When it comes to finding the perfect sleeping spot, some dogs like to be curled up on the sofa, some like a spot by the back door, some are happy at their master’s feet and some think nothing of getting in between the sheets with their humans.
Whatever your four-legged friend prefers, the best dog beds will help them get some decent shut-eye in comfort. Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes, with wipe clean and orthopaedic designs available. There are even anxiety-reducing and memory foam options available.
For this review, we called in a few canine testers: Hucky, a 13-year-old black labrador; Bluebell, a six-year-old springer-labrador cross; and Luna, a three-year-old blonde lab.
When buying a dog bed, it’s worth thinking about how your pet sleeps – are they snoozers who want to be beside you? If so, a manoeuvrable bed that you can fit on the sofa is a good idea. If your pup is always wet and muddy post-walk, a bed that can be wiped clean, or one that has a cover that can be removed easily for washing, is a good bet.
If your four-legged friend is recovering from surgery or is getting older, a memory foam bed might help those aged bones. You might also want to consider a dog bed you can pack down and take on adventures with you. Whatever you’re looking for, our canine testers have put in the hard work, so we can bring you our pick of the best dog beds on the market.
How we tested
Our three canine testers spent a combined total of 350 hours sleeping on a range of dog beds. Meanwhile, us humans kept track of how fast the pooches fell asleep, how fractured or disturbed their sleep was and how much time they spent lying in the bed when not asleep. All beds with removable covers had them removed and washed during testing, too, to see how quickly they dried and how easy it was to fit them back into place.
Why you can trust us
Clare O’Reilly is a freelance features writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience. She is a big lover of the great outdoors and has reviewed everything from best waterproof jackets for women to the best trail running shoes for off-piste excursions. When Clare sets out on her adventures, she usually has a furry friend (or three) by her side – a crew of hounds who have also helped her sniff out the best coats for dogs.
The best dog beds for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Ivy and Duke den bed: From £155, Ivyandduke.co.uk
- Best budget buy – JackWick Designs pet perch: £36, Jacwicksdesigns.co.uk
- Best for travelling – Slumbering Hound deluxe dog snuggle sack: £45, Slumberinghound.com
- Best for the garden – Pets at Home cool club raised air dog bed with UV canopy: £24, Petsathome.com
- Best for older dogs – Silentnight orthopaedic pet bed: £57.59, Amazon.co.uk
