Top 5 best dog beds for large dogs and big breeds

We all know that we need a good night’s sleep. We need it to function in the morning, otherwise we’re cranky and tired. There are even tons of health ramifications that can come from lack of sleep, as those of us who’ve pulled all-nighters know. But did you know that it’s just as important for our dogs to get a good night’s rest as it is for us? This list of best dog beds for large dogs will provide you some valuable information on picking the best place for your huge dog to sleep in regularly.

Dogs sleep a lot—between 12 and 14 hours for every 24. Puppies can sleep for even longer, at around 18 to 20 hours because of the massive amount of energy they expend being puppies and running around wildly. Older dogs sleep more than the average as well.

Dogs spend half their day sleeping and divide the other half into lying awake and being active. These sleeping habits change depending on a number of factors—age, weight, health, and other determinants that affect your dog’s lifestyle, which is why the best dog bed is one of the most important dog supplies an owner can get in the beginning.

Picking the best dog bed for large dogs for dog’s good sleep

In order to make sure that your dog is getting the rest he or she needs, you need to have the right equipment for the job. Namely, one of the best best dog beds for large dogs that fits just right. Those of us with larger dogs—I have an Australian Shepard named Walter—know that sometimes it’s pretty difficult to find a pet bed that fits our dog’s size. A lot of dog products are geared towards medium and small-size breeds, as those outnumber the larger ones. A large breed dog doesn’t necessarily have a set classification as to what makes him or her large-breed, but the rule of thumb is generally a dog that grows to over 50 pounds when they reach their full weight. At that point, pet parents need one of these best dog beds for large dogs as the standard sized beds for dogs won’t work anymore.

Pet beds for large dogs do exist, however, and in this article, we’ll give you our top five picks for the best dog beds for large dogs that are truly popular on the market. You may be asking why your dog can’t just crash on the floor or on your human bed with you, and the answer to that comes down to dog training and pet health. A dog bed is usually optimized for a dog’s body and cushions their joints, bones, and muscles in a way that keeps them from experiencing soreness or discomfort.

Also, it’s not advisable—though it’s certainly tempting—to have your dog sleep in your bed with you, just because that could undermine your authority. According to Animal Planet (and other sources), letting your dog sleep in your bed with you allows them to think that THEY, not you, are the alpha—or at least, they think that you two are equals which might seem to be superficially harmless, but actually isn’t because if your dog doesn’t respect your authority, they will do whatever they want.

It’s important to get your dog used to having his or her own sleeping space when he or she is a puppy- that way, they understand the rules of the house and can take up as much space as they want to. Because let’s face it, having your dog sleep in your bed means that he or she takes up way more space than they conceivably need to and they tend to seem impossible to move (do they gain weight when they sleep? It’s like moving a brick of lead). So, for everyone’s comfort, it’s best to get your dog their own sleeping area.

And we can help you do that with this list of best dog beds for large dogs below. I’ve done thorough research and investigated what customers have had to say about each of these large dog beds—and they’ve said a lot. I’ll give you all the aspects, good and bad, of the large dog beds as well as a brief overview of what they entail. Have a read and see which you think works for you!

Top 5 Best Dog Beds for Large Dogs and Big Breeds in 2016

1Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed

Our video review: Big Barker Dog Bed Review

OVERVIEW: When a product bills itself as orthopedic, that means that it ostensibly is made with consideration for the cushioning of joints, bones, ligaments, and muscles. It shouldn’t be confused with a medical product, as it can’t cure anything, but it certainly is a good thing to look at if you have a dog with some orthopedic problems.

This monster bed comes in three sizes: extra-large, large, and giant. The large size of Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed measures 48 by 30 inches, the extra-large measures 52 by 36, and the giant measures 60 by 48. All have a depth of seven inches. It’s shaped like a little bed, with a raised part on one side that almost forms a pillow-like shape. It comes in khaki, chocolate, and burgundy and is American-made by craftsmen in a California workshop.

The canine bed is formed from “H10 Comfort Foam” and “H45 Support Foam.” The Support Foam is sandwiched between two thick layers of Comfort Foam. It comes with a 10-year guarantee that states that this doggy bed will retain 90% of its original shape for that time period.

WHY IS IT AT #1? Customers were very, very satisfied with Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed. The sheer level of customer satisfaction is why we put this first on the list of best dog beds for large dogs. Customers with older dogs (such as one woman with an 11-year-old Lab) were pleased at the quality of the foam and how it cushioned their dogs’ sensitive bones and muscles.

People reporting back after an extended period of time also commented on how well the bed kept its shape—guess the ten year guarantee works after all! The key to a good dog bed is the quality of the foam underneath it and in this product’s case, the foam is the best around. A lot probably has to do with the fact that it is handmade and thus isn’t dulled by mass-production factory work.

Usually, orthopedic dog beds that are less money sag in the middle and end up being useless or worse, making your dog’s bones and muscles develop problems or worsen existing ones. Customers reported that this was not the case and those who’d gone through pet beds before due to their giant animals collapsing the structure were pleased at the durability and resiliency of this equipment.

It promoted a good night’s sleep and even the crankiest of dogs wasn’t able to find anything to grouch about with this bed. The only complaints noted by customers were the expensiveness (the price clocks in at nearly $300 retail) and the heat of the puppy bed. The dog bed is made of material that gets warm in the summertime if you don’t have air conditioning. If your dog is likely to use this constantly in the summer, a customer recommended a cool sheet to cool him or her down if necessary.

Most Helpful review (read the full review): “n this video I’m trying to demonstrate how sturdy this bed is. The lighting isn’t perfect, but I hope you can see how my knees and elbows are putting a lot of pressure per square inch into this bed, and I’m not even coming close to being able to press down to the ground. It’s a very supportive and comfortable bed. This particular bed is the XL size, which fits perfect for my German Shepherd. He loves…”

2Enchanted Home Pet Cliff Bed

OVERVIEW: This large dog bed works for dogs that are on the lower half of the large-breed weight spectrum (around fifty pounds). The bed size measures 40” by 24” with a height of 14.75 inches. This puppy bed looks like a miniature couch.

Enchanted Home Pet Cliff Bed has a back, little legs, and a cushion as well. Conveniently, it also contains a storage chamber for toys and treats. The cushion cover is washable (it can be removed for washing) and the material is plush, but won’t get too warm or too cool. It stays at an even temperature throughout at the retail price is $249.99.

WHY IS IT AT #2? We didn’t put this product first on our list of best dog beds for large dogs because of the size constraints. If you have a mammoth dog, you might want to keep reading to the next item on the list, because this is for dogs on the smaller side of the large-breed scale.

Customers who purchased this bed were satisfied with its shape and attractiveness, with one saying that, “If your dog likes your furniture, they’ll like this.” You’ll be able to sit on your own furniture without your dog trying to get up on it with you. It’s like having a miniature couch for your dog. Dogs love feeling included and they want to be part of everything going on in the house, so having a piece of furniture all to themselves—let alone one that matches their parents’—is a dream come true.

The softness of Enchanted Home Pet Cliff Bed is good for dogs that have joint or bone problems and need a place to rest. Although it’s not orthopedic dog bed, the plush is comfortable enough and cozy enough that it provides a nice place to sleep for a dog that’s weary and sore. Customers didn’t have many bad things to say about this doggy bed, though one noted that the cushion is a little overstuffed in the center and won’t lie perfectly flat. With time, your dog may be able to flatten that down, but it’s something to be aware of. Other than that, the general consensus was that this was a well-made and well-packaged product (it was easy on the eyes, too!).

Most Helpful review (read the full review): “Now my Beagle KNOWS that he is a human being because he has a couch to lounge on, just like his parents. This is large, comfy, and perfect for your otherwise totally spoiled dog. Get one immediately. Will it improve pet behavior? Not a chance….”

3Orvis Deep Dish Dog Bed

OVERVIEW: Contrasting the aforementioned smaller-size large dog bed in the second spot, this pet bed works for dogs that are between 60 and 120 pounds. Orvis Deep Dish Dog Bed comes in a cute brown tweed pattern and is made by Orvis, a brand that is well-known for its quality dog products and equipment.

It has Memory Foam stuffing and the outside is their ToughChew fabric, which is super-strong nylon that is soft, yet durable. If your dog is a chewer, this bed is for him or her because it will withstand pretty much anything. It’s a re-creation of a previous version of this bed—this new prototype is stronger and more durable. Even the zippers are fortified. Despite this roughness, it is soft and the Memory Foam is dependable and relaxing.

WHY IS IT AT #3? We chose to place this third of the best dog beds for large dogs because of the several complaints about the Orvis Company that were reported by a customer, which is unfortunate. Other than that, one customer described the bed as the “best I’ve ever seen” and most purchasers were happy about the quality of the bed and the expansiveness. Orvis Deep Dish Dog Bed is huge and comfortable and the Memory Foam is helpful for dogs that need extra cushioning.

Memory Foam conforms to your dog’s shape and reforms itself to fit the outline and characteristics of your dog’s body, making it a flexible and versatile piece of equipment. Your dog doesn’t have to turn round and round to get comfortable- the Memory Foam is already set to your dog’s particular pattern. Memory Foam is frequently used in human products as well.

The outer lining of the dog bed, which is a reinforced Nylon, is easy to clean and you can even use spot-treatment to get out any dirt or debris. There is a bit of sticker shock to the purchase—it runs at $299.00—but it is long-lasting and can reasonably be considered an investment. Also, most human beds that contain Memory Foam are much more expensive as well, so if you think of this as a miniature scaled-down version, you’ll be able to rationalize the purchase. Plus, your best friend will love it (and you for buying it!).

Most Helpful review (read the full review): “I bought this directly from Orvis in the Sage Shearling color. It is a very expensive pet bed and I’m a little embarrassed for having spent so much on this. I rationalized the purchase this way. My dog is a Labradane shelter rescue. He had a pretty tough life before finding his “forever home” and deserves some pampering and a bed that’s as special as he is. Besides, this bed is huge, very comfortable, and…”

4Snoozer Luxury Overstuffed Sofa

OVERVIEW: This dog sofa comes in a variety of different colors (brown, Hot Fudge, Peat, Olive, Saddle, Black, and more) and is made in three sizes: small, large, and extra-large. The extra-large size measures 42 by 29 inches and the large measures 39 by 28 inches.

The depths of the beds are over one foot. Snoozer Luxury Overstuffed Sofa has polyester stuffing and has a micro-suede outer fabric that is removable for easy-to-clean maintenance. It can be removed simply by unzipping it. The fabric doesn’t retain odors, so you shouldn’t have to clean it super often. It’s shaped like a couch, so it’ll be like your dog has his or her own furniture to lie on.

WHY IS IT AT #4? This product is fourth on the list of best dog beds for large dogs, as opposed to any higher position, because it isn’t as large as the other large-sized dog beds and there also were issues with this company’s customer service and packaging of the product. But when it came to the product itself, people were very enthusiastic and pleased with it (there were one or two complaints that we’ll address later in this review).

Owners who were tired of their dogs sneaking onto their couches and beds were happy with the way this product was shaped—it was almost like its own little human couch. “Our dog loves it and stays off our couch now!” was a review, and many others were similar to it. The fabric, which is soft microsuede, is a big hit amongst dogs who found it comfortable and cozy. Despite it being suede, which those of us who own suede boots or coats know of, it’s not difficult to clean. This fabric is constructed different so as to make it simpler and not problematic to scrub.

In that same vein of cleaning, one customer complaint revolved around how hard Snoozer Luxury Overstuffed Sofa was to unzip. Their zipper was stuck and, according to their extremely angry, all-caps dog bed review, it was therefore impossible to clean.

Other customers didn’t note that they had this problem. If a zipper is stuck, you should try olive oil on it. I’ve always found that that works. Another issue reported is that the brown and darker colors show hair and drool, so if your dog is a shedder or slobbers a lot, you might want to consider the olive, peat, or saddle colors instead of the black, brown, or other dark shades.

Most Helpful review (read the full review): “This is exactly what I needed for my 110lb dog. It’s big enough for him & my 2 kids together….”

5K9 Ballistics Orthopedic Microfiber Bolstered Bed

OVERVIEW: K9 Ballistics Orthopedic Microfiber Bolstered Bed comes in gray or khaki and its cover is made of polyester so that it can resist stains and other dirt or grime. It is machine washable and the inside is stuffed with 3.5 inches of high-density foam and 1.5 inches of Memory Foam (medical-grade).

The five inches of foam make for a comfortable sleeping experience and the “bolstered” part refers to the seams of the bed, which are double-stitched and end in an extra-strong zipper for easy unzipping. The large size measures 32” long by 29” wide, the extra-large measures 46” by 33”, and the extra-extra-large measures 60 by 35 inches.

WHY IS IT AT #5? This fifth best dog bed for large dogs is listed as the final pet bed because it isn’t chew proof and the guarantee offered by the company doesn’t include chewing damage, something that owners with chewers for dogs aren’t going to like too much. Although the polyester cover is durable and very sturdy, the lack of chew damage guarantee is something to consider.

Owners with dogs that were experiencing stiffness or discomfort were pleased with the way K9 Ballistics Orthopedic Microfiber Bolstered Bed conformed to their joints and didn’t cause their condition to worsen—in fact, the Memory Foam made it easier for them to get in and out of bed because they didn’t have to fiddle with it to find their perfect sleeping position. The bed is high-quality, and many customers were impressed by how tightly the foam expanded to fill the bed’s shape- there were no sagging or loose edges that their dogs could chew on.

Dogs with arthritis were comforted by the shape of this best dog bed for large dogs and how it cushioned them. The hip area is especially benefitted by Memory Foam, as that area is able to be stretched out because of the large size of the bed. The XXL size’s dimensions were also a feature that owners with Giant Breeds found most attractive. As aforementioned, the XXL length is five feet long, giving your dog plenty of room to stretch out his or her legs (though many dogs, it should be noted, tend to curl up when they sleep).

The only problem really mentioned by customers was the chewing problem. Owners whose dogs chewed on everything were disappointed at how easily this bed for dogs fell victim to their dog’s teeth. So, if your dog chews on everything—perhaps you have a teething puppy—this might not be the bed for you.

Most Helpful review (read the full review): “We have a 120 lb Chesapeake/Lab mix. He took to this bed immediately. Only received this a few days ago but he has been the last one to get up in the morning. (He sleeps in our bedroom) He really likes the size of this and looks so comfortable. Nice sturdy ballister on this bed. So far my only disappointment is lack of color choice…”

How to Pick the Best Large Dog Bed

When perusing best dog beds for large dog, think of several factors. First and foremost, know your dog’s dimensions and size. If this means pulling out the measuring tape beforehand, then so be it. Know his or her width, length, and weight. Select the large dog bed that will comfortable fit them when they’re stretched out, so as to maximize their comfort. You don’t want them hanging off the bed, hating it, and then begging to sleep on yours.

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If your dog has certain health concerns, take those into account as well and consider an orthopedic bed. Large dog breeds can have issues that include osteoporosis, arthritis, and other joint and/or bone ailments that afflict them. Hip dysplasia, which causes the joints and ligaments in the hip to weaken and become discombobulated, is another common condition that affects large dogs.

You want to minimize their pain and boost their recovery if they’re in it. To do this, you need to have the right equipment. Make sure the material of the pet bed is soft and pliant. If you wouldn’t sleep on it, don’t make your dog sleep on it. Think of the bed as needing to be up to your human standards. Don’t purchase products that are cheap or seem made cheaply. They could have toxic materials in them and will be a waste of money eventually, as they break down and fall apart.

Another feature that you need to be sure of is how easy the large dog bed is to clean. Durability and cleanliness go hand in hand. The fabric should be tough enough to support your dog’s needs, yet clean enough to be thrown in the wash or simply hand-washed. You don’t want your dog sleeping on a dirty bed, but you also don’t want to be constantly buying new beds or recovering them. Getting the right bed for your large-breed dog means taking into account both your dog’s needs and your needs as an owner.

There’s no reason to skimp on expense if you know you’re getting a product that will be dependable and long-lasting. Dog beds, though they might not seem like it, are an investment into your dog’s health and livelihood that will pay off big time in both the short-term and the long-term. The list we gave you above will hopefully help you make the decision that best fits both you and your dog. Happy shopping (and sweet dreams, too)!

We want to make sure that our readers are aware that we are NOT sponsored by any of the manufacturers and dog companies mentioned in this article. Please note that we do our best to provide accurate information, but we highly encourage dog owners to always double-check other sources for additional tips on best dog beds so that you can make a more accurate decision of what’s best for you, and your canine.

The above overview of best beds for large dogs should give pet owners a good idea of best rated dog supplies, but please also make sure that you read the more about top large dog bed reviews from multiple customers before you purchase any dog products. Sometimes, those reviews from pet parents can provide more information than any dog supplies website ever could. Finally, I hope this list was helpful, and if you tried any of these dog products, please let us know of your experience in the comments below.

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