Our Dog Bed Size Chart

Dog Bed Size Chart

** Please bear in mind that all breeds vary in size and weight. We recommend you measure your dog carefully before purchasing any product.

*** Bespoke bed sizes are available upon request for all styles of bed. Please get in touch with our sales team for more info.

How to Measure Your Dog for Their Bed

Before you pick up a tartan dog bed that matches their personality or a tough dog bed that’ll withstand their chewing, you need to measure your dog’s body. Do this step first – and do it as accurately as possible.

Step 1: Measure Your Dog from Nose to Tail

Take the tape measure and measure the length from your dog's nose to the base of their tail (i.e., their bum and not the end of the tail).

Make a note of this size, as that's how long you'll want the dog bed to be or as close to.

Step 2: Measure Your Dog's Height

The next step is to measure the height of your dog to give you an idea of the bed width you'll need. Measure from the top of their shoulder bone to the floor.

It’s as simple as that! Once you have these two measurements, use our dog bed size chart above to determine which bed will best fit your pet.

What Else Should You Consider Before Choosing Your Dog Bed?

While measuring your dog is undoubtedly the simplest way to figure out the best bed size for your pup, there are a few other factors you’ll want to consider so that their bed fits snugly.

We have laid out our top recommendations and factors to consider when choosing the perfect dog bed, so note these down and use them before purchasing.

1) Your Dog's Sleeping Position

As well as measuring the size of your dog, we always recommend considering your dog's sleeping style. And by sleep style, we simply mean the way your dog sleeps.

Our dog sleeping positions chart below can help you identify which of the five different styles your pet tends to sleep in, as well as recommendations for bed sizing.

Sprawlers & Belly-Up Sleepers

For sprawlers and belly-up sleepers, your pup will need a bit more space for their stretched limbs, so it's best to opt for a larger size dog bed. Going one size bigger than their measurements should be enough.

We recommend our dog bed mattresses or vet beds for these types of sleepers, as the flat style will make it more comfortable for your dog to stretch out. Our customers (and their pets) love these as the flat shape of the bed allows the dogs to stretch out as they wish.

Curlers, Learners & Side Sleepers

For curlers, leaners, and side sleepers, stick to the size your pup's measurement suggests – they likely won’t need any additional room since their curled-up position will take up less space.

Our Cosy dog beds are perfect for curlers and leaners. The raised edge lets learners rest their heads and gives curlers a secure cocoon-like feeling. These beds are available in our toughest Trojan material, traditional Country Classic, luxe Senior Gold, and cloud-like Merino Wool.

And for side sleepers, any of our Cosy beds, dog mattresses, or vet bedding products will do the trick, allowing them to turn freely in their sleep and never feel trapped.

2) Your Dog’s Weight

While it isn’t recommended to use only your dog’s weight to determine which bed size to purchase, it can still be a helpful factor when choosing the type of bed.

Our beds aren’t sized based on weight, but knowing how heavy your dog is can help you decide if a bed with more or less stuffing is most appropriate. For example, lighter dogs may benefit from a softer bed, like plush English wool, while heavier dogs should have something with more support, like luxe polyester fibres.

It is important to factor in your dog’s breed, weight and also their size. Different breeds of dogs have very different proportions. Some dogs have very long, thin legs, but they will weigh very little, such as Italian Greyhounds. 

It is advised that you measure your dog so that you know exactly what size bed will be most accommodating for their specific needs.”

3) Your Dog’s Breed

Sure, not all dogs of the same breed are the same size (i.e., your Jack Russell Terrier might be twice the size of your friend's Jack Russell Terrier), but it can still give you a starting point.

Typically, small dog breeds (such as Terriers, Daschunds and Chihuahuas) will likely need extra small or small dog beds, and large dog breeds (like Labradors, Bulldogs and Huskies) will be more suited to large, extra large or giant beds.

Refer back to our dog bed size chart and see which bed size is likely to be the most suitable for your dog’s breed, and then take into account their individual size.

4) Dog Bed Material

It’s not only the size of the bed you’ll need to think about but also the material and style.

Dog beds can be made using lots of different fabrics for the outer cover, and you'll want to choose whichever is best for your individual pet. Ask yourself:

• Do you want a bed that's easy to wipe down?
• Does the bed need to be waterproof?
• Do you want to machine-wash the bed?
• Does the bed need to provide warmth?
• Do you need the bed to provide orthopaedic support?
• Does the bed need to be strong?

Tough Beds for Tough Dogs

If you know your dog gets mucky, then you’ll want to choose a waterproof dog bed that’s easy to wipe or hose down after your walks. If you have a boisterous or chewy pup, then you should look for beds made with durable materials.

We’ve designed our Trojan beds with both comfort and resilience in mind, using ballistic nylon for the outer cover. They’re regarded by many pet owners across the UK as being the toughest dog bed out there, offering a truly long-lasting option.

Shop Our Pet Bedding Range

Fluffy & Cosy Beds for Pampered Pooches

If your dog likes to snuggle up in a warm, cosy bed, then look for materials like wool and premium polyester.

Wool has excellent heat retention properties that’ll keep your dog warm and snug all year round and provide a place for them to nuzzle. Polyester is another excellent material for making beds – it’s soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking.

We use a variety of wool and polyester to craft our Cosy and mattress dog bed covers, so you can count on your pooch getting a great night’s sleep.

Shop Our Senior Gold Bed Range

5) It’s Always Safer to Choose a Bigger Dog Bed

If, after considering all the points we've talked about, you're still not sure which size is the best choice, opt for a bigger bed.

A dog bed that’s too small is much more uncomfortable than a too-large dog bed, so we suggest going a size up from what you think your pup needs.

Dogs need to feel comfortable so that they can rest and relax. They need a bed big enough so they can stretch their legs out and feel fully supported when lying on their side and when they are curled up. It must be soft enough, with enough depth, to support their joints. 

A good bed can make the difference between your dog being well rested, comfortable and content, compared to them being tired, in discomfort and possibly injured.”

Let's Recap: Finding the Best Size Dog Bed

Great sleep starts with a great bed, so providing your dog with the right-sized bed is vital.

Measuring your dog is the most accurate way to determine the right bed size, but you can also take into account your dog's breed and sleeping habits. Use our Dog Bed Size Chart above to find the perfect fit for your pup, and take a look at our top dog bed picks for the ultimate canine comfort.

Why Choose Bronte Glen?

For over 30 years at our working mill in West Yorkshire, we’ve been continuously designing, crafting and supplying premium dog beds across Europe to dog owners and their pups. We’re regulars at Crufts, too!

Combining our iconic craftsmanship with premium quality materials, our dog beds provide comfort, support and durability for your pet.

With dog bed sizes ranging from small to giant (and Cosy Plus in our Cosy range), you’ll have no trouble finding the best size dog bed for your pet. We also offer bespoke-size dog beds, so if you need a unique bed for your unique pup, we’ve got you covered.

If you have any other questions regarding our bespoke dog beds or our dog bed size guide, please get in touch with our team or head on over to the Bronte Glen Blog, where you'll find lots of useful pet care advice.

Find the Perfect Size Dog Bed for Your Pet