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Dog Bed Size Guide

The dog bed you choose needs to be big enough to allow your K9 friend to completely spread out, including stretching his legs out in front of him. With this in mind, the guide below provides rough advice on what size beds are suitable for certain breeds of dog.

How to measure your dog bed

What you will need:

1. A flexible measuring tape

2. A pen

3. Paper

4. A relaxed dog sprawled out on the floor!

Measuring your dog

1. Measure from his nose right to his backend where his tail begins.

2. Then, measure the length of his front legs from the top of his leg joint or shoulder to where his paws contact the ground.

3. Do the same for his rear legs. Measure from the top of his rear leg joint down to where his paw contacts the ground.

4. Add them all together – back + front leg length + rear leg length.

5. Finally, deduct half the length of his front legs from the total. The reason for this is that outstretched, most dog’s front legs don’t exceed the end of their nose very far. This should give you a pretty good measurement of his ‘sprawl’ length!

Use these measurements when looking for the best size dog bed

You can then use this measurement when looking through our huge collection of dog beds. The “Size guide” tab on each product page will show you the various measurements for each size of that particular dog bed.

Below is a rough guide to sizes and suitability for various dog breeds but please be aware that all our dog beds will have different measurements and sizes depending on the manufacturer. When looking at all of our dog beds, if you click on sizes guide, you will see both the internal and external measurements – please make sure you double check this!

Dog bed size chart

How to choose a Dog Bed – Buyer Guide

To help you decide which bed will be best for you we’ve put together a dog bed buyer’s guide. Remember, if you still have any questions about a product or choosing the right product, feel free to give us a call on 0845 362 9663.

Design preference

From designer through to practical, we have a range of designs. Think about where your dog bed is going to be spending most of its time; the lounge? The hallway? Kitchen? What is the general interior design of those rooms and what colours do they already incorporate? If you have a house with more traditional aesthetics, perhaps you would like to go for a tweed bed, wicker bed or a more floral design befitting to your home’s appeal. If you’re the more modern, contemporary type with lavish wall paper or contemporary minimalism, our range of Danish Design dog bedding may be a good choice or perhaps a plain coloured dog mattress. For those who prefer the more luxurious surroundings you and your dog may prefer faux fur bedding such as those made by Yap.

Shape preference

Perhaps dependent primarily on where you are planning on placing your dog’s bed there are several varieties available. If space is something that needs to be conserved, rather than a complete bed perhaps a snug rug or mattress is something you might consider. These can easily be placed into various locations and quickly rolled up or folded and tucked away. This type of bedding is also really useful when you’re on the go too.

Wicker Dog Beds are very rugged in shape. We also stock a corner wicker bed too which is ideal for corner placement. Remember, if you’re going for one of these beds you may want to consider spare cushions for the inside.

Donut or ring beds are a typical choice of bedding, but they too come in an assortment of styles. You have the luxury faux fur bedding and the more practical, natural appeal of tweed and heavy duty materials.

Square or rectangle beds are also available in a similar range. From snuggle beds and softer material to the more heavy duty and waterproof choices. Be sure to consider our range of smell-proof beds too. Like the donut or ring ranges, these beds typically come with walls which vary in height. Your dog may like keeping an eye on his surroundings and lean his head on the wall of his bedding so also consider this when making your purchase decision. If your dog has a smaller neck and you purchase a bed with high walls, he might not be comfy leaning his head on the sides to watch the world go by. The additional benefit of a high wall bed is that it keeps the drafts and cold air from getting to your dog keeping them warmer.

Mattresses are also another option. Easy to move and space saving as they can be stored more easily than regular beds they come in range of styles. Thinner mattresses are available from Petlife that are made from posture friendly foam to properly support your dog. Then there are the thicker sorts such as the box mattress from Red Dingo.

Popular dog beds