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The Best Dog Beds for Large Breeds

Candace Osmond

There’s something about looking at our dogs that just makes us want to squish their cheeks and cuddle and pet them all the time. If you don’t do that, what kind of dog owner are you, anyway?

However, dogs are more than just our loyal best friends, they are living creatures that need comfort just as much as we do. If you wouldn’t let your human best friend sleep on the floor, why would you let your dog? That’s why today, we’ll be focusing on some of the coziest and comforting beds for our large furry companions.

1. Big Barker Dog Bed – Editor's Choice

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  • Available Sizes: Large (40 x 30 x 7 inches); Extra Large (52 x 36 x 7 inches); Giant (60 x 48 x 7 inches)
  • Weight: 13.16 pounds (for the Large model)
  • Type: pillow top orthopedic bed

2. Best Friends by Sheri Luxury Donut Cuddler

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  • Available Sizes: 23 x 23 inches, 30 x 30 inches, 36 x 36 inches, 45 x 45 inches
  • Weight: 6 pounds (for the 45 x 45 inch model)
  • Type: faux fur donut bed

3. BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed

  • Available Sizes: Medium (32 x 22 inches); Large (40 x 30 inches)
  • Weight: 9.39 pounds (for the Large size)
  • Type: orthopedic nest bed

4. eLuxurySupply Dog Bed

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  • Available Sizes: Small (22 x 27 inches); Medium (27 x 36 inches); Large (36 x 45 inches)
  • Weight: 8 pounds (for the Large model)
  • Type: orthopedic bed

5. KOPEKS Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

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  • Available Sizes: Small (25 x 20 x 3.5 inches), Large (35 x 28 x 5.5 inches), Jumbo XL (50 x 34 x 7 inches)
  • Weight: 15.6 pounds (for the Jumbo XL size)
  • Type: orthopedic bed

6. Aspen Pet Self Warming Beds

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  • Available Sizes: 24 x 20 inches, 30 x 24 inches, 35 x 27 inches
  • Weight: 1.76 pounds (for the 35 x 27 inch model)
  • Type: rectangular lounge bed

Top 6 Best Dog Beds for Large Breeds Reviews

We’ve reviewed the best dog beds for Great Danes, Retrievers, Greyhounds, and more!

1. Big Barker Dog Bed – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Available Sizes: Large (40 x 30 x 7 inches); Extra Large (52 x 36 x 7 inches); Giant (60 x 48 x 7 inches)
  • Weight: 13.16 pounds (for the Large model)
  • Type: pillow top orthopedic bed

Pros

  • Available Sizes: Large (40 x 30 x 7 inches); Extra Large (52 x 36 x 7 inches); Giant (60 x 48 x 7 inches)
  • Weight: 13.16 pounds (for the Large model)
  • Type: pillow top orthopedic bed

Cons

  • Too firm for small dogs.
  • Doesn’t have a waterproof liner.

If your big dog would love to rest on top of a comfortable and supportive dog bed, here’s a product that has literally gathered thousands of positive reviews. Made with seven inches of therapeutic foam, this dog bed is aimed at providing comfort and durability for your pet. The surface of the bed measures two inches in thickness and is made with H10 comfort foam.

The layer is also replicated at the base of the bed, with another two inches in thickness. Between them lies a three-inch layer of high-density foam, for added comfort and support. The bed is constructed in such a way as to be suitable for dogs of all ages, including older ones that suffer from joint pain and need something comfortable to rest upon.

The construction of the bed also manages to distribute your dog’s weight evenly across the surface of the bed, eliminating pressure points. The open cell structure of the foam allows air to pass through the bed, preventing your dog from feeling any discomfort caused by excessive heat.

The cover is made from non-shrink microfiber and can easily be removed and thrown in the washing machine for cleaning. The high-quality of the bed is also depicted by the elimination of off-gassing, which means that your dog is shielded from any nasty chemicals that are typically used in constructing such a bed. There are three different sizes to choose from, all of them suitable for large and extra-large dog breeds, ranging from Golden Retrievers to Great Danes.

2. Best Friends by Sheri Luxury Donut Cuddler

Highlights

  • Available Sizes: 23 x 23 inches, 30 x 30 inches, 36 x 36 inches, 45 x 45 inches
  • Weight: 6 pounds (for the 45 x 45 inch model)
  • Type: faux fur donut bed

Pros

  • Suitable for small and large dog breeds alike.
  • Faux fur is very soft to the touch.
  • The bottom side is water resistant.

Cons

  • Center of the bed does not have enough padding/cushioning.

Truth be told, I’d sleep in this thing myself considering how fluffy and cozy it looks. The faux shag fur does an excellent job of providing that comfortable and relaxing feeling that our dogs deserve as much as we do. The material is self-warming, which is always a nice touch on a cold winter night and surely beats the alternative of having to sleep on the kitchen floor. The deep crevices will allow your dog to burrow comfortably, without you having to worry about any damage. While the faux fur is certainly very comfortable, the bed is not a suitable choice for dogs that have the habit of chewing, as they may ingest the fabric.

The round shape of the bed is defined by a raised rim that provides head support for your dog to comfortably rest his neck upon. The zippered shell can be removed, exposing the inner cushions for easier cleaning. The shell is finished with a water-resistant bottom, to prevent your floor from getting wet in case of an accident.

3. BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed

Highlights

  • Available Sizes: Medium (32 x 22 inches); Large (40 x 30 inches)
  • Weight: 9.39 pounds (for the Large size)
  • Type: orthopedic nest bed

Pros

  • Cotton padded walls, for added neck and head support.
  • The thick orthopedic foam that prevents the dog from touching the floor.
  • Anti-slip rubber backing prevents the bed from sliding on the floor.
  • The cover is easy to remove and clean.

Cons

  • The fabric is not that durable if your dog is a nester.

We’re absolutely in love with this nest-type dog bed from BarksBar. Wondering what makes it so special? First off, we like the choice of orthopedic foam that provides a very high level of cushioning and pressure point relief. The walls are also cotton padded, fully supporting the neck and the head of your doggo. The cover is quilted and can be washed in the machine after removal. The backing of the bed is made with non-slip rubber, to make sure that your dog can toss and turn as much as he likes without sliding the bed on the floor.

Upon delivery, you will have to insert the foam padding in the base of the bed and zip it shut. The bed is comfortable enough for those, even those who suffer from joint pains or are old and need added comfort because of their limited mobility. The bed is basically made with ultra-soft cotton padding on the sides and a base made with 3.5 inches of orthopedic foam. This prevents your dog from touching the floor even if we’re talking about a large breed.

4. eLuxurySupply Dog Bed

Highlights

  • Available Sizes: Small (22 x 27 inches); Medium (27 x 36 inches); Large (36 x 45 inches)
  • Weight: 8 pounds (for the Large model)
  • Type: orthopedic bed

Pros

  • Comes with a water resistant encasement for the gel layer.
  • Available in ten different patterns.
  • The cover can be removed and cleaned.
  • Thick profile offers a lot of support.

Cons

  • The bed can be a bit too firm for some dogs
  • The outer cover is not waterproof.

Y’all ready for yet another orthopedic bed that’s a smashing success amongst dog owners? The eLuxurySupply bod bed sports no less than five inches of comfortable nesting for your four-legged friend. The top layer features two inches of orthopedic gel-enhanced memory foam, which acts both as a comfort layer, but also as a cooling method. You may recognize the gel infusion from modern memory foam mattresses. Next, there is a three-inch layer of foam that acts as the base of the mattress, giving your dog the support he needs.

The cover is made of cotton and can be removed and washes in the machine. Remember to wash it in cold water and tumble dry low, to prevent any shrinking that could render the cover useless. The gel foam layer is protected by a waterproof encasement, to keep the bed safe from any wet accidents. The bed is available in ten different patterns, to match your interior design. The manufacturer provides a 90 days money back guarantee, just in case you are not happy with the bed’s performance and would like a full refund.

5. KOPEKS Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

Highlights

  • Available Sizes: Small (25 x 20 x 3.5 inches), Large (35 x 28 x 5.5 inches), Jumbo XL (50 x 34 x 7 inches)
  • Weight: 15.6 pounds (for the Jumbo XL size)
  • Type: orthopedic bed

Pros

  • Has an elevated edge that acts as a pillow.
  • Made with seven inches of therapeutic foam.
  • Has an anti-slip bottom made from rubber?
  • Cover made with soft suede.

Cons

  • Rubber discs on the bottom of the bed come off during washing.

As you may have noticed, most of the best beds for large dog breeds are orthopedic. Ever wondered why? That’s because larger dogs need firmer beds, with more solid constructions, that are able to relieve pressure points as best as they can. It’s the same mechanism applied to heavyweight people who need a firmer bed. The KOPEKS dog bed has received its fair share of praise. The outer cover of the bed is made with micro-suede, which is very soft and pleasant to the touch. This alone was a dog magnet, as happy owners have reported.

The water-resistant inner liner provides double protection against wet accidents. Plus, you can easily remove it and clean it. The foam that’s used inside the bed is hypoallergenic and provides both comfort and support for the doggo to comfortably rest each time. There’s also an anti-slip rubber bottom to prevent the bed from sliding as your dog fusses in his sleep.

6. Aspen Pet Self Warming Beds

Highlights

  • Available Sizes: 24 x 20 inches, 30 x 24 inches, 35 x 27 inches
  • Weight: 1.76 pounds (for the 35 x 27 inch model)
  • Type: rectangular lounge bed

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable, great for moving around and taking on trips.
  • Heat-reflecting bed keeps your pet warm and comfy.
  • Features an anti-slip bottom.
  • Made with faux lamb wool, for softness and comfort.
  • Features elevated walls, that provide a sense of security.

Cons

  • Even the largest size is too small for some large breed dogs.

The last item on the list is this extremely cozy rectangular lounger. It is suitable for some large dog breeds, but keep in mind that their biggest model measures only 35 x 27 x 11 inches. Why did we add this bed to our review round-up list? Well, we were quite attracted to its interior layer that turns this into a self-warming bed. This means that it reflects your dog’s body heat and keeps the bed warm and your dog happy. Because of its shape and elevated edges, this bed is more suitable for dogs who like to curl up instead of a stretch when sleeping.

The bottom side features a non-slip material that prevents the bed from moving on the floor. Because it’s lightweight, the bed is also extremely portable, which means that you can always throw it in the trunk of your car when you’re traveling with your furry companion, but you can also move it easily from one room to another, if your dog prefers to switch rooms from time to time.

Of, and what’s really heartwarming is discovering how many people got the smaller version of the bed for their cat and had their dog sleeping in it eventually.

Choosing the Ultimate Bed for Your Dog

Before purchasing a mattress for yourself, you take some time to do research and analyze your current needs vs the products that are currently available on the market. You take into consideration variables such as your height, your weight, the materials needed if you have any medical issues or not and so forth. You should pretty much follow the same steps in determining which is the best bed for your large breed dog. Of course, most manufacturers will specify what types of breed their beds are destined for, but you should already have all the data necessary to make an informed purchase.

• Measuring

The first step requires you measuring your dog. When choosing a mattress for yourself, you are pretty familiar with the universal sizes and measurements of each type of bed, but this is not something available for dogs as well. To get the most accurate measurements, use a measuring tape and stretch it from the of your dog’s nose and all the way to the base of the tail. Just to be safe, add an extra ten inches, so your dogs can have space to move around. The resulting number should be the length of the dog’s bed. Of course, the width of the product is also important. Grab the measuring tape again and measure your dog from one shoulder to another, at the widest point. Add another six to twelve inches and write down the resulting number. This is how wide your dog’s bed should be.

• Sleeping Style

If you were to choose a mattress for yourself, you would do so by considering your favorite sleeping position. A mattress that’s suitable for a stomach sleeper will be too firm for a side sleeper. The same thing goes for your dog: you will have to analyze his favorite sleeping position and considering it when buying a new dog bed. There are a lot of dogs that like to sleep in a curled position. They do so because it keeps them warm, but also because it provides a sense of safety. But if your dog likes to stretch out when he’s sleeping, you will obviously need a much bigger bed, preferably one without walls, as not to limit his space.

• Bed Fill & Cover

We can’t help but make another comparison between human mattresses and dog beds. That makes it easier to understand why all these factors carry even an important weight in determining what your dog’s future bed should be like. When you buy a mattress for yourself, the construction is super important. Different materials have different advantages and disadvantages that you’ll benefit from or be drawn back by, and a dog bed isn’t that different in this aspect either.

Dogs beds are typically filled with foam or polyester filling and have covers made from materials that range from microfiber, faux suede, faux fur, wool, fleece or flannel. If at all possible, try to look for covers that are waterproof or at least water resistant. This will prevent the bed from being damaged by wet accidents, and it will keep it protected from moist that could eventually lead to the apparition of mold.

The Bottom Line 

Today, finding a good bed for your dog online is way easier than it used to be. It sometimes beats the hassle of having to walk from a pet store to pet store. Every large manufacturer provides a very detailed list of specs that give you all the information you need to make a solid purchasing decision. If you have a large breed dog, an orthopedic bed is your best option. These bed helps remove pressure points and prevent joint and muscle pains. They are also firmer and provide large dogs with better support.