Buying guides
Best Dog Beds for Small Dogs: How to Choose One They'll Love
The best bed for a small dog is usually a bolster, donut or cave-style bed that holds body heat, with a low entry, a few inches of supportive foam or dense fill, and a washable cover. Small dogs lose heat faster and many love to burrow. Size it snugly: a bed that is too big feels less secure and less warm.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20263 min read3 sources
What small dogs need from a bed
Warmth and security matter more for small dogs. The AKC notes that small dogs, especially toy breeds, struggle more in the cold, and a bed that wraps around them holds their body heat. Many small breeds, terriers and Dachshunds especially, like to burrow under blankets, so a hooded cave bed or a bed with a blanket suits them.
Support still matters. A cheap bed filled with loose fiberfill flattens quickly, and even a 10 lb dog will soon lie on the floor. Look for a foam base or dense, evenly filled cushion. A removable, machine-washable cover keeps the bed clean, which the AKC recommends washing weekly. Our small dog beds include removable-cover designs such as this striped removable-cover bed.
Bed styles compared
Bolster beds have raised sides on three or four edges, giving a headrest and a snug feel. Donut beds are round with a deep, soft rim and suit dogs that curl into a ball. Cave or hooded beds add a cover the dog can crawl under, ideal for burrowers and cold homes, and the banana-shape dog house bed is one covered, nest-style example.
Flat mattresses suit small dogs that sprawl, fit in crates and are easy to wash. Raised cot beds keep small dogs cool in summer. Heated or self-warming beds, which reflect body heat, help small dogs in cold rooms; the AKC advises care with electric heated beds and supervision with chewers.
The best type for each small dog
For a dog that curls up, a donut or bolster bed, or a plush option like the teddy small dog bed. For a burrower, a cave bed. For a small senior or a Dachshund with a long back, a bed with supportive foam and a low front edge so it can step in rather than jump. For a puppy, an inexpensive washable bed, as chewing is likely.
For small dogs that sleep on furniture, a bed with steps or a ramp can save repeated jumping. For a small dog that runs hot, such as a flat-faced breed in summer, a flat cot bed or a cooling mat is better than a deep plush bed.
How to size a small dog bed
Measure your dog curled up, and stretched out from nose to base of tail, then add a few inches. For round beds, the inner diameter should let your dog turn and settle with its body touching the rim. A bed much larger than the dog loses the snug, warm feel that small dogs like.
Check the bolster height too: it should be low enough for your dog to rest its head on comfortably and step over easily, especially for short-legged breeds and seniors.
Care, safety and lifespan
Wash the cover weekly and the whole bed when possible, drying it fully before use. Vacuum between washes. Replace the bed when the base no longer supports your dog, the cover tears, or smells persist. When it is time for a new one, start with small dog beds.
Avoid beds with loose decorations, buttons or long fringes a small dog could chew off and swallow. If your small dog starts avoiding its bed, shakes when lying down or seems stiff getting up, mention it to your vet.
Small-bed resting shapes
| Shape | Resting surface | Measure before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Bolster | Flat center with raised sides | Usable center inside the rim |
| Donut | Round center enclosed by a deep rim | Inner resting diameter |
| Cave or hood | Resting surface beneath a cover | Entrance and usable space under the hood |
| Flat mattress | An open rectangular surface | Length,width and thickness |
| Elevated cot | Fabric held above the floor | Fabric sleeping area and frame footprint |
Common questions
What kind of bed is best for a small dog?
A bolster, donut or cave bed with a supportive base and washable cover suits most small dogs, because it holds body heat and feels secure. Sprawlers may prefer a flat mattress.
Do small dogs like cave beds?
Many do, especially terriers, Dachshunds and dogs that burrow under blankets. A cave bed gives a covered, warm space. If your dog never burrows, a bolster bed may suit better.
What size bed does a small dog need?
One just big enough for your dog to curl up or stretch out with a few inches spare. A bed much larger than the dog is less snug and less warm.
Should a small dog bed have bolsters?
Bolsters give a headrest and a secure, warm feel that many small dogs like. Keep the front edge low for short-legged and senior dogs so they can step in easily.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
