Greyhounds, Whippets, and other sighthounds have unique bedding needs that many owners don't anticipate. These lean, elegant dogs have almost no body fat, thin coats, and bony joints that make them incredibly sensitive to hard or uncomfortable surfaces.
Whether you have a retired racing Greyhound, a Whippet, Italian Greyhound, or other sighthound, this guide covers the best bed options for these special dogs.
Quick Picks: Best Greyhound & Whippet Beds at a Glance
| Bed | Best For | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Barker Orthopedic | Overall Best (Greyhounds) | $$$ | View Bed |
| FurHaven Plush Orthopedic Sofa | Best Value | $ | View Bed |
| Best Friends Calming Donut | Curlers & Warmth | $ | View Bed |
| PetFusion Ultimate | Memory Foam Support | $$ | View Bed |
| K&H Thermo-Snuggly | Heated Option | $$ | View Bed |
| Snoozer Cozy Cave | Burrowers | $$ | View Bed |
| Bedsure Orthopedic | Budget Option | $ | View Bed |
| Orvis Memory Foam Bolster | Premium Quality | $$$ | View Bed |
What Greyhounds & Whippets Need in a Dog Bed
Extra Cushioning (Critical!)
Sighthounds have minimal body fat and thin skin over bony prominences. Without adequate cushioning, they develop:
- Pressure sores
- Calluses on elbows and hocks
- Joint pain
- Reluctance to lie down
Look for:
- Thick, quality foam (4+ inches)
- Memory foam that contours to body
- Plush surfaces
- Extra padding on bolsters
Warmth
With thin coats and almost no body fat, sighthounds get cold easily. They need:
- Warm, insulating materials
- Beds away from drafts
- Potentially heated options in winter
- Cave or hooded beds for warmth
Appropriate Size
| Sighthound | Weight | Recommended Bed Size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Greyhound | 7-14 lbs | Small (24-28") | View Bed |
| Whippet | 25-40 lbs | Medium-Large (32-40") | View Bed |
| Greyhound | 60-80 lbs | Large-XL (42-50") | View Bed |
| Scottish Deerhound | 85-110 lbs | XL-Giant (48-54") | View Bed |
Bolsters for Head Support
Sighthounds often like to rest their heads on something elevated. Bolstered beds are very popular with these breeds.
Easy to Clean
Racing Greyhounds especially may have skin sensitivities. Clean beds help prevent skin issues.
Best Beds for Greyhounds & Whippets: Detailed Reviews
Best Overall for Greyhounds: Big Barker Orthopedic Bed
Big Barker provides the thick cushioning Greyhounds desperately need. See our Big Barker review.
What we love:
- 7 inches of therapeutic foam
- Excellent for bony joints
- Prevents pressure sores
- Won't flatten (10-year guarantee)
- Ideal for large sighthounds
- Premium quality throughout
What could be better:
- Premium price
- Large footprint
- Too big for Whippets/Italian Greyhounds
Sizing: Large (48" x 30"), XL (52" x 36")
Price: $$$
Best for: Greyhounds, large sighthounds, maximum cushioning, pressure sore prevention
Best Value: FurHaven Plush Orthopedic Sofa Bed
Soft, plush surface with orthopedic support at an affordable price. See our FurHaven review.
What we love:
- Soft, plush sleeping surface
- Egg-crate orthopedic foam
- Three-sided bolster for head rest
- Machine washable cover
- Multiple sizes for all sighthounds
- Very affordable
What could be better:
- Foam may compress over time
- May need replacement yearly
- Not as thick as premium beds
Sizing: Medium (30" x 20") to Jumbo (44" x 35")
Price: $
Best for: Budget option, Whippets, everyday use, good value
Best for Warmth: Best Friends Calming Donut Bed
Sighthounds who curl up tightly to stay warm love these cozy donut beds. See our donut beds guide.
What we love:
- Cozy, warm nest design
- Raised edges retain heat
- Super soft materials
- Sighthounds love to curl in them
- Machine washable
- Affordable
What could be better:
- Not orthopedic
- Fill compresses over time
- May be small for Greyhounds
Sizing: 36" for Whippets, 45" for Greyhounds
Price: $
Best for: Cold sighthounds, curlers, cozy sleepers, warmth-seekers
Best Memory Foam: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
Quality memory foam contours to bony sighthound bodies perfectly.
What we love:
- 4-inch memory foam
- Contours to body shape
- Reduces pressure points
- Water-resistant liner
- Bolstered sides for head rest
- Quality construction
What could be better:
- May need extra blanket for warmth
- Higher price point
- Memory foam can be cool
Sizing: Large (36" x 28"), XL (44" x 34")
Price: $$
Best for: Pressure point relief, joint support, quality-focused owners
Best Heated Option: K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper
For sighthounds who need extra warmth, heated beds make a huge difference. See our heated beds guide.
What we love:
- Built-in heating element
- Perfect for cold sighthounds
- Soft, snuggly design
- Thermostatically controlled
- Removable heater for washing
- Helps thin-coated dogs stay warm
What could be better:
- Requires electrical outlet
- Cord management needed
- May be too warm in summer
Sizing: Medium and Large
Price: $$
Best for: Very cold dogs, winter warmth, older sighthounds, thin-coated dogs
Best for Burrowers: Snoozer Cozy Cave Bed
Many sighthounds love to burrow under blankets. Cave beds are perfect. See our cave beds guide.
What we love:
- Satisfies burrowing instinct
- Provides warmth (important for sighthounds)
- Cozy, enclosed feeling
- Sighthounds love them
- Quality construction
- Self-warming from body heat
What could be better:
- Premium pricing
- Some dogs need time to learn
- May be small for large Greyhounds
Sizing: Small (25") for Whippets, Large (35") for Greyhounds
Price: $$
Best for: Burrowing sighthounds, warmth-seekers, dogs who love blankets
Best Budget Option: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
Basic orthopedic support at entry-level pricing. See our Bedsure review.
What we love:
- Very affordable
- Egg-crate foam support
- Removable, washable cover
- Non-slip bottom
- Multiple sizes
- Good starter bed
What could be better:
- Less cushioning than premium beds
- Foam compresses faster
- May need extra padding for bony dogs
Sizing: Multiple sizes available
Price: $
Best for: Budget option, secondary beds, adding blankets on top
Best Premium Quality: Orvis Memory Foam Bolster Bed
Premium quality with the bolster design sighthounds love. See our Orvis review.
What we love:
- High-quality memory foam
- Perfect bolster for sighthound heads
- Durable, long-lasting
- Comfortable and supportive
- Quality materials throughout
- Multiple sizes
What could be better:
- Premium price
- May need added warmth
- Limited style options
Sizing: Medium to XL
Price: $$$
Best for: Quality-focused owners, long-term investment, premium comfort
Why Sighthounds Need Special Beds
The Body Fat Issue
Most dogs have body fat that provides natural cushioning. Sighthounds have almost none - they're bred to be lean and fast. This means:
- Bones are close to the skin surface
- Pressure points have no natural padding
- Hard surfaces cause pain and sores
- They need external cushioning that other dogs don't
The Temperature Problem
Without body fat and with thin, single-layer coats:
- They lose heat rapidly
- They feel cold even at room temperature
- Drafts affect them significantly
- They seek warm spots constantly
The Pressure Sore Risk
Greyhounds especially (particularly ex-racers) are prone to:
- Elbow calluses
- Hock sores
- Hip pressure points
- Chest bone sensitivity
Quality, thick beds prevent these issues.
Sighthound Sleeping Habits
The "roach" position - Sighthounds often sleep on their backs with legs in the air. It looks uncomfortable but they love it. Ensure beds are wide enough for sprawling.
Curling tightly - When cold, they curl into the tightest ball possible to conserve heat. Donut and cave beds work perfectly for this.
Seeking warmth - They'll find sunny spots, warm laps, and the coziest beds. Provide warm options.
Nesting - Many sighthounds arrange blankets before lying down. Provide blankets they can burrow under or arrange.
Social sleeping - Sighthounds often want to sleep near their people. Place beds in common areas.
Bed Placement for Sighthounds
Away from drafts - Even slight airflow makes them cold. Avoid spots near doors, windows, or vents.
Near warmth - By (not on) radiators, in sunny spots, or in warm rooms.
Near family - They're social dogs who want to be with their people.
Multiple beds - Consider beds in several rooms so they can always be comfortable and near you.
Preventing Pressure Sores
Ex-racing Greyhounds especially may already have calluses or be prone to pressure sores. Prevent them with:
Thick bedding - Minimum 4 inches of quality foam, ideally more.
Soft surfaces only - Never let them sleep on hard floors.
Regular checking - Examine elbows, hocks, and hips for developing sores.
Rotation - Help them change positions if they lie in one spot too long.
Veterinary care - Address any sores promptly before they worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bed does a Greyhound need?
Greyhounds (60-80 lbs) need Large to XL beds, typically 42-50 inches. They're long dogs who like to stretch out. Measure your Greyhound lying down and add 8-10 inches.
Do Greyhounds need special beds?
Yes. Their lack of body fat and thin coats mean they need thicker cushioning and more warmth than most breeds. Standard beds often don't provide enough padding for their bony bodies.
Why is my Greyhound always cold?
Greyhounds have almost no body fat and thin, single-layer coats - they're built for speed, not insulation. Provide warm beds, blankets, and even coats in cold weather.
Are heated beds safe for Greyhounds?
Yes, when thermostatically controlled. Many Greyhounds benefit greatly from heated beds, especially in winter. Choose beds with automatic temperature regulation.
What about Whippets - do they need the same beds?
Yes, Whippets have the same needs as Greyhounds (minimal fat, thin coats) just in a smaller size. Choose Medium-Large beds with thick cushioning and warmth.
Why does my sighthound burrow under blankets?
They're seeking warmth. With almost no insulation from body fat or thick coats, burrowing is their way of creating a warm microclimate. Provide cave beds or plenty of blankets.
Do ex-racing Greyhounds have special bed needs?
They may have existing calluses or pressure points from kennel life. Extra-thick beds help prevent further damage. Check elbows and hocks regularly and provide the cushiest bed possible.
Final Verdict
Sighthounds need more cushioning and warmth than most breeds. Don't skimp on padding - their bony bodies require serious comfort.
For Greyhounds: Big Barker provides the thick cushioning these large sighthounds need.
For Whippets: FurHaven Plush Orthopedic offers good value in appropriate sizes.
For cold dogs: Best Friends Donut or Snoozer Cozy Cave provides warmth.
For very cold dogs: K&H Thermo-Snuggly adds heat when needed.
Always provide blankets alongside any bed - sighthounds love to nest and burrow for warmth.
For more options, explore our orthopedic beds guide, heated beds guide, cave beds guide, and calming beds guide.
Looking for other breed guides? See our recommendations for Great Danes (another large, lean breed), Chihuahuas (similar warmth needs), and Boxers.
Top reviews
We’ve paused the on-page review box for now because we were getting too many spam submissions. If you’d like to share your experience, please send it through our contact form and I’ll add it manually. Thanks for understanding — genuine feedback really helps other dog owners. John Henry
