Best Dog Beds for Large Dogs, XL, and Giant Breeds: Sized and Supported for Big Joints
Vet-reviewed guide to dog beds for large, XL, and giant dogs: how to size a bed, what foam depth big joints need, when bolsters help, which covers survive the wash, and the beds that fit a 70 to 150 pound dog.
BVMS MRCVS
Medically reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS · Last reviewed
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The best dog beds for large dogs are chosen with a tape measure, not a weight chart. Measure your dog lying fully sprawled, from nose to the base of the tail, and buy a bed whose sleeping area fits that length. Then check the foam, because a heavy body flattens thin padding fast.
Our top pick is the Big Barker Sofa Edition Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed, which Big Barker designs for large dogs over 50 lb and sizes in Giant for Great Danes. On a tight budget, the Bedsure Orthopedic Waterproof Dog & Cat Bed pairs egg-crate foam with a built-in waterproof liner.
VCA Animal Hospitals counts any dog that reaches 70 lb or more as an adult as large or giant, and notes those breeds are predisposed to chronic joint problems. We compared six dog beds for large dogs, listed from $39.98 to $599.95 on Chewy when we checked in October 2026, on size, foam, cover, and tradeoff.
| Bed | Best fit | Foam and format | Key listing detail | Chewy listing, October 2026 | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Barker Sofa Edition Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed | Giant breeds such as Great Danes and Saint Bernards | Orthopedic bolster bed, Giant size | Made for large dogs over 50 lb; removable cover | $599.95 | The highest listed price of the six |
| K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed | Big dogs that are hard on bedding | Solid-foam mattress with a raised bolster, XX-Large | Ballistic fabric cover made for frequent washing | $370.00 | Second-highest price on the list |
| FurHaven The Recliner Orthopedic Pillow Contour Lounger Dog Bed | Dogs with joint discomfort or extra weight that like a contour | Thick contoured foam base, Jumbo | Foam holds its shape instead of flattening; cover unzips for machine washing | $74.99 | Confirm the Jumbo dimensions against your dog's length |
| Bedsure Orthopedic Waterproof Dog & Cat Bed | Tight budgets and dogs that need a waterproof bed | Egg-crate foam base with a plush top, Large | Built-in waterproof liner; removable, machine-washable cover | $39.98 | A Large, so a giant breed may need more room |
| Frisco Orthopedic Personalized Bolster Dog Bed w/Removable Cover | Large dogs that stretch out | Low-profile bolster bed with an orthopedic foam topped center, Large | Removable cover that can be machine washed and dried; can be personalized with a name | $88.12 | Low profile by design, so it sits close to the floor |
| FurHaven Plush & Embossed Velvet Dreamer Sofa Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed | Dogs that like a sofa-style edge to lean on | Orthopedic foam base with plush bolsters, Jumbo | Removable zippered cover and a carry handle | $91.99 | Bolsters take up part of the footprint |
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How to size a bed for a large, XL, or giant dog
To measure a large dog for a bed, wait until the dog is lying fully settled and stretched out, then measure from the nose to the base of the tail. Big Barker's size guide uses that nose-to-tail measurement to choose between its sizes, rather than weight alone.
- 1Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail while it lies sprawled out, then match that length to the inside sleeping area.
- 2We found no veterinary minimum for foam depth, so choose orthopedic or memory foam that holds its shape and check the depth at the center, where the dog actually lies.
- 3A bolster helps a dog that curls or likes a raised edge, but it can shorten the usable length, so compare inside dimensions for a dog that stretches.
- 4A heavier dog changes what you check, such as foam and frame limits, not how you measure.
Two checks keep a big bed from coming up short. First, L.L.Bean advises sizing from the space your dog takes up when fully settled, not its standing height or weight. Second, compare the actual sleeping area, not just the overall footprint, because bolsters and other design features can make the two differ.
Size classes differ by maker, so treat any chart as a starting point. Big Barker groups breeds into three classes for its large-dog beds:
- Large: Golden Retriever, Labrador, and German Shepherd class dogs.
- XL: Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, Mastiff, and Rottweiler class dogs.
- Giant: Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Deerhound, Saint Bernard, Tibetan Mastiff, and Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
No single industry-wide bed size by weight exists; weight bands are set by each manufacturer. Weight still matters for a dog in the 60 to 90 lb, 90 to 120 lb, or giant breed over 120 lb range, but it changes the foam depth and frame limits you check, while the sprawled length decides the size.
The same rule applies to an extra-large bed for two dogs or a raised cot: measure first, then read the sleeping area and the weight rating.
| Dog weight | Size the length | Foam depth check | Frame or rating to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 90 lb | Measure the dog sprawled, nose to base of tail; that length must fit inside the sleeping area | Orthopedic or memory foam that keeps its shape; judge foam depth at the center, not at the bolster edge | Big Barker builds its Sofa Edition for dogs over 50 lb; Kuranda rates its standard elevated cot to 100 lb |
| 90 to 120 lb | Same sprawled measurement; compare inside dimensions, since bolsters shorten usable length | Lounger beds can be thin in the middle: one FurHaven lounger lists 2.5 in of foam at the center and 6 in at the edges | Above the 100 lb standard cot rating; Kuranda rates its aluminum cot to 250 lb |
| Giant breed over 120 lb | Sprawled length decides; Big Barker points Great Danes and Saint Bernards to its Giant size | No veterinary minimum is published; ask the maker for foam depth under the dog, not total bed height | Kuranda's aluminum cot is rated to 250 lb; check the stated limit on any raised bed |
What is the right size dog bed?
The right size dog bed lets your dog lie fully stretched out without hanging off the edge. The American Kennel Club notes that large dogs need bigger beds than small ones. Measure the dog sprawled from nose to the base of the tail, then pick the size whose inside sleeping area meets that length.
What is the best dog bed for large dogs?
For a giant breed, the Big Barker Sofa Edition Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed in Giant is the strongest choice here, since Big Barker designs it for large dogs over 50 lb and sizes its Giant for Great Danes. For a cover built to take hard use, choose the K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed.
On a budget, the FurHaven The Recliner Orthopedic Pillow Contour Lounger Dog Bed, built for dogs with joint discomfort or extra weight, was listed at $74.99 on Chewy when we checked, and the Bedsure Orthopedic Waterproof Dog & Cat Bed at $39.98.
Our picks: the best dog beds for large dogs
These six beds cover the main reasons owners shop for a large dog bed: a giant breed that outgrows standard sizes, a dog that is rough on covers, a senior with stiff joints, and a tight budget. Sizes are the ones Chewy listed, so check each against your own dog's sprawled length.
Big Barker Sofa Edition Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed: best for giant breeds
Giant-size orthopedic bolster bed that Big Barker designs for large dogs over 50 pounds, with a removable cover.
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This is the highest-priced pick here. The Chewy listing says the Sofa Edition is specially designed for large dogs weighing over 50 pounds, with a bolster and a removable cover. Big Barker describes it as relief for joint pain and stiffness, which is the maker's claim rather than a clinical finding.
Big Barker sells its beds in three sizes for large dogs, and its sizing blog points Great Danes to the Giant and Rottweilers or Dobermans to the XL.
- Who it suits: giant breed owners who want one bed sized for the biggest dogs.
- Tradeoff: listed at $599.95 on Chewy when we checked in October 2026, about $230 more than the next-priciest pick, the K9 Ballistics.
- Check first: the bolster takes up part of the footprint, so compare the inside sleeping area with your dog's sprawled length.
K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed: best tough orthopedic bed in XX-Large
XX-Large solid-foam bolster bed with a heavy-duty ballistic fabric cover built for hard play and frequent washing.
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K9 Ballistics builds this bed around a solid-foam mattress and a heavy-duty ballistic fabric cover. The listing says it is designed to withstand wear and tear, hard play, and frequent washings, and the raised bolster pillow supports the head and neck.
It was listed at $370.00 on Chewy when we checked in October 2026, a price that buys a cover meant to survive repeated laundering.
A tough cover is not the same as a chew-proof bed, though. K9 Ballistics points determined chewers to its separate Chew Proof Armored beds, and our guide to the best chew proof dog beds covers that problem directly.
- Who it suits: heavy and older dogs that need hip and spine support, which K9 Ballistics names, plus diggers, scratchers, and owners who wash bedding often.
- Tradeoff: a high price for a bed whose main selling point is durability, and it is not built for dogs that chew their beds.
FurHaven The Recliner Orthopedic Pillow Contour Lounger Dog Bed: best jumbo lounger for heavy dogs
Jumbo contour lounger with a thick foam base that FurHaven says holds its shape instead of flattening.
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FurHaven says the Recliner is built to support dogs with joint discomfort or extra weight. Its thick, contoured foam base is described as holding its shape under pressure instead of flattening like loose fill or thin padding, and the reclined shape cradles the dog's body while leaving room to stretch out fully.
The removable cover unzips for machine washing, and a nonslip base keeps the bed in place on hardwood or tile. FurHaven also reminds buyers to measure for the right fit. It was listed at $74.99 on Chewy when we checked in October 2026, a lower-cost pick for a heavy dog.
- Who it suits: dogs with extra weight or joint discomfort, the two groups FurHaven names.
- Tradeoff: the size is listed as Jumbo, so confirm the inside sleeping area against your dog's sprawled length.
Bedsure Orthopedic Waterproof Dog & Cat Bed: best budget waterproof orthopedic bed
Budget Large bed with a plush top over resilient egg-crate foam, in a waterproof design.
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This is the cheapest of our picks, listed at $39.98 on Chewy when we checked in October 2026. Bedsure pairs a plush, cozy surface with a base of resilient egg-crate foam, which it says gives support and good airflow. A built-in waterproof liner protects the foam core from accidents.
The stain-resistant cover is removable and machine washable, and a dotted non-slip latex backing helps keep the bed in place. The size on this listing is Large, so check its sleeping area against your dog's sprawled length; a giant breed may need more room than a Large offers.
- Who it suits: owners who want a waterproof orthopedic bed without a big spend, or a second bed for another room.
- Tradeoff: a smaller size class than the Jumbo and Giant picks.
Frisco Orthopedic Personalized Bolster Dog Bed w/Removable Cover: best low-profile bed for dogs that stretch out
Low-profile orthopedic bolster bed for large dogs that stretch out, with a removable cover you can personalize.
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Frisco calls this faux linen bed the ideal low profile bed for large dogs that love to stretch out. The center cushion is topped with orthopedic foam, the outer bolsters are filled with loft fiber, and the bed can be personalized with your dog's name. The size on this listing is Large.
It was listed at $88.12 on Chewy when we checked in October 2026. The removable cover zips off and can be machine washed and dried, which suits the AKC's advice to wash a cover weekly.
- Who it suits: large dogs that sleep flat out rather than curled.
- Tradeoff: the low profile keeps the dog close to the floor, with less raised edge to lean on than a sofa-style bed.
FurHaven Plush & Embossed Velvet Dreamer Sofa Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed: best sofa-style jumbo bed
Sofa-style Jumbo bed with an orthopedic foam base, plush bolsters, and a velvety sleeping surface.
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The Dreamer is a sofa-style bed: an orthopedic foam base with plush bolsters, which FurHaven says promote proper spine alignment. The velvety sleeping surface transitions into the bolsters, the zippered cover is removable, and a built-in carry handle makes it easy to move.
It was listed at $91.99 on Chewy when we checked in October 2026. Its bolsters take up part of the footprint, so measure the inside surface before you buy a Jumbo for a long dog.
- Who it suits: dogs that curl or rest their chin on a raised edge.
- Tradeoff: less flat sleeping area than a mattress of the same outer size.
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Foam depth for big joints: what a 70 to 150 pound dog needs
We found no primary veterinary source that gives a foam depth in inches for a given dog weight. Any depth-by-weight chart is a manufacturer's or editor's judgment. What veterinary sources do agree on is the type of support a heavy dog needs.
- VCA Animal Hospitals recommends an orthopedic or memory foam bed to reduce pressure on sore joints.
- Zoetis Petcare says a supportive orthopedic or memory foam bed helps support and cushion joints while the dog rests.
- The AKC names egg-crate style foam and memory foam as the common orthopedic materials and says orthopedic beds suit dogs of all ages.
The number on a listing is often total bed height, not foam under the dog. FurHaven's Luxe Lounger, a sibling line to the two FurHaven picks, lists its foam at 2.5 in at the center and 6 in at the edges. A thick-looking lounger can be much thinner where a 120 lb dog actually lies.
For a heavy dog, a soft top only helps if the foam beneath it stays firm enough not to sink to the floor. The FurHaven The Recliner Orthopedic Pillow Contour Lounger Dog Bed is sold on exactly that point: a thick foam base that holds its shape instead of flattening like loose fill.
The Bedsure Orthopedic Waterproof Dog & Cat Bed uses egg-crate foam, while the K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed uses a solid-foam mattress. Mattress makers sell dog beds too, and our Casper dog bed review looks at one of them. For more joint-focused options, see our best orthopedic dog bed roundup.
Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds?
We found no published study on whether dogs prefer hard or soft beds. L.L.Bean advises watching how your dog lies, and veterinary sources favor orthopedic or memory foam for sore joints. For a large dog, choose a comfortable surface over foam that stays supportive under its full weight rather than sinking to the floor.
Bolster, flat, couch, or round: matching the shape to how the dog sleeps
We found no primary veterinary source that ranks bolster beds against flat beds. The useful test comes from watching your dog: L.L.Bean notes that some dogs curl into a surprisingly small circle while others stretch from nose to tail with all four paws out. Match the shape to that habit.
- Bolster beds: a raised edge to curl against or rest a head on. Confirm the sleeping area inside the bolsters still fits the sprawled length.
- Flat or low-profile mattresses: suit a dog that sleeps stretched out. The Frisco Orthopedic Personalized Bolster Dog Bed w/Removable Cover is described as a low profile bed for large dogs that love to stretch out.
- Couch or sofa-style beds: a foam base inside a bolster frame. The FurHaven Plush & Embossed Velvet Dreamer Sofa Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed uses plush bolsters that FurHaven says promote spine alignment.
- Round and donut beds: best for curlers; for a big dog, the inner diameter is the measurement that counts.
- Covered, cave, and enclosed beds: a den-like spot for dogs that like to tuck in, as long as the opening and interior suit a large frame.
- Off-the-ground cots: a frame instead of foam; Kuranda rates its standard elevated bed to 100 lb, so check the limit.
Do dogs like dog beds?
Most dogs do. The AKC describes dogs as den animals that appreciate having a spot where they can relax. That matters more for big dogs, because the AKC also reports that large and giant breeds generally sleep more than small breeds, and some sleep up to 18 hours a day even in middle age.
Where should a dog sleep at night?
A dog should sleep somewhere warm and easy to get in and out of. Canine Arthritis Resource and Education recommends supportive bedding in a warm, draft-free spot with non-slick flooring nearby. If your dog sleeps on your bed, CARE advises stairs or a ramp rather than jumping off, since jumping puts force on the joints.
Washable covers, waterproof liners, and keeping a big bed clean
A big bed collects a lot of hair and dirt, so washability matters. The AKC advises looking for a removable cover that you can easily toss in the wash weekly. On a giant-size bed, a removable cover is the practical way to keep the whole thing clean.
Check the care instructions before you buy. L.L.Bean tells shoppers to look at what upkeep involves, alongside how the listed measurements are taken. FurHaven's Luxe Lounger shows a common pattern: a removable, zippered cover that may be machine or hand washed, and a foam core that is spot cleaned.
- Removable covers: the full Chewy title of the Big Barker Sofa Edition Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed includes a removable cover, and the FurHaven Plush & Embossed Velvet Dreamer Sofa Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed has a removable zippered cover.
- Machine-washable covers: the cover on the FurHaven The Recliner Orthopedic Pillow Contour Lounger Dog Bed unzips for machine washing, and the Frisco Orthopedic Personalized Bolster Dog Bed w/Removable Cover cover can be machine washed and dried.
- Covers built for laundering: the K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed uses a ballistic fabric cover designed for frequent washings.
- Waterproof liner: the Bedsure Orthopedic Waterproof Dog & Cat Bed has a built-in waterproof liner that protects the foam core from accidents, under a removable, machine-washable cover.
When the foam core can only be spot cleaned, a waterproof liner between cover and foam is what protects it. If a listing says waterproof without naming a liner, ask the maker what is waterproof, because it changes how you clean the bed.
Senior large dogs and arthritis: when to step up the support
Arthritis is common enough in big dogs that bedding should be planned around it. VCA Animal Hospitals reports that osteoarthritis affects at least 20% of dogs over one year old and 80% of dogs over eight years old. The AKC adds that dogs with arthritis may struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position.
If an older large dog shows the early signs VCA lists, such as difficulty getting up and down or hesitation on stairs, book a veterinary exam and make an orthopedic bed part of the comfort plan. Owners often miss these, and a peer-reviewed study notes that overlooked early signs lead to underdiagnosis of osteoarthritis.
A bed is one part of the setup, not the whole plan:
- Bedding: VCA advises soft, padded bedding, and CARE recommends supportive bedding such as memory foam in a warm, draft-free spot.
- Floors: non-skid or non-slick flooring around the bed, so the dog does not slip while rising.
- Access: a ramp or step for furniture and vehicles; Zoetis cautions that a ramp must not be too steep or slippery. Our guide to mobility aids for dogs, from harnesses to ramps covers the options.
- Weight: VCA says excess weight is highly correlated with osteoarthritis, and normalizing body condition is critical.
Hip problems follow the same logic. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes hip dysplasia as abnormal development of the hip joint in large dogs, with non-surgical care that includes weight reduction. A supportive bed is comfort care alongside that plan.
Two big dogs, crates, and elevated cots: the special cases
Two large dogs on one bed is a sizing problem and a temperament question. L.L.Bean advises considering each dog's size and habits rather than assuming they will want to share, and Big Barker asks owners to consider whether a dog likes sharing its spot with other dogs at all.
Crate beds follow the crate, not the dog. Measure the inside floor of the crate and choose a pad that fits it, then confirm the crate itself suits the dog with our dog crate size chart. For dogs that need a sturdier enclosure, see our roundup of heavy duty dog crates.
Raised and elevated beds need their weight limit read closely. Kuranda lists its standard elevated bed for dogs up to 100 lb and its aluminum bed up to 250 lb, both with a 1 year warranty. One cot cannot be assumed to hold two large dogs at once.
- Two dogs on one elevated cot: add both weights and compare the total with the frame's stated limit.
- Arthritic dogs on a raised bed: CARE advises any ladder or ramp be non-slip and wide enough for the dog to feel secure.
- Homemade raised beds: no maker rating applies, so the safe load is unknown.
What is the best double dog bed for two large dogs?
For two large dogs that genuinely share, start with the biggest size class rather than a standard XL. Big Barker says two Great Danes can fit together on its Giant size, which makes the Big Barker Sofa Edition Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed in Giant the closest fit here. Measure both dogs sprawled side by side before ordering.
Large dog bed questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bed does a large dog need?
For a sense of scale, a published review lists Big Barker's Original Orthopedic sizes as 48 by 30 by 7 in (Large), 52 by 36 by 7 in (XL), and 60 by 48 by 7 in (Giant). Compare those inch figures with your dog's sprawled nose-to-tail length, and confirm current sizes on the maker's chart.
Do large dogs need an orthopedic bed?
Not every large dog needs one, but many benefit. VCA says large and giant breeds are predisposed to developmental orthopedic disease and chronic joint problems, and recommends orthopedic or memory foam to reduce pressure on sore joints. The AKC says orthopedic beds suit dogs of all ages, so a supportive foam bed suits a big dog at any age.
What is the best bed for a large dog with arthritis?
Look for orthopedic or memory foam that gives steady support under the dog's full weight, a size that lets it lie stretched out, and an easy way on and off. For arthritis, the Big Barker Sofa Edition and the FurHaven Recliner are both marketed around joint support. Pair the bed with non-slip flooring and a veterinary plan.
Are raised beds good for large dogs?
An elevated cot can work for a large dog if the frame is rated for its weight. Kuranda markets its elevated frame as suited to extra-large and giant breeds and describes it as temperature-regulating, but we found no veterinary source that evaluates airflow under raised beds. For stiff dogs, add a secure, non-slip way on and off.
Can two large dogs share one bed?
Two dogs can share if both like it, but do not assume they will; L.L.Bean advises considering each dog's size and habits. If they do share, size up to the largest class available and measure both dogs sprawled. We found no standard rule for how much to size up, so the measurement is your guide.
Editor
The Webvet Editorial Team is the in-house group of pet-care editors and writers behind Webvet, operated by Smart Pet Collective. The team researches, writes, and maintains Webvet's pet health, behavior, and medication content. Every article follows a defined editorial process: research from reputable veterinary and scientific sources, careful drafting, mandatory review of medical content by a credentialed veterinarian, and dated publication. Health and medication articles are medically reviewed by a licensed veterinary professional before they go live and are kept current over time.
Veterinarian · BVMS MRCVS
Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. Dr. Elliott earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Glasgow. She was also designated a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Married with 2 grown-up kids, Dr. Elliott has a naughty Puggle named Poggle, 3 cats and a bearded dragon.
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