Does your dog really need its own bed?

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No matter what kind of pet owner you are, it can be hard to resist letting your dog cuddle with you in bed. However, vets say it’s important to give your pup their own space to ensure both of you are resting well . That’s where a dog bed comes in: It also gives them a spot for naps or solitude throughout the day. And unlike other pet essentials , a dog bed can last for several years (so long as your pup doesn’t destroy it).

To help you find the right bed for your pet, I spoke to experts about the benefits of a dog bed and what to consider when shopping for one. I also pulled together some staff favorites and expert-recommended options to consider.

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Best dog beds of 2026

Below, I compiled expert-recommended dog beds that can fit a variety of your pet’s needs and preferences. I also included beds NBC Selected editors’ own dogs use. Each of the following beds has a removable washable cover and, unless otherwise noted, comes in multiple sizes to ensure your dog is able to fit comfortably.

Best overall

The Lola Pet Bed

This NBC Selected Pet Awards winner is a popular pick among our NBC Selected editors because of its spacious size and bolstered sides. Great for dogs of any age, the orthopedic bed comes with a quilted mattress that’s both removable and machine-washable, and it’s made from a breathable fabric for temperature regulation, according to the brand. NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin tried out the large/extra-large size for her dog Chance, an 11-year-old, 100-pound yellow lab. Not only did Malin find this bed to be extremely durable, but she could also easily curl up next to Chance when he gets anxious. “I’ve fallen asleep in there with him more than once,” she says.

Additionally, Malin’s 1-year-old, 8-pound dog, Mabel, was already a fan of Lola’s blankets, so it was no surprise that the brand’s dog bed quickly became one of her favorite places to lounge, too. Made from the same soft material as Lola’s blankets, the bed is plush and cushioned with tall sidewalls that help Mabel feel cozy and secure. Malin says the rectangular shape gives her plenty of room to stretch out, and Mabel often brings bones and puzzle toys into it while she relaxes. The bed arrives in a few pieces, but Malin says assembly is easy and takes about two minutes. (The brand sent Malin the bed to test).

Best washable

Ruggable Washable Bolster Pet Bed

Though Ruggable is known for its washable rugs, the brand also has a washable pet bed for your four-legged companion. I received this bed from the brand to try out, and my 6-year-old, 15-pound havanese and bichon frise mix, Bella, instantly became obsessed. It comes in two pieces: a small memory foam mattress that sits at the center and a cushioned outer layer with raised edges that fits around it. Though Bella usually prefers to sleep with me in my bed, she now gravitates more toward this throughout the day— she loves resting her head on the sturdy bolsters, and she always snuggles into the warm sherpa material. The best part is that all covers are removable and machine-washable, so it’s easy to clean (and holds up to the washing machine very well, in my experience).

Best memory foam

Casper Dog Bed

The Casper Dog Bed is a safe pick for most dogs, says Dr. Joe Wakshlag , professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. It’s crafted with comfortable memory foam that supports your dog’s joints and hips, which is especially great for older dogs like Chance, says Malin. What’s more is that it works double time to entertain your dog: Its extra layer of washable microfiber material is designed to mimic the feel of pawing at loose earth minus the mess, according to the brand. When they’ve tuckered themselves out, the sides are lined with foam bolsters to operate as supportive pillows. The bed comes in three sizes: small for dogs up to 30 pounds, medium for dogs up to 60 pounds and large for dogs up to 90 pounds.

Best for small dogs

Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler

Smaller dogs who weigh under 30 pounds typically prefer beds that have a raised edge or even a pocket to nuzzle underneath, says Angela Logsdon-Hoover , a certified dog trainer and canine behaviorist. The Cozy Cuddler can help smaller dogs feel secure and less anxious while they relax — with its built-in blanket, flexible faux fur walls and plush interior, the bed allows your dog to either burrow or stretch out. Though the cover isn’t removable, the entire bed is machine-washable, according to the brand.

Best for large dogs

Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed

Big Barker makes beds for large dogs that weigh 50 to 250 pounds. It offers three rectangular bed types: Sleek, Headrest and Sofa, the latter of which includes bolsters on three of the four sides. Each bed comes with a machine-washable microsuede cover and is made from the brand’s proprietary foam, which it says is engineered to support the pressure curves of large breed dogs. (Large breed dogs are defined as weighing anywhere from 75 pounds to 100 pounds, according to Dr. Dana Varble , chief veterinary officer for nonprofit North American Veterinary Community.) The brand also offers a free replacement if the foam sinks or sags within 10 years. The bed comes in three sizes — large, XL and Giant — and in four colors.

Best budget-friendly

Frisco Rectangular Bolster Dog Bed

Frisco’s dog bed is another favorite of Bella’s, who loves to rest her head on the bolstered sides or burrow her face into the bed’s cushioned crevices during a nap.The outer fabric is a plush faux suede that’s available in either a neutral khaki green or brown . The bed is available in three sizes: small (measuring 6.5 inches high), medium (9 inches high) and large (10 inches high).

Best for older dogs

Orvis Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed

This Orvis orthopedic bed comes recommended by Dr. Kristen Nelson , a veterinarian and author of “Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life,” because it has a polyester-filled, three-sided bolster; an open-cell, 3.5-inch-thick memory foam insert; and an open front with a low profile for older dogs to easily get on and off, according to the brand. It also has a water-resistant liner and a durable cover that unzips.

Best high-end

Le Dog Le Bed

This luxurious dog bed has a breathable leather outer cover that’s cooling, easy to spot clean and doesn’t retain odor, says former NBC Selected associate reporter Bianca Alvarez , who received one from Le Dog for her 7-year-old pitbull. Its dense, cooling gel memory foam interior also relieves any pressure points while providing extra comfort, according to the brand.

Best with bolsters

Furhaven Pet Bed

This L-shaped bed from Furhaven has bolsters that provide a corner sofa design for your dog, according to the brand. It’s wrapped in an easy-to-clean microsuede and includes a plush faux fur lining to help keep your canine companion snug, according to Furhaven. It has an orthopedic foam cushioning for support, which experts say can be good for older dogs. The bed’s rectangular shape makes it a comfortable option for the corner of your dog’s favorite room and its jumbo plus size is “great for big dogs like Chance — although my tiny kitten also loves stretching out on it,” says Malin.

Best shag

Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut

Former NBC Selected social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri says her dog, Bandit, has loved this cozy circular bed since the day he came home — he likes to curl up inside when he’s napping or playing with toys. “I love how easy it is to clean; I just throw it in the wash on the gentle cycle,” says Daruvuri. It’s also another favorite of Bella’s, who loves to snuggle against the bolsters, burrow in its deep crevices and sprawl while laying on it. The bed is covered in vegan shag fur and it’s available in five sizes, with the smallest size accommodating pets weighing up to seven pounds and the largest for pets up to 150 pounds, according to the brand.

Best fleece

L.L.Bean Plush Cuddler Dog Bed

This L.L.Bean bed is a favorite of Nelson’s golden retriever, Sully, who likes lying in it when he’s cold. It has a warm and washable polyester fleece cover, which zips off for easy cleaning. The bed also comes with three bolstered sides that can provide a spot for dogs to rest their head. If you prefer a non-bolstered fleece option, L.L.Bean has a rectangular bed with soft polyfill cushioning.

Most stylish

Lesure Calming Donut Bed

This bolster dog bed comes in six stylish designs to fit your (and your pup’s) personal style, including clouds, flowers and checkerboard. Lesure sent me this bed for Bella to try out, and she loves laying on the warm, soft Sherpa material. Plus, it provides a great amount of cushion and support throughout the day. The bed is designed for dogs and cats up to 25 pounds, and it has a washable cover for easy cleaning.