Dog Beds, Ten Different Types

The domesticated dog loves to lie around on something soft and most, from what I have seen like an occasional pillow. There are a lot of different types of dog beds to choose from some better suited for different stages of your pups life. Here are the types that are available. Follow the manufacturers sizing chart for a good fit and take into account how your dog sleeps; stretched out, curled up, on their back, etc.

Standard dog bed

The standard dog beds are basically big pillows which come in many different shapes. They consist of a cover and an insert. The cover has a zipper or some fastened opening to take out the insert. The insert is usually made of fiber fill, foam or possibly cedar chips. These are good for younger dogs but not so good for older or arthritic dogs.

Doughnut Dog Bed

The doughnut dog bed is a plush, pillow designed dog bed with bolster around the outside of bed. These beds are very soft and comfortable. The doughnut is mainly designed for smaller, lighter dogs and do not provide support for dogs with joint issues.

Nest dog bed

The nest is a standard bed with raised sides around most of outside so the dog can curl or lean against. These beds would most likely not suit dogs that sleep stretched out. The nest beds are comfortable and could provide some support for joints but are not designed to be supportive for arthritic dogs.

Orthopedic dog beds

Orthopedic dog beds are designed especially for older dogs and dogs with arthritis or joint problems. They are square or rectangle and are filled with stiff foam which supplies support. These beds are suited well for all dogs. The foam used in these beds will usually, over time and use, start to sag where the dog is laying. Better composite foam are put in some beds and provide better support with less sagging. Expect to pay a little more for a better foam.

Memory foam dog beds

The memory foam dog bed is similar to the mattresses of the memory foam for humans. Again there are variants of the quality of the memory foam. If it is a true memory foam dog bed the seller will guarantee it against sagging. Expect to pay a good bit more for these. I don't know how long they last but they could last a dog's lifetime and some which would make the higher price a good value.

Crate dog beds

If you crate your dog you should have some padding in the bottom of the crate for your dog to lie on. There are rectangle, thin foam based pads especially made for crates or kennels. Some are moisture resistant for younger dogs.

Dog Furniture

  You can get beds that are raised or loungers that are designed similar to couches.  The value of these beds are they can be pleasing to the eye and the environment.  Matching fabrics or mocking the style of furniture in the house.  Most are priced pretty high to the very high for custom furniture.  The raised beds do have the added bonus of keeping the dog off of a cold floor.


Travel dog beds

  These are similar to the traditional sleeping bag.  They are light weight, portable and usually fold up into a carry bag.  Perfect for camping or a weekend holiday.

Heated and Cooling dog beds

  There are both heated and cooling beds for dogs.  The heated beds have a device similar to a heating pad that fits under the bed in the lining.  The cooling beds are filled with water to help transfer heat from the dog.


  Your dog deserves a nice comfortable place or places around the house that they can rest and dream of chasing balls and cats.  If your dog is older or has joint problems you will want to look into an orthopedic dog bed to give them relief from their pain.  Think about what you need and the size before you venture out to the pet store.