The best dog beds for small dogs
Small dogs sleep a lot, up to 14 hours a day, and where they sleep matters more than most owners realise. The right bed supports joints, regulates temperature, and gives a small dog a secure space that is genuinely theirs. These are the four worth buying.
| Product | |
|---|---|
| PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed - SmallPetFusion | View → |
| The Dog's Bed Orthopaedic Dog Bed - SmallThe Dog's Bed | View → |
| Silentnight Calming Donut Dog BedSilentnight | View → |
| Bedsure Dog Bed Mattress - SmallBedsure | View → |
The best all-round small dog bed for owners who want quality without the premium price of Big Barker.
Solid memory foam base, waterproof inner liner, removable washable cover. Sits low to the ground which matters for small breeds prone to spinal problems, Dachshunds and French Bulldogs in particular should not be jumping on and off elevated surfaces. The cover comes off in one piece and goes in the washing machine without drama. Available in multiple colours. The small size suits dogs up to around 12kg.
The choice for small dogs with joint problems or breeds predisposed to them.
A UK small business brand with veterinary approval and a specific focus on joint health. The small size (71x48x10cm) uses 5cm of high-density orthopaedic memory foam over a 5cm stability base, meaningfully more foam than most budget beds. Waterproof inner liner, removable washable outer cover, replacement covers available separately when the cover wears out. Good choice for Dachshunds where back health is a genuine concern, Cavaliers prone to joint problems, and any small breed from middle age onwards.
For anxious small dogs that feel safer with something to curl into.
The raised rim creates a den-like enclosure that anxious and nervous dogs gravitate to instinctively. Not a memory foam orthopaedic bed, the filling is standard cushioning, but for a small dog that is not yet showing joint problems and that finds open flat surfaces unsettling, it works well. Machine washable. The round shape suits dogs that curl up to sleep rather than stretch out. Not the right choice for older dogs that need proper orthopaedic support.
For the crate, the car, the spare room. Buy it when you need a practical second bed.
A flat crate mattress with a sherpa cover, Oxford fabric base, and a waterproof lining. Not a memory foam orthopaedic bed and it does not pretend to be, it is a washable, replaceable, affordable surface that keeps a dog off a hard crate floor. For puppies going through the destructive phase, for the car, or as a backup when the main bed is in the wash, this does the job without the cost of replacing a premium bed.
Frequently asked questions
What size bed does a small dog need?
Your dog should be able to stretch out fully in the bed and still have a few centimetres to spare. Measure your dog from nose to tail when stretched and add 20-30cm. For most small breeds under 12kg, a bed in the 60-80cm range works well. If your dog likes to curl up, they can use a slightly smaller bed comfortably.
Do small dogs need an orthopaedic bed?
Not necessarily when they are young and healthy, but it is worth thinking about earlier than most owners do. Small breeds prone to spinal problems -- Dachshunds particularly -- benefit from a low, supportive surface from the start. For dogs from middle age onwards, or any dog showing signs of stiffness or joint pain, an orthopaedic memory foam bed makes a meaningful difference.
Should small dogs sleep in a crate?
Crate training suits many small dogs well -- they are den animals by instinct and often find a crate comforting rather than restrictive when introduced with positive association. A flat crate mattress like the Bedsure gives them a comfortable surface without taking up the space a bolster bed would. Once crate training is complete, most owners move to a freestanding bed in the living room.
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