What Size Dog Bed Does My Dog Need? Complete Size Guide
Posted on : 13/08/2026
Your dog spends between 12 and 14 hours a day sleeping, which is more than half their life. So getting a dog bed size guide right isn’t just about comfort; it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for their health.
A bed that’s too small forces them into awkward sleeping positions that strain their joints. A bed that’s too big can leave anxious dogs feeling unsettled. A wrongly sized bed means your dog wakes up stiff and sore, or loses that cosy, safe feeling they need for deep sleep.
Here’s exactly how to get it right.
Key Insights
- Measure your dog from nose to tail base, then add 15 – 30 cm (6 – 12 inches) for length
- Always measure width at the shoulders and add the same allowance
- Your dog’s sleeping style matters as much as their body measurements
- Senior dogs, large breeds, and dogs with joint issues need specialist bed types, not just bigger sizes
How to Measure Your Dog for a Bed
Wait until your dog is relaxed and lying flat on their side. Use a soft measuring tape to measure from the very tip of the nose to the base of the tail (excluding the tail itself), then add 15 – 30 cm to that measurement. This gives you the minimum bed length your dog needs.
For width, measure your dog from shoulder to shoulder at their widest point, then add 15 – 30 cm to both sides to ensure they have enough space to move around.
Write both numbers down. That’s your dog bed measurement baseline, and it’s the most reliable way to find the right fit, more accurate than going by weight or breed charts alone.
Dog Bed Measurements by Size Category
Once you have your dog’s measurements, use this as a general reference guide:
Size | Recommended Bed Length |
Small | 60–75 cm |
Medium | 80–100 cm |
Large | 100–120 cm |
Extra Large | 120 cm+ |
These are starting points. Always cross-check against your actual dog bed measurements rather than relying on size labels alone. Bed dimensions vary between ranges, and a “large” in one collection may not match another.
What Size Dog Bed by Breed
Breed gives you a useful shortcut when you know what to look for. Here’s a practical breakdown:
Small Breeds
(Chihuahuas, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Maltese, Shih Tzus)
Most will fit comfortably in a small to medium bed, but Dachshunds often need a size up in length. For small breeds that love to feel nestled and secure, a calming bed with raised, cushioned sides can make a big difference to how settled they feel.
Medium Breeds
(Beagles, Border Collies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Whippets)
These dogs tend to be active and often sleep sprawled out after a big day, so measure carefully rather than assuming a medium will do. A Border Collie and a Staffy might weigh the same but have very different sleeping shapes.
Large Breeds
(Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Rottweilers, Huskies)
Large breeds are more prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and general stiffness, so the right support matters as much as the right size. Indoor dog beds for large dogs are sized to give them full-body support without crowding a room.
Giant Breeds
(Great Danes, Mastiffs, Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards)
Don’t try to squeeze a giant breed into an XL. They need the biggest footprint you can accommodate, and they need it well-supported. A firm, high-quality base is non-negotiable.
How Sleeping Style Affects What Size Dog Bed You Need
This is where most guides fall short on the what size dog bed question. Your dog’s body length tells you the minimum, but their sleeping style tells you whether to go bigger.
- Sprawlers stretch out flat, limbs extended, often on their side or back. They need a bed that matches their full stretched-out length, not their curled-up length. Labradors, Greyhounds, and Pointers are classic sprawlers.
- Curlers tuck into a tight ball, nose to tail. These dogs can technically sleep on a smaller surface, but a dog bed isn’t just for sleeping. Your dog should have enough room for lounging and general resting, too. Sizing up slightly still makes sense.
- Leaners like to press against a bolster or raised edge. They tend to sleep on their side with one shoulder against a wall. A bolster-style bed gives them what they’re looking for. Greyhounds and Whippets often fall into this category.
- Burrowers want to get underneath something. Dachshunds, Beagles, and some Terriers will try to dig into and under their bedding. A flat, open bed generally won’t satisfy them. They do better with a hooded or donut-style bed.
Choosing the Right Bed Type for Your Dog’s Health Needs
Size is only part of the picture. The type of bed matters just as much, especially as dogs age or develop health conditions.
Senior Dogs or Dogs With Joint Issues
These dogs need targeted support. As dogs age, they may develop problems like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint issues, and a supportive dog bed is essential to cushion the body and provide relief from pain. Orthopaedic beds are designed specifically for this. Look for ones using premium Australian foam to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on hips, elbows, and shoulders.
Dogs With Anxiety
Anxious dogs often sleep better when they feel enclosed. A calming bed with deep, cushioned sides mimics the feeling of being curled up against a warm body and can help anxious dogs settle faster and sleep longer.
Active or Outdoor Dogs
Dogs that spend time in the yard, on the deck, or at the beach benefit from a raised, breathable surface. Outdoor dog beds that are built for the Aussie climate keep dogs elevated off hot or damp ground and allow airflow underneath, which is a real advantage through summer.
Dogs Recovering From Injury
Dogs who have had surgery or an injury, as well as larger breeds at any life stage, are ideal candidates for memory foam beds or easy-access, low-profile orthopaedic mats, which contour to the body and reduce pressure points during extended rest.
Signs Your Dog’s Current Bed Is the Wrong Size
Your dog will tell you if something’s off. You just need to know what to look for.
They sleep on the floor instead of their bed. They regularly hang limbs over the edge. They circle repeatedly and can’t settle. They seem stiff or slow when getting up. They choose the couch every time.
Any of these signals that their current bed isn’t meeting their needs, whether that’s size, support, or both.
Still Not Sure? Here’s How to Choose
If your dog falls between two sizes on our dog bed size guide, always go with the larger option. A bed that’s slightly generous is never a problem. A bed that’s slightly small will show in how they sleep, how they move, and how they feel.
At Superior Pet Goods, we’ve been designing and making dog beds in Melbourne for over 16 years. Every bed in our range is built with Australian dogs in mind, suited to the climate, the lifestyle, and the breeds we know and love. Browse our full range of indoor dog beds or reach out to our team directly if you’d like a hand finding the right fit for your dog.
