Dog Bed Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Size for Your Dog

Buying the wrong size dog bed is one of the most common mistakes dog owners make.

Too small and your dog won't use it. Too big and they feel insecure. Getting it right matters more than most people realise.

With 6 dogs in our family—ranging from Molly (25 lb French Bulldog) to Charlie (85 lb German Shepherd)—I've learned exactly how to size dog beds properly.

This guide covers everything: how to measure your dog, size charts by breed, and tips for getting it right the first time.

Quick Size Guide

Important: These are general guidelines. Your dog's sleeping style and body shape matter just as much as weight.

How to Measure Your Dog for a Bed

Step 1: Measure Length

1. Wait until your dog is lying down, fully stretched out
2. Measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail
3. Add 6-12 inches for comfort

Example: Charlie measures 38 inches stretched out. He needs a bed at least 44-50 inches long.

Step 2: Measure Width

1. With your dog lying on their side, measure from their back to their front paws
2. Add 6-12 inches for comfort

Example: Charlie is about 18 inches wide. He needs a bed at least 24-30 inches wide.

Step 3: Consider Height (For Bolster Beds)

If you're buying a bolster or sofa-style bed:

1. Measure from the floor to your dog's shoulder when lying down
2. Bolsters should be high enough to rest their chin but low enough to step over easily

Sleeping Style Matters

How your dog sleeps affects what size they need:

Sprawlers

Description: Legs extended, takes up maximum space Size needed: Larger than measurements suggest Recommendation: Size UP

Dogs like Max (our Labrador) sprawl out completely. They need the largest bed for their weight class.

Curlers

Description: Curled in a ball, nose to tail Size needed: Can use slightly smaller beds Recommendation: Standard size or donut beds

Some dogs curl up tight when sleeping. They can use smaller beds than their stretched measurements suggest.

Chin-Resters

Description: Likes to rest chin on edge or pillow Size needed: Bolster or headrest beds Recommendation: Consider bed style, not just size

Lucy (Golden Retriever) always rests her chin on the bolster. She needs a bed with raised edges, not just the right dimensions.

Nesters

Description: Digs and arranges bed before lying down Size needed: Beds with extra material Recommendation: Donut beds or beds with loose fabric

Bella (Golden Retriever) nests for 5 minutes before settling. She needs a bed that accommodates this behaviour.

Size Guide by Breed

Small Breeds (Under 25 lbs)

Tip: Small dogs often prefer snug, enclosed beds. Don't size up too much—they like feeling secure.

Read more: Best Beds for French Bulldogs

Medium Breeds (25-50 lbs)

Tip: Medium breeds vary widely. Always measure—a muscular Bulldog needs more space than a lean Border Collie of similar weight.

Large Breeds (50-75 lbs)

Tip: Large breeds benefit from orthopedic support. Don't just consider size—consider foam thickness too.

Read more: Best Beds for Labradors Read more: Best Beds for Golden Retrievers Read more: Best Beds for German Shepherds

Giant Breeds (Over 75 lbs)

Tip: Giant breeds need thick foam (7+ inches) that won't compress. Standard beds flatten quickly under their weight.

Bed Size Chart by Dimensions

Small Beds

Medium Beds

Large Beds

X-Large Beds

Giant/XXL Beds

Our Dogs: Size Examples

Here's what sizes our 6 dogs use:

Note: Bailey and Max are similar weights, but Max is a sprawler who needs more space.

Common Sizing Mistakes

Mistake 1: Buying Based on Weight Alone

Weight matters, but so does body shape and sleeping style. A 60-pound lean Doberman needs different space than a 60-pound stocky Bulldog.

Solution: Always measure your dog lying down, not just check their weight.

Mistake 2: Sizing Down to Save Money

A bed that's too small won't get used. Your dog will sleep on the floor instead, and you've wasted money.

Solution: When in doubt, size UP. A slightly larger bed is fine; too small is useless.

Mistake 3: Not Considering Bolsters

Bolster beds have raised edges that reduce the interior sleeping space. A 36" x 42" bolster bed might only have 32" x 38" of actual sleeping area.

Solution: Check interior dimensions, not just exterior.

Mistake 4: Forgetting Puppies Grow

A bed that fits your 8-week-old puppy won't fit your 6-month-old puppy.

Solution: For puppies, either buy for adult size (and accept it'll be big initially) or buy a budget bed now and upgrade later.

Mistake 5: Assuming All Brands Size the Same

A "Large" from one brand might be "Medium" from another. There's no standardisation.

Solution: Always check actual dimensions, not just size labels.

Special Considerations

For Senior Dogs

Older dogs need:

• Low profile for easy access
• Larger size if they've become less flexible
• Orthopedic support for joint relief

Don't size down for seniors—they need room to find comfortable positions.

For Puppies

Options:

1. Buy for adult size – Bed is too big initially but lasts
2. Buy budget bed now – Replace when they grow
3. Use crate pads – Affordable and easy to replace

For large breed puppies, option 1 or 2 usually makes more sense than buying expensive beds they'll outgrow.

For Multi-Dog Households

If your dogs share beds:

• Add their measurements together
• Size up significantly
• Consider getting individual beds instead

Most dogs prefer their own space. Separate beds often work better than one giant bed.

For Crates

If buying a bed for a crate:

• Measure the interior of the crate
• Buy a bed 1-2 inches smaller than interior dimensions
• Ensure no gaps where dogs can chew

When Size Isn't Everything

Size matters, but don't forget:

Support Quality

A perfectly sized bed with cheap foam is worthless. For large breeds especially, foam thickness and density matter:

• Small dogs: 3+ inches
• Medium dogs: 4+ inches
• Large dogs: 5+ inches
• Giant breeds: 7+ inches

Read more: Best Orthopedic Dog Beds

Bed Style

The right style depends on your dog's preferences:

• Sprawlers → Flat/platform beds
• Curlers → Donut beds
• Chin-resters → Bolster beds
• Burrowers → Cave beds

Washability

Whatever size you buy, ensure the cover is removable and machine washable. Dogs are messy.

Quick Reference: The 6-12 Inch Rule

The simplest sizing rule:

1. Measure your dog from nose to tail base (lying stretched out)
2. Add 6 inches minimum, 12 inches for sprawlers
3. That's your minimum bed length

Example:

• Dog measures 30 inches → Bed should be 36-42 inches
• Dog measures 40 inches → Bed should be 46-52 inches

This works for most dogs. Adjust based on sleeping style.

Summary

How to size a dog bed:

1. ✅ Measure your dog lying stretched out
2. ✅ Add 6-12 inches to length and width
3. ✅ Consider their sleeping style (sprawler, curler, etc.)
4. ✅ Check actual dimensions, not just size labels
5. ✅ When in doubt, size UP

Don't:

• ❌ Buy based on weight alone
• ❌ Size down to save money
• ❌ Forget bolsters reduce interior space
• ❌ Assume size labels are standardised

Get the size right, and your dog will actually use their bed. Get it wrong, and you've wasted money on an expensive floor decoration.

Questions about sizing? Contact me—I'm happy to help you find the right size for your dog.

Related Articles:

• Best Dog Beds 2025: Complete Guide
• Best Orthopedic Dog Beds
• Best Beds for Large Breeds
• When to Replace Your Dog's Bed