Best dog beds for 2021 to keep your pet calm, comfortable and cosy

Dogs spend almost half their lives sleeping, so it’s important to get them a bed that’s comfy, supportive and made to last. If you’re buying for a puppy, you’ll need to get something comfortingly snug and crate-compatible, but also affordable because it’ll need replacing as they grow.

Older dogs often suffer from joint pain, in which case memory foam mattresses can be your best bet. It’s important to get the size right – most websites have a weight guide, but if in doubt go for a larger size.

Think about shape too – does your hound prefer to spread out flat or curl up and rest their head on raised sides? Ideally, the bed should have a machine washable cover, and other handy features include a non-slip base and waterproof cover. Our dogs did the testing when it came to comfort and sizing, but it was down to us to check they passed muster for durability, style and how well they wash.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Sleepeezee basket dog bed, small

Owners of mucky dogs, rejoice. This can be machine washed at 60C, something that’s hard come by with other beds. Washing it at that temperature gets rid of even the dirtiest paw prints, and ours dried quickly too. There are other styles in the range – a flat version, pillow and travel mat – but our hound made a beeline for this deluxe doggie bed, taking every opportunity to spread out and use the higher sides for resting her head. We had ours personalised with our dog’s name, which is a nice touch. Available in three sizes and colours.

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Joules percher square dog bed, small

This attractive bed with a removable cushion comes in a choice of red tweed (our favourite) and a pretty floral navy print with vibrant blooms. The tough cotton withstood some razor-sharp clawing from a young pup during our test and because you can bung both parts in the washing machine, it’s easy to keep clean – with no worry of fading colours. For more superficial dirt, you can wipe it clean. It’s firmer than it looks but doesn’t have quite the sink-in feel of some dog beds.

Put a ball in your dog's food bowl if he or she eats too fast. They be forced to move the ball around to get to all the food.

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The Dog’s bed sound sleep donut dog bed

This one is aimed at calming dogs so is great for those with nervous or anxious tendencies, as well as those that tend to paw at their bed or curl right up when they sleep. Appealing to dogs’ nesting instinct, it is bolstered from all sides and padded with extra soft, self-warming materials with a good solid base. Dogs don’t seem to want to chew the faux fur on this, which is another bonus. The covers wash well and dry quickly and you can buy replacement covers separately. This bed does come up small, so buy a size larger than you would normally. Available in four colours.

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Sofa.com cecil dog bed, small

Your four legged friend will love this fancy piece of furniture, especially if they’re partial to climbing onto the sofa. Made to order to the same standards as the company’s sofas, it’s available in two sizes and it can be upholstered in a whopping 25 different colours and prints, all of which are reassuringly hard-wearing, even when it comes to sharp claws. The covers are removable and washable. We love how much of a statement this makes in any space.

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Woof doza dog bed, medium

Available in a range of colours and two font sizes, this will make a great addition to any modern home, and there’s no need to feel short changed on the comfort front as the filling is made from a double layer of 15 tog duvet cushion. We found the cover easy to remove and it came out of the washing machine looking as good as new. The actual bed can be washed too and, unusually, doesn’t come out lumpy.

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Bunty grey cosy couch corner dog bed, small

If your pooch is the type to launch straight onto their beds even after soaking themselves in the rain or a with dip in a pond or lake, then this is the dog bed for them. Made from heavy-duty canvas, it’s completely waterproof. We also liked the non-slip base, as it’s great for shiny floors, and the fact that it fits neatly in the corner. It’s quite firm so we weren’t all that sure our canine tester would be impressed, but they were asleep within minutes, head resting on the raised side. Available in three sizes.

Play a Nice Interactive Game of Tug With Your Dog. A 5 minute game of tug works wonders for tiring out your dog & letting him get rid of some of that pent up energy. (and no – it won’t make your dog aggressive despite the old myth)

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Sophie Allport woof dog bed, medium

This well padded, oval shaped dog bed won us over with its stylish print, affordable price tag and durable cotton fabric. Available in three sizes, it feels sturdy yet doesn’t compromise on the snuggle factor and would look great in any setting – in traditional through to modern homes and the kitchen, living room or bedroom. The cushion is easy to remove and a quick go at it with the vacuum cleaner brings it up like new.

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Fatboy doggie lounge dog bed, small

Fatboy cushions and beanbags have been keeping humans comfy for years. Now your dog can get a piece of the action with this dirt and moisture repellent, wipe-clean pet bed. It offers ergonomic support for a leisurely dog nap, while the squashy filling makes it extra cosy. Available in a range of colours and two sizes, it’s best suited for dogs that like to really spread out.{{#hasItems}}

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Kalinko kway rattan dog bed, medium

Wicker dog beds conjure up images of shabby chic interiors and farmhouse kitchens. This one adds a touch of modernity, thanks to its straight lines and slightly raised design. Hand made by craftspeople in Burma, it’s made from sustainable rattan and is ideal for small- to medium-sized dogs. The rounded front allows ease of access, while the handles on the side mean you can move it from room to room. But it doesn’t come cheap.
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Charley Chau dog snuggle bed

Some dogs love nothing more than to sneak under blankets. With terriers and hounds, it’s down to a natural instinct to dig tunnels and for sighthounds, it’s the comfort factor that draws them in. Whatever the reason for your dog, they’re bound to love this exceptionally soft velour dog bed. Its fleece lining frankly looks comfy enough for humans to climb into. It comes in a range of fabulous colours and everything is machine washable. You can buy waterproof liners, spare bed covers and replacement mattress inners.

Use a carabiner to attach it to a belt loop for a long hike.

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Casper dog bed, small

No longer is it just humans that cult-favourite mattress brand Casper is in the business of keeping comfortable, as this one is specially adapted for canines. It’s a particularly good option for ageing dogs or those with joint pain, thanks to the sink-in-yet-supportive memory foam and bolstered sides, but suits all ages. Unlike with many dog beds, you won’t struggle getting the removable, machine-washable cover back on afterwards and you get the same 100-night guarantee that you get with Casper’s other mattresses. Available in three sizes and colours, but be warned the large is very large.{{#hasItems}}

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The verdict: Dog beds

We were really impressed with the ultra-comfy and smart looking Sleepeezee basket dog bed that can be machine washed at 60C, coming up like new. We think the Bunty Grey cosy couch corner dog bed deserves a special mention too as an affordable, extremely comfy and hardy bed that also happens to be waterproof and fit neatly into corners.

IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.