while the comfortable foam side offers extra support. The cushion inside is dual-sided for double the comfort. It's not all about the comfort though (although your dog would probably argue that it definitely should be), from an owner's perspective, the outer material is one that you can just brush off any dirt and wipe it clean if needed to keep it looking in pristine condition. However, bear in mind that the cover and inside material cannot be removed to be washed.
As you can see from the picture below, Barney likes to sit in this bed by the French doors and look outside to the garden, usually with this Cockapoo sister/shadow, Bella, tucked up beside him, so it's actually quite roomy despite looking fairly small in pictures. We will say that this is on the smaller side of the large dog beds we've tested so if your dog is REALLY big, this probably won't be the right bed for them. We found this bed to be very sturdy, with the structure of it still very much in place even after hours of Barney putting all of his body weight against the sides as he lays.
Pros
- Stylish option with faux-shearling inside and brown/beige colourway
- Sturdy structure even after our big dog tester put all his weight on it
Cons
- Cover and inside material cannot be removed to be washed
| Dimensions: | X Large: 28 x 83 x 63cm |
Best mattress-style dog bed for large dogs
sleepypeople.com
Did you know Silentnight also makes a range of dog beds? They are created with the same technology used in human products to create a dog bed that provides both durability and comfort in one solution.
The Silentnight Ultrabounce Pet Bed is covered in a soft-touch quilted fabric which is perfect for your pet to snuggle into, but it's also removable and machine washable so you can clean it easily. It's filled with soft and fluffy polyester fibres that are used in Silenight pillows and duvets so you know it's going to be comfy.
If your large dog loves to just flop and sleep, this is the bed for them. We found this bed to be so super springy and comfy that we felt like we could stretch out on it ourselves and have a good night's sleep. This may not be the best option for your pooch if they love to curl up on their beds to sleep as it has no sides. You'll also want to regularly fluff it up to ensure the filling stays equally distributed throughout the bed.
Pros
- Specially designed to give your pet the same level of comfort as human bedding
- Removable and machine washable cover
Cons
- We found that we needed to fluff it up regularly as the filling became bulky in places
| Dimensions: | Large: 90 x 60 x 11cm |
Best orthopaedic dog bed for large dogs
JOYELF/AmazonWith over 26,000 reviews and an average star rating of 4.6, this JOYELF Large Memory Foam Dog Bed is a popular choice with pooches and their owners on Amazon.
It has a solid memory foam base that will perfectly support your big dog's body and joints while also taking some of the pressure off by distributing their weight more evenly. The bolsters are ultra-padded to support and keep your pup's head comfortable as they lay.
Reviews on Amazon mention how practical the bed is as it is easy to clean, thanks to the removable cover that can be machine-washed and is also waterproof. The opinion on the overall value is mixed but for the comfort and quality alone, dog owners on Amazon think it's worth it. Just remember to wait 48 hours before your dog lies on it to give it time to fully expand after opening
Pros
- Padded bolsters to support your dog's head while they lie down
- Waterproof cover
Cons
- Will take more than 48 hours for the mattress to fully expand when you first take it out of the packaging
| Dimensions: | 91 x 69 x 20cm |
Best budget large dog bed
Mirkoo/AmazonWith the XL size being available for under £30, the Mirkoo Faux Fur Cuddler Dog Bed is great value for money.
Made with durable nylon and luxurious faux fur, the super soft filling puts no added pressure on your furry friend's joints and will offer relief from the pain they may experience in their pressure points. The raised rim creates a secure atmosphere for your pooch to either curl up inside or sprawl across.
It has a number of sizes that are suitable for large dogs so even the most giant of breeds will have a place to snooze. However, customers have noted that the sizes do come on the smaller side so we'd recommend checking the dimensions before you order. It does come highly rated for its comfort levels and appearance, with multiple customers commenting how much their dogs love to snuggle up to the faux fur.
Pros
- Choice of large dog sizes
- Oh-so-soft faux fur covering
Cons
- Some reviewers have said the beds come up small
| Dimensions: | XL: 80 x 60 x 19cm, XXL: 90 x 70 x 19cm, XXXL: 110 x 85 x 19cm |
Best luxury large dog bed
Scruffs/Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
A paw-shaped haven perfect for dogs looking to sprawl out in style, the Scruffs Grizzly Bear Dog Bed boasts a luxurious feel.
The bed's thoughtful design includes three large pads at the back, providing ample support for dogs to rest their heads comfortably. It features a faux suede-covered centre cushion that is generously filled, a practical non-slip base and a washable cover that ensures easy maintenance for busy pet owners.
Although this bed is designed for large breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors, it is only available in one size so it may not be the ideal size for those breeds that are more towards the giant side, like Newfoundlands. Customers on Pets at Home found it to be nicely cushioned so it's super inviting and comforting for your beloved furry bestie.
Pros
- Super cosy so it's inviting and comforting for your pooch
- Fun design as it's paw-shaped with plenty of room for your pooch to spread out
Cons
- Only one size so may not be suitable for all large breeds
| Dimensions: | One size: 130 x 130 x 25cm |
How we chose the best dog beds for large dogs
All of these dog beds have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered size, comfort and ease of cleaning in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching the best pet beds for large dogs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.
FAQs
What type of bed is best for large dogs?
When choosing the best big dog beds, you’ll want to consider a number of things, including the amount of support they offer your pooch, how durable they are and how easy they are to clean. With these factors in mind, here are some of the best beds for your gentle giant.
Orthopaedic beds
Due to their big size, large dogs can often suffer from joint and muscle problems. Giving your pooch an orthopaedic or memory foam dog bed will offer extra support and cushioning for those areas. These types of beds can also help to evenly distribute your pooch’s weight to help reduce some of the pressure on their joints and muscles.
Durable and chew-resistant beds
Some large dogs don’t realise the strength of their teeth, so end up accidentally destroying their beds through a bit of nibbling. If your dog tends to be a bit of a chewer, you’ll want to look for one that has reinforced stitching, heavy-duty fabrics and tough covers that can withstand the wear and tear that comes from having larger breeds.
Easy-to-clean beds
Does your large breed love to get down and dirty? If your hound loves nothing more than rolling around in the mud and splashing around in puddles and rivers, you might want to choose a bed that has a removable cover. That way, it can be chucked into the washing machine or wiped to keep it as clean as possible. If it’s waterproof or water-resistant, too, that’s an added bonus.
Extra-large size beds
Big dogs just LOVE to stretch out, so while this may be an obvious one, you’ll want to make sure their bed is large enough for them to lay out comfortably. Large dogs come in all shapes and sizes so you’ll want to make sure your chosen bed can accommodate the whole of your dog to sprawl out how they wish.
Some large dogs, like Barney pictured below, also like to curl up while they snooze so you may want to buy them a donut-style bed, sometimes known as an anti-anxiety dog bed. These types of beds can be on the small side, so make sure to double-check the dimensions before you buy to ensure there's enough room for your big boy or girl to sit inside comfortably.
Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds?
Just like us humans, our pooches also have their own personal preferences when it comes to what bed they like. Some hounds may like the feeling of sinking into a soft bed, whereas others may prefer the support of a firmer surface. To gauge what type of bed your hound likes best, pay attention to where your pooch rests around the house and if they’re showing signs of comfort or discomfort. That way you can choose a bed that is of a similar structure to where they’re currently laying.
Of course, there may be cases where dogs need a certain type of bed to help support any health conditions they may have or their age. Senior hounds or pups with joint problems may find softer beds more comfortable on their joints as they provide extra cushioning. For pooches that are chewers, a firmer bed may be needed as they tend to have less stuffing and are typically made with more chew-resistant materials.
What dog beds do dogs like the most?
Just like how we humans all prefer different pillow firmness and tog levels for our duvets, what type of bed dogs prefer will vary from pooch to pooch. Some dogs may like beds with raised edges or bolsters to rest their head on or aching joints while they snooze whereas others may prefer a flatter, softer bed to stretch out on more.
What is the best type of bed for a dog to sleep on?
For larger dogs, the best type of bed to sleep on is one that will support their joints and provide comfort to their bigger bodies. They may want to have a bed that offers them plenty of room to spread themselves out but equally, they could enjoy having a bed to curl up in. Whether you're looking for a bed to use at home or after a travel dog bed to use when you're out and about on adventures with your pooch, you should observe the sleeping habits of your pooch before making your decision but also prepare yourself for a bit of trial and error until you find a bed your pup is completely happy with.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.