The 15 Best Dog Beds for Small Dogs of 2023

by Tom Ken

If you have a pet dog, then it is part of the family and as such, it requires special items that it can call its own, such as a bed. However, dog beds are quite different and the main difference between them is the size, which is meant for different dog breeds.

That said, small dogs require the smallest beds because they usually weigh 25 lbs. or less, and stand shorter than 16 inches. If you have such a dog, we have compiled a list of the best dog beds for small dogs to help you find the most suitable one for your pet. Scroll down to find out!

7 Best Dog Beds for Small Dogs - Review

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed

1. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed (Best Overall)

  • 2.5-in orthopedic memory foam base
  • Generously-filled bolsters
  • Water & tear-resistant cover
MidWest Bolster Pet Bed

2. MidWest Bolster Pet Bed (Best Budget)

  • Affordable
  • Ultra-soft fleece top
  • Machine washable & dryer friendly
Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed

3. Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed (Best Elevated)

  • Elevated, breathable design
  • Mite, flea, mold & mildew resistant
  • Powder-coated steel frame
Furhaven Mid-Century Dog Bed

4. Furhaven Mid-Century Dog Bed (Best Chaise Couch)

  • Chaise sofa design
  • Soft fluff-filled bolsters
  • Orthopedic foam base
Best Friends By Sheri Dog Bed

5. Best Friends by Sheri Dog Bed (Best Round)

  • Donut design with a raised rim
  • Super-soft & cozy faux shag fur
  • Filled with soft virgin air-loft fibers
MidWest Homes Deluxe Pet Bed

6. MidWest Homes Deluxe Pet Bed (Best Low Maintenance)

  • 100% machine washable & dryer friendly
  • Tufted, plush poly-fiber cushion
  • Non-skid bottom
Joyelf Orthopedic Pet Bed

7. Joyelf Orthopedic Pet Bed (Best Design)

  • Water & tear-resistant sidewalls
  • Solid, orthopedic memory foam base
  • Bone-shaped squeaker toy

1. Best Overall: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
  • Fits Dog Weight: 50+ lbs.
  • Size: 25 x 20 in.
  • Style: Orthopedic Memory Foam
  • Colors: Chocolate Brown, Sandstone, Slate Gray

Top of the list is PetFusion's Ultimate dog bed and this is due to several reasons. For starters, it has a solid 2.5-in orthopedic memory foam base, which is very comfortable. This is because it supports joints and soothes pressure points, resulting in a deeper, more relaxing sleep.

A generously filled bolster is preloaded into the cover and this works with the base to provide optimal support and comfort. Overall, these two can support more than 50 lbs. in weight, and this is more than enough to hold your small dog or cat.

You get a durable water-resistant and tear-resistant cover that is also machine washable, an anti-skid bottom that keeps the bed fixed on one position, and a comfortable 65% polyester and 35% cotton twill as the outer fabric. The only problem is that the bed is quite expensive.

Pros:

  • Solid 2.5-in orthopedic memory foam base
  • Generously-filled bolsters
  • Water and tear-resistant cover
  • Non-skid bottom
  • Machine washable cover

Cons:

  • Expensive

2. Best Budget: MidWest Bolster Pet Bed

MidWest Bolster Pet Bed
MidWest Bolster Pet Bed
  • Fits Dog Weight: 11-25 lbs.
  • Size: 23.25 x 18 in.
  • Style: Cushion
  • Colors: Blush Pink, Charcoal Gray, Cinnamon, Powder Blue, White Fleece

If you want a high-quality dog bed at an affordable price, look no further than the MidWest bolster pet bed. As the name suggests, the bed has a bolster and this is comfortably padded using polyester to provide a soft landing spot for your dog's head.

The unit has an ultra-soft fleece top that sits above a cushioned polyester/cotton base to enhance the comfort levels. It is also quite compact and this makes it easy to fold for storage or travel.

This size makes the bed ideal for use in crates, dog houses, and carriers. Other features include an easy to maintain design that is machine washable and dryer friendly. However, the bed is not ideal for excessive chewers because the material is not tear-resistant.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Comfortably padded polyester bolster
  • Ultra-soft fleece top
  • Ideal size for crates and dog houses
  • Machine washable and dryer friendly

Cons:

  • Not ideal for excessive chewers

3. Best Elevated: Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed

Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
  • Fits Dog Weight: Up to 50 lbs.
  • Size: 35 x 22 in.
  • Style: Breathable Fabric
  • Colors: Brunswick Green, Grey, Nutmeg, Terracotta, Aquatic Blue, Gunmetal

Coolaroo's pet bed has a unique elevated design that keeps the sleeping surface off the ground for aeration purposes. This is further boosted by a breathable HDPE fabric, which eliminates hotspots and ensures continued airflow to your pet's fur coat.

This fabric is resistant to mites, fleas, mold, and mildew for healthy use, and it is firmly suspended on a steel frame to keep your dog held above ground. It is also a bit flexible and this helps to reduce stress on all joints.

That said, the frame is powder-coated, which makes it weather resistant. As such, it is ideal for outdoor use. Other features include an easy-to-assemble and easy-to-clean design, which only requires to be hosed off with water.

On the downside, the bed does not have a bolster for supporting your dog's head.

Pros:

  • Elevated, breathable design
  • Resistant to mites, fleas, mold, and mildew
  • Powder-coated steel frame
  • Easy-to-clean

Cons:

  • No bolster

4. Best Chaise Couch: Furhaven Mid-Century Dog Bed

Furhaven Mid-Century Dog Bed
Furhaven Mid-Century Dog Bed
  • Fits Dog Weight: Up to 20 lbs.
  • Size: 20 x 15 in.
  • Style: Orthopedic Foam
  • Colors: Multiple Assorted Colors

Furhaven's dog bed is characterized by a classic chaise sofa design with 3-sided bolsters that secure and support your pet inside while also providing a raised surface for resting the head. These bolsters are filled with 100% recycled fluff, which is very soft and comfortable.

The base is composed of an orthopedic support foam that cushions pressure points, improves air circulation, and distributes the body weight. This is covered by a plush faux fur that is soft to touch and is irresistible for dogs to snuggle into.

You also get a machine-washable cover, but the bed can only support a maximum weight of 20 lbs., which is quite low.

Pros:

  • Supportive 3-sided chaise sofa design
  • Soft and comfortable fluff bolsters
  • Orthopedic foam base
  • Plush faux fur
  • Machine washable cover

Cons:

  • Only supports 20 lbs. maximum

5. Best Round: Best Friends by Sheri Dog Bed

Best Friends By Sheri Dog Bed
Best Friends By Sheri Dog Bed
  • Fits Dog Weight: Up to 30 lbs.
  • Size: 23 x 23 in.
  • Style: Fiber
  • Colors: Taupe, Frost

With its round design, Best Friends by Sheri's dog bed closely resembles a donut and it has a raised rim that secures your dog inside. This rim also acts as a headrest, providing head and neck support for comfortable sleeping.

The entire donut unit is covered in a super-soft and cozy faux shag fur, which is very similar to a mother's fur coat. This helps to keep the dog much warmer inside while inducing deeper sleep.

That said, the bed is filled with premium quality virgin air-loft fibers that are very soft for comfortable sleeping. It is also safe for the washing machine and dryer but is not safe for puppies or excessive chewers.

Pros:

  • Donut design with a raised rim
  • Super-soft and cozy faux shag fur
  • Filled with soft virgin air-loft fibers
  • Safe for the washing machine and dryer

Cons:

  • Not ideal for excessive chewers

6. Best Low Maintenance: MidWest Homes Deluxe Pet Bed

MidWest Homes Deluxe Pet Bed
MidWest Homes Deluxe Pet Bed
  • Fits Dog Weight: 11-25 lbs.
  • Size: 23 x 18 in.
  • Style: Poly-fiber
  • Colors: Gray, Mocha, Coco Chic

This pet bed is very easy to maintain because all of it is machine washable and dryer friendly. There is no need to wrestle to remove the cover, just put the whole bed in the machine then the drier and that's it.

It is also quite compact and this makes it easy to fit in the machine or dryer for easy cleaning. That said, the bed measures 23 x 18 in., and this can either be used on its own or inside a 24-in crate.

Its interior is filled with a tufted, plush poly-fiber cushion, which is soft and gentle to your pet. This is covered by an ultra-soft polyester cover, which creates beautiful paw-friendly swirl patterns that are irresistible to your pet.

You also get a non-skid bottom, but the bed does not have a bolster for supporting the head and neck.

Pros:

  • 100% machine washable and dryer friendly
  • Ideal for crate use
  • Tufted, plush poly-fiber cushion
  • Ultra-soft polyester cover
  • Non-skid bottom

Cons:

  • No bolster

7. Best Design: Joyelf Orthopedic Pet Bed

Joyelf Orthopedic Pet Bed
Joyelf Orthopedic Pet Bed
  • Size: 27 x 20 in.
  • Style: Orthopedic Memory Foam
  • Colors: Gray & Beige

Joyelf's orthopedic pet bed is characterized by a practical design that consists of durable water and tear-resistant sidewalls, and a waterproof, non-slip bottom for grounding it on one spot.

The unit is well-equipped for comfort because it has a solid orthopedic memory foam base that supports the joints. This foam is made using flame-retardant material for safety and durability purposes.

More features include a removable cover that is machine washable, a big, fluffy, and breathable bolster, a waterproof internal liner in case of an accident, and a bone-shaped squeaker toy as an accessory.

However, the cover is not recommended for tumble drying after cleaning. This might destroy the fabric.

Pros:

  • Water and tear-resistant sidewalls
  • Waterproof non-slip bottom
  • Solid, orthopedic memory foam base
  • Machine washable cover
  • Includes a bone-shaped squeaker toy

Cons:

  • Not recommended for tumble drying

Other Good Recommendations: Review

Other Good Recommendations: Review
Other Good Recommendations: Review

8. Furhaven Convertible Dog Bed

Furhaven Convertible Dog Bed
Furhaven Convertible Dog Bed

As the name suggests, this dog bed has a convertible design, in which the attached blanket can be used as-is or converted to form a tented burrowing cave. Either configuration gives a comfortable resting place and the interior has a soft Sherpa fleece that also insulates for heat retention.

On the other hand, the exterior is lined with an easy-care micro-suede material that is machine washable for easy maintenance. You also get an orthopedic support foam, a 26-in diameter base, and a weight capacity of up to 30 lbs.

Key Features

  • Convertible cave design.
  • Soft Sherpa fleece interior.
  • Machine washable.
  • Orthopedic foam base.

9. Blueberry Heavy-Duty Pet Bed

Blueberry Pet Heavy Duty Microsuede Overstuffed Bolster Lounge Dog Bed, Removable & Washable Cover w/YKK Zippers, 25
Blueberry Pet Heavy Duty Microsuede Overstuffed Bolster Lounge Dog Bed, Removable & Washable Cover w/YKK Zippers, 25

Designed like a sofa, this sophisticated bolstered dog bed provides a secure sleeping space with a soft resting place for your dog's head and neck.

Its outer surface is made of thick, scratch-resistant micro-suede fabric, which is filled with soft 100% recyclable micro-fibers. This ensures you get maximum comfort and durability. The cover is easily removable for machine washing and is also dryer friendly for easy maintenance.

Additionally, it has durable YKK zippers for quick removal from the bed. You also get a bone-shaped squeaker toy and multiple color options to choose from.

Key Features

  • Sofa design with securing bolsters.
  • Scratch-resistant micro-suede fabric.
  • Machine washable and dryer friendly.
  • Durable YKK zippers.

10. Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed

Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed
Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed

Veehoo's dog bed is characterized by an elevated design, in which a waterproof and breathable mesh fabric is suspended on a powder-coated steel frame. This frame is lightweight and very durable and has slip-resistant rubber feet that keep it grounded at one point.

The entire structure is very easy to assemble (requires no screws or wrenches) and it has tee unions on the corners to eliminate sharp edges. Overall, the bed can hold up to 150 lbs., which is quite a lot.

Key Features

  • Elevated bed on a powder-coated steel frame.
  • Waterproof and breathable mesh fabric.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Holds up to 150 lbs.

11. Barkbox Platform Dog Bed

Barkbox Platform Dog Bed
Barkbox Platform Dog Bed

With an orthopedic memory-foam, Barkbox's platform dog bed is designed to offer high-quality comfort that relieves joint pain and body aches while giving optimal therapeutic support.

A zippered cover is included to encase this memory foam and it has a waterproof surface that prevents any dog mess from getting inside. It is also easily removable for machine washing, which simplifies the cleaning process.

Key Features

  • Orthopedic memory foam.
  • Waterproof zippered cover.
  • Machine washable.
  • Holds up to 20 lbs.

12. Petmate Pet Bed

Petmate Pet Bed
Petmate Pet Bed

Petmate's pet bed is quite affordable. Despite this, it has a donut design with high nest walls that secure your dog inside.

These walls are filled with high-loft polyester for a soft feel while the interior has a plush fabric that is very cuddly. The entire bed is machine washable for easy cleaning.

Key Features

  • Affordable.
  • Donut design with high nest walls.
  • Fully machine washable.

13. AmazonBasics Round Dog Bed

Amazon Basics Round Bolster Dog Bed with Flannel Top, 20-Inch, Brown and Ivory
Amazon Basics Round Bolster Dog Bed with Flannel Top, 20-Inch, Brown and Ivory

With a round donut shape, this dog bed is very similar to Petmate's pet bed and even has a similar brown color on the bottom half. The upper section is white and has a plush flannel material that is extremely soft to your pet's skin.

However, the sides and bottom are made of polyester canvas, which gives structural strength. The bed weighs only 1.1 lbs., which makes it easy to transport, but can hold 13-25 lbs. other features include being machine washable and safe for air drying.

Key Features

  • Round donut shape.
  • Plush flannel upper section.
  • Durable polyester canvas sides.
  • Machine washable and air dryer safe.

14. Best Friends by Sheri Deep Dish Cuddler

Best Friends By Sheri Deep Dish Cuddler
Best Friends By Sheri Deep Dish Cuddler

As the name suggests, this dog bed is a deep dish cuddler that has high walls that provide warmth and a sense of security. The rear bolster is 12-in high and this helps to ease joint pain. On the other end, the front bolter is 9-in high and this helps to provide head and neck support.

Sherpa fabric is used to line the entire outer surface to give a soft feel and this is backed by a tough nylon layer underneath for dirt and water resistance.

Key Features

  • Deep dish bed with high bolsters.
  • Soft Sherpa fabric exterior.
  • Dirt and water-resistant nylon backing.
  • Holds up to 25 lbs.

15. Brindle Dog Bed

Brindle Dog Bed
Brindle Dog Bed

Rounding up the list is Brindle's dog bed and this is equipped with a 3-in thick soft memory foam that is highly breathable and removes pressure points for comfortable sleeping.

The foam is encased in a soft micro-suede cover, which is easily removable and can be machine washed for easy cleaning.

Measuring 22 x 16 in., the bed can be used on its own or inside a crate, depending on what your dog likes most.

Key Features

  • Soft memory foam.
  • Soft micro-suede cover.
  • Machine washable and dryer friendly.
  • Ideal for crate use.

How to Buy the Best Dog Beds For Small Dogs

How To Buy The Best Dog Beds For Small Dogs
How To Buy The Best Dog Beds For Small Dogs

1. Size and Shape

Size

Dog beds are measured in inches and even though these particular ones are meant for small dogs, they are not the same size. If your small breed dog has a fairly large body, then you need to get a large bed.

The ideal thing to do though is to measure your dog's length then add about 6-12 inches. This should guide you to pick the most appropriate length size.

Shape

Some beds are rectangular while others are round. The shape should be primarily selected based on personal preference. However, rectangular mattress beds are recommended for crates because they are usually rectangular, and bolsters might limit the entry space.

For stand-alone use though, bolster beds like PetFusion's Ultimate dog bed are ideal because they offer head and neck support. These bolsters also secure your pet and trap warmth inside.

2. Foam Quality

These beds have different types of foams that offer different levels of comfort. Ultimately, the best quality foam is the orthopedic memory type and we highly recommend this.

This is because the foam soothes pressure points and supports joints. As a result, your dog gets to sleep more comfortably and wakes up better relaxed. For this, be sure to check out Joyelf's orthopedic pet bed.

3. Material

The bed's outer material also plays a big role in determining the bed's comfort level. Materials like fleece and flannel are recommended for the upper section because they are very soft and cuddly.

However, for the walls and bottom, the best dog bed should have a tear and water-resistant material for maximum durability. Additionally, the bottom should have a non-skid material to keep the bed grounded on one spot.

These features are recommended for indoor use though. For outdoor use, the bed should be made of a waterproof material that is highly breathable so that water does not settle inside. These are usually found in elevated beds such as Coolaroo's pet bed.

4. Cleaning

For easy maintenance, the bed should be easy to clean. As such, you need to check whether it is machine washable and dryer friendly. If not, handwashing is the only alternative and this can be very cumbersome.

Read More: The Best Washable Dog Bed

5. Weight Capacity

Though they are meant for small dog breeds that weigh roughly 25 lbs. at most, the higher the bed's weight capacity, the better. This indirectly shows that it is more durable because it is built to hold more weight.

Q&A

1. Do Dogs Prefer Hard or Soft Beds?

They don't have a preference. Normally dogs sleep on hard floors and therefore, anything more comfortable than a hard floor is good enough.

2. How Do You Introduce a Dog to a New Bed?

Try to make the bed feel more like home. Dogs are very sensitive to smell and thus, you can put an old piece of cloth on the bed so that your dog can detect a normal scent then hop on board.

3. How Often Should You Change the New Bed?

The bed can stay for a long time but this depends on its quality and your dog's size. If you notice that your pet is not too comfortable on the bed, then replace it. If your dog outgrows the bed's size, then replace it with a bigger one.

Buy on Etsy

Asvin Dog Bed, Cat Beds for Indoor Cats, Pet Bed for Puppy and Kitty, Extra Soft & - Walmart Link

Western Home Faux Fur Dog Bed & Cat Bed, Original Calming Dog Bed for Small Medium Pet, - Walmart Link

Small Dog Bed Calming Dogs Bed for Small Medium Large Dogs Anti-Anxiety Puppy Bed Machine - Walmart Link

Bedsure Small Dog Bed for Small Dogs Washable - Cat Bed for Indoor Cats, Round Super Soft - Walmart Link

DanceWhale Cat Bed Donut Cuddler, Flurry Warming Round Plush Cushion Mat for Small Medium - Walmart Link

Bedsure Small Dog Bed for Small Dogs Washable - Round Cat Beds for Indoor Cats, Round Pet - Walmart Link

INVENHO Dog Bed Crate Pad Dog Beds for Small Medium Large Dogs Pet Kennels Bed Pad - Walmart Link

PetFusion's Ultimate dog bed - Walmart Link

the MidWest bolster pet bed - Walmart Link

Best Friends by Sheri's dog bed - Walmart Link

Joyelf's orthopedic pet bed - Walmart Link

Barkbox's platform dog bed - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Asvin Dog Bed, Cat Beds for Indoor Cats, Pet Bed for Puppy and Kitty, Extra Soft & - eBay Link

Western Home Faux Fur Dog Bed & Cat Bed, Original Calming Dog Bed for Small Medium Pet, - eBay Link

Small Dog Bed Calming Dogs Bed for Small Medium Large Dogs Anti-Anxiety Puppy Bed Machine - eBay Link

Bedsure Small Dog Bed for Small Dogs Washable - Cat Bed for Indoor Cats, Round Super Soft - eBay Link

DanceWhale Cat Bed Donut Cuddler, Flurry Warming Round Plush Cushion Mat for Small Medium - eBay Link

Bedsure Small Dog Bed for Small Dogs Washable - Round Cat Beds for Indoor Cats, Round Pet - eBay Link

INVENHO Dog Bed Crate Pad Dog Beds for Small Medium Large Dogs Pet Kennels Bed Pad - eBay Link

PetFusion's Ultimate dog bed - eBay Link

the MidWest bolster pet bed - eBay Link

Best Friends by Sheri's dog bed - eBay Link

Joyelf's orthopedic pet bed - eBay Link

Barkbox's platform dog bed - eBay Link

Conclusion

In conclusion, we recommend PetFusion's Ultimate dog bed as the overall best dog bed for small dogs because it has an orthopedic memory foam base, generously filled bolsters, and a durable water-resistant and tear-resistant cover.

It is quite expensive though so if you want an affordable piece, check out the MidWest bolster pet bed. This is still very comfortable because it packs in well-filled bolsters and a soft fleece top.

However, if you want an elevated bed for outdoor use, Coolaroo's pet bed is the best option. It has a breathable fabric suspended on a powder-coated steel frame, which can withstand outdoor elements.

About Tom Ken

Tom has worked with many veterinary surgeons as a nurse at different veterinary clinics throughout his life.

There, he provides care for sick animals; such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.

He has good work ethics and gentle hands; hence, the doctors as well the pet owners have come to love his presence alot.

With this site, he aims to help the readers ensure their pets' wellbeing, learn how to care, and proivide medical treatment as needed.

Joshua received Veterinary Technician Degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.

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