This post was most recently updated on April 16th, 2021
After a tiring day of playing, your little doggo needs a comfortable spot to lounge in and rest. Like humans, your dog needs a clean and safe place to rest at night. Nothing is much better than a cozy bed where they can rest whenever they want. With dogs sleeping by as much as 12 hours a day, the best dog beds for small dog breeds is almost imperative to have.
SMALL DOG BED | DOG BED BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Dog Bed | Check Price | ||
Furhaven Orthopedic Plush & Suede Dog Bed | Check Price | ||
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Bed | Check Price | ||
Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed | Check Price | ||
Long Rich Reversible Dog Bed with Paw Embroidery | Check Price | ||
Aspen Pet Oval with Bone Applique | Check Price | ||
Furhaven Orthopedic Bed with Burrow Blanket | Check Price |
Benefits of a dog bed for small breeds
Is it really important to give your small dog a bed? Here are some of the benefits:
????Releases pressure on the joints
Dog beds actually help release the pressure on your dog’s joints. The hard floor can be very uncomfortable and it can actually worsen any injury your dog might have.
Also, older dogs and those that are recovering from post-op conditions need a soft bed to rest. This will reduce the distress of the injury while keeping any pressure away from the affected area.
????Keeps dander off the floor
For small dogs that shed a lot, a dog bed is a good way to isolate most of the hair in one place. Once your dog gets used to lounging in it, your furniture will have less hair than before.
Since the shedding is concentrated in one location, it will be easier to clean too.
????Provides a sense of security for your dog
Dogs can feel afraid at night, especially if they don’t have any space to burrow into. So to give your dog – and yourself – peaceful sleep, you might as well invest in a comfy bed.
Bolster-type beds provide a small fortress to your pooch at night. It provides a sense of security even if they’re not seeing you around. This can reduce barking and whimpering. You can even purchase a bed with a burrow blanket attached to it.
MY TOP PICK: MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Dog Bed
Product Name: MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Dog Bed
Product Description: My top recommendation is the MidWest Deluxe Bolster Dog Bed. It’s made from synthetic fur with a polyester bolster where your little doggo can nest and rest. This rug-style dog bed can fit inside crates and cages which allow you to use it while traveling with your dog. Also, it’s machine-washable and dryer-friendly as long as you set it in a cold and gentle cycle. It even comes with a 1-year warranty.
Price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Comfort Level
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Material Quality
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Durability
Overall
Summary
I also like the quilted base which endures wear and tear. I was actually surprised that this bed looks way gorgeous for its price.
Take note that this doesn’t provide ample support for dogs with orthopedic conditions. If this is the case, you can opt for my other picks here.
This dog bed is available in four colors which you can match with your house’s motif.
Pros
✔️Comes with heavy-duty stitching
✔️Machine-washable and dryer-friendly
✔️Quilted base to keep the bed in place
Cons
❌Not ideal for small dogs with orthopedic conditions
RUNNERS-UP
Furhaven Orthopedic Plush & Suede Dog Bed
For small pooches recovering from an orthopedic injury, I recommend the Furhaven Orthopedic Plush & Suede Dog Bed. It has a plush synthetic fur top paired with silken suede for the bolsters. Also, the cover makes it easy to clean up dander and hair.
Inside, this dog bed has egg-crate foam which helps distribute your dog’s weight evenly. It helps release pressure points while providing consistent orthopedic support for aching joints.
One side of the bed doesn’t have a bolster so older or mobility-challenged dogs can easily hop on top of it. Overall, this bed is perfect for breeds up to 20 pounds like Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Maltese.
Just take note that this bed isn’t ideal for little doggos with intense chewing habits.
The bed cover is machine washable while the foam is CertiPUR-US certified to be free from any flammable retardants and dangerous chemicals.
✔️Made of CertiPUR-US certified foam
✔️Plush sleep surface
✔️Perfect for dogs with orthopedic problems
❌Can be softer as an orthopedic bed
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Bed
For pooches that prefer burrowing under the sheets, the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort bed is probably a good choice. It has a donut shape and a deep center where your pet can settle at night.
The rear bolster is 12-inch high while the front is a bit lower at 9 inches. This gives excellent support for the neck and head of your doggo.
This dog bed has a cozy Sherpa fabric cover stuffed with virgin AirLOFT fibers which are 3 times longer than other pet beds. Also, it has a nylon fabric backing that resists water and dirt.
This bed gives a perfect snuggling experience for dogs of up to 25 pounds. It provides warmth and a sense of security. I also love the fact that this is available in 16 different colors. You can even match it with your home décor.
✔️Stuffed with long AirLOFT fibers
✔️Comfy machine-washable Sherpa fabric cover
✔️High bolsters perfect for snuggling
❌Tends to slide around
Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
If your little doggo is a feisty chewer, you can consider the Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed. Instead of the usual, stuffed burrows, this one has a metal frame and a breathable HDPE fabric.
Also, this is the perfect choice during summer months when thick beds get hot to sleep. Since it’s elevated, there’s increased airflow below your dog’s body.
I also like that the fabric is resistant against fleas, mildew, mold, and mites. Also, it’s very easy to clean and the fabric dries up easily outdoors.
Also, this is a great bed if your doggo likes to lounge outdoors. You can even bring it during your beach getaways so your pooch won’t be left behind on the summer vibe.
Take note that this is the original elevated dog bed. Unlike imitations, Coolaroo is made from GREENGUARD-certified fabric.
✔️Phthalate-free fabric
✔️Powder-coated frame that resists corrosion
✔️Added ventilation due to the elevated construction
❌A bit difficult to put together
Long Rich Reversible Dog Bed with Paw Embroidery
The Long Rich Reversible Dog Bed is super comfy and ideal for any climate. It features two sides that make it ideal for both hot and cold weather.
The first side has a smooth, synthetic suede lining which makes a cool bed during warm days. The other side has knitted corduroy which is cozy for snuggling during winter. Both are soft enough to keep your dog comfortable.
It has a bulky filling which keeps it plush even after years of use. The entire bed is also machine-washable so you no longer have to sweat cleaning it up.
I also like that this bed doesn’t produce static which is added comfort for my pooch. Also, it makes cleaning dog hair easier.
My only problem is that it’s too cozy it made my doggo a couch potato. Other than that, it’s the total value for money.
✔️Reversible sides to suit the weather
✔️The entire bed is machine-washable
✔️Doesn’t produce static
❌A bit lighter than what I expected
Aspen Pet Oval with Bone Applique
If your pooch prefers a round bolster, consider Aspen Pet Oval dog bed. It has nest-like walls made from high-loft polyester. You can even use it as a crate mat for your dog’s total peace of mind at night.
Also, it’s machine-washable without losing its plush feel. It’s also perfectly sized for small and toy breeds who want to cuddle in with their toys. It has a dimpled bottom which acts as a slip-resistant layer.
After bringing this home, my dog just fell in love with it. She fits perfectly inside when she’s in a snuggling position. It’s also affordable and I actually afforded two for my doggos.
Overall, it’s well-made and can withstand gentle mouthing. This bed is 20 inches tall and 16 inches wide, just perfect for small breeds with enough room to turn.
If you have the extra bucks, you can avail the Bundle package that includes this bed and a BarkBone dog chew toy.
✔️The bolster remains intact
✔️Machine-washable
✔️Made of high-loft polyester
❌A bit overstuffed but my dog likes it anyway
Furhaven Orthopedic Bed with Burrow Blanket
Last but definitely not the least choice for this roundup is the Furhaven Orthopedic Bed with Burrow Blanket.
The bed itself is made with faux lambswool with CertiPUR-US certified orthopedic foam as the base. This distributes the weight of the dog evenly to reduce the pressure on their joints. The egg-crate design provides more ventilation.
What I like the most here is the attached blanket hood which makes the bed a cave-like burrow. This is perfect for cuddling up at night and as a safety nest for your dog.
This bed is ideal for dogs up to 20 pounds. It’s also available in 8 colors so you can match it with your décor. Just take note that this isn’t recommended for dogs that are into chewing.
✔️Made of CertiPUR-US certified foam
✔️Comes with attached blanket hood
✔️Covered with very soft faux lambswool fabric
❌The plastic hood tubing is a bit flimsy
Small Dog Bed Buying Guide
When shopping around for the best dog beds for small dog breeds, always check the following points.
Material
The composition of your dog’s bed is the make-or-break part. If it’s not comfy enough, your dog may prefer sleeping on the floor which is a big waste of money.
For this part, we’ll take a look on the bed cover and the padding separately.
????Bed cover
This is the part with direct contact with your dog’s skin. Like human mattresses, most dog bed covers have a zip-off design which is easier to wash. Generally, you’d want a breathable bed cover that doesn’t harbor smell and moisture. Most of all, it should be easy to clean even if you have a heavy shedder.
????Polyester
Polyester is one of the most common materials in both human and dog bed covers. It’s made from synthetic fiber which is more affordable yet very durable and easy to clean. Polyester is less prone to wrinkling, unlike cotton and other fabrics. Also, it’s colorfast and can retain its shape even if washed many times.
However, polyester can be hot to sleep at if your dog’s spot can’t be reached by your AC unit. It’s also prone to pilling and the fiber tends to stiffen over time.
????Faux suede
Faux suede is made from microfiber woven to produce a thin yet soft fabric. It’s actually more durable than natural suede, not to mention that it’s more environment-friendly.
Faux suede bed covers offer a soft surface which can be stain-repellent too. It also keeps the shed hair within its surfaces which is a plus point for shedding dogs.
????Cotton
Of all bed cover materials, pure cotton is the softest. It’s also breathable and long-lasting. However, washing it requires extra attention to prevent pilling and wrinkling.
Cotton is also highly absorbent which will help keep accidents off your floor.
????Fleece
Fleece bed covers are comfy and easy to clean. Also, it doesn’t fray and many types are reversible. After washing, fleece bed covers dry fast. It’s also known to be hypoallergenic, odor-resistant, and breathable to sleep at.
????Wool
If there’s one bed cover material you need to avoid, it would be wool. This is notorious for pilling and trapping smell. Also, wool is a pain to clean since the dog hair tends to get stuck on its surface. If you’re opting for wool, make sure that it’s blended with other fabric like polyester.
Padding
Just like the dog bed cover, the padding underneath it is also crucial. This will dictate how much support your dog’s body gets while sleeping. Here are some of the common types:
????Memory Foam
It’s also called as orthopedic foam since it contours to the shape of the dog as it sleeps on it. This helps reduce the pressure points on your dog’s body. Also, the foam softens as it gets in contact with your dog’s body heat.
However, memory foam can be hot to sleep on since it’s less breathable than other foam types.
????Support Foam
Support foam is often used as a more affordable alternative to memory foam. It’s usually made of single or shredded pieces of polyfoam. Unlike memory foam, support foam doesn’t soften when it gets in contact with the dog’s body heat.
For small dogs with no orthopedic problems, support foam should be comfortable enough.
????Egg-crate Foam
Egg-crate foam is actually made from support foam but it’s shaped with bumps. It’s intended to improve the breathability of the bed while providing added support on the dog’s body.
The only problem with egg-crate foam is it tends to flatten over time. This will reduce the breathability and comfort of the bed.
????Polyfiber
Polyfiber padding is like a bean bag filled with puffballs. When the dog lies down in it, the balls disperse and conform into the pooch’s body. However, it doesn’t provide much support for those with orthopedic problems. Also, it’s not ideal for very heavy dogs.
Sizing and dimensions
Aside from getting the material right, you also have to secure accurate measurements for your dog. Since your pet is small, it’s easy to overestimate how tiny the bed should be.
I suggest that you measure how tall your dog is. This will pretty much dictate the area your pet will occupy when lying down. Make sure that you add a few inches of allowance so your dog can twist and turn without falling out of bed.
Generally, dog beds will fall into the following sizes:
????Extra small. Beds under this size are 23 inches tall or shorter. This suit dogs up to 10 pounds.
????Small. This falls between 24 and 29 inches tall and ideal for dogs up to 25 pounds.
????Medium. Medium beds are 30 to 25 inches tall and can accommodate dogs up to 45 pounds.
????Large. This is between 36 and 41 inches which are ideal for dogs up to 75 pounds.
????Extra Large. XL beds are 42 to 47 inches tall and perfect for dogs up to 90 pounds.
????XX-Large. Lastly, XXL beds are taller than 48 inches and can carry dogs up to 120 pounds.
Considering your dog’s behavior
When purchasing a bed for your small dog, it’s important to observe their sleeping habits. Some dogs like burrowing under the sheets while others prefer propping up their head on a bolster.
These small details make a difference in your options. Also, if your dog has problems climbing thicker or elevated beds, it’s best to pick a rug-style model.
If you have a little chewer, get a bed with a tougher cover.
Conclusion
Your choice of the best dog beds for small dog breeds should always be in line with your pet’s needs. What do you think of my 7 personal picks here? Have you purchased any of these for your dog? Let me know below in the comment section!