The Best Dog Bed Types for Popular UK Dog Breeds
The right bed isn’t just a place for your dog to sleep. It’s their safe space — where they can relax fully, feel protected, and wake up well-rested.
Get it wrong, and your pup might ignore the bed completely, choosing the hard floor or your favourite sofa instead. But get it right, and it becomes their happy place. A spot they love. A place they feel calm, cosy, and secure.
UK dogs come in every size, shape, and sleeping style imaginable. Here’s how to choose the perfect bed for your dog — whether they’re a sprawler, a burrower, or a snuggler.
Dog Bed Types at a Glance
Here’s a quick guide to the different bed styles we offer, with their key features and who they’re best suited for — helping you find the perfect cosy spot for your pup.
| Bed Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cave Beds | Burrowers, anxious dogs, cold-prone | Enclosed, hooded, den-like design, warm & secure |
| Cocoon Beds | Nesters, anxious, privacy seekers | Soft, padded, nest-like, extra comforting |
| Donut Beds | Curlers, comfort seekers, puppies | Raised rim, plush filling, calming & supportive |
| Snuggle Sacks | Burrowers, cold-prone, small breeds | Sleeping bag style, fully covered, stays warm |
| Mattress Beds | Stretchers, large breeds, senior dogs | Flat, supportive, space to sprawl, orthopaedic |
Cave Beds — A Safe Retreat for Burrowers and Anxious Dogs
Perfect For Breeds Like:
- Jack Russell, Border Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Cairn Terrier
- Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Italian Greyhound
- Whippet, Greyhound, Lurcher, Vizsla
- Beagle, Miniature Pinscher, Dachshund
- Puppies needing comfort and security
- Senior dogs needing warmth and joint support
Why Choose a Cave Bed?
Your dog’s ancestors slept in dens — small, safe spaces where they could curl up, stay warm, and feel protected. A Cave Bed brings that natural instinct home.
If your dog loves to burrow under blankets or hide away, a cave-style bed gives them the comfort they’re craving. Especially ideal for thin-coated breeds or anxious pups who feel the cold.
Cocoon Beds — The Ultimate Nest for Cuddlers
Perfect For Breeds Like:
- Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel
- Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, French Bulldog
- Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, anxious medium breeds
- Larger sizes available for all large breeds
Why Choose a Cocoon Bed?
Some dogs don’t just want a bed — they want a nest. Cocoon Beds wrap your pup in soft, padded comfort, creating a secure space that feels like a hug.
Ideal for dogs that love to curl up tightly, shy pups that enjoy extra privacy, or breeds that appreciate gentle reassurance.
Donut Beds — Comfort and Calm for Curlers and Puppies
Perfect For Breeds Like:
- French Bulldog, Pug, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier
- Labradors, Retrievers, large breeds that curl up
- Rescue dogs or anxious pups needing extra reassurance
Why Choose a Donut Bed?
Donut Beds feature a raised bolster edge that gives your dog head and neck support while creating a sense of security. The plush filling soothes joints and helps anxious dogs settle.
Snuggle Sacks — For Dogs Who Love to Burrow and Stay Warm
Perfect For Breeds Like:
- Greyhound, Whippet, Saluki, Italian Greyhound
- Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, Jack Russell Terrier
- Small to medium breeds who love to hide or feel the cold
Why Choose a Snuggle Sack?
Like a sleeping bag for dogs, Snuggle Sacks let your pup burrow deep into warmth. Ideal for cold-prone breeds or anxious dogs who find comfort in being fully covered.
Mattress Beds — Space and Support for Stretchers and Larger Breeds
Perfect For Breeds Like:
- Labrador, Golden Retriever, Mastiff, Great Dane
- English Setter, Bulldog, Border Collie
- Older dogs needing joint support or orthopaedic comfort
- Smaller sizes available for all smaller breeds
Why Choose a Mattress Bed?
For dogs who love to sprawl out or sleep on their sides and backs, a flat, supportive mattress is the best choice. Especially for larger breeds or seniors, these beds provide even weight distribution and long-lasting comfort.
Top Tips for Choosing the Right Bed for Your Dog
Watch how your dog sleeps.
Do they curl up, stretch out, or burrow under blankets? Their sleeping style is the best clue to the right bed.
Consider their breed’s needs.
Thin-coated, anxious, or rescue dogs often prefer enclosed, den-like designs. Sprawlers and big dogs need space and support.
Get the right size.
When in doubt, always size up. A little extra room is better than feeling cramped — especially for donut and mattress beds.
Best Dog Bed Types for the Top 50 UK Dog Breeds
To make choosing even easier, here’s a quick-reference guide matching the Top 50 UK Dog Breeds to the ideal bed types for their size, sleeping habits, and personality traits.
Best Dog Beds for the Top 50 UK Dog Breeds
| Breed | Ideal Bed Type(s) | Why It’s the Right Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Mattress, Donut | Big sprawler, joint support |
| French Bulldog | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Curler, needs neck support, seeks security |
| Cocker Spaniel | Cocoon or Cave, Donut | Curls up, loves comfort |
| Cockapoo | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Energetic, curls up, hypoallergenic coat benefits from soft lining |
| Miniature Dachshund | Cave or Cocoon, Snuggle Sack | Burrower, cold-prone, enjoys covered spaces |
| Golden Retriever | Mattress, Donut | Large breed, sprawls out, joint support |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Strong, compact, curls up, appreciates enclosed comfort |
| Jack Russell Terrier | Cave or Cocoon, Snuggle Sack | Classic burrower, small but full of energy, loves warmth |
| Border Collie | Mattress, Cocoon or Cave | Active, stretches out, medium/large breed |
| Bulldog | Mattress, Donut | Stocky, sprawler, enjoys raised rim for head support |
| German Shepherd (Alsatian) | Mattress | Large working breed, needs flat support and space |
| Shih Tzu | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Small, affectionate, curls up, loves nest-like beds |
| English Springer Spaniel | Cocoon or Cave, Donut | Medium breed, energetic, loves curling and nesting |
| Chihuahua | Cave or Cocoon, Donut | Tiny, bold, gets cold easily, benefits from secure spaces |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Low-shed coat, curls up, enjoys snug, padded beds |
| Pug | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Curler, needs neck support, benefits from plush sides |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Donut, Cave or Cocoon | Small, enjoys warmth, curls up tightly |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Cocoon or Cave, Donut | Gentle, affectionate, enjoys soft, supportive spaces |
| Labradoodle | Mattress, Donut | Large crossbreed, sprawls or curls, hypoallergenic coat |
| Beagle | Donut, Cave or Cocoon | Curious, medium size, likes security and head support |
| Pomeranian | Donut, Cave or Cocoon | Fluffy, tiny, enjoys warmth and enclosed spaces |
| Boxer | Mattress, Donut | Energetic, strong, sprawler, needs support |
| Whippet | Cave or Cocoon, Snuggle Sack | Thin coat, cold-prone, loves to burrow and feel secure |
| Rottweiler | Mattress | Large, strong, sprawler, needs orthopaedic support |
| Border Terrier | Cave or Cocoon, Snuggle Sack | Hardy, affectionate, small burrower |
| Bichon Frise | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Cheerful, hypoallergenic, curls up comfortably |
| Basset Hound | Donut, Mattress | Laid-back, curls up, benefits from supportive base |
| Great Dane | Mattress | Gentle giant, sprawler, needs maximum joint support |
| Siberian Husky | Mattress, Donut | Energetic, larger breed, sprawler but enjoys rimmed support |
| Alaskan Husky | Mattress | Athletic, sprawler, benefits from supportive surface |
| St. Bernard | Mattress | Massive, gentle, needs flat, orthopaedic space |
| Russell Terrier | Cave or Cocoon, Donut | Spirited, small, loves to curl or burrow |
| Australian Shepherd | Mattress, Cocoon or Cave | Energetic, medium size, stretches out after activity |
| Irish Setter | Mattress, Cocoon or Cave | Lively, athletic, likes room to sprawl |
| Dachshund (Standard) | Cave or Cocoon, Snuggle Sack | Burrower, hunting instinct, cold-prone |
| Maltese | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Small, affectionate, curls up, low-shedding |
| Boston Terrier | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Compact, curls up, enjoys soft edges and support |
| Dobermann | Mattress | Loyal, strong, sprawler, benefits from joint support |
| Weimaraner | Mattress | Sleek, energetic, large breed, needs room to stretch |
| Corgi (Pembroke & Cardigan) | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Fun-loving, curls up, short-legged, needs joint-friendly support |
| Lhasa Apso | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Small, ancient breed, curls up, enjoys padded nesting beds |
| West Highland White Terrier (Westie) | Donut, Cave or Cocoon | Hardy, small, loves warmth and security |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Mattress | Gentle giant, large, sprawler, needs orthopaedic support |
| Newfoundland | Mattress | Water rescue breed, heavy, sprawler, joint care important |
| Pointer | Mattress, Cocoon or Cave | Athletic, hunting breed, stretches out, enjoys soft padding |
| Samoyed | Donut, Mattress | Fluffy, friendly, enjoys curling or sprawling |
| Shar Pei | Donut, Cocoon or Cave | Loyal, curls up, enjoys soft edges and calming shapes |
| Akita | Mattress | Powerful, large, sprawler, needs space and support |
| Dalmatian | Mattress, Donut | Energetic, medium-large, sprawler who also enjoys bolstered rims |
| Mixed Breed | Depends on sleep style | Match the bed to their favourite sleeping position |
Final Thoughts
The right dog bed isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s your dog’s personal space to feel calm, cosy, and secure. By matching your dog’s breed, size, and sleeping habits to the right bed style, you’re giving them more than comfort — you’re giving them better sleep, better health, and the happy, relaxed life they deserve.
Explore our full range of Luxury Dog Beds and find the perfect fit for your dog today.
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