Best Dog Beds for Small Dogs Reviews

Pet parents want to provide the best of everything for their pups to make their everyday life easier, more comfortable and, of course, safer. They want to find a safe, secure leash, feed their pup the best dog food and a great dog bed is right up there on the list of musts as well.

Most dogs love to have their own bed. Not only is it a place to curl up and nap but it's also their safe space, their own little corner of the world they can retreat to when looking for a little peace and quiet. Much like the bed in your own bedroom.

But what's the best dog bed for your small dog to borrow into?

Shopping for a small dog bed has to take into consideration their size and their temperament and that's just for starters.

We'll explain, in this article, just what pet parents should consider when buying a small dog bed and why these are important considerations. 

But to get started we are offering an in-depth look at some of the best dog beds for small dogs on the market right now for every budget.

To make our choices we not only conducted our own research and analysis - with the help of some smaller canine friends - but also real customer feedback and pet parent experiences.

Best Small Dog Beds

We looked at a lot of small dog beds for this research, and as you'll see, we found a lot of great ones. But when forced to pick an overall winner, the one small dog bed that will probably work for most small breeds and their pet parents, the Shag Donut Cuddler came out on top.

This bed ticks a lot of our boxes. It's soft, springy donut shape accommodates pups who like to 'nest' or 'burrow' when they sleep as well as those who prefer to sprawl out full length at nap time.

The small version of this bed accommodates pups of up to 25lbs, which is more than adequate room for most small dogs and yet not so large that they will look or feel 'lost' when sleeping on it. Its plush design is attractive, the faux fur is made from dog safe materials and the bed itself is filled - but not overfilled - with cotton fiberfill (that's vegan friendly for those who that matters to).

We love the fact that the whole bed, not just the cover, can be washed and tumble dried in a standard washer and dryer, as this is seriously helpful when it comes to keeping doggy smells and stains out of the equation.

The overwhelming majority of the thousands of positive reviews this small dog bed has earned praise the bed's comfort, especially for pets who like to nest and cuddle, and for many it has replaced a larger, firmer bed as their pup seems to prefer its furry comfort.

The JOYELF 2-inch Orthopedic Dog Bed Memory Foam Pet Bed offers small dogs a lot of supportive comfort at a very reasonable price. Its filling is crafted making use of memory foam, a bedding material that has been increasing in popularity for human beds for years and has now been transferred to the world of dog beds as well.

The memory foam and the orthopedic design of this bed is a great choice for older pups who may need extra joint support and pain relief but, in general, it offers a comfy sleeping space for pups of all ages and the small version of this bed - which can accommodate dogs of up to 30lbs - offers plenty of space for your furkid to sprawl across. Pups who prefer a 'cuddle' bed can rest their head against any of the sides and it will hold up well.

In terms of care the bed has a removable, washable cover that can be laundered in a standard washing machine. This is not quite as convenient as being able to wash the whole thing but it will allow you to keep the bed largely clean and hair free.

Pet parents who reviewed this bed positively are largely the parents of older dogs and love the fact that they can offer their furkid extra orthopedic support for their aging joints that their pups still seem to find extremely comfortable. The only downside about this bed is that for those pups who like to 'burrow' when they sleep this option is just a little bit too firm for them to do that.

The reason that this bed did not take our top spot primarily comes down to size; it's probably too large for the smallest pups to feel truly comfortable in, but for those who like a lot of space to stretch out in it would actually be a great choice. It's also well sized for those pups who fall somewhere between small and medium-sized, like larger Boston Terriers, Corgis and Pugs.

We like this small dog bed because it offers good joint support - thanks to a specialist, pet safe foam inner - without being so firm that a smaller pup who likes to snuggle and burrow when they sleep could not do so. The layer of orthopedic foam included is a generous 3 1/2 inches thick, which is more than enough to provide the great joint support pet parents of older dogs look for in a small dog bed.  We also love the way it looks, as it's as stylish as some human beds you see in stores!

In terms of care the bed features an easily removable cover that is fully machine washable. Many of the positive reviews for this bed mention how easy it is to take care of and how simply it can be taken apart and put back together again.

Pet parents also comment on how much their pup enjoys the pillow style bolsters that feature on three sides of the bed and that it stands up reasonably well to 'diggers' who like to claw and burrow a little before they curl up to sleep.

Some pups like to have a bed in several spaces, often so they can stay close to you wherever you are! If that's the case for your pup then you may be looking for a more inexpensive small dog bed so you can buy more than one. In this category, we can highly recommend the MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Pet Bed.

This bed is not only very affordable but it's versatile and easy to care for too. It's flat styling is not very fancy, when compared with some other options on our list but it does feature a soft foam inner that provides adequate support for most small dogs and its ombre swirl pattern is very attractive. 

One of the things that pet parents love most about this bed is that it can be washed and dried in its entirety in standard household machines. This means that if your pup has a tendency to get dirty when playing outside, or has been known to have the occasional accident while sleeping - which is quite common in older dogs - then clean up is a breeze.

Some pet parents decided to purchase several of these small dog beds for use both around their home and in their dog's crate, as it is perfectly sized for crate use and reviewers found that it made persuading reluctant dogs to stay in their crate, and be happy there, a lot easier. It can even be used in the backseat of a car, another use some pet parents put it to.

The Furhaven Pet Dog Bed Orthopedic Plush Faux Fur and Suede bed was especially designed for those pups who need extra support as they slumber. It makes use of medical grade orthopaedic 'eggshell crate' foam that helps to relieve pressure points without being so firm that it's uncomfortable for your pup to sleep on. many of the positive reviews we saw praise the bed for how comfortable their less mobile pup seems to be when sleeping on it.

In terms of styling this bed is an excellent choice too, as its faux fur and suede construction looks attractive, and according to many positive reviews, resists dirt very well. The removable cover is fully machine washable and the suede bolsters can be wiped clean with warm water. Pet parents do note that the lighter color options - there are six - do change color a little over time but not in a way that's too unattractive.

If your pup loves to snuggle under blankets, then the chances are good that they will love a cave style bed like the Furhaven Pet Snuggle Nest. The bed features a retractable hood so that your pup can 'hide' as much - or as little - as he likes and the faux sheepskin interior adds extra fuzzy warmth and comfort. If your pup loves to be completely covered the tubing can be removed from the hood altogether to create an even snugger 'nest'. 

This bed is also an excellent choice for pups with joint issues, as the orthopedic egg crate foam floor offers pressure point relief that pet parents reviews state seems to be very effective.

In terms of care the bed's cover is easily removable and completely machine washable. the bed is available in several colors and, if you have a very small pup like a Pomeranian or Chihuahua, a smaller than usual version is available to accommodate them.

This is an excellent small dog bed choice, especially for older pups. Not only is it waterproof and stain resistant it features a two layer system comprising two inches of comfort memory foam and two inches of high density support foam that is designed to help relieve pressure points and offer a more comfortable sleeping experience.

In terms of looks this is not the fanciest looking dog bed but it is available in a number of colors and patterns and has a simple, clean look that many pet parents - and their pups - love. The cover is easily machine washable and a number of reviewers mention how pleased they are with the bed's longevity, with people reporting their pup had been making use of their bed for several years!

The K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed is just right for outdoor use and is light enough to be transported with ease, so a great vacation option for those travelling pups out there. The small version of this bed is perfectly sized for small dogs and pet parents report that it is very durable and even able to stand up to some fairly aggressive chewing.

Many of those who purchased this bed did so for pups who have a tendency to overheat, and loved the cooling effect it has over standard dog bed. They also liked the fact that a canopy is also available - although it has to be purchased separately - that allows their pooch to spend a little more time in the sun.

The Shark Pet House Cave Bed offers lots of cute but also serves as a comfy retreat from the world whenever your pooch needs one. The soft bed mat provides a reasonably good amount of support and the fabric the cave is crafted from is self-warming, meaning that it reflects your pup's own body heat back to keep them extra warm, making this a comfy cold weather bed they'll love.

On cooler days the cave can be folded out, sofa style, and the whole thing packs up easily for travel purposes. Pet parents who love this bed do so because their pups do - many state it is their small dog's favorite bed ever - and the fact that it is very easy to take care of. They also like it because it's so darn cute too, and that's something we agree with.

Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For? Best of the Rest

Here's a look at a few more great small dog beds that deserve a mention and should quite possibly be included on your personal list of best small dog bed options when you head out - or head online - to shop.

Dog Beds Buyer's Guide

The small dog beds we've covered in our guide are some of the best available today and all offer a smaller pup a great place to sleep, or just to chill out and hang when they need a little 'me time'.

They are not, of course, the only good options out there, and you may find a different choice that better suits your pup's needs.

No matter which petite dog bed you eventually opt for however, there are some things you should keep in mind when shopping for the best bed for your small pet, and these considerations should apply to both the bed itself and your unique furkid's personal needs and temperament.

Also read: The best dog harnesses for small dogs

Bed Sizes by Breed

The term 'small dog' is a very loose one, and it can apply to both the tiniest toy breeds and to a larger - but still quite small - breed like the Boston Terrier and dozens of breeds in between.

Just because a bed is labelled 'small dog bed' does not mean it will automatically be suitable for your pup.

Most of the small dog beds you'll encounter when shopping are designed to accommodate pups of up to 25-30 pounds.

However, a longer flat bed, for example, that's perfect for a Boston Terrier may just be a little too much for a tiny teacup Yorkie.

You see, while most humans have no problem with the idea of diving into a massive California King Size bed all by themselves if given the chance, dogs are a little different.

Dogs need to feel safe and comfortable in their bed, so if a bed is too big for them it's unlikely to do that.

Extra Small Breeds 

Includes:

Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Maltese, Papillons, Toy Poodles, Toy Fox Terrier, Penkingese, Papillon, Miniature Dachshunds, Maltipoo, Welsh Corgis, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Pinscher, Pug, Miniatrure Schnauzer, Pug, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffon and French Bulldogs and similarly sized breeds.

Small Breeds

Includes:

Shih Tzus, Pugs, Maltese, Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodles, Welsh Corgis, Border Terrier, Boston Terriers, Miniture Pinschers, Bichons Frises, Westies, Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, West Highland Terriers, French Bulldog, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Pinscher,  Lhasa Apsos, Havanese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pekingese, Chinese Cresteds, Brussels Griffons, Havanese,Jack Russell, and similarly sized breeds. (Shih Tzus, Pugs, Maltese, Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodles, Welsh Corgis, Border Terrier

What is Your Dog's Sleep Style?

Most dogs have a 'sleeping style' that is all their own. Some like to sprawl out and take up as much space as possible while others tend to curl up in an almost cat like way.

And while lots of small dogs love a cushiony, nest type bed they can burrow into and almost hide others prefer to be at the heart of the action, even when they're sleeping, and prefer a flat, open bed so they can wiggle around and get comfy but still enjoy a great view of their surroundings.

Sprawlers

Tend to like to stretch out in all directions, also known as the superdog position, they like to have lots of room, stretch out on either the back or front and like to use the entire surface of the bed, thus a flat bed would be better suited.

Curlers

These dogs prefer to curl up in a ball to go to sleep so any type of dog bed is really suited since they don't utilize a lot of space.

Leaners

These dogs prefer to have their neck and head propped up or leaning against something, so bolster beds are perfect for them since they enjoy the security the raised edges around their body.

Shedding Is A Factor

If your dog is one of the furrier breeds who tend to shed a lot a small dog bed that is as easy to keep clean as possible is a must.

One of the reasons we choose the Best friends by Sheri Shag Donut Cuddler as our overall top pick is that it can be machine washed and tumble dried in its entirety, and many of the positive reviews mentioned what a big help that was.

Age Is A Factor

As pups age their joints tend to get stiffer and creakier, they may develop conditions like arthritis or other joint or bone problems and for them a dog bed that offers extra orthopedic support is often the very best choice.

Equally, a slightly bigger bed will allow them to stretch out for added comfort and support.

Also read: The best dog food for joint health

Pet Beds for Small Dogs Considerations

Once you have worked out what your unique pup's needs are in a tiny dog bed, it's time to look at the beds themselves and what to keep in mind when choosing between them as you shop.

Choosing the right size bed for your dog

Most dog beds are sized very simply as small, medium and large. However, as we previously mentioned, there is a lot of wiggle room that comes along with the term 'small' when referring to dogs.

That's why it's important that you look at the actual measurements of the bed you are considering to make sure that the manufacturer's idea of small matches your dog.

While buying a small dog bed that is a little too big for you pup is unlikely to be too much of a problem one that turns out to be too small is, especially if it is a cave style small dog bed like several of our top picks are.

When making use of that style of bed they need to be easy for your pup to get in and out of, so making sure you get the sizing right is a must. 

Consider these potential issues that can result from having the wrong size dog bed:

• Sore joints and pressure points from not getting enough support
  
• Not getting sufficient restful sleep
  
• Hip and back issues (more the case in large breeds)
  
• Sore muscles from being cramped in a small space
  

Here's a helpful dog bed size chart for small and medium size breeds.

For a more precise sizing measure your dog

The best way to be sure that you’re getting the right size dog bed is to measure your dog for a bed, here's how:

1. Measure your dog from the snout to the base of the tail. That’s the minimum length the bed should be.

2. Then measure your dog from shoulder to shoulder at the widest point. This is the minimum width that the bed should be.

3. Take both measurements and add 4-6" for small dogs and 6-12" for larger breed dogs to both of those final numbers.

4. This new measurement will be roughly the size of bed you are searching for.

When in doubt, choose the bigger bed.

Also read: The best dog food for small dogs

Weight Is A Factor

Some small dog beds come along with recommended weight limits, and you should pay attention to these as well. The heavier a pup is the more he usually benefits from a more supportive bed.

If the dog bed you choose is not right for his size then not only will it not offer the support and comfort he needs but it's likely that it will not last as long as you expected it to either.

Bed Style

We are all spending an increasing amount of money on our fur kids, and so it makes sense that there are an ever growing number of pet products out there, including lots of different styles of dog bed.

When comparing dog bed styles there are several things to be taken into consideration. The first, and most important, is your pup's sleeping comfort. If they like to snuggle and burrow when they sleep, a cave or nest bed may be a better choice than a more open option.

Alternately, you can choose a very versatile style, like our top pick, the Best Friends by Sherry Donut Cuddler. We love this bed because it is soft and fluffy enough that your pup can really burrow in and get curled up and comfy but not so soft that they can't sprawl out a bit more if they want to.

How the small dog bed you choose will fit in with your home decor is also a consideration that many pet parents like to keep in mind as they shop.

The good news here is that there are lots of great dog bed choices that are great looking, as you can see from our list.

We think all of the choices we made will fit in well with most home decor, although we have to say that the neutral but elegant styling of the Best Friends by Sherry Donut Cuddler is another reason that we awarded it 'first prize' over the other very deserving options. 

Where Will the Bed Be Used?

If you want a small dog bed that can be used both indoors and outdoors then many of the choices available to you - including our top pick - are not the best options.

A dog bed that will be used outside needs to be specially created for that purpose, as is the case for the outdoor bed options we highlighted earlier.

This means it should be water and UV resistant - the sun can do a lot of damage to outdoor furniture, including dog beds - and if it is going to be used in the summer months it should offer some kind of cooling, in the way an elevated cot bed like the KH Original Pet Cot does verll well.

Dog Bed Fill

As is now the case for mattresses used by humans, the number of different fill options available in small dog beds has increased, but in general there are a few most commonly used fill types you will encounter to choose from.

Memory Foam

Some pet beds use memory foam, which you may also see referred to as 'orthopedic foam' in some product descriptions.

This is, as you might have guessed, the same memory foam as you'll find in lots of human sleep products. 

The memory foam used in dog beds is either one solid piece of fill or a blend of pieces of shredded foam. 

There are advantages and disadvantages to memory foam and you should keep them in mind as you shop. 

Pros: Memory foam softens and molds itself around your pup's body shape and provides a lot of support, often making it a great choice for pups with orthopedic issues.

Cons: Some pups do not like the sinking feeling that memory foam creates and find it difficult to move around if they want to. Memory foam also tends to sleep a little hot, so for a pup that tends to overheat a lot it may not be the best choice.

Support Foam

Support foam is a loose term that you'll see in lots of product descriptions, but it usually refers to a polyfoam that is similar to memory foam but does not soften when heated.

As is the case for several of our top picks this is often offered in an egg crate shape that is very similar to the egg crate mattresses humans use on beds to add extra support and comfort.

Polyfiber

Polyfiber dog beds tend to have a similar feel to that of a beanbag chair.

That means that they are soft and squishy, great for nesting or burrowing but may not offer enough support for dogs with joint issues or small pups who are a little on the heavier side.

Ease of Care

Dog beds can get grimy - and smelly - rather quickly, so being able to wash at least part of the bed is a must, especially important for a puppy while still potty trained or a more senior dog with kidney issues.

Ideally the whole bed would be washable - as is the case for our overall top pick and others, to help ensure that the bed stays as clean and stink free as possible.

Easily removable bedding, or dog beds with waterproof and anti-bacterial fabric, are the best options.

Most dog beds though cannot be washed in their entirety but they do have a removable cover that can be washed, usually in a standard washing machine.

A few can be hand washed or spot cleaned only, which is not quite as easy or as efficient. 

Make sure you vacuum the bed first before washing, use unscented detergent and stick it on either the sanitation cycle or the hottest water cycle available.

Beds with a polyester fill should be hung out to dry rather than using a dryer to prevent clumping.

Durability

Durability is an important issue to keep in mind when choosing all kinds of pet products.

While some pups are calm and collected at naptime and only use their bed to relax or sleep some pups are likely to chew or paw at their bed as a matter of habit. 

If that is the case for your pup you may need to look for a more durable option than some on this list and for those pet parents whose pup chews a lot a heavy duty option like the Carhartt Canvas Dog Bed we featured may be the very best choice.

Price

When choosing the absolute best dog bed for your smaller pet - price should not really be your first consideration, but it should be factored into the equation as no one wants to overpay for something just because it has a well known brand name or a fancier design.

The beds on our list range from $20-$70 and that is very representative of the pricing of most good small dog beds.

Our number one choice, is actually one of the lower priced products on our list, retailing for around $35, proof that you don't have to spend a small fortune to get a great bed for your smaller pup.

Final Word on Smaller Dog Pet Beds

We hope that you have found our guide to the best beds for small dogs useful, and that you now feel better equipped to make the right buying choice for your pup.

All that remains for us to do now is to wish you happy shopping and to wish your pup a very good night's sleep (when he gets his new bed.)

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What are your top picks for your small pet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Also Read: Best dog beds with attached blankets