Specialty Dog Beds Providing Your Pet with Exceptional Comfort
The 11 Best Dog Beds Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
The 11 Best Dog Beds Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written ByVedrana Nikolic| Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.Edited & Fact Checked ByRenae Soppe| Double B.A Journalism & Science.Last Updated: 17th January 2024
Sleeping is such a big part of a dogs day. On average, they sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours per day. Younger dogs tend to sleep even longer (1)!
If theyre tired, dogs can and will sleep anywhere. But for a healthy nights sleep, they need a quality bed. But how do you find the best dog bed for your fur bestie? We've teamed up with our independent team of experts to put Australia's best dog beds to the test. After months of research, we've shared our results below.
Our best dog beds Australia top list is dedicated to helping you find the perfect bed for your canine friend to lay their head!
Our Number 1 Pick -The Barney Bed
- 3 layer high-quality memory foam base and reinforced easy to clean covers
- Hundreds of genuine 5-star reviews on Google
- Range of sizes, suitable for every dog
- 100% Australian owned and designed
Runner Up -Calming Dog Bed 2.0 by Fur King
- Faux fur provides warmth and comfort
- Pet-safe material and water-resistant lining
- Reinforced, scratch-proof, easy-to-clean cover
- Good value for money
- $1 from each bed is donated to Maggie's Rescue Sydney
- Australian owned & made
- Lightning-fast free shipping
Third Choice -Fur King Personalised Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Australia's Only Personalised Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Multiple layer, high-quality memory & orthopedic foam base
- Reinforced, scratch-proof, easy-to-clean cover
- Water resistant & safe in the washing machine
- Good value for money
- Australian owned
- Lightning-fast free shipping
Australia's Best Dog Beds Reviewed
As you have seen, there are many types of beds you can choose from. Which one you choose will ultimately depend on what you think your pooch may like. In any case, one of these suggestions tested by our experts will definitely fit your needs. Let's explore.
What sets this product apart from the rest?
- 3-layer high-quality memory foam base and reinforced easy to clean covers
- Hundreds of genuine 5-star reviews on Google
- Range of sizes, suitable for every dog
- 100% Australian owned and designed
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"You'll hear me say this a lot. The Barney Bed is exceptional. It's an orthopedic dog bed made from three layers of high quality memory foam. Providing unmatched orthopedic support for our dogs joints, ligaments and bones. We've been testing them for over three years now and there has been no changes in the shape or quality of the bed."
They say when you buy quality, you only buy once.
This is certainly what we think when it comes to Barney Beds. This 100% Australian owned and designed company is lightyears ahead of its competition, and easily wins the top spot as our most recommended dog bed.
Barney Beds are made out of the highest-quality memory foam on the inside, and the highest-quality reinforced material on the outside covers. It will never sag and with a little bit of care should last a canine lifetime.
The Barney Bed being tested by our independent expert team.
The outer cover unzips like a dream and is totally machine washable.
When it comes to comfort, we encourage you to check out the hundreds of genuine 5-Star reviews on Google. The extremely comfortable orthopedic foam base combined with bolsters on all four walls provides a calming feeling of protection and support - great for young dogs, adult dogs, older dogs and anxious dogs alike.
The bed comes in 5 sizes: Small (suitable for Chihuahuas, Pugs etc), Medium (suitable for Cavoodles, French Bulldogs, etc.), Large (suitable for Labradors, Border Collies etc), Extra Large (suitable for Bernese Mountain Dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback) and the Epic Extra Extra Large, which is the worlds biggest dog bed (suitable for Great Danes or multiple dog households that want to share the same bed). So if you are looking for a large dog bed available in Australia, this is the one for you.
Barney provides a size guide on their website that will list your exact breed and what corresponding bed size should be most suitable. They actively encourage you to contact them through their online chat, email or over the phone to confirm bed size. Once the dog bed box is open unfortunately they cannot accept returns so it is important that you choose the right size.
Shipping is completely free and the beds are delivered straight to your door in a box. It usually arrives within 2-3 days.
To top it all off, I also love how they have a 100% natural linen cover range featuring four luxe colours: oat, liquorice, sakura pink and forest which are on the list for hottest interior colours.
This Barney Bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to extra large dogs like a Great Dane.
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- Faux fur provides warmth and comfort
- Pet-safe material and water-resistant lining
- Reinforced, scratch proof, easy to clean cover
- Good value for money
- $1 from each bed is donated to Maggie's Rescue Sydney
- Australian owned & made
- Lightning-fast free shipping
This calming bed from Fur King is proof that lower priced dog beds dont always have to be low-quality. This bed looks so comfy that if they made one in a human size, we as pet owners would have a matching bed with our pooches. Unfortunately, thats not the case, but these beds do come in several sizes which makes them a great choice for small to large dog breeds.
The Calming Dog Bed 2.0 by Fur King being tested by our independent expert team
The doughnut shape is great for all those pups that love to curl up when sleeping. The trim is raised slightly, which allows the dog to rest their head and release the tension in their neck. The bed is covered with faux fur, and manufacturers claim that this self-warming material is supposed to resemble a mothers fur coat, making it a great heated dog bed option. Our team of researchers note that this is perfect for adjusting a new puppy to your home.
This bed is safe to wash in a washing machine on a gentle cycle. You can also tumble dry it on low heat. In fact, its recommended to be dried in a dryer to avoid matting the fur.
Related: Calming Dog Beds Australia.
The bed comes in six colours, which are sure to suit any interior. Underneath the faux fur, theres water-resistant nylon which serves as the first line of defense against potty accidents. If your dog has the occasional nighttime oopsie-daisy like mine does, you will definitely appreciate this feature!
This Calming Dog bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Husky.
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- Australia's Only Personalised Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Multiple-layer, high-quality memory & orthopedic foam base
- Reinforced, scratch-proof, easy-to-clean cover
- Water-resistant & safe in the washing machine
- Good value for money
- Australian owned
- Lightning-fast free shipping
Allow your dog to stand out from the pack with Australia's first and onlypersonalised orthopedic dog bed by Fur King.
What really sets this bed apart are the quality and comfort its construction provides.
Made from multi-layer technology consisting of memory and orthopedic foam, it provides unmatched support through its orthopedic properties. It's perfectly designed to provide musculoskeletal support targeting the tendons, ligaments, joints, bones and muscles of your furry best friend. While our expert team tested it with several dogs, I can easily say it's one of my pet's favourites.
In layman terms, this bed is like sleeping on a cloud.
The Fur King Personalised Dog Bed being tested by our independent expert team
The bed comes with bolsters on all 4 sides, providing pillow-like chin support as well as a calming sense of security that all pups crave. In addition, the materials are water resistant, scratch resistant and the bed covers are machine washable (always best to use the gentle cycle).
The personalisation part is easy. When you're at the checkout simply type your dog's name and a name tag will be added to the bed.
Similar to our afforementioned dog beds, there are 5 size options that are suitable for all breeds from the smallest to the largest. Keep in mind that this bed is not as warm as our number two option, which may influence your decision if you live in one of the cooler regions of Australia.
This Fur King bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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- Stylish, comfortable, and durable cover
- Extra thick memory foam mattress for optimal support
- Range of sizes
- Easy to clean
- Lightning fast shipping
This bed from Imperial is one of the top dog beds that our expert team tested. They have a range of sizes from small to extra large. Therefore just about any dog breed will suit their range.
When it comes to comfort, the size of the bed is not the only troubling issue. Namely, dog beds are often made quite thin which is fine for smaller dogs. However, most dogs need extra support when they get older, and thats exactly what the Imperial dog bed does.
The Imperial Pet Care Dog Bed being tested by our independent expert team
The memory foam mattress inside this ranges from 5-10 cm thick depending on the size of the bed, offering immense support and comfort.
This bed also features a stylish and well-made removable cover. The cover is made of microfiber and has a really luxurious look and feel to it. Its quite durable too, and it can be cleaned in the washing machine.
In addition, there are additional covers for the beds, meaning you can change up materials and colours to suit you or your pups needs. Unlike some of our other options on this list, it offers less colour choices. However, I love how it can still save you money without sacrificing your dog's comfort.
This Imperial bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Husky.
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- 100% cotton cover
- Recycled polyester filling
- Bolsters on all sides
- Cute Australian design
- Multiple sizes available
- The whole bed is machine washable
Is your dog the type who likes beds with bolsters? Are you sure? Have you ever tried one? We ask because our expert testers can tell you that most dogs love that head support. Snuggling up in the bed and then resting the head on one of the bolsters on the sides seems to be doggie paradise.
This bed from Mog & Bone is surrounded by built-in bolster pillows on all sides. But thats not the only cool thing about it.
My favourite part of this bed is the material used for the cover: 100% cotton canvas. One does not often find natural materials such as cotton used in dog beds, because synthetics are simply much cheaper. However, cotton is much more pleasant and breathable, so thats a plus point. If your dog is like mine and seems to appreciate a cooler sleeping experience, than he or she will likely love a bed made from cotton canvas.
Overall, its quite a simple bed, but one that we love. Great things dont have to be complicated.
This Mog & Bone 4 Seasons Bed Black is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Husky.
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- Provides optimal support
- Easy to clean
- High-quality water-resistant cover
- Features a waterproof inner liner
As we all know, our canine friends come in all shapes and sizes, so its hard to say which bed is ultimately the best. However, if we had to choose a dog bed that would suit almost any dog, then that would be the PetFusion Better Lounge Dog Bed.
So why is this bed from PetFusion so good? Lets start with the most important part of the bed: the mattress. This bed features a 10-cm thick memory foam mattress that provides optimal support and comfort while sleeping.
The PetFusion Better Lounge Dog Bed being tested by our independent expert team
On top of that, this bed also features bolsters on two sides that are generously filled with polyfill. The polyester filling is made with recycled polyester, which makes this bed more eco-friendly than some other options.
Finally, the outside cover on this bed is also top-notch. Its made with a mix of cotton and polyester - a combo that results in fabric thats pleasant to touch and breathable while also being water-resistant and tear-resistant. You can wash the cover in the washing machine and then tumble dry it on a gentle setting. Like our number 2 option, there is even a waterproof liner underneath the cover to prevent any doggy bladder leaks from reaching your floor.
This Pet Fusion bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Husky.
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- Perfect for small dogs sensitive to the cold
- Comfortable and cozy
- Cute design
- Slip-resistant bottom
Small and tiny dogs always seem to need an extra dose of warmth and cuddles. This bed can really provide that. Namely, the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Corduroy Pet Bed doesnt only look cozy and warm, its designed to reflect your poochs body warmth back to them. This is possible thanks to a layer of mylar hiding behind the fluffy interior.
Speaking of the interior, the sleeping surface is made of fluffy faux lambswool that compounds the warmth, similar to our second choice on this list. The exterior, on the other hand, is made of stylish corduroy fabric. The combination of all of this results in a top-notch bed that is really warm, making it perfect for cold nights, but probably not the best choice if you live in the hotter parts of Australia.
This bed from Aspen Pet also features a patterned slip-resistant bottom layer which makes it perfect for placing on smooth floor surfaces like tiles or hardwood floors.
This Aspen bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to medium dogs like a Blue Heeler.
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- Portability
- Breathable yet sturdy material
- Can hold a large weight
- Easy to clean
Although not quite a cooling dog bed, this raised bed from K&H has all your pooch needs for a casual outdoor nap. It comes with a canopy that protects your furry friend from the sun. The canopy is optional, and our team of expert testers noted that you can easily take it off if it's going to be used predominantly indoors.
Be aware, the canopy is water-resistant, not waterproof. So if it starts raining hard, your dog will get wet!
The K&H Indoor & Outdoor Elevated Pet Bed & Shelter being tested by our independent expert team
A raised bed is a great outdoor choice since it allows free airflow, and also keeps your Fido off of a cold or wet surface.
This bed from K&H comes in three sizes - the smaller is 18cm, and the larger is 22cm long. The bed arrives disassembled, but our team quickly discovered that installation is a no-brainer. No tools or screws are needed, only a few minutes of your time. The ease of assembly makes this bed great for camping trips. It also comes with a carry bag which is quite handy.
This bed is quite sturdy, and the larger model can hold up to 55 kgs. Its made out of durable fabric with breathable mesh and has a steel frame, making it a great indestructible dog bed option that can withstand playful pup behaviour. While comfortable and completely chew-proof dog beds dont really exist, this one comes close.
If the bed gets dirty dont worry, a simple handwash with soap will do the trick. Just let it air dry and it will be good as new.
This K&H bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to medium dogs like a Blue Heeler.
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- Orthopaedic mattress
- Waterproof mattress lining
- Removable and washable outer cover
- Flexible cave extension
- Superior comfort
Snuggling up in a burrow gives many dogs a feeling of safety. Cave beds, like this one from Fur King, were made to fulfil this need. If your dog is a cave dweller, then they will love getting into this bed. The upper cave section is the main feature that makes this bed special. You can use the rods (included) to prop up the upper part and create an actual cave or let the cover fall freely for your dog to use as a blanket. Both options work great for my dog, so its just a matter of what your pooch likes the best! The mattress is also more than your everyday dog bed: its a 10-cm thick memory foam mattress. This type of mattress will make any dog feel extra comfortable, but it can be incredibly soothing for dogs suffering from problems with joints and bones. In any case, if your dog would like a cave bed, give this one a try!
This Fur King Ultimate Orthopaedic Dog Cave Bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to medium dogs like a Blue Heeler.
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- Made with high-quality Australian convoluted foam
- Fits most crates and dog houses
- Removable cover
- Machine washable
- Non-slip backing
The Snooza Orthobed Plush is a great option if you are looking for a simple high-quality mattress for your dog. Used on its own or inside the kennel or dog house, this mattress will provide the ultimate comfort for your dog. The bed is 7 cm thick and filled with Australian-made convoluted foam. The result is a bed that is fairly low profile but provides top comfort. Having a short height makes the bed easy to access for dogs that, like mine, with mobility issues. Best of all, it will feel like a luxurious couch to them. The foam base is enveloped with a cover that can be washed and removed. We loved that the zipper is hidden, so it doesnt attract the attention of dogs. If your pooch is a chewer, then youll probably find it helps keep the bed intact!
The cover is made with soft plush on top and heavy polyester on the bottom to make it more durable. Like our number 7 option, the base is also non-slip, which helps keep the bed in place on slippery floors.
This Snooza bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to medium dogs like a Blue Heeler.
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- Human-grade memory foam mattress
- Water-resistant liner
- Non-slip bottom
- Easy to clean
When it comes to puppy beds, you definitely want to get something that can withstand some abuse. This orthopedic option from Friends Forever features everything a younger dog might need for a comfortable night's sleep, and its pretty durable as well.
First of all, this bed features a base made with quality memory foam to provide your pup with optimal support while sleeping. The bed also features bolsters on all sides to make your young dog feel safe and impossible to fall out of bed. Even though there are bolsters on all 4 sides, there is space left at the front so pups can easily climb in.
Our research team notes that another great thing about this bed is the cover. It is quite resistant to wear and tear, and machine washable - perfect for naughty pups that like to get dirty. The cover features a water-resistant liner which is especially important for younger dogs since accidents are likely to happen.
This bed from Friends Forever comes in various sizes. The small will fit a puppy, but you might want to get a larger size to allow for some growing room if your pup belongs to a larger breed. Also, if you need a bed for more than one dog, you can get the large or extra large version of this bed and have them sleep together. This worked great with several of the dogs we tested this bed out with.
This Friends Forever bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Husky.
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How to Choose A Dog Bed?
When it comes to dog beds, there is an array of options to choose from. Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes. Which one suits your pup best will depend on the individual needs of your dog.
RelatedHow To Choose The Right Size Dog Bed?
In order to choose correctly, let's first help you understand your options. These are the 3 main types of dog beds available:
Classic Dog Beds
Classic dog beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of these look like a simple mat. Some of them have bolsters to provide extra support. Some are extra thick and cozy... If your dog is healthy, our expert advice is to choose whatever shape you think will fit your poochs favourite sleeping positions.
If a washable dog bed is what you are looking for, its possible to find beds that you can just throw in the washing machine. However, you'll find most quality dog bed options will come with a removable and washable cover which provides basically the same effect as washing the whole bed.
Orthopedic Dog Beds
Orthopedic dog beds are great for canines just as they are for humans. They provide extra support for your poochs body when sleeping thanks to the memory foam mattress. The ultimate comfort!
If your dog is experiencing issues such as pain in the joints and bones, an orthopedic bed is a must. Osteoarthritis, for example:
is a common problem in dogs, particularly in seniors and large breeds. Although there is no cure for this progressive condition, identifying the problem early and initiating appropriate management can help keep your dog active and improve quality of life, says Elizabeth Racine forAKC.
An important part of managing such conditions is a proper bed. So choosing an orthopedic dog bed with a quality memory foam mattress is the best thing for your dog. I have an aging toy breed with osteoarthritis, and trust me, his ortho bed provides the support he needs to ensure restful sleep.
Raised Dog Beds
Unlike standard dog beds, raised dog beds are designed in a way that resembles a cot-style bed for humans. These beds have a strong fabric stretched over a metal frame to create a sleeping surface.
They may not look super comfortable, but these beds can work great and many dogs seem to love them.
Raised beds are perfect for outdoor use since they are weather-resistant and there is much less work involved in maintaining this type of bed. Raised beds are also excellent for warm climates as they allow for more air circulation. This keeps the temperature down while your pooch is sleeping.
Dog Cave Beds
Cave beds are just what the name suggests - beds that look like tiny caves. This type of bed is designed to respond to the burrowing instinct some dogs have. If your dog likes to dig around the bed, a cave bed might just be the perfect option.
These types of beds can also be great for anxious dogs, as the den-like feeling makes them feel more secure.
My Final Verdict
When looking for a dog bed, a lot will depend on your individual circumstances. How big is your dog? How warm is it where you live? Does your pooch have any special requirements?
Indoor beds, outdoor beds, raised dog beds and the list goes on, we tested several dog beds that really leave you spoilt for choice. However, if you are looking for a quick pick that will fit almost any dog, the Pet Parlour & Barney Bed options are definitely the top picks from our experts.
How big should my dogs bed be?
The easiest way to find out exactly how big a bed you need is to measure your dog while sleeping. Take some time and measure your pooch in all of the favorite sleeping positions and get a bed based on that. Otherwise, you can also approximately guess the size of a bed according to the breed of your dog.
How should a dog bed be cleaned?
Depending on the type of coat your dog has, you might need to vacuum or air the bed outside every once in a while to get rid of the hairs. However, for optimal hygiene, youll also need to wash the bed (and any bedding or pillows your dog might use) weekly or at least once in a fortnight (3). Most beds on our list have removable covers that make cleaning easy - just throw the cover in the washing machine.
If your dog does this, you definitely know what we are talking about. Many dogs like to dig around their bed in a circular motion. This is actually an old instinct from the time when dogs lived in the wild and made their beds from leaves and dirt. By digging around, they ensured they left their scent everywhere and made the bed more comfy. Digging around the bed can also be a sign of anxiety, not to mention that it can destroy the bed quite quickly. Adding a blanket to the bed or getting a cave bed usually solves the issues (4).
Do I need an orthopedic bed for my dog?
No, healthy dogs dont really need orthopedic beds, but it definitely wont hurt your dog. If your dog has issues with achy joints, arthritis, or hip dysplasia, though, using an orthopedic dog bed with memory foam is highly recommended.
References
- Mitchell, S. October 4, 2021. Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?. PetMD. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/why-do-dogs-sleep-so-much
- Racine, E. Osteoarthritis in Dogs Signs and Treatment. May 3, 2022 AKC. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-signs-treatment/
- The Guide to Washing a Dog Bed. March 01, 2016. PetMD Editorial. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_guide-to-washing-dog-bed
- Morris, J. Why does my dog dig at her bed at night? November 5, 2018. The Mercury News. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/11/05/why-does-my-dog-dig-at-her-bed-at-night/
