What Size Dog Bed Do I Need? Complete Sizing Guide by Breed & Sleeping Style
To find the right dog bed size, measure your dog from nose to tail base, then add 6-12 inches to both length and width (6-8" for small dogs, 8-10" for medium dogs, 10-12" for large dogs). Consider your dog's sleeping style too – stretched-out sleepers need bigger beds than curled-up sleepers. For most adult dogs, this sizing works well: Small (up to 20lbs): 24"x18", Medium (20-50lbs): 36"x28", Large (50-90lbs): 46"x34", and XL (90+lbs): 54"x44".
Getting the right size bed ensures your dog sleeps comfortably and your purchase lasts longer. At Le Noof you can find certified dog beds for any dog size.
Let's look at how to measure correctly and find the perfect fit.
How to Measure Your Dog for the Perfect Bed Size
Measuring your dog correctly takes just minutes but makes a huge difference in finding the right bed size.
You'll need:
- Measuring tape
- Paper to write down measurements
- Treats to keep your dog still (optional)
Steps:
- Wait until your dog is relaxed or sleeping in a natural position
- Measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail (not the tip of the tail)
- Measure your dog at their widest point (usually the shoulders)
WATCH OUT! Many people measure to the tip of the tail, which adds unnecessary length. Measure only to where the tail connects to the body.
The Simple Formula for Determining Dog Bed Size
Once you have your dog's measurements, use this formula to find the right bed size:
- Small dogs (up to 20 lbs): Add 6-8 inches to length and width
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Add 8-10 inches to length and width
- Large dogs (50-90 lbs): Add 10-12 inches to length and width
- Giant dogs (90+ lbs): Add 12+ inches to length and width
WATCH OUT! If your dog is between size categories, always round up to the larger size. Dogs rarely complain about beds being too big, but they will avoid beds that are too small.
Dog Bed Size Chart by Weight and Breed
| Dog Size | Weight | Bed Size | Example Breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 20 lbs | 24" x 18" | Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Dachshund, Shih Tzu |
| Medium | 20-50 lbs | 36" x 28" | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi, Bulldog |
| Large | 50-90 lbs | 46" x 36" | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Pit Bull |
| XL/Giant | 90+ lbs | 54" x 44" | Great Dane, Mastiff, Newfoundland, St. Bernard |
How Your Dog's Sleeping Style Affects Bed Size Needs
Dogs have different sleeping positions, and this dramatically affects what size bed they need.
Curled-up sleepers: These dogs tuck into a ball when sleeping and need less space. You can usually get away with a slightly smaller bed.
Stretched-out sleepers: Dogs who like to fully extend their legs need significantly more space. Add an extra 6-8 inches beyond the standard recommendation.
Side sleepers: Dogs who sleep on their side with legs extended need medium to large space.
Back sleepers: Dogs who sleep on their back with legs in the air need wider beds for comfort.
WATCH OUT! If your dog changes positions throughout the night, size for their most stretched-out position. Otherwise, they might hang off the edges in some positions.
Special Sizing Considerations for Different Bed Types
Different bed styles have different sizing needs:
Bolster/nest beds: Since the sides take up space, measure the interior sleeping area, not the whole bed. A 36" bolster bed might only have 30" of actual sleeping space.
Orthopedic beds: These thicker beds sometimes feel smaller to dogs. Consider going up a size if you're between sizes.
Elevated/cot beds: The sleeping surface is fully usable since there's no "sinking in," so the listed dimensions are accurate.
Cave/covered beds: For these, interior height matters too. Make sure your dog can sit up comfortably inside.
Sizing for Puppies: Accounting for Growth
Puppies grow quickly, making bed sizing tricky. Here's how to handle it:
For small breeds: Adult size is reached at 9-12 months. You can buy their adult bed size fairly early. Browse small dog beds for tiny breeds.
For medium breeds: Adult size is reached around 12-15 months. Consider an intermediate size bed, then upgrade. Shop medium sized dog beds for mid-size breeds.
For large/giant breeds: Full growth takes 18-24 months. These dogs change size dramatically, so either:
- Buy a bed that fits their current size and replace it as they grow
- Buy a bed for their adult size and add blankets to make it cozier while they're small
Explore large dog beds for big breeds.
WATCH OUT! Don't try to save money by immediately buying a bed for your puppy's expected adult size - especially for large breeds. Many puppies find oversized beds overwhelming and won't use them.
Multi-Dog Households: Sizing When Dogs Share Beds
If your dogs share sleeping space, you'll need to adjust your approach:
For dogs who cuddle: Add 30-40% more space than your larger dog would need individually.
For dogs who just tolerate sharing: Add 50-60% more space than your larger dog would need.
When one dog is much bigger: Base the size on the larger dog, then add 25-30% more space.
WATCH OUT! If there's any resource guarding or tension between dogs, separate beds are usually better than one large shared bed.
Find large dog beds for multi-dog households.
Signs Your Dog's Bed Is the Wrong Size
Your dog will tell you if their bed doesn't fit right. Look for these signals:
Too small:
- Part of their body hangs off the edges
- They can't stretch out fully
- They try to rearrange the bed repeatedly
- They choose the floor or furniture instead
Too big:
- They only use a small portion of the bed
- They seem uncomfortable or exposed
- They bring toys or other items to fill the empty space
- They create a "nest" in one corner of the bed
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bed Sizes
Should I get a round or rectangular bed? This depends on your dog's sleeping style. Round beds are better for dogs who curl up. Rectangular beds work better for dogs who stretch out.
My dog is between sizes. Should I go smaller or larger? Always go with the larger size. Dogs rarely complain about beds being too big, but they definitely notice when beds are too small.
Does bed thickness affect what size I should get? Thicker beds, especially memory foam, can make the usable surface area feel smaller. For orthopedic or very plush beds, consider going up a size.
How do I know if my dog has outgrown their bed? If any part of their body hangs off the edge when they're in their normal sleeping position, the bed is too small.
Should puppies and senior dogs have different sized beds? Senior dogs often benefit from slightly larger beds as they may have more difficulty getting comfortable and need extra space to adjust their position.
