Dog Bed Size Guide — How to Choose the Right Size Every Time

The Three-Step Measuring Method

Getting the right bed size starts with measuring your dog properly. Most people guess based on breed, but individual dogs vary — a 15 kg Beagle will need a different bed size to a 15 kg French Bulldog.

Here's what you need:

• A soft tape measure (the kind from a sewing kit)
• A treat for cooperation
• Your dog in a relaxed lying position

Step 1: Measure Your Dog's Length

Have your dog lie down in their natural sleeping position — stretched out on their side. Measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Don't include the tail itself in the measurement.

This gives you the minimum length the bed needs to be.

Step 2: Add Extra for Comfort

Add 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) to your measurement. This extra length allows your dog to:

• Stretch out fully without their nose or tail hanging off the edge
• Shift position without waking up
• Curl up or sprawl as their mood changes

Step 3: Check the Width

Most dogs are narrower than they are long. If your dog tends to sleep curled up (most do), the length measurement from step 2 will cover the width. If your dog sometimes sleeps sprawled out sideways, you might want to add a few extra centimetres for width.

UK Dog Bed Size Chart

Use this chart as a starting point, then confirm with your actual measurements.

| Bed Size | Length (cm) | Dog Weight (kg) | Typical Breeds | |----------|-------------|-----------------|----------------| | XS | 45–55 cm | up to 7 kg | Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Yorkie | | S | 55–70 cm | 7–15 kg | French Bulldog, Pug, Jack Russell | | M | 70–90 cm | 15–25 kg | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Sheltie | | L | 90–110 cm | 25–40 kg | Labrador, Springer Spaniel, Staffie | | XL | 110–130 cm | 40–55 kg | German Shepherd, Doberman | | XXL | 130+ cm | 55+ kg | Great Dane, Newfoundland, Bull Mastiff |

Important: These are general guidelines. Always measure your individual dog. Two Labradors of the same weight can easily need different bed sizes depending on their build, length, and sleeping style.

Measuring by Breed — When Numbers Help

For common UK breeds, here's what the measurement typically works out to:

Small breeds (under 30 cm tall at shoulder):

• Chihuahua: 25–30 cm body length → XS bed (45 cm)
• Yorkie: 30–35 cm → XS–S bed
• Pug: 35–40 cm → S bed
• French Bulldog: 40–45 cm → S–M bed

Medium breeds (30–50 cm tall):

• Beagle: 50–60 cm → M bed
• Cocker Spaniel: 55–65 cm → M bed
• Jack Russell: 35–40 cm → S bed

Large breeds (50–65 cm tall):

• Labrador: 65–80 cm → L–XL bed
• Springer Spaniel: 55–65 cm → M–L bed
• German Shepherd: 75–90 cm → XL bed

Giant breeds (65 cm+ tall):

• Great Dane: 90–110 cm → XXL bed
• Newfoundland: 85–100 cm → XXL

Again — measure your individual dog. Breed averages are just a starting point.

Signs Your Dog's Bed Is Too Small

A bed that's too small is uncomfortable, but dogs can't tell you with words. Watch for these signs:

Physical signs:

• The dog's legs hang off the edge when lying down
• The dog's body touches all four edges of the bed
• The dog repeatedly adjusts position without finding comfort
• The dog sleeps with their head hanging off the edge

Behavioural signs:

• The dog sleeps on the floor next to their bed rather than in it
• The dog only uses the bed for naps, not full nights
• The dog regularly relocates to a larger surface (a sofa, your bed, a rug)

A bed that's too small is worse than no bed at all — a dog that's continuously uncomfortable in their bed will avoid using it, which means they're sleeping on harder, less supportive surfaces.

Signs Your Dog's Bed Is Too Big

This is less common than a too-small bed, but it happens.

Physical signs:

• The dog curls up very tightly in a corner of the bed, leaving most of it unused
• The dog seems to struggle to settle — no position feels right
• The dog gets cold more easily because there's too much space for their body heat to escape

Behavioural signs:

• The dog actively seeks smaller, cozier surfaces to sleep on
• The dog seems to prefer the floor near their bed to the bed itself

The right bed for a dog who curls up is one where they can fill most of the bed when stretched out, but feel contained when curled. For a dog who sprawls, the bed needs to accommodate that sprawl without them falling off the edges.

Choosing the Right Bed Type for Your Size

Size determines length and width — but type determines how the bed feels.

For small dogs (under 10 kg): Most bed types work. A raised edge or bolster can make a smaller dog feel more secure. Avoid very firm, high-density foam beds — small dogs often prefer something softer that moulds around them.

For medium dogs (10–25 kg): Consider the dog's preferred sleeping position. Curling dogs do well with round or oval beds with raised edges. Sprawling dogs need rectangular beds with enough length to fully stretch out.

For large and giant dogs (25 kg+): Flat, rectangular beds work better than round ones for big dogs — they need the length to stretch out. Orthopaedic or memory foam beds are worth considering for giant breeds and senior large dogs, as the weight distribution over a large area needs proper support. A bed that's too thin for a heavy dog will bottom out quickly.

Special Cases

Puppies: Puppies grow fast, and buying a bed that's "big enough to grow into" usually means buying a bed that's too big right now. Measure your puppy every few weeks during their first year and upgrade as needed. An XS puppy in month 3 may need a M bed by month 8.

Senior dogs: Older dogs often need a slightly larger bed than their younger selves — they appreciate the extra space to stretch out stiff joints, and a higher side helps them get up more easily. If your senior dog struggles to get out of a low bed, look for a bed with higher sides or an orthopaedic design with reinforced edges.

Dogs who share beds: If two dogs share a bed, size for the larger one. Two small dogs can often share an M bed; two medium dogs typically need an XL or two separate M beds. Watch for one dog bullying the other out of the shared space — separate beds are better if this happens.

The Two Most Common Sizing Mistakes

Mistake 1: Choosing by weight alone Weight gives you a rough guide, not a real answer. A lean 30 kg Labrador needs a bigger bed than a stocky 28 kg Labrador. Measure for accuracy.

Mistake 2: Defaulting to a smaller bed to save space The goal is your dog's comfort, not minimising the footprint of the dog bed in your living room. A bed that's too small causes real discomfort every time your dog uses it. If space is genuinely tight, consider a flat mat or raised bed rather than a too-small enclosed bed.

Printable Quick Reference

To find your dog's bed size:

1. Measure nose to tail while lying flat
2. Add 15–25 cm
3. Match to the nearest bed size on the chart
4. If between sizes, go up

Quick reference by weight:

• Under 7 kg → XS (45–55 cm)
• 7–15 kg → S (55–70 cm)
• 15–25 kg → M (70–90 cm)
• 25–40 kg → L (90–110 cm)
• 40–55 kg → XL (110–130 cm)
• 55+ kg → XXL (130+ cm)

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I measure my dog when they're standing or lying down?

Lying down gives you the accurate measurement. When standing, a dog's spine is vertical and the length measurement will be shorter than when they're stretched out in their natural sleeping position. Measure when your dog is in their typical sleeping pose — usually lying on their side with legs extended.

My dog is between two sizes — which should I buy?

Go up. A slightly oversized bed is comfortable; a slightly undersized bed forces your dog to contort themselves or sleep partially off the bed. If the bed is massively oversized — a Great Dane-sized bed for a small terrier — it may feel insecure rather than comfortable, in which case size down and replace when they grow.

Do dogs prefer round or rectangular beds?

It depends on the dog and their sleeping style. Dogs who curl up often prefer round or oval beds with raised edges they can lean into. Dogs who sprawl sideways need rectangular beds with enough length. Most dogs use both shapes over time — having one of each (if budget allows) is ideal.

How often should I re-measure my dog?

For puppies: every 4–6 weeks until they reach full size (usually around 12–18 months depending on breed). For adult dogs: once a year is enough, unless they've gained or lost a notable amount of weight. Senior dogs may change shape as they age, so worth checking at the annual vet check.

My dog used to fit their bed — now they hang off the edges. What happened?

This depends on the bed material. A cheap bed with flat foam fill will compress over months of use, making it feel significantly smaller. If the bed has bottomed out and lost its Loft, the dog will effectively be sleeping on the floor through the bed. Replace compressed beds rather than waiting for your dog to "adjust." For quality beds with good fill, the size is stable — remeasure your dog and check whether they've simply grown or changed shape.

What's the best bed size for a growing puppy?

Buy for their current size with headroom for a few weeks' growth. At 8 weeks, a small puppy might need only an XS bed. By 6 months, they'll often be at their adult size for that breed — or close to it. Check monthly and replace as needed. A too-small bed accelerates fill compression because the puppy's full weight is concentrated on a smaller area.