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We put dog beds from Big Barker, Casper, PetFusion, and others through rigorous testing to find the most supportive and comfortable options for your pups
Looking for the best dog bed for your pup? After researching dozens of options, we selected 13 top models to test side-by-side. Our lifelong dog lovers asked their canine companions to get cozy, from naps in the sun to sleeping through the night. And because none of our dogs speak English (or Español, for that matter!), we got onto the beds ourselves, considering each model's support and comfort. We spent weeks testing the beds around our homes and even packed them into a Volkswagen Van while road-tripping across Colorado, assessing their durability. And finally, we cleaned — or attempted to clean — each bed. So, whether your dog loves fluffy bedding or a firm, supportive platform, we've found some great options for your best friend.
Our favorite dog bed overall is the Casper Dog Bed. This model offers firm support, scratch-proof material, and a modern design to blend in with your decor. For larger breeds, we recommend the Big Barker 7" Headrest Edition, which is designed specifically for the largest pups, offering the support they need. Dog owners looking for a good value might find the inexpensive and lightweight Bedsure Orthopedic Foam has what your furry friend needs.
Machine washable, waterproof base, pup can curl up or stretch out
Cons
Flattens after weeks of use, needs reshaping after washing, not resistant to fluids
Requires reshaping, lower quality
Limited size and color options, expensive
Tricky assembly, frame requires consistent tightening, canopy collects water
Expensive, not waterproof, collects dirt/hair
Runs small, cover material shows hair, reports of zipper failure
Not waterproof, shallow bolsters, stiff feel
Not waterproof, Sherpa material collects hair, inner foam not washable
Doesn't support weight without flattening, cheap zipper quality
Not waterproof, poor quality zipper
Mesh stretches, harder for arthritic dogs to get on and off
Thin cover, difficult to reassemble, not waterproof
Deep crevices collect dirt and hair easily, not supportive for arthritic dogs, must be washed in an oversized machine
Bottom Line
This bed is soft to the touch and adds extra comfort for the floor or inside of a crate and is light enough to roll up and take on the go
This doughnut-shaped plush bed meets the specific needs of little dogs that love curling up in soft and secure spaces
Lightweight, breathable, and transportable this bed packs down into a small tote and is great for someone who doesn't mind spending a little more for top quality
Easy for older dogs with stiff joints, this bed is affordable, comfortable, and great for indoor or outdoor use
A seriously supportive and amazingly comfortable bed for large breeds and pups that like to spread out
Senior dogs can drift into a deep sleep on this supportive mattress that cradles their stiff joints and offers waterproof protection over a memory foam core
A sleek, modern-designed dog bed with low bolsters that offers firm support for your dog
A reversible bed for all seasons with egg crate foam that retains its shape even under large paws
For dogs who like to rest their head on a bolster but also enjoy a good sprawl, this bed come with extra pillow support that does not crowd their sleeping surface
This rectangular-shaped bed is versatile and a great option for extra support on a raised bed or in a crate
For dogs that like the support of a bolster and the cooling airflow affect of an elevated platform, this bed is a clear winner
For dogs that seek the comfort and security of a 360-degree bolster, this bed checks all the boxes
This bed gives your dog a full range of motion with squishy bolsters that will satisfy a pup that splits lounge time between curling up and stretching out
The Big Barker 7" Headrest Edition offers unparalleled comfort for large breeds with seven inches of support and three layers of different foam densities. We were skeptical about this bed's claim to be “as comfortable as a human bed,” but our skepticism was unfounded — this bed will not flatten even under the paws of the largest pups. We employed help from a 70-year-old human and a Great Dane named Molly to take their naps on the Big Barker. Both man and dog alike experienced deep relaxation and plenty of support. The soft outer suede cover adds to this plush couch's softness, and zippers around three sides of the bottom make it uncomplicated to remove and throw in the washing machine. And though this giant bed only comes in three huge sizes, it's fetching enough to blend in with the rest of your furniture as your dog's personal sofa.
The Big Barker is potentially too big for small dogs unless you're looking to fit an entire pack, though a 4" Junior version is also available. Our main tester Ophelia, aka Ophi, is an 80-pound Pyrenees-Heeler who loves to stretch, and even she looked tiny laying on the smallest size of this model. The suede cover zips around the edges on the bottom of the bed, offering up the potential for the zipper to scratch wood flooring. Furthermore, the suede cover will require frequent washing if you have a dog that sheds or likes to lick their bed — Ophi does both! Replacing the cover after washing can be challenging, as the suede catches on the foam core. And for the price, we do wish the cover was waterproof. It resists soaking up liquids to a degree, but getting a fully waterproof cover will take another chunk of change out of your wallet. Flaws aside, the Big Barker is worth every penny if you have a large dog, especially a breed known for joint and mobility issues during old age. However, if the hassle of removing and washing the cover is a dealbreaker, direct your attention towards the MidWest Homes Deluxe Super Plush Bed instead. The entire bed is machine washable and dryer-safe.
80-pound Ophelia rests her bones on the smallest size of the Big Barker bed - with room to spare!
The Casper Dog Bed has something to offer just about any dog with its polished modern design. Inside this classy-looking bed is a memory foam core that provides excellent support for joints without being overly stiff. On the outside, a scratch-resistant suede lines the sleeping platform and bolsters. The suede is designed to replicate the feel of soft ground to satisfy the itch of dogs that like to perform a digging ritual before bedtime. The sidewalls have a thicker, woven canvas feel, and on-brand with the bed's sleek design, the zipper cover is hidden on the bottom. In general, the tight fit, quality materials, and discrete zipper make this bed harder for younger dogs to grab and chew. Also, unlike most bolsters, the low profile and firm support do not crowd the bed space; they are designed to rim the bed's edge without forcing your dog to use them. Finally, if your pup likes to stretch out, the bolsters are low enough that they can still hang a head or paw off the side.
If your dog is accident-prone, the Casper might not be the best choice because the memory foam core will soak up liquids. It is disappointing that waterproof proficiency doesn't come standard with this higher-quality bed. However, if you're looking to invest in a supportive platform for an older dog with bladder issues or a young leaky pup, this bed could be protected with a crib-sized waterproof mattress protector. The Casper is available in only three sizes, making this mattress less accommodating for incredibly petite or extra-large dogs. But if you need a firmer mattress for your four-legged friend that will not take away from the interior aesthetic of your home, this is a great choice. Still, if a waterproof bed is a must, the K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot may be more suitable for your pup.
Mumi, a 30-pound expert cuddler, typically enjoys the security of high-walled bolsters, surprising us by cozying up and enjoying the firm support of the low bolsters on the medium-sized Casper Bed.
The Bedsure Orthopedic Foam exceeded our expectations and quickly became our favorite egg-crate foam bed. This rectangular-shaped mattress provides plenty of support, even for big dogs with bony elbows. Regardless of our test bed being a size (or two!) smaller than recommended for 80-pound Ophelia, she returned to this bed again and again to take her afternoon snooze. The 3-inch thick foam base provided enough comfort on top of a hardwood floor to soothe Miss Ophelia's arthritic joints. The Bedsure is also perfect for traveling dogs because it's lightweight and easy to carry from the house to a crate, car, or even as extra insulation on a raised bed. The “sherpa” top is soft and fluffy, offering extra comfort and a touch of warmth. The bed is reversible, and the oxford side is cooling, smooth, and does a great job repelling spills and accidents while resisting stains. All of this for a very palatable price point? Yes, please.
The cover of the Bedsure is easily removable and machine washable. Unfortunately, the interior foam is not safe for the washer, but it is simple to run a vacuum across to remove any debris build-up. Still, if you don't like the looks of a dirty bed, the “sherpa” side of this bed could become high maintenance. It attracts just about any fiber or hair it comes into contact with and is the only side that isn't water-resistant. So, if your dog prefers sleeping on this fluffy surface, you'll sacrifice liquid protection. Also, the Bedsure only comes in larger sizes, making it an oversized option for smaller dogs. Still, we love this egg-crate bed for bigger dogs who need support but don't like the stiffer feel of a memory foam mattress. If an easy-to-clean, water-resistant option is more of what you're looking for, consider the supportive PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed instead.
Ophi's favorite beds are rectangular-shaped because they allow her to droop her head off the sides.
The Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Bed is an excellent bed for outdoor use. The vinyl-coated mesh canopy is cooling and comfortable to lay on without an extra blanket. This elevated bed is terrific for hot, dry climates, allowing airflow to circulate up and through the bed's bottom. The metal frame and mesh cot will not get moldy in humid climates, although it could rust around the pole seams. This bed especially comes in handy for rainier months, keeping your dog off the wet or muddy ground. It's also an excellent choice for elevating an interior dog bed for big dogs with joint mobility issues. It comes in a relatively wide range of sizes that can fit just about any dog — and it's less expensive than a lot of the competition.
The tight weave of the Amazon Basics Elevated Bed is soft and smooth, but our testing revealed it easily holds onto water. We had to dump puddles off its surface before convincing our canine tester to use the bed after monsoons in the mountains of Southwest Colorado. The feet slide around hardwood floors and decking more than other contenders, so using it as an elevating platform indoors requires a mat or something extra to keep it in place. The feet work best on solid ground like a patio or balcony for outdoor use — we found that the weight of an 80-pound dog was enough to push the feet into the soft earth after rain. If you have wiggle room in your budget, we also like the elevated K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot. It offers skid-free rubber feet and a waterproof bolster, among other things. Also, we recommend keeping the hex key (included) for the Amazon Basics Elevated Bed nearby because ours needed tightening after several weeks of use. Overall, we found that the pros of this elevated bed outweigh the cons, and we're psyched about its high value.
Ophelia is Queen Bee on this large Amazon Basics raised bed; she keeps cool while guarding her kingdom.
Combining the best of an elevated bed with a traditional comfy design, the K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot is a unique option among the competition. This distinctive doggy cot raises your pup above hot surfaces heated by the summer sun without sacrificing cozy places to rest their head or paws. The three-sided waterproof bolster is excellent for dogs who love to snuggle into corners. For watchdogs who enjoy a 360-degree view, remove the bolsters to transform this bed into a traditional cot. With softer mesh, the K&H Cot provides an all-around comfortable space for your dog to relax outside. Despite this softer feel, we had no issues during our durability testing.
Despite the many great features, this crossover bed is currently only available in dark color schemes. We like the look, but the deeper hues absorb heat from the sun considerably more than lighter-colored beds. Should you need a breathable option for the outdoors that you can also bring inside, Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Bed is another elevated bed we recommend. Cleaning the K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot is also more challenging because of the bolster sides. The removable bolster pillows can be machine-washed, but the cot needs more care than a simple hose-spraying. But altogether, we found a lot to enjoy about this cozy elevated bed during our tests, and our canine testers have indicated that they adore it too.
Geneva, a 60-pound Bernese/Border Collie mix, found the large K&H Pet Cot to be the perfect fit and a great place to rest in the shade
The PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed is a dream package for older, accident-prone dogs who need extra support. Its solid 4-inch memory foam base is supportive, and the 5-inch bolsters encircle most of the bed, leaving a small opening for your dog to climb in and out. The exterior fabric feels like a worn-in pair of jeans (in a good way) and does an impressive job repelling water and other liquids. An additional waterproof liner protects the foam base from soaking up anything your dog may be unable to hold in; just make sure the zipper flap is facing down to maintain waterproofing across that area. The exterior cover is easy to remove, clean, and replace and is more durable against diggers' claws than most other beds.
All this durability comes at a bit of a cost. The memory foam base is very supportive but also on the stiff side and may not be ideal for dogs who prefer soft, plush surfaces. The bed we purchased recommended adding an old blanket or pillow to make it more comfortable. Although practical advice, it's disappointing when you've already paid so much for a bed. The few neutral colors available are solid, and their canvas-like texture puts dog hair, dirt, and slobber on full display. The bolsters are supportive, but they also infringe upon the bed's size, and the inside is smaller than expected. Our 80-pound canine tester would have preferred the 44" XL over the 36" Large we tested. Caveats aside, we still find the PetFusion a great option if you need liquid protection. Still, if you're going to splurge, we recommend getting one of the comfiest beds for your furry friend and opting for the Big Barker 7" Headrest Edition. Not only is it plush, but it's also designed with large dogs in mind.
This little angel is pushing the limit for a large bed; Ophi is about the size of a Golden Retriever and better suited for the X-Large size.
Credit: Liz Nelson
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Daisy Mae enjoys the extra warmth of the 36" Midwest Homes Bed on top of her K&H Elevated Bed (large) on a cool, crisp autumn morning.
Credit: Liz Nelson
How We Tested
This review compiles months of research and testing. We studied verified customer reports and spent many hours researching top contenders. After making our final selection, we determined our testing metrics and compared the products side-by-side. We not only considered their construction but spent hours lounging on each one — both dog and human testers sat, laid, and jumped on every bed.
Our friend Kristi tries out the Barkbox Orthopedic'c cooling memory foam in front of a warm fire, this bed comes with a “pea” and a crown claiming that if your dog can feel the lump of the pea through the foam they are in fact a princess.
Credit: Liz Nelson
From there, the dogs shed and dragged dirt across them while the humans tried valiantly to clean them. We tested durability both indoors and out, determined which ones stayed put on hardwood floors, and measured their usable surfaces. From supportive platforms to squishy cushions, we teased apart the best and worst parts of every model to help you determine which one is best for your canine companion. Our comprehensive tests were divided across five rating metrics:
Support (30% of overall score weighting)
Feel (30% weighting)
Ease of Cleaning (20% weighting)
Durability (10% weighting)
Versatility (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is the result of a team effort by Senior Review Editors, Liz Nelson, Maggie Nichols, and Sarah Sherman, along with their canine companions. Our main dog tester this round was Ophelia, a.k.a. “Ophi,” a 13-year-old 80-pound Pyrenees-Heeler. Originally feral, Ophi now spends her time traveling the Four Corners region with her human, and enjoys curling up on the desert floor or in fresh snow. Ophi took some time to warm up to all the beds, but after weeks of testing, you can now find her stretched out on a rectangular-shaped bed or a bolster bed half her size. We also enlisted the help of several dog friends, including Mumi, the Polish-trained little rascal who loves a good bolster; Daisy, who resembles a Japanese Tanuki and has never slept on a bed; and Genny, the friendly Bernese mix who spends half her time on the floor and the other half laying on her human's bed.
Ophi loves the soft fluffy exterior of the MidWest Homes Deluxe, even when she has a whole lineup to choose from.
The Amazon Basics Elevated bed is excellent for outdoor and patio use; however, keep in mind that the weight of a big dog may cause the bed's feet to sink into softer ground.
To test support, dogs and humans alike stepped on and laid in each bed.
Analysis and Test Results
Joint pain and mobility issues in aging dogs are more common in bigger breeds than in smaller ones. With that in mind, we specifically aimed our research and testing at more supportive beds with size options for larger breeds — though almost every bed we tested is available in appropriate small-dog sizes as well. To ensure that our comparisons are consistent, we highlighted five different metrics during our testing and pitted each bed side-by-side through various real-world and laboratory tests.
What's the Best Value?
We define value as the balance between price and performance. In testing performance, we heavily relied on our main canine tester Ophelia, an 80-pound senior dog with arthritic back legs and stiff hindquarters. She tested all the dog beds in this review, returning to the same two beds more than the rest. Her favorite models happened to be two of the lowest-priced beds in the lineup: the Bedsure Orthopedic Foam and the MidWest Homes Deluxe Super Plush Bed. The Bedsure offers more support with an egg-crate interior foam core; however, the MidWest brings added convenience by being entirely machine washable. We are impressed by the functionality of these affordable options. Both models offer versatility with various uses, from your dog's main bed to extra support in a crate, car, or on top of a raised bed.
Ophelia prefers the plush fabric on the MidWest bed over the hardwood.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Support
To test for support, we considered the construction of each bed, the number of pieces involved, and how conducive the mattress is to the many ways dogs like to lay. Next, we measured the thickness of each bed and tested them through hours of napping to discover how their support holds up over time. We also used every bolster and side support to gauge their usefulness. Finally, we coaxed dogs onto every bed to determine how long they were willing to rest on it and if they appreciated and used the extra support structures. No surprise, memory foam-based beds provide more support than those filled with polyester fluff or regular foam.
The Big Barker is the clear winner in this metric. This enormous bed is seven inches thick and is comprised of three foam layers to support even the heaviest dogs. In addition, the Headrest Edition that we tested has a single bolster on one end made of the same foam material as the base, offering exceptional support for a whole night's sleep. Our big dogs loved the rest they got on this monstrous bed, and even our human testers enjoyed napping on it.
Ophelia is 80 pounds and almost 13 years old - the Big Barker soothes her arthritic joints and allows her to experience deep relaxation and sleep throughout the night.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Featuring 4.5" of memory foam bedding with shallow bolsters on all four sides, the Casper Dog Bed offers firm support with a sleek and modern aesthetic. The top layer consists of scratchproof material designed to replicate the feeling of pawing at loose earth (yes, really). After their circling and scratching ritual, these hybrid-like bolsters allow your dog to snuggle up in the corners of the bed or lay their head over the bolster for firm neck support. It is no surprise a mattress company can help lead the way in engineering a dog bed with joint mobility in mind. Another strong contender for supreme support is The PetFusion Ultimate. Though its base is just four inches thick, it continued to support even a human tester after months of loitering. It also has thickly stuffed bolsters that offer excellent and reliable support for your dog's head or paws.
Mumi is a dog who we thought needed high bolsters but she found the firm support of the Casper Bed to be irrestiable.
Ophi is usually a fan of rectangular beds without bolsters; however, she loves curling up on the memory foam platform with the extra securitry of the Pet Fusion bolsters.
If your dog enjoys the extra support and security of nestling into the sidewalls of a bed, the BarksBar Orthopedic and Best Friends Donut are also notable, with large, supportive bolsters, with the BarksBar being the sturdiest of the two. One tester has owned the BarksBar for 3 years now, and even with daily use by a 55 lb husky, it's still as supportive as it was on day one. Unfortunately, these two beds may not be the best choice for dogs who enjoy a good sprawl — for that, we'd recommend the Bedsure Orthopedic. The Big Barker Headrest Edition (which we tested) or the bolster-free Sleek Edition are also more conducive to sprawling, though keep in mind that they are a full 7 inches off the ground.
The BarksBar Orthopedic has multiple textures that feel great and high bolsters that keep dogs warm on cold winter nights.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Feel
To ensure comfort, a dog bed must be supportive, it's true. But it also has to feel good. We considered various comfort aspects for testing this metric, including the fabric, squishiness, temperature regulation, available sleep configurations, and general happiness experienced sitting and lying in each bed. Some beds are great for certain types of sleepers, while others can accommodate a more significant range of doggy preferences.
The Big Barker has a pleasant suede feeling and a squishy top layer of foam that makes it comfortable to lay in. It compresses enough to make it cozy without going so far as to be a warming bed. The single bolster on the Headrest Edition provides a pillow on one end while leaving all other sides free to sprawl. With a similarly comfortable top layer and soft cover, the Furhaven Sofa Bed has three bolsters along the edges that don't crowd the sleep surface and allow your dog to sprawl out.
The FurHaven offers three bolsters with a crevice-free seam between the bolster and bed that is easy to keep clean and does not crowd the sleeping platform.
Credit: Liz Nelson
The BarksBar is another great-feeling bed. Much like the Furhaven, it has a furry-feeling platform for your dog to snuggle into with surrounding soft suede bolsters. The Bedsure offers a “sherpa” side that feels like fluffy fleece, and its egg crate foam interior is squishier than most memory foam models, providing a comfortable sleeping surface for many picky dogs. Also notable is the MidWest Homes Deluxe, with super soft faux fur covering the entire sleeping surface. It's silky smooth to the touch, while the polyester filling squishes into place to cradle your dog to sleep.
Mumi enjoys lounging on soft things, and this MidWest Homes Deluxe Super Plus Bed is perfect for use in a car, on the floor, or on top of another bed to make your dog's favorite spots a little comfier.
Credit: Liz Nelson
A few beds stand out on both ends of the thermometer if temperature regulation is your number one priority. The Majestic Pet Bagel, Best Friends Original Calming Donut, and BarksBar Orthopedic all have giant bolsters that wrap around the entire bed to trap heat on cold days. They're excellent options for dogs who live in cool climates and like to curl up.
At 30 pounds, Mumi was our smallest tester dog and felt safest inside the protective walls of a bolster. The Best Friends Original Calming Donut 30" is the perfect bed to keep her safe and warm.
Credit: Liz Nelson
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the K&H Pet Cot, Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Bed, and Helinox Elevated Dog Cot allow even the slightest breeze to flow under your pet. All three of these beds support your pup with thin, cot-like material that feels great on a hot day, and the K&H even has comfortable bolsters on three sides for added versatility. Here again, the Bedsure stands out as a best-of-both-worlds option. It features a fluffy “sherpa” side that adds warmth during colder months and a canvas-y oxford side that helps keep your pup a little cooler when things heat up. Also, we found the Bedsure works great as extra insulation on top of an elevated bed.
Ophi enjoys the softness and warmth of the Bedsure Orthopedic on top of the Helinox Pet Cot on a chilly morning.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Ease of Cleaning
Unless you have a hypoallergenic dog, your furry friend likely sheds all over the place. They probably also drag dirt and wetness from outside the house indoors. Our canine companions spend half their day sleeping, and as our most loyal companions, they deserve to have a clean and safe place to rest. After a month of doggy use and several waterproof tests, we determined how easy each bed was to clean. We read the directions from each manufacturer, considered how difficult they were to follow, and forged ahead. We noted which beds produce an odor, which collect hair, and which need to be carted to the laundromat or washed by hand. While cleaning covers and foam, we noted which were easiest to pull apart and put back together. Most beds we tested have removable covers that are machine washable on a gentle cycle. However, memory foam foundations are universally handwash only — and difficult to truly get clean.
The Amazon Basics Elevated Pad and Helinox Dog Cot are very straightforward beds to clean. Both these cot-like platforms are simple to hand clean or hose off on the deck, and they don't need to be taken apart and dry quickly in the sun. The K&H Pet Cot requires the added step of removing the bolster before spraying it off. The MidWest Homes Deluxe and the Best Friends Calming Donut are by far the two easiest beds to clean. Toss the entire bed into a front loading washer and then into the dryer after that. Super simple and hassle-free.
Stuffing the MidWest Deluxe straight into your washing machine at home makes this one of the easiest beds to clean.
Credit: Liz Nelson
To help protect the inner foam bed from accidents, the Bedsure is water resistant on one side. However, the fluffy “sherpa” side offers no liquid protection. The PetFusion Ultimate is the most liquid-resistant bed we tested. The outer cover beads liquids readily, and an inner liner helps keep the foam core from collecting stains and odors. Though it has bolsters that require an extra step to remove and replace when you need to launder the cover, they're some of the simplest to contend with.
The PetFusion Ultimate offers some of the best liquid resistance of any bed we tested. Both the exterior and the inner liner help keep messes at bay.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Though we don't typically dwell on the under-performers, sometimes one is so outstanding that its shortcomings are worth mentioning. In this case, two beds we tested are challenging to clean, but for different reasons. The Majestic Pet Bagel has deep crevices between the bed and bolsters that are a giant trap for fur and debris. The bottom material of the Pet Bagel is waterproof; however, if your dog has an accident, it will soak through the cover and into the polyester filling. While you can toss the entire bed in the washer, the Large 40" we tested is far too large for most home machines and so may require a trip to the laundromat. Easier to clean at home, the BarksBar Orthopedic cover comes off, but the effort needed to do this is monumental. Removing the bolsters requires jamming a thick section of this inner tube of stuffing through a skinny hole at the front of the bed where the bolster is half the size. Why the zipper ends there, we have no idea. It's impressively tricky to shove the bolster through this opening, making it one of our least favorites to clean.
The BarksBar has two zippers; one for the bed platform and a two-way zipper around the bolster. The two-way zipper is a bit confusing and requires a little extra concentration than one might expect.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Durability
A long-lasting dog bed is essential, especially considering the investment larger-size beds can require. To a degree, durability depends on your dog's habits, but some beds are innately more durable than others. Therefore, we rate each bed's exterior toughness and the quality of its internal materials to determine which are up to the task of being a long-term companion for your hound.
Know Your Dog
No dog bed is truly indestructible. Puppies are accident-prone, and new dogs often destroy things as they settle into new homes. Therefore, If you have a dog under two years old or that has been with you for less than a year, we recommend NOT buying an expensive bed initially.
Even well-behaved adult dogs can be unintentionally destructive. Spinning in circles before laying down or digging and pulling on beds to rearrange them will lower even the most durable beds' life expectancy. If your dog partakes in these behaviors, try putting down a blanket to help the bed underneath last longer.
One of the most durable models we tested is the PetFusion Ultimate. It has a thick, canvas-like cover and an inner waterproof liner. It does an excellent job withstanding daily dog use and has thick padding and foam built to maintain the loft for a long time.
Comfortable and well-made, the PetFusion is on the firmer side but is sure to last.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Backed by a 10-year guarantee to keep at least 90% of its original loft, the Big Barker has seriously impressive innards. However, its suede-like covering is a bit thin for our sensibilities, so this bed is best chosen for calmer dogs that need long-term support. The Casper Dog Bed also offers dependable loft longevity, though it's thinner than the Big Barker (4.5-inch bed area as opposed to 7-inch). However, its exterior fabric is slightly thicker and made with a scratchproof material designed to mimic soft ground for dogs that like to dig before bed.
The Casper Dog Bed is designed with scratchproof material intended for dogs that like to dig and circle before lying dog.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Versatility
When evaluating these beds' versatility, we considered numerous things. We noted size and color options, if those sizes fit most dogs, and if the colors easily fit into most home decors. We measured each bed and scrutinized their usable size, comparing how closely they matched their described dimensions online. We also considered the variety of spots they're functional in — can they be used in the car? On the patio? For road trips or camping? Are they easy to drag up and down the stairs every evening and morning?
The top contender in this metric is the Furhaven. It's available in many different sizes and colors, making it easy to find a size that works best for your pup and color scheme. It's also relatively lightweight, making it easier to move from room to room as your dog desires — or even stuff in the car to take on vacation.
We found even the large FurHaven is light enough to move up and down the stairs and all around the house for young Daisy, whose hobbies include finding new places to crash after running around the yard all day.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Another versatile bed, for contrasting reasons, is the Helinox Elevated Dog Cot. It's only available in two sizes, but it's travel-friendly — take it apart just like a camping chair and bring it with you camping or on extended vacations. It can also work indoors as an elevation platform for a second soft bed. The K&H isn't as packable, but the combination of cooling mesh for airflow and a rugged-yet-cushioned outdoor-compatible bolster is pretty great. This bed could also be used indoors with a secondary plus layer added for warmth.
Helinox packs down into a lightweight carry case for adventures on the go.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Finally, the MidWest Homes Deluxe Super Plush Bed deserves mention. This plush bed is simple and underwhelming on its own, but can provide extra support and warmth on the ground, a crate, or on top of any other bed. It is also easy to roll up and take just about anywhere.
Ophi enjoys lounging on soft things, and this MidWest Homes Deluxe Super Plus Bed is perfect for use in a car, on the floor, or on top of another bed to make your dog's favorite spots a little comfier.
Credit: Liz Nelson
Conclusion
Finding the right dog bed that works for your dog is no easy feat. It starts by knowing what your dog prefers and their unique needs, whether it's extra support for aching hips or a soft fluffy bed to stay warm through the night. We are confident our lineup includes an option for your pup and budget.
