The Best Small Dog Beds

Small dogs have different needs than many of their large-breed counterparts. Small dogs prefer soft and cozy spaces. You will often find them curled up under the blankets in bed or hiding inside the rumples of a sweater. You can't always be there to cuddle with your pup, though. So what can you do during those times? You can get Fido a comfortable bed to sleep in. These beds come in a range of plush designs, with different fabrics that your friend will love. They also come in different colors and patterns that will help them blend right in with your home, so you'll love them, too. We want you to find the perfect bed for your pal, so we are here to help with this list of the best small dog beds. In doing our research, we focused on three key features: comfort, material quality, and value. Our favorite is the MidWest Homes Deluxe Super Plush Bed, which comes in a range of colors and sizes. For especially picky sleepers, we also love the Best Friends Shag Fur Donut Cuddler, which is one of the most comfortable beds out there. Read on to discover more of our favorite dog beds and to find one that's perfect for your small dog.

MidWest Homes Deluxe Super Plush Bed

Let them sleep on luxury

This compact, super plush, machine-washable bed is perfect for breeds and homes of all sizes.
Best Overall

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Small dogs are notoriously hard to shop for. For such small dogs, they definitely have big attitudes and they will absolutely let you know when they do not like the bed you have chosen for them. That is why it’s so easy to see why you may be worried about spending money on a bed just to have your fuzzy little friend turn their nose up at it. Well, worry no more; instead, get the MidWest Homes Deluxe Super Plush Bed.

This adorable little dog bed is the perfect blend of style and comfort. The simple grey swirl pattern ensures it fits in with any decor, while the plush, furry material keeps your pup comfortable. It is the perfect size for small dogs, and it fits easily into crates or in other small spaces. If Fido has an accident, that’s okay, too. Simply throw the whole bed into your washing machine for easy cleaning.

Pros:

  • This bed is easily maintained and it is completely safe to clean in your home’s washer and dryer.
  • A simple grey ombre swirl design looks great anywhere you put it (but there are other designs to choose from as well).
  • We appreciate that there is a size available for all small dog breeds.

Cons:

  • This bed is not as durable in the long run as many of the competitors.

Best Friends Shag Fur Donut Cuddler

Sweet puppy dreams

This adorable shag bed is one of the comfiest we've come across.
Most Comfortable

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Small dogs love to curl up and feel nestled in while they sleep. It helps them to feel safer and secure, even when their bed is out in the open. It can really be tough to find a dog bed that fits your small pooch really well, which is why we really appreciate the Best Friends Shag Fur Donut Cuddler.

This bed is specially designed for comfort to provide your little friend with high-quality rest. The inner section is super soft and surrounded by the higher walls that make up the donut shape. Altogether, this bed really is designed to provide a safe and secure sleep space without losing any of the plush comforts you have come to expect from a small dog bed.

Pros:

  • We like how, in addition to adding a sense of safety, the donut rim gives your dog a comfy pillow.
  • It’s made of 100% natural, non-toxic materials, so you don’t have to worry about it affecting your dog’s health
  • We love how easy it is to clean — just toss it in your home washer and dryer.

Cons:

  • This bed costs a bit more than some of the competitors.

Furhaven Pet Packable Plush Orthopedic Sofa

Memory foam support

Ideal for older canines, this supportive memory foam dog bed helps ease achy joints.
Best Orthopedic

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Toy- and small-breed dogs are known for their remarkably long lifespans, so chances are good that you will have a middle-aged and senior pet for a long while. We know you love your little dog, and we know you want to provide them with the healthiest and most comfortable option as they age so that they can remain comfortable. That is why we recommend the Furhaven Pet Packable Plush Orthopedic Sofa.

This dog bed is made from a combination of materials that all combine to form an extremely comfortable and ergonomic bed for your little dog. These materials include medical-grade support foam, cooling gel foam, a plush faux-fur surface, and fluffy filling. The flat sleeping surface is extremely soft and comfortable, while the bolstered sides provide a nice headrest. Overall, this bed really adds some luxury to your pup’s golden years.

Pros:

  • Memory foam is a fairly compact and lightweight material, making it easy to take this bed with you on the road.
  • Along with the materials, the orthopedic design allows this bed to help your dog feel more comfortable later in life.
  • This is also great for all dogs in warmer climates since it incorporates a cool gel foam layer that prevents overheating and discomfort.

Cons:

  • Not all of the styles are orthopedic, so you do need to pay close attention while choosing your options.

AmazonBasics Warming Pet bed

An extra coat of fur

This sherpa-lined bed will keep your pup nice and toasty, even on the coldest days.
Best Warmth

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Do you live in a cooler climate? If so, you know how hard it can be to keep your small dog’s temperature regulated. Their tiny bodies can’t hold in the heat as well as their larger counterparts, which makes low temps especially hard on them. A self-heating bed can really help keep them comfy and content, which is why we love the AmazonBasics Warming Pet Bed.

This fantastic bed is made using the same innovative technology as self-warming mylar blankets. The outer cover is made of soft sherpa and corduroy so that your dog can remain comfortable, while the bed itself can blend seamlessly in with the rest of your decor. A plush lining adds extra support for your pooch’s joints, as well.

Pros:

  • Thanks to the mylar and sherpa layer, this bed stays really warm without the need for electricity or extra equipment.
  • This bed is perfect for anyone who lives somewhere with a colder climate or for those who like to keep their home’s air conditioning blasting high.
  • The overall aesthetic is simple and blends well with the rest of our home.

Cons:

  • The care for this bed is a bit more difficult because it cannot be washed in your washing machine and the cover cannot be removed.

Best Friends Cozy Cuddler

Like a cozy cave

This cave-style bed gives your dog an extra feeling of security.
Best Calming

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If there is one thing we have noticed about our small dogs, it is that they love to sleep under the covers. Whether that is on our bed or under their own blankets in their crate, they all love to dig down and burrow under a good blankie. Now you can make it easier than ever to provide that safe, calming place for your puppy by getting them the Best Friends Cozy Cuddler.

Cave beds, such as this one, are a great choice for small dogs of all ages. They are especially helpful for fearful dogs and rescues as they adjust to their new homes. This bed has cushioned walls, similar to a doggy donut bed, that your dog can use as a pillow. It also has a plush lining and extra support for added comfort. The built-on blanket lets them choose between burrowing in or laying on top, making it more versatile than the average cave bed, as well.

Pros:

  • Because of the built-in privacy blanket, this bed arguably provides better rest for your dog than other models on the market.
  • The privacy design also makes this the ideal option for dogs with anxiety, since it gives them a place to escape to.
  • We love that this bed is easy to care for and can be washed in our home’s washer and dryer.

Cons:

  • The cost is a bit higher than many of the alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes small dogs different than large dogs other than size?

Small breeds are much different when compared to the typical large-breed dog. Their average lifespans are much longer and they tend to have fewer health issues; however, they are also more fragile and have more complex needs when it comes to comfort. For example, they have a harder time regulating their own temperatures and they struggle more with extreme heat or extreme cold. That is part of what makes a good bed so important when it comes to your tiny pooch.

Why would my dog need an orthopedic bed?

Orthopedic dog beds support healthy joints, bones, and muscles. This is especially helpful for elderly dogs; however, having a good orthopedic bed for your younger dog can also help prevent long-term issues as they age. Many experts report that dogs get better rest and have more energy when they sleep on an orthopedic bed at home.

About the Author

Chelsia is the proud owner of two long-coat Chihuahuas and an 11-year-old pit mix. She and her five kids enjoy roaming the rivers and forests surrounding her North Carolina home — and so do her dogs. Taking care of multiple pets can be a challenge, which is why Chelsia seeks to help fellow dog owners find the right products for their furry family members.

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