The Best Dog Beds for Your Furry Best Friend
Illustration by Gabrielle Pilotti Langdon
Like most pet parents, I’ve learned a lot about what makes the best dog beds from experience. I’ve spent countless dollars on cushions and pillows that didn’t quite meet the approval of my neurotic hound mix, Leona, ending up shredded to pieces or, at best, ignored. Leona loves lounging and sleeping, but she’s also incredibly rough on her furniture; she loves to dig and scratch before settling into a comfortable nest, she’s a chewer (which has destroyed many a lining and trim), and she especially loves to stretch her incredibly long frame across the entire width of whatever surface she finds herself on—no donut beds for her.
Having a big pooch also means their furniture is going to be big, so you might as well pick an option or three (yes, Leona has three, don’t at me) you don’t hate looking at because it’s going to take up a fair chunk of real estate in your home. In hopes that my many years of research and experimentation with pretty much every type of dog bed on the market won’t be in vain, I’ve rounded up 16 options to help you find the right fit for your fur baby.
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- 1/16
The Original Calming Donut Cat and Dog Bed in Shag Fur
More than 36,000 pet parents have reviewed this fur donut cuddler on Amazon—yes, 36,000—which is basically the dog version of a bean bag chair. For the dog who really loves to sink into their bed, the 360 degrees of plush will make them feel like they’re in a fuzzy hug. It comes in 17 colors and a handful of sizes, including an x-large that will fit a dog up to 150 pounds. This is one of the best dog beds on earth, as far as Leona is concerned and has been with us for several years running.
- 2/16
Club Nine Pets Soho Milo Sofa Cat & Dog Bed
A very attractive option for larger breeds, this sherpa-style cushion is also machine washable—which is an absolute nonnegotiable in my book. Underneath the fluffy exterior is an orthopedic cushion to help relieve joint pain and give your pup a comfortable sleep. Another important element to look for in these sofa-style beds is nonslip pads on the legs, which means your dog won’t slide around when they jump up and destroy your floor in the process.
- 3/16
Boots & Barkley™ Orthopedic Plaid Flannel Cuddler Dog Bed
This budget-friendly pick from Target is wrapped in a spiffy plaid that looks much more expensive than the price tag. An orthopedic dog bed, this option is comfortable for an older dog or large breed that might not want to climb into their bed and could use the extra support. The faux-fur base will cuddle their frame.
- 4/16
All Walks Pillow Bed
For those of us who don’t want to fill our homes with pet products that look like pet products, this super minimal pillow-style bed will blend right in with your decor. Pairing form with function, it’s made with durable, all-natural shredded latex that holds its shape for 10 years and a machine-washable linen cover with a sturdy brass zipper closure. Available in three sizes and three lovely earth tones, you might want to throw one on your own bed.
- 5/16
Enchanted Home Pet Ludlow Sofa Dog Bed With Removable Cover
This sleek, supersoft sofa is Leona tested and approved, so I can say with confidence that it meets all of the durability criteria if your dog is a digger like mine. It’s got ample cushioning so she can spend hours sprawled out, and the cushion cover is also easy to machine wash. Plus, she also uses the sofa arms as a headrest, which is downright adorable. I’ve received lots of FaceTime compliments on this model, and you’ll enjoy catching your dog snoozing on such a stylish frame.
- 6/16
Kaylor Mid Century Modern Dog Sofa
For the dog owner who loves a midcentury vibe, this model pairs a streamlined acacia wood frame with a water-resistant mattress filled with therapeutic foam for a great-looking, comfy bed that is easy to clean. We think Frank Lloyd Wright would approve.
- 7/16
Fable Bed
We’ve featured minimalist pet brand Fable before on Clever for its Scandi-inspired goods—especially its dog crate, which is so thoughtfully designed it could easily be mistaken for a side table—and Fable’s water-resistant pillow-style bed is no exception to its streamlined aesthetic. It’s available in several muted shades and a charcoal gray, plus it comes in three sizes made to fit any furry friend.
- 8/16
Casper Dog Bed
The dog bed dog dreams are made of, Casper has taken its human bed technology and let it trickle down to fit our pooch pals, whether they’re a pup that just needs a tiny place to snooze or a big ol’ breed that needs a large dog bed to fit all of its limbs. Casper has modified the bed to perfectly suit your dog. The top surface features excess material that mimics the sensation of pawing at loose earth and supportive foam around the sides make for a great place to lay their head. Plus, you can easily remove the cover and toss it in the washing machine whenever things get dirty.
- 9/16
Modern Dog and Cat House
And if you’re craving something with a more, ahem, architectural flair, these handmade dog houses look more like a chic ADU than something fit for your pet. Built out of plywood and available in several colors (as well as customizable based on the size of your pet), these structures are made free of toxins and harmful substances. We love the modern look and frame that allows for easy accessibility, regardless of the size of your dog.
- 10/16
John Legend | Tan Geometric Dog Bed
Music star John Legend teamed up with the Laylo Pets team to create chic styles that are handmade in Brooklyn, USA. They’re dig-proof and machine washable. Their jumbo size is big enough for a large breed like a Great Dane or Newfoundland and the brand releases new designs every season, including a terrazzo print and an understated chevron. A win for pets and pet parents alike.
- 11/16
Canvas Hex Cushion
Made of stonewashed canvas that gives it a denim look with recycled poly fill, this bed scores high on style, sustainability, and durability. The tightly woven canvas is scratch-proof (and, hopefully a bit chew proof, so those puppy teeth won’t be able to gnaw through it). Like the Lay Lo, this one is designed in Brooklyn, too. If only it came with a rent-controlled floor-through in Cobble Hill.
- 12/16
Pendleton Glacier Pet Bed
Fans of Pendleton’s wool blankets will be pleased to find a pet-friendly version of the classic Glacier National Park pattern. Your dog will love the 320 GSM high loft fill and polar fleece fabric, and it’s one of the more attractive options that goes up to an extra-large size. Pick up a Pendleton dog blanket while you’re at it.
- 13/16
African Basket Dog Bed
How cute will your pup look cuddled up in one of these natural fiber baskets? Custom-made to fit your dog’s body, they’re also available in a variety of colors and configurations (including a cat cave if your other four-legged friends feel left out).
- 14/16
Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed
For the dog who’s quick to overheat, an elevated bed means they get ample air circulation going. Plus, the Coolaroo model doesn’t have all the extra stuffing and fabric of, say, a furry donut bed, so it’s a great summer or warm-climate option for your extra fluffy pup.
- 15/16
Dream Catcher Bed
Another great-looking bed that has gracefully withstood the Leona test, this orthopedic memory foam bolster bed from Max Bone is softer to the touch than many beds she’s tried. It’s made of high-quality upholstery-grade fabric and is a great pick if your pup is an extra messy lounger.
- 16/16
Dog Travel Blanket
If your dog is as spoiled as mine, you might want to consider a portable travel bed for them too. Leona won’t just sprawl out on the ground like any old animal, she prefers a designated surface she can claim as her own. This handmade, lightweight travel mat is both great-looking and practical for a pampered pup.
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