It's the most common question when buying a bed: what size should I get? A bed that's too small means the dog ends up sleeping on the floor, and one that's too big doesn't give them that sense of having their own little corner that many dogs look for. Measuring properly takes two minutes.
Step 1: measure your dog lying down
Wait until they're asleep or lying down in their usual position. Using a tape measure, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Don't include the tail.
Step 2: add 15 to 20 cm
That's the extra room they need to turn around and settle in. The result is the length the long side of the bed should be.
Step 3: notice how they sleep
- If they sleep curled up in a ball, you can stay at the lower end of the range. Beds with raised edges work really well, because they can rest their head on them.
- If they sleep stretched out, go for the higher end or the next size up.
- If they're a puppy, think about the size they'll be as an adult, or accept that you'll need to change beds later on.
Size guide
Every dog is different, so the measurement from Step 2 takes priority over this chart. As a starting point, choose a bed that's a little longer than your dog lying down:
- Cats and very small dogs (up to about 5 kg): a small bed, around 50 cm on the long side.
- Small dogs (5 to 10 kg): a bed around 60 cm on the long side.
- Medium-sized dogs (10 to 20 kg): a bed around 70 to 80 cm on the long side.
- Large dogs that sleep stretched out: a large bed, 100 cm or more on the long side.
One last tip
Put the bed in a quiet spot, away from drafts and the front door, and if possible where your dog can see you. If the bed is new, rubbing it with something you've worn or with their usual blanket helps them accept it sooner.
You can see all the beds in the store at beds and rest for dogs.
You might also like: orthopedic beds for dogs, if your dog is older or large.