For furry friends who seek a cosy space where they can feel safe and secure, the best dog cave bed can make all the difference. They’re essentially like a little den for your pup as they’re a dog bed with an enclosed or semi-enclosed space for pooches to escape to and curl up inside. As they have a tunnel/cave-like design, these beds allow your pup to engage in some of their natural instincts of burrowing and hiding as they try to get more comfortable and secure inside.
For pups that love to snuggle up, dog cave beds will provide the comfort your hound is seeking. The design helps to make the bed feel more like a private retreat for your pooch, so it’ll give them a sense of calm when things get too much, making them a great dog bed for anxious doggos as it will help to bring them comfort and security at times when they’re anxious or stressed. Not only that, but as they’re more enclosed, they’ll retain any body heat inside, so they’ll be the best place to relax when it's cold outside.
Best dog cave bed at a glance:
When looking for the best dog cave bed for your pooch, you’ll first want to consider what style of dog cave bed will be right for them. Would your pooch be happy to be completely enclosed, or would they prefer a partially covered design so they can still snuggle up securely but have some parts in the open, such as their head, so they can still feel involved with what’s happening around them while feeling secure? The material of the bed is also an important factor. Yes, you’ll want it to be as soft and cosy as can be for your dog, but you’ll want to consider how easy it is to clean up muddy paw prints or little accidents. A washable dog bed can make all the difference to us pup owners.
If you think your pooch will benefit from a cave bed, we’ve searched the web to find all the best dog cave beds on the market that have been tried and reviewed online by real-life pups and their owners. For the best dog cave beds that tick all the right boxes for quality, comfort, and style and are the ultimate cosy retreat for your hound, keep reading.
Best dog cave bed overall
funnyfuzzy.co.uk
A must-have for dogs who like to hide themselves away or love digging around to get comfy, this Calming Plush Semi-Enclosed Pet Nest Bed from FunnyFuzzy is designed to give your pooch a sense of security with its semi-enclosed style. It's made from a soft plush material, so it'll feel nice for your pup to curl up against but you won't need to worry about the bed shedding if your dog will claw and scratch at it to get comfortable, as the plush is made to withstand pulling and tugging. It's also got a non-slip bottom to prevent the bed from sliding about as your pooch gets into their most relaxing position.
Reviews online frequently mention the comfort of this bed and its high quality. One customer notes in their review that the cover can't be removed to wash it, so it's not the easiest to keep clean. However, you can sponge it clean and wipe it down to keep it fresh.
Pros
- Made from a soft plush material so it'll feel nice for your pup to curl up against
- The plush is also high density so it's designed to withstand pulling and tugging, meaning it won't shed
Cons
- One customer notes that the cover can't be removed to wash it so it's not the easiest to keep clean
Sizes: | S, M, L |
Best dog cave bed for warmth
With a sherpa-lined inner, this Argos Hooded Pet Bed is nice and cosy inside and will keep your pooch lovely and warm when they cuddle up. The half-closed design will allow your pup to burrow inside to get comfy while still being able to see what's going on around them. To make it straightforward for you to clean, it has a removable cover that is machine washable and a removable internal pad so you can freshen the bed up whenever it needs it.
This Argos bed has an average star rating of 4.1 out of 5 and comes recommended by 77 per cent of customers. Some reviewers say that although the size of this bed is 'large', it is relatively small. They say it's the perfect size for Jack Russells, Border Terriers and Daschunds but not ideal for Labradors or German Shepherds in comparison. Those reviewers who are using it more for small breeders have found the bed to be quite spacious, and they say it's great for keeping them warm, too.
Pros
- Great for keeping your pooch warm as it's got a sherpa-lined inner
- Easy to keep clean as it has a removable cover that is machine washable and a removable internal pad
Cons
- Although this is listed as a large bed, customers online feel this size is best suited to smaller breeds such as Jack Russells, Border Terriers and Daschunds
Sizes: | One size, 35 x 75 x 75cm |
Best dog cave bed for large dogs
www.etsy.com
This cosy TwoVizslas Big Washable Dog Cave Bed is ideal for large dogs who enjoy getting snuggly under the covers. Its biggest size, the XL, is ideal for breeds such as Vizsla, Weimaraner and Pointers, so even big dogs can enjoy the comfort that an enclosed bed can bring. It's made from two materials: hypoallergenic cotton on the outside that is nice and soft and a warm, fleecy sherpa on the inside to keep your pooch warm throughout the year. Both of these materials can be washed, so it's easier for you to keep clean.
Customers online say the beds by the TwoVizslas on Etsy are well-made and of good quality. Customers also liked that they could choose the size that best suited their pooch and the colours of both the exterior and interior of the bed. As the beds have sherpa inside, some reviewers found that their bed was a bit fluffy when it first arrived so the excess would come off but after vacuuming the bed and washing it, the bed no longer shed fluff.
Pros
- Great for large dogs as it goes up to an XL
- Customers say these beds are well-made and of good quality
Cons
- Some reviewers found excess fluff from the bed came off when it first arrived
Sizes: | S, M, L, XL |
Best dog cave bed for support
If you think your pooch will like the feeling of a bed with a fully enclosed top, consider the YAGE Calming Dog Bed from Amazon. The top is filled with foam to offer structural support, so it'll stay firmly up while your pup takes a moment to chill out in their own private space. The sides are padded as well, so they'll offer support for your dog while they rest their head on them.
Customers on Amazon rate this bed highly for its softness and the warmth it provides. Something to note is that this bed will arrive looking on the flat side as it's vacuum-packed, so you'll need to allow a couple of days for it to get to its full fluffy state. Your pooch may not be able to jump in it straight away, but the unmatched comfort they'll experience once it's ready will be worth the wait.
Pros
- Padded sides to offer support for your pup when they rest against them
- Top is filled with foam to give it structural support
Cons
- It arrives vacuum-packed so you'll need to allow a couple of days for it to get to its full fluffy state
Sizes: | 65 x 65 x40cm, 50 x 50 x 35cm |
Best dog cave bed for small dogs
This Argos Fluffy Hooded Pet Bed looks a bit like a big slipper for your pooch and if it's anything like the pair you wear to keep your feet warm, your dog will be lovely and toasty while relaxing in it. It's made from a thick material to give that cosy, secure feeling inside while also being a nice, warm place to rest, relax and snooze. On the bottom of the bed, there are little rubber dots, which are added as an anti-skid measure to stop it from sliding about when your dog gets in and out. As the cover is made from polyester, the bed is suitable for machine washing so you can give it a refresh whenever needed.
Customers have found this bed to be ideal for dogs that usually love to get themselves comfy under a load of blankets, as the enclosed part of this bed replicates that feeling of being tucked in. Some reviews say it's not very big despite being listed as a large so that's why we think this is the best cave bed for small dogs as they'll love to snuggle inside to get warm when it's chilly.
Pros
- Made from a thick material to offer more of a secure feeling while also providing warmth
- Rubber dots added to the bottom as an anti-skid measure to stop them bed from sliding about while your pup gets comfy
Cons
- Customers felt that while the bed was listed as a large, it wasn't very big which is why we think this bed is best suited to small dogs
Sizes: | One size, 30 x 52 x 71cm |
Best dog cave bed for anxious dogs
www.viovet.co.uk
Another bed that has more of a fully enclosed design is the Trixie Harvey Cave Bed, which is ideal for dogs that feel anxious, as it will provide them with their very own safe space to curl up in by themselves. The outside is covered in velour-style fabric, while the inside is a long-haired plush. Both of these materials will feel soft against your pup's skin and fur while they chill out and will help to soothe and bring them some comfort when they need it the most. The bed is also filled with foam padding which adds an extra layer of comfort while also giving the bed some structure to stop it from losing shape over time.
Super soft, warm, and cuddly - these are words that customers use in their reviews to describe this dog bed, so you'll know your pooch will have a comfortable kip when sleeping on this bed. Our only gripe is that it comes in just one size. This means that larger dogs won't be able to experience the comfort that this bed has to offer, but smaller dogs will be in for a treat.
Pros
- More of a fully enclosed design to give anxious pups a safe space to fully retreat and relax in
- The fabrics used both inside and out will bring extra comfort and soothe them when they need it
Cons
- Only comes in one size so not suitable for larger dogs
Sizes: | One size |
Best luxury dog cave bed
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Charley Chau is a more premium name in the world of dog beds, but the level of comfort and cosiness they provide make them so worth it. This beautiful Charley Chau Snuggle Bed is crafted from Faroe, which is a weighty upholstery fabric that feels like wool. The slight weightiness of the covered section will provide your pup with a feeling that is reminiscent of being hugged, which will help with any anxious feelings they may be experiencing. It'll still be comfortable for them to relax against, though, and it is helped by the inside that is lined with a luxe-feeling faux-fur fleece.
It's available in a choice of sizes and colours, but the best part is that you can also choose to add a mattress protector to the design. This is handy for dogs that have the occasional little accident but also protects the bed from dust, dirt and animal dander to keep it hygienically cleaner for longer. The level of customisation available does mean that the price of this bed will vary quite a lot, but it does mean you'll be able to secure the right bed that suits all of your pet's needs.
Pros
- The Faroe fabric it is crafted from has a slight weightiness which will provide your poochwith a feeling that is reminiscent of being hugged, helping them to feel less anxious
- Inside is lined with a luxe-feeling faux-fur fleece to be oh-so-soft and comfy for your dog to relax on
Cons
- As this bed has many customisation options, the price varies quite a lot
Sizes: | Small (60 x 60cm), Medium (80 x 60cm), Large (100 x 80cm) |
How we chose the best dog cave beds
All of these dog cave beds have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered comfort, security and durability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog cave beds to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
Ask the expert: Best dog cave beds
We put all the frequently asked questions about dog cave beds to Woodgreen Pets Charity's Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist and star of Channel 4's The Dog House, Sue Ketland.
FAQs: Best dog cave bed
Are cave beds safe for dogs?
"Absolutely. Dogs like to feel safe and secure when they’re sleeping or resting, and a cave bed is a good option to meet those needs. Dogs can either get inside a cave bed or lay on top of it – it’s very much up to them how they use it.
"We always recommend people place their dog’s bed in an area free from drafts to help keep them warm and comfortable. While no dog bed is totally indestructible, cave beds are made to withstand excessive scratching or digging, which means they’re suitable for all breeds."
Do dogs like cave beds?
"Cave beds are enjoyed by many dogs because they provide a cosy sanctuary and a warm space to curl up in winter.
"These types of beds are designed to keep our pets warm, comfortable and safe. They’re ideal for dogs who like to dig around in their bed to try and get under their blankets, or those who rely on their owners to ‘tuck them in’ at bedtime. In particular, very small breeds who might feel the cold easily love cave beds, as do breeds such as small terriers, owing to their love of digging and going into small spaces. If your dog feels a little insecure at times, a cave bed can serve as a safe hidey-hole for them to retreat to."
How to make a cave bed for dogs?
"It’s very simple to make your own basic cave bed using a large cardboard box, a pair of scissors, a soft blanket and glue or tape.
"Once you’ve sourced a box large enough for your dog to fit inside easily, cut off the top flaps of the box with the scissors to create an opening for them to go in and out. Then cut a smaller opening on one side of the box, serving as a window for your four-legged friend to look out of.
"Put a soft blanket inside to provide your dog with a cosy and comfortable surface to lay on. Finally, use some glue or tape to secure the blanket to the bottom of the box to prevent it from sliding around. You can even decorate the box if you like."
This article contains expert advice from Sue Ketland, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity. She has an impressive list of dog-related qualifications including a Centre of Applied Pet Ethology diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training. Sue has worked for the charity for more than three decades, including 15 years with the dog section and is now in a specialist role to help set welfare standards across the charity. She also supports members of the public with their dogs, helping them with all manner of behavioural issues. You might recognise her from Channel 4's The Dog House, too!
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets 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.