Most dog beds that get abandoned aren't bad beds. They're the wrong size. Get that one decision right and everything else is easier.
How to measure your dog
Do this while they're lying on their side, stretched out — not curled up. Curled is the position they use when they're cold or feel unsafe; stretched out is what they need room for.
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
- Add 15–20cm.
- That's your minimum bed length.
If they're a sprawler — legs out in all directions — add closer to 25cm. If you're between two sizes, always go up. Dogs never complain about too much room, but they will abandon a bed that's too tight.
Don't buy on the breed name printed on the label. "Large" means wildly different things between brands. Always compare your measurement against the actual centimetre dimensions in the size chart.
Rough guide by dog size
| Dog size | Typical examples | Bed length |
|---|---|---|
| Toy / cat | Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Pomeranian | Around 40cm |
| Small | Dachshund, Yorkie, Pug, French Bulldog | Around 55–60cm |
| Medium | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie, Staffy | Around 75–85cm |
| Large | Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd | 100cm and up |
Use this to sanity-check, not to decide. Your tape measure is the authority.
What actually matters beyond size
Bolstered sides
Raised edges give a dog something to rest their head on and press against. That contact is a security instinct — it's why dogs choose to sleep against walls and behind couches. For anxious dogs and for seniors, bolsters often make the difference between a bed that gets used and one that doesn't.
One caveat: bolsters take up part of the footprint. A bolstered bed needs to be a bit larger overall than a flat mat for the same dog, because the internal sleeping area is smaller than the external dimensions.
A removable, washable cover
Non-negotiable in practice. Dog beds get dirty fast, and a bed you can't wash easily is a bed that gets washed rarely. Check the cover fully unzips and that the machine instructions are realistic for your washing machine.
Fill that holds its shape
A cheap bed flattens to a pancake within months and then does nothing for joints — which matters most for exactly the older dogs who need support. Look for higher-density fill and secured inner cushions that won't shift and bunch after washing.
A non-slip base
Essential on floorboards and tiles, which is most Australian homes. A bed that slides when your dog flops into it feels unstable to them, and some dogs won't commit to it again after a couple of slides.
Climate
Worth thinking about here specifically. Very thick plush beds trap heat, and a dog who loves their bed in July may abandon it in January. Plenty of Australian households run a warmer bed in winter and a lighter, airier spot in summer — that's not a failed purchase, it's just sensible.
Special cases
- Senior or arthritic dogs — prioritise supportive fill and easy access. A very high-sided bed can be hard to climb into.
- Long-backed breeds — length matters more than width. Don't make them curl.
- Anxious dogs — deeper bolsters, and place the bed where they can see the room's entrance.
- Puppies — buy for their adult size and expect to replace it anyway; chewing is likely.
- Multiple dogs — separate beds, even if they usually pile in together. Dogs need the option to sleep apart.
Putting it together
Measure them stretched out, add 15–20cm, round up if you're between sizes, and then filter on: bolsters, washable cover, decent fill, non-slip base. That's genuinely the whole decision.
Our bolster bed comes in four sizes with the full centimetre dimensions listed for each — measure first, then match.