How to Pick the Right Bed Size

A bed that is too small gets ignored, and a bed that is far too big can feel less secure to a pet that likes to curl. Getting the size right is simple once you know how your pet sleeps and how to measure. Spend two minutes here and you will only buy the bed once.

Measure your pet

With your pet standing or lying stretched out, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Then note their weight. Those two numbers do most of the work. As a rule of thumb, add roughly six to twelve inches to the nose to tail length to find the bed dimension that lets a pet lie fully stretched without hanging off the edge.

Match the bed to how they sleep

Watch your pet for a few nights and you will see their style:

• Curlers. Pets that sleep in a tight ball feel safest with raised sides. A donut or bolster bed gives them a rim to nestle against, and you can size a little snugger.
• Sprawlers. Pets that stretch out flat, sleep on their side, or lie belly up need room. Choose a flat mat or a rectangular bed and size up so nothing hangs over.
• Leaners. Pets that like to rest their head on something do well with a bolster along one or more sides.

Weight and joints matter too

Size is not only about length. A heavier dog, a senior, or any pet with joint or hip concerns benefits from a thick, supportive orthopedic foam base that does not bottom out under their weight. A thin pad may fit the footprint but still leave a big dog resting on the hard floor. When in doubt, go thicker.

A quick sizing guide

• Small pets up to about 25 pounds, think cats, small dogs, and toy breeds, suit beds around 24 inches.
• Medium pets, roughly 25 to 50 pounds, are comfortable around 30 to 36 inches.
• Large pets, about 50 to 90 pounds, want 36 to 42 inches.
• Extra large pets over 90 pounds, and the giant breeds, need 42 inches and up, with plenty of foam.

These are starting points. Always check the actual bed dimensions against your own measurement rather than trusting the size name alone, since labels vary between makers.

When to size up

Size up if your pet is still growing, if two pets like to share, if your dog sleeps sprawled out, or if they are between sizes. Very few pets complain about a little extra room, while a cramped bed usually ends up unused on the floor beside it.

Every bed in our beds and furniture collection lists real dimensions, so you can match them straight to your measurement.