The main types of dog beds are flat or mattress-style, bolster (rimmed), donut or nest, orthopaedic memory foam, raised, heated or cooling, and chew-resistant or travel beds. Each suits a different dog, and size, age, sleeping style and habits matter more than looks. A large senior dog will usually want thick, supportive foam. A curler may love raised sides. A hot sleeper might prefer something flat and airy. This guide walks through the dog bed styles one by one, so you can find the best dog bed for your dog without the guesswork. Whether you're bringing home a puppy, upgrading for an older dog, or just replacing a worn-out favourite, the same handful of styles come up again and again.
Flat and mattress-style dog beds
A flat bed is the simplest style: a cushion or mat with no raised sides. It suits dogs who sprawl out, dogs who run warm, and anyone who wants a bed that can slide into a crate or the boot of the car. Because there is nothing to climb over, it is easy to step onto, which some dogs find handy. The trade-off is less support for dogs who like to curl up or rest their head against something. If your dog stretches out like a starfish, a flat dog bed is a very good place to start. Look for a thick, supportive base and a removable cover you can machine wash. One thing to watch is the floor beneath: on cold tile or timber, a flat bed needs enough thickness to keep your dog comfortable.
Bolster and rimmed dog beds
Bolster beds have raised edges that your dog can lean on, snuggle into or use as a pillow. They suit leaners, nesters and curlers, and dogs who like to feel a bit enclosed. The trade-off is that a very large dog may find the rim harder to step over, so check the height of the sides. Donut and round beds are a close cousin, and they work the same way for dogs who love to curl into a ball. If your dog turns three circles before settling, a donut dog bed is worth a look. Think of the rim as a comfy pillow and a cosy backrest rolled into one. For a rimmed option, see the Brooklyn® Memory Foam Bolster Bed.
Orthopaedic and memory foam dog beds
Orthopaedic beds use dense, supportive foam, and memory foam moulds to your dog's body to spread their weight evenly. They are a popular choice for older dogs, large breeds and dogs with stiff joints. The PDSA says memory foam beds are kind to joints and suggests giving arthritic dogs a choice of comfortable beds. The AKC also notes that supportive beds cushion older dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia and can help developing puppies' joints. A bed will not treat a medical problem, so see your vet if your dog seems sore. But good foam takes the weight off, and your dog will thank you (with snoring). Foam quality varies a lot between products, so it is worth looking at the type and thickness of the foam and whether the cover comes off for washing. Bigger dogs tend to need thicker foam, because a thin layer can bottom out under their weight. Explore our range of memory foam dog beds.
Orthopaedic versus standard fill: what is the difference?
Standard beds are usually filled with fibre or polyfill, which feels soft at first but can flatten with use. Orthopaedic beds use firmer foam that springs back, so it keeps its shape for longer. Neither is wrong. A light, young dog can be perfectly happy on a soft bed. A heavier or older dog often does better on foam that holds its shape. Density matters here, so read the product details rather than trusting the word "orthopaedic" alone. Ask yourself how your dog uses the bed. A dog who flops down hard, or who is heavy for their size, will get more from firm foam. A small dog who mostly naps in the sun might not need it. For a deeper comparison, see orthopaedic versus plush.
Raised, heated and cooling dog beds
Some beds are built for the weather. Raised or elevated beds sit on a frame, which lets air move underneath, so they suit hot days and outdoor spaces. Heated beds add gentle warmth for cold homes and some older dogs. The AKC mentions both self-warming beds and electric warming beds, and the PDSA suggests a heat pad under a bed can comfort painful joints on cold days. If you use a heated bed, choose one made for pets, follow the maker's instructions, and supervise chewers and puppies. Cooling beds use materials that feel cooler to the touch. The Brooklyn® Nest, for example, has a cooling gel layer. Which one you need depends on your climate and your dog's coat: a thick-coated breed may want the cooler option in summer, while a short-coated dog may feel the cold on a hard floor. Read more in our guide to temperature-regulated dog beds.
Chew-resistant, waterproof and travel beds
Some beds are built for a specific job. Puppies and chewers need tougher fabric and firm construction. Muddy or wet dogs need a water-resistant cover or liner. Road-trippers need a bed that fits the car and rolls up easily. Be honest with yourself about your dog: no bed is truly indestructible against a determined chewer, but a chew-resistant base and stronger fabric can make a real difference. The Brooklyn® Chew Resistant Luxe Lounger is a 2-in-1 bed with a chew-resistant base. Whatever you pick, a removable, machine-washable cover makes life a lot easier. Waterproof liners are worth considering for accident-prone puppies, and a spare cover means one wash never leaves your dog without a bed. Travel beds should be light enough to carry, easy to wipe down and firm enough to stay put on a car seat or in a boot. If you drive with your dog often, look at car-friendly dog beds too.
How to match a bed type to your dog
Three questions cut through the choice: how big is your dog, how old are they, and how do they sleep? Answer those and the options narrow fast. Size tells you how much bed and how much foam you need. Age tells you how much support and how easy the entry should be. Sleep style tells you whether a flat, bolster or donut shape will get used. Think about where the bed will live too, since a spot by a cold window needs a different approach from a warm hallway. If two types both sound right, go for the one with the removable cover and the most supportive base. If you'd like to see the Brooklyn® range side by side, compare our dog beds.
By size and age
Bigger and older dogs generally do better on thicker, supportive foam. Puppies and small dogs can start with lighter, washable beds, and you can upgrade as they grow. The AKC notes that large dogs need bigger beds than small ones so they can stretch out comfortably. Measure your dog while they sleep and add a little room to stretch. If you have a puppy, think about their adult size, or plan to upgrade once they've grown. Small dogs do fine in compact beds, but very small dogs can also feel lost in a huge one. Senior dogs often appreciate a low edge that is easy to step over. See beds for senior dogs, or use our dog bed size guide.
By sleeping style
Watch how your dog sleeps for a few nights. Sprawlers like flat or large beds. Curlers like donut or bolster shapes. Leaners like a rim to rest their chin on. Burrowers love a deep nest they can dig into, or a blanket-friendly bed. Your dog's sleep position tells you a lot about what they need. It is not an exact science, but it is a very good clue. If your dog changes position often, a roomy bed gives them options. Stiffness after resting is a reason to talk to your vet. Read what your dog's sleeping position means for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size dog bed to buy?
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail while they sleep, then add a little room to stretch. If your dog is still growing, size up. The AKC advises that larger dogs need bigger beds. Check the size guide for the bed you like, and if you are between sizes, go up.
Do dogs prefer soft or firm beds?
It depends on the dog. Older, heavier or stiff dogs often need firmer support, while others simply like a soft place to flop. Watch how your dog sleeps and where they choose to lie. Then choose a bed that is supportive but comfortable. Many dogs are happy with a mix, so a soft blanket on top of a firm base is a nice compromise.
Are heated dog beds safe?
Pet-rated heated beds are designed for dogs when used as instructed. Follow the manufacturer's safety guidance, supervise puppies and chewers, and check the cable and cover regularly, and stop using it if it looks damaged. If you are unsure, ask your vet whether a heated bed suits your dog.
Can I use a human mattress or old cushion as a dog bed?
It can work for a short while, but human bedding is not designed for washing, chewing or a dog's weight. Pet beds usually come with covers that are easy to remove and wash. That makes life simpler for you both. A spare blanket over an old cushion can cover a short trip, but a proper bed will serve your dog better over time.
Next Steps
Ready to pick? Head to our dog beds collection and start with the type you spotted above. Not sure on size? Check the size guide on each product page, and remember every Brooklyn® bed has a removable, machine-washable cover. Still torn between two? Use our comparison page and take your time. The right bed is out there, and your dog will let you know when you've found it. Every Brooklyn® bed comes with a removable, machine-washable cover, so keeping it fresh is easy. Take your time, compare the options, and choose the one that feels right for your dog.
Summary and Key Takeaways
The right dog bed depends on your dog's size, age and sleep style, not looks alone. Supportive foam matters most for large, older or stiff dogs, and washable covers matter for everyone.
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Flat: sprawlers and warm sleepers
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Bolster and donut: leaners and curlers
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Orthopaedic memory foam: large, older or stiff dogs
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Raised, heated or cooling: weather-driven choices
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Chew-resistant and waterproof: puppies, chewers and muddy adventurers
Pick the type, then the size, and let your dog do the testing. If you can, choose a bed with a washable cover so it stays fresh, and look for the most supportive base you can find. Happy dog, happy home. And if you would like a second opinion, our team are always happy to help.
