How to Choose the Right Dog Bed Size (So Your Dog Actually Uses It)
Buying the wrong dog bed size is one of the fastest ways to waste money—because even a high-quality bed won’t get used if it’s too small, too cramped, or awkward in your space.
The good news: choosing the right size is easy when you measure the right way and account for how your dog actually sleeps.
Quick Answer
To choose the right dog bed size, measure your dog while they’re lying down, then add 6–12 inches depending on whether they curl or sprawl.
If the bed will go inside a crate, choose a size that fits the crate floor flat without bunching.
Why Dog Bed Size Matters More Than Most People Think
Dogs don’t sleep like humans. They stretch, curl, lean, flop, and rotate. If the bed doesn’t match their natural sleep style, you’ll see common problems like:
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Your dog sleeps half-on, half-off the bed
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They use the bed for a minute, then move to the floor
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They never fully relax (too tight or too warm)
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They avoid it completely because it feels unstable or cramped
A correctly sized bed supports better sleep, reduces restlessness, and is especially important for seniors or dogs with joint issues.
Step 1: Measure Your Dog the Right Way
Ignore weight charts for a moment. Weight helps, but it’s not enough. A long dog can be light, and a stocky dog can be short.
Measure your dog in their favorite sleeping position
Wait until your dog is relaxed and lying down naturally (not sitting).
You need two measurements:
1) Length
Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
If your dog fully sprawls, measure nose to tail tip for a more generous fit.
2) Width
Measure across their body at the widest point while lying down (often shoulder-to-shoulder).
If they curl tightly, measure their curled width.
Step 2: Add Space Based on Sleep Style
This is where most sizing guides get it wrong—they don’t account for sleep style.
If your dog is a “curler”
They sleep in a tight ball or tucked position.
Add about 6 inches to their length.
If your dog is a “sprawler”
They stretch out on their side, belly, or do the full “frog-leg” sprawl.
Add 10–12 inches to their length.
If your dog is a “leaner”
They press against walls, furniture, or people.
Choose a bed with a bit more width, and consider bolsters if they like head/neck support.
Step 3: Choose the Bed Shape That Matches Their Habits
Size isn’t just length—it’s shape.
Rectangular beds
Best for sprawlers and most dogs who like stretching out.
Round or donut beds
Best for curlers and anxious sleepers who like a “nest” feel.
Bolstered beds
Great for dogs who use the edge like a pillow or feel calmer with boundaries.
Crate beds
Best for crate sleepers, but must fit precisely to the crate floor.
Step 4: If You Use a Crate, Size for the Crate First
Crate beds are a special case. Even if the bed is “the right size” for your dog, it may not work in a crate if it bunches or folds up.
Simple crate bed sizing rule
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Measure the inside floor of your crate (length and width).
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Choose a bed that fits flat with minimal extra space.
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Avoid thick bolsters in crates if they reduce usable space.
If the bed scrunches up, your dog won’t settle properly.
Step 5: Consider Age, Mobility, and Joint Comfort
Bed size matters even more when a dog is older or stiff.
For senior dogs or dogs with joint pain
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Size up if they’re restless at night or change positions often.
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Choose a bed that lets them stretch out fully.
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Make sure the bed is stable and not slippery.
A bed that’s too small forces curling, and tight curling can increase stiffness for some dogs.
“My Dog Is Between Sizes” — What Should I Do?
If your dog is between sizes, most of the time you should size up.
Reasons to size up:
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Your dog sprawls or stretches
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Your dog is older or stiff
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Your dog changes positions frequently
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You want the bed to last as your dog grows
The only reasons to size down:
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You’re placing it in a tight space
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It needs to fit a crate precisely
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Your dog strongly prefers curling in smaller spaces
Common Dog Bed Sizing Mistakes (Avoid These)
Mistake 1: Choosing by weight only
Two dogs can weigh the same but have completely different body length.
Mistake 2: Forgetting sleep style
Sprawlers need extra length. Curlers often need less length but may need a nesting shape.
Mistake 3: Buying too small to “save space”
A bed that’s slightly too large is usually fine. A bed that’s too small often gets ignored.
Mistake 4: Ignoring crate fit
If you use a crate, bed dimensions must match the crate floor.
Mistake 5: Not planning for growth
If you have a puppy, plan for their adult size—or you’ll buy twice.
Quick Size Checklist (Save This)
Before buying, confirm:
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✅ You measured your dog while lying down
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✅ You added 6 inches (curlers) or 10–12 inches (sprawlers)
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✅ The bed shape fits their sleep style
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✅ If using a crate, the bed fits the crate floor flat
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✅ Your dog can stretch out without hanging off the edges
FAQs
How big should a dog bed be compared to the dog?
Big enough for your dog to lie naturally in their preferred sleeping position, plus extra room—typically 6–12 inches longer than their body length.
Should I size up for an orthopedic bed?
Often yes, especially for senior dogs or dogs with joint pain. Extra space allows comfortable repositioning.
What if my dog sleeps curled up most of the time?
A slightly smaller bed can work, especially a round or donut shape. Just make sure they can still shift positions without feeling cramped.
Do dogs prefer smaller beds?
Some dogs like snug beds because it feels secure. But many dogs, especially sprawlers, prefer more space—so watch your dog’s natural habits.
Final Thought
Choosing the right dog bed size isn’t about guessing or trusting a generic weight chart. It’s about measuring your dog the way they actually sleep and giving them enough room to relax.
Once the size is right, everything else—support, washability, cooling—starts to matter more, because your dog will actually use the bed.
If you want, tell me your dog’s length measurement and sleep style (curler or sprawler), and I’ll tell you the exact bed size range to buy.
