What Size Dog Bed Do I Need? A Measuring Guide by Breed

The most common reason a dog ignores a new bed is simple: it is too small. Bed sizes are often named for the box they ship in rather than the dog that has to sleep in them, so “large” from one brand is a snug “medium” from another. The reliable way to get it right is to measure your dog and ignore the label. Here is how, plus a size chart for popular UK breeds.

How to measure your dog for a bed

You need two measurements, taken while your dog is relaxed.

1. Length: measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while your dog is lying stretched out on their side. This is the figure that matters most.
2. Width or curl: for sprawlers, measure across the body. For dogs that curl into a ball, measure the rough diameter of the circle they make when curled.

Then add room to move:

• For dogs that sprawl flat, add 15 to 30cm to the length so they can fully extend their legs without hanging off the edge.
• For dogs that curl up, a bed roughly the diameter of their curl plus a raised bolster edge is ideal. A snuggler that is too big can actually feel less secure.
• When you are between sizes, size up. A bed that is slightly too big is always better than one that is slightly too small.

Dog bed size chart by breed

Use this as a starting point, then check against your own dog’s measurements, because individuals vary and crossbreeds especially can sit between sizes.

Bed size	Typical body length	Suits breeds such as
Small	Up to ~50cm	Dachshund, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, small puppies
Medium	~50 to 70cm	Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Cavalier, Miniature Schnauzer, Cockapoo
Large	~70 to 90cm	Labrador, Border Collie, Springer Spaniel, Whippet, Bulldog
Extra Large	~90 to 110cm	Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Boxer, Doberman, Standard Poodle
Giant	110cm and over	Great Dane, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, St Bernard, Mastiff

Things that change the size you need

• Sleeping style. A sprawler needs a longer bed than a curler of the same breed. Always size to the position, not just the dog.
• Puppies. If you are buying for a puppy of a breed that will grow, buy for the adult size and use a divider or a smaller snug insert while they are little. It is cheaper than buying twice.
• Two dogs sharing. Many dogs like to pile in together. If yours do, measure the pair as they actually sleep and size up accordingly.
• Older or arthritic dogs. They appreciate extra room to shift position through the night and a low, easy entry rather than high walls.

Why getting the size right matters

A correctly sized bed does more than look tidy. A dog that can stretch out fully sleeps more deeply, and a bed with the right support keeps joints comfortable, which matters more as dogs age. Get the fit wrong and even an expensive bed gets ignored in favour of the floor.

Every bed in our luxury dog bed range is offered across the full size span above, including the awkward middle sizes. If your dog tends to curl, look at the donut and snuggler styles; if they sprawl, the cushion beds give them room to stretch.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure my dog for a bed?

Measure from nose to base of tail while your dog lies stretched out on their side, then add 15 to 30cm for sprawlers. For dogs that curl, measure the diameter of the curl and choose a bed that size with a bolster edge.

Is it better to size a dog bed up or down?

Up. A bed that is slightly too large lets your dog stretch and move, while one that is too small will be hung off or ignored. The main exception is snuggler beds for small curlers, where too big can feel less secure.

What size bed does a Labrador need?

Most adult Labradors suit a large bed, around 70 to 90cm of internal length, sized up to extra large if they sprawl or are at the bigger end of the breed.

What size bed should I buy for a puppy?

For a breed that will grow, buy the adult size and use a divider or a snug insert while the puppy is small, rather than buying a small bed you will replace within months.