The Ultimate Guide to Dog Bed Materials: Which Fabric Is Best For Your Pet?

The best dog bed materials balance durability, comfort, cleaning ease, and your dog's specific needs. For active chewers, choose canvas or corduroy. For comfort-seekers, consider teddy or fleece. For dogs with incontinence, waterproof materials are essential. Your choice should match your dog's habits, any health concerns, and your home's style.

Explore Le Noof's wide collection of dog beds in different materials, textures and colors!

Key Factors When Choosing Dog Bed Materials

When selecting a dog bed material, consider:

• Durability needs based on your dog's chewing and digging habits
• Cleaning requirements – especially for puppies, seniors, or messy dogs
• Temperature regulation – cooling for thick-coated breeds, insulating for small or thin-coated dogs
• Allergies – some materials trap more allergens than others
• Budget – higher quality often means longer lifespan and better value
• Comfort preference – some dogs have strong texture preferences

Quick Comparison: Dog Bed Fabric Types at a Glance

Boucle Dog Beds

What it is: A fancy fabric with loops that create a bumpy, soft surface that looks great in your home.

Key benefits:

• Looks stylish and modern, like something from a home design magazine
• Hides scratches and wear better than flat fabrics
• Doesn't show damage easily, so it stays looking nice longer
• Keeps your dog warm and cozy
• Adds a cool texture that makes your room look better
• Looks expensive and matches modern homes

Limitations:

• Can trap hair and dirt
• Not good for dogs who chew a lot
• Needs more careful cleaning

Best for: People who care about how their home looks and have dogs that don't destroy things. Perfect for dog beds that will be in your living room or other visible areas.
Shop Le Noof's trendy boucle dog beds!

Corduroy Dog Beds

What it is: A strong fabric with soft ridges that feels nice to touch and lasts a long time.

Key benefits:

• Has a cool, ribbed texture that feels nice to touch
• Very strong against tears and holes while still looking great
• Can be washed in your washing machine and still looks good after
• Hides dirt between washes, so it looks clean longer
• Good mix of softness and strength
• Works well year-round and matches most home styles
• Gets better-looking over time while staying strong

Limitations:

• Not as fluffy as some other fabrics
• Can be too warm in hot weather

Best for: People who want a dog bed that looks good but also lasts a long time. Great for homes where you want something that looks nice but can handle real life.

Browse corduroy dog beds for texture lovers!

Teddy Dog Beds

What it is: Super soft, fuzzy material that feels like a stuffed animal and gives your dog an extra cozy place to sleep. Check teddy dog beds for earthy tones that matches every interior!

Key benefits:

• Incredibly soft, like sleeping on a cloud
• Looks fancy and makes any room look nicer
• Keeps your dog extra warm when it's cold
• Makes your home look more stylish
• Has a rich, thick texture that looks expensive
• Feels amazing when you touch it
• Dogs often like these beds right away because they feel so comfy

Limitations:

• Can tear if your dog digs or chews a lot
• Can get matted and lumpy over time
• Catches dog hair and needs regular cleaning

Best for: People who want to give their dogs a super comfortable bed. Great for older dogs, small dogs, calm sleepers, and dog beds that will be in your living room or bedroom.

Discover soft bolster dog beds!

Canvas Dog Beds

What it is: Tough, tightly woven cotton or cotton-blend material.

Key benefits:

• Superior tear and puncture resistance
• Exceptional cleaning ease – often hose-washable
• Resists odors and bacteria
• Stands up to outdoor use

Limitations:

• Less comfortable than softer materials
• Can feel stiff or rough

Best for: Heavy chewers, outdoor use, hunting dogs, puppies in destructive phases, or dogs with incontinence.

Velvet Dog Beds

What it is: Soft fabric with short, dense pile and distinctive sheen.

Key benefits:

• Luxurious appearance and feel
• Integrates beautifully with home decor
• Modern versions offer improved durability
• Soft against skin

Limitations:

• Higher maintenance cleaning
• Premium price point
• Not suitable for active chewers

Best for: Gentle, clean dogs in homes where appearance matters as much as function.

Fleece Dog Beds

What it is: Soft, brushed fabric that feels like a cozy blanket but looks stylish in your home.

Key benefits:

• Super soft texture that dogs love to sleep on
• Keeps your dog warm while being lightweight
• Can be machine washed and dries quickly
• Keeps its colors looking bright after washing
• Looks nice in your home and comes in many colors
• Very gentle on dogs with sensitive skin
• Available in many cool patterns and colors to match your home

Limitations:

• Can tear if your dog digs or chews
• May get little balls of fuzz (pills) on it over time
• Sometimes creates static electricity

Best for: People who want a nice-looking, comfortable bed without spending too much money. Great for older dogs who need extra softness and homes where you care about style.

Explore our modern fluffy dog beds for ultimate comfort

Waterproof Dog Beds

What it is: Beds with moisture-barrier membranes or fully waterproof outer materials.

Key benefits:

• Complete protection against accidents and spills
• Easy to clean and sanitize
• Prevents odor absorption
• Extends bed lifespan significantly

Limitations:

• Some create crinkly noise
• Often less comfortable surface feel
• Higher price point

Best for: Puppies in training, incontinent seniors, dogs with medical conditions, or outdoor use.

Material Recommendations for Specific Needs

For heavy chewers:

• Military-grade canvas
• Ripstop nylon
• Specialized "chew-proof" beds with reinforced edges

For allergies:

• Tightly woven microfiber
• Genuine leather
• Hypoallergenic fabrics

For senior dogs:

• Memory foam base with soft covers
• Orthopedic foam with washable plush covering

For hot weather:

• Mesh materials
• "Cool touch" technical fabrics
• Elevated cot-style beds

For cold-sensitive breeds:

• Self-warming fabrics
• Thick fleece or teddy materials
• Beds with heat-reflecting layers

Care Tips for Dog Bed Materials

• Always follow manufacturer's washing instructions
• Use cold water and gentle detergent without fabric softeners
• Brush boucle and corduroy occasionally to remove trapped hair
• Air dry when possible to preserve fabric integrity
• Address stains immediately with enzyme-based cleaners
• Even waterproof beds need regular full cleaning

The perfect dog bed matches your pet's habits with materials that stand up to their specific needs. By choosing the right fabric, you'll provide comfort that lasts while minimizing replacement costs.