What Size Dog Bed Do I Need?

Buying the wrong size dog bed is one of the most common — and easily avoided — mistakes. A bed that's too small leaves your dog cramped; one that's too large offers no sense of security. Here's how to get it right the first time.

How to Measure Your Dog for a Bed

Before you buy, measure your dog in their natural sleeping position:

• Length: Nose to base of tail (not tip of tail) while lying stretched out
• Width: Shoulder width, or hip width for dogs that splay when sleeping
• Add 15–20 cm to both measurements for a comfortable fit with room to shift position

For dogs that curl up tightly, measure the diameter of the curl instead — this is your minimum internal diameter for a donut or round bed.

Dog Bed Size Chart by Breed

Use these as starting points — individual dogs vary, and always measure before buying.

• Extra Small (up to 50 cm): Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Pomeranian, toy breeds
• Small (50–65 cm): French Bulldog, Pug, Cavalier King Charles, Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer
• Medium (65–85 cm): Border Collie, Beagle, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Whippet, Cockapoo, Labradoodle
• Large (85–110 cm): Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Dalmatian, Boxer
• Extra Large (110 cm+): Great Dane, Newfoundland, Irish Wolfhound, Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog

Dog Beds for Sausage Dogs

Dachshunds are a special case. Standard small beds are often too wide and too short — sausage dogs need an elongated design that supports their long spine without excess lateral space. Look for:

• A bed at least 65 cm long (even for miniature Dachshunds)
• Firm bolster support along the sides to prevent spinal strain
• Low entry — Dachshunds are prone to back injury from jumping

Shop: Sausage Dog Pet Bed – Waterproof, Washable & Cozy →

Dog Beds for Great Danes and Giant Breeds

Most XL dog beds on the market are not actually large enough for a Great Dane. A fully grown male can measure 120–140 cm from nose to tail base — most "XL" beds stop at 110 cm.

For giant breeds, prioritise:

• True length: 130 cm minimum for Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds
• High-density foam base — cheap foam compresses to nothing under a 60+ kg dog within weeks
• Raised edges or bolsters only if your dog actually uses them; many large dogs prefer a flat mat
• A waterproof liner — large breeds tend to drool and produce more moisture

Shop: Elevated Dog Camping Bed – Breathable & Washable →

Dog Beds for Two Dogs

If your dogs sleep together, you have two options:

• One oversized bed: Add the combined length of both dogs, then add 30 cm. This usually puts you in the 130–160 cm range for two medium dogs.
• Two adjacent beds: Better for dogs with different sleep styles (one curler, one sprawler) — place them side by side so they can still be near each other.

For dogs that curl up together, a large donut or bolster bed with a generous internal diameter (80 cm+) works well.

Puppy Bed Sizes: Should You Buy Big?

It's tempting to buy an adult-sized bed for a puppy to "grow into" — but this usually backfires. A bed that's too large offers no sense of enclosure, which can increase anxiety. For puppies:

• Buy a size appropriate for their current weight and length
• Choose a washable bed you're happy to replace in 6–12 months as they grow
• A donut or nest style suits most puppies — the enclosed rim mimics the security of their littermates

Shop: Chenille Round Dog Bed – Washable Nest Design →

Curler vs. Sprawler: Matching Bed Shape to Sleep Style

Size isn't just length and width — it's also about shape. Two dogs of the same size may need very different beds.

• Tight curlers: Donut, round, or hooded beds — the rim gives them something to press against
• Side sprawlers: Flat mats or bolster beds with low sides — they need width as much as length
• Stomach sleepers: Flat, firm surface — avoid raised-edge beds that prevent them from lying fully flat
• Back sleepers (paws up): Soft, wide flat bed with no bolsters — they need maximum open space

What Happens If the Bed Is Too Small?

A dog that consistently hangs limbs off the edge of their bed, sleeps on the floor next to it, or keeps repositioning is telling you the bed is too small. This is especially important for dogs with joint issues — an undersized bed puts uneven pressure on hips and elbows during sleep.

Browse by Size

TinPaw's dog beds collection includes options from extra small to giant breed, with washable covers, orthopedic fills, and a range of styles to match every sleep type.

Also read: Best Dog Beds: Orthopedic, Indestructible, Large Breed & More — our full buyer's guide covering material, style, and breed-specific picks, and My Dog Destroys Every Bed: Solved — if size isn't the issue, this problem-solver guide will find it.