ConsFirst / Dog beds
Dog beds: the downsides, first
Beds that fall apart — split seams, failed zippers, worn-out filling or torn fabric — come up for five of the eight dog beds we compared, and cleaning is a hassle with most of them. "Orthopedic" and "calming" are marketing words here: a vet quoted by Wirecutter calls "orthopedic" a misused term for dog beds. Here are the most popular dog beds in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared17 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 dog beds, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Orvis
$$$Orthopedic foamScore 4.3/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Wirecutter found its two-layer foam the most comfortable of any dog bed it tested, and the cover survived its claw tests. Orvis will replace the bed at least once if your dog damages it. The catch is the price: $209 to $319 at Orvis, and the fur-hiding weave makes it hard to tell whether it's clean.
Top complaints
- ExpensiveVery common
Wirecutter says it's far more expensive than its top picks ($209 at Orvis); Orvis lists $209 to $319 by size.
- Hard to tell when it's cleanMentioned often
In spot-cleaning tests, the weave was almost too good at masking dirt and fake vomit; Wirecutter recommends regular vacuuming and washing however clean it looks.
- Tall for tiny dogsOccasional
The Spruce Pets notes every size is 5 inches high, which might be too high for very small dogs.
What owners love
- Most comfortable in Wirecutter's test
A soft 1-inch top layer over a 4-inch base gave the best mix of softness and support, without sinking to the floor (Wirecutter, Orvis).
- Well-made details
The cover withstood meat shredders and garden claws, the zipper tucks away from dog mouths, the handles are hidden, and the water-resistant liners kept the foam pristine in spill tests (Wirecutter).
- Replacement guarantee
Orvis's Great Catch Guarantee covers at least one no-charge replacement if your dog damages the bed (Wirecutter).
Skip it if…- You're on a budget
- Your dog is very small (it's 5 in tall)
- Your dog needs a bolster to lean on
Good for- Big dogs who sprawl
- Owners who want a replacement guarantee
- The best combination of softness and support in Wirecutter's tests
Scores (tap for why)
- Support (keeps shape)5.0
Why 5.0?
Best combination of softness and support in Wirecutter's tests, without sinking to the floor. - Washable cover3.5
Why 3.5?
Water-resistant liners kept the foam clean, but the fur-masking weave made it hard to judge cleanliness after spot-cleaning. - Chew & dig resistance4.0
Why 4.0?
The standard cover withstood Wirecutter's meat shredders and claws, and the zipper is hidden; Orvis replaces the bed at least once if your dog damages it. (Its ToughChew ripstop cover is sold only on the couch version.) - Durability4.5
Why 4.5?
Well constructed with high scores in nearly all of Wirecutter's tests, and backed by Orvis's replacement guarantee.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick (updated 2026-09-24): the most comfortable beds tested, durable cover, excellent guarantee; very expensive.
- The Spruce Pets (orthopedic guide): More products to consider (updated 2026-10-06): two foam layers; 5-in height may be too high for very small dogs.
#2
Big Barker (Barker Beds)
$$$Orthopedic foamScore 4.2/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A 7-inch, three-layer foam slab made in the USA for large and giant breeds. Wirecutter, usually skeptical of 'orthopedic' claims, says it gives plenty of support, and the maker offers a 10-year warranty. It's firm, it costs about $250 to $460, and the smallest size is already Labrador-sized.
Top complaints
- ExpensiveVery common
About $240 for the smallest size in Wirecutter's guide; the maker lists $249.95 (Large, Sleek) up to $459.95 (Giant, Sofa).
- Firm; may be too stiff for lighter dogsMentioned often
Wirecutter found it noticeably firmer than the other beds it tried, and says it might be too stiff for lighter dogs.
- Fiddly liner; fabric not covered by warrantyOccasional
The optional waterproof liner was a pain to put on, since it wasn't clear which side was up, and the 10-year warranty doesn't cover damage to the fabric (Wirecutter).
What owners love
- The most foam Wirecutter tested
Three foam layers, 7 inches in total, which Wirecutter found light but dense and durable, with plenty of support.
- 10-year warranty against flattening
Wirecutter says the company warrants the foam against flattening for 10 years; the maker's page also says the bed is backed by a 10-year warranty.
- Easy-to-clean cover
The cover was easy to spot-clean, and a dark mark from enzyme cleaner disappeared after the first wash. The optional liner kept liquids out of the foam (Wirecutter).
Skip it if…- You have a small or light dog
- You're on a budget
- You want fabric damage covered
Good for- Large and giant breeds
- Owners who want the thickest foam
- A long warranty against the foam flattening
Scores (tap for why)
- Support (keeps shape)4.5
Why 4.5?
Seven inches of dense foam with plenty of support (Wirecutter); firm enough that it may be too stiff for lighter dogs. - Washable cover3.5
Why 3.5?
Easy to spot-clean, and stains came out in the wash (Wirecutter). The maker says the covers are machine-washable; the liner is sold separately and awkward to fit. - Durability4.5
Why 4.5?
Dense, durable foam with a 10-year warranty against flattening; fabric damage isn't covered.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Other good bed, for large dogs (updated 2026-09-24): plenty of support from 7 in of foam and a 10-year flattening warranty; firm and expensive.
#3
K&H Pet Products
$Elevated cotScore 3.4/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Medium listing (20,496 ratings), pooled across sizes and colors.The Guardian's best outdoor bed: a cheap metal-frame cot that's easy to assemble, drains and dries quickly, and survived its lab mix's digging. On Amazon it's popular with a low low-star share, but owners are split on durability, and more report chewing damage than not.
Top complaints
- Fabric can tear or come apartVery common
Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some owners reporting it tore within a day or the seams came apart.
- Chewers can damage itMentioned often
Amazon's summary is mixed on chew resistance, with more owners saying their dogs damaged it than not. The Guardian says the large raised logo on top will be a target for chewing and digging.
- Shows muddy paw printsOccasional
The Guardian notes the two-tone design shows muddy paw prints.
What owners love
- Easy setup
Amazon owners find it easy to assemble and take apart with no tools, and the Guardian found it struck a good balance between ease of assembly and cost.
- Drains, dries fast and hoses clean
The Guardian says it drains well and dries quickly. Amazon owners say the fabric is removable and machine-washable or can be hosed off.
- Sturdy, and dogs choose it
The Guardian's dog chose it over a far pricier cot more often than not, and it stood up to aggressive digging. Amazon owners find it sturdy without sagging.
Skip it if…- Your dog chews fabric
- Your dog wants a soft, cushioned bed
- You need a bed that lasts through heavy abuse
Good for- Yards, patios and dogs that run hot
- Easy hose-down cleaning
- A low-cost raised bed
Scores (tap for why)
- Support (keeps shape)3.5
Why 3.5?
A taut cot that Amazon owners find sturdy without sagging; it gives firm support rather than cushioning. - Washable cover4.5
Why 4.5?
Drains and dries quickly (Guardian); fabric is removable and machine-washable or can be hosed off (Amazon owners). - Chew & dig resistance2.5
Why 2.5?
It survived the Guardian's digging, but more Amazon owners report chewing damage than not. - Size accuracy3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon's summary says owners are satisfied with the size and find it roomy for medium and large dogs. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Sturdy frame (Guardian, Amazon), but Amazon durability reviews are split, with tears and seam failures reported; one-year warranty (Guardian).
#4
Majestic Pet Products
$$BolsterScore 3.2/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)32-inch listing (3,810 ratings), pooled across sizes and colors.Wirecutter has picked this overstuffed bagel bed since 2017 for dogs that curl up, and its faux-suede cover shrugged off claw and shredder tests. The downsides: the inner liner ripped after two years, the small and medium sizes have no removable cover, and it has the highest Amazon low-star share among the beds we checked on Amazon.
Top complaints
- Inside wears outMentioned often
After two years, Wirecutter found several rips in the bolster's inner liner, though the outer suede was intact; it says a bed at this price probably won't last forever. Amazon's summary says some owners report it fell apart within 30 days.
- Annoying to washMentioned often
Small and medium sizes have no removable cover, so the whole bed goes in the washer (Wirecutter, maker). On large sizes, the zippers sit deep in a dirt-collecting crevice, and reassembly takes several minutes.
- Stains can lingerOccasional
Wirecutter could still see a faded spot after spot-cleaning; how much shows depends on the color.
What owners love
- Tough faux-suede cover
The cover didn't pull or tear after 50 hard passes each with a meat shredder and garden claw, and held up to two years of nightly digging (Wirecutter).
- Cozy nest shape
Overstuffed so it settles to the right level after a couple of weeks, with a water-resistant bottom (Wirecutter). Amazon owners say their pets love it and sleep well.
- Roomy
Amazon's summary says owners like the size, with large dogs fitting comfortably and easy to get in and out.
Skip it if…- You want a removable cover in a small or medium size
- Your dog needs firm foam support
- You want a bed that lasts many years
Good for- Dogs who curl up or lean against something
- Diggers who 'nest' before lying down
- Roomy sizes for big dogs (40 and 52 in)
Scores (tap for why)
- Support (keeps shape)3.0
Why 3.0?
A polyfill cushion that is overstuffed so it settles after a few weeks; Amazon owners find it well padded. There's no foam base. - Washable cover2.5
Why 2.5?
Machine-washable, but small and medium sizes have no removable cover, and large sizes are fiddly to take apart and reassemble (Wirecutter, maker). - Chew & dig resistance3.5
Why 3.5?
The cover survived Wirecutter's claw and shredder tests and two years of light digging; it isn't sold as chew-resistant. - Size accuracy4.0
Why 4.0?
Amazon's summary says owners find it roomy, with large dogs fitting comfortably. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
The outer cover lasted two years, but the inner liner ripped (Wirecutter) and Amazon durability reviews are mixed.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for dogs who curl up (updated 2026-09-24): durable faux-suede cover; inner liner ripped after two years; hard to take apart for washing.
#5
FurHaven
$BolsterScore 3.2/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Plush/Suede medium listing (44,834 ratings), pooled across sizes and colors.A low-cost couch-style bed that The Spruce Pets ranks best overall, and Wirecutter picked the same sofa design with its Velvet Waves cover. The cover is easy to clean and the low front is easy to step into. The weak points are thin foam and seams or zippers that give out, and it's not for chewers.
Top complaints
- Seams and zippers can failVery common
Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some owners reporting it coming apart at the seams and only lasting a week. Wirecutter saw negative reviews about the zipper breaking and quality declining, though its own bed held up well over two years.
- Thinner foam than expectedVery common
Amazon's summary says customers find the thickness unsatisfactory, with foam and filling thinner than expected. Wirecutter says the foam is soft and supportive but not the highest-quality material.
- Not for chewers; liquids reach the foamMentioned often
The Spruce Pets says it isn't recommended for chewers. In Wirecutter's tests, fluids, dirt and fur passed through the cover onto the foam, which can only be spot-cleaned. Wirecutter suggests FurHaven's separate water-resistant liner.
What owners love
- Very easy to clean
The Velvet Waves cover was one of the easiest to spot-clean in Wirecutter's tests and still looked great after three washes and dryer cycles. The Spruce Pets found it simple to unzip, wash and put back on, and its texture didn't change.
- Easy to get in and out
The front opening is several inches lower than the other sides, which Wirecutter says suits puppies and dogs who struggle to step over tall bolsters.
- Supportive for the price
The Spruce Pets' 75-lb golden retriever tester left no indentations in the memory foam. Wirecutter found it supportive with a good amount of give.
Skip it if…- Your dog chews or shreds beds
- Your dog has accidents (the foam can't be machine-washed)
- You want thick, high-grade foam
Good for- Dogs who like to rest their head on a bolster
- Puppies or older dogs who need a low step-in
- A cheap bed with an easy-to-clean cover
Scores (tap for why)
- Support (keeps shape)3.5
Why 3.5?
No indentations in The Spruce Pets' test and supportive with give for Wirecutter, but Amazon owners often say the foam is thin. - Washable cover4.0
Why 4.0?
Removable cover that washed and dried well (Wirecutter, The Spruce Pets); Amazon owners find it easy to clean. The foam itself is spot-clean only. - Chew & dig resistance2.0
Why 2.0?
The Spruce Pets says it's not recommended for chewers. - Size accuracy3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon's summary says customers find it roomy, with some fitting two dogs. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Held up for two-plus years in Wirecutter's long-term test, but negative Amazon durability mentions outnumber positive ones.
What experts say
- The Spruce Pets: Best overall (updated 2024-12-18): perfect scores from its tester; supportive memory foam and a washable cover; not for chewers.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick in the Velvet Waves cover version (updated 2026-09-24): affordable, easy to spot-clean, held up over two years; liquids pass through the cover to the foam.
#6
Casper
$$$BolsterScore 2.9/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Medium listing with only 2,547 ratings, pooled across sizes and colors.A mini memory-foam mattress with bolsters all around: Good Housekeeping's best memory-foam pick. But Wirecutter dropped it after both of its test beds had bolsters that never fully expanded, and the cover trapped fur. It costs $169 in medium, the inner sleep area is much smaller than the outside size, and its Amazon low-star share is high.
Top complaints
- Inconsistent qualityMentioned often
Both of Wirecutter's sample beds had a foam bolster that never fully expanded, and it notes some owners report the same. Amazon's summary says some owners saw the cover start falling apart after a year and the material tear easily.
- Smaller inside than it looksMentioned often
The medium is 33 x 25 in outside but has a 25 x 17 in sleep area (maker). Amazon's summary says some owners find it too small, especially for dogs of 50 lb or more.
- Cover traps fur; pricey; hard to reassembleMentioned often
Wirecutter's cover trapped fur, looked dirty within days and kept a faint water stain after three washes. Amazon owners are mixed on value and say re-assembly can be very difficult. Good Housekeeping notes there's no waterproof liner or non-skid bottom.
What owners love
- Human-mattress-style memory foam
Good Housekeeping's staff and testers loved the foam; a poodle–Great Dane mix used it daily for more than six months. Wirecutter found the main insert soft and supportive.
- Tough, washable cover
The suede-like cover did well in Wirecutter's torture tests. Casper says it's machine-washable (cold, gentle, tumble dry low), and Amazon owners find it easy to wash.
Skip it if…- Your dog is over about 50 lb
- You need a waterproof liner or non-skid base
- You want a bed that's easy to put back together
Good for- Dogs who like a nest with bolsters all around
- Owners who want mattress-style memory foam
- Small to medium dogs
Scores (tap for why)
- Support (keeps shape)3.5
Why 3.5?
Good Housekeeping's best memory-foam pick, and Wirecutter found the main insert supportive, but Wirecutter's bolsters never fully expanded. - Washable cover3.0
Why 3.0?
Machine-washable cover (maker, Amazon owners), but Wirecutter's cover trapped fur and kept a water stain after three washes; there's no waterproof liner (Good Housekeeping). - Chew & dig resistance3.0
Why 3.0?
The cover did well in Wirecutter's scratch tests, but some Amazon owners say the material tore through easily. - Size accuracy2.5
Why 2.5?
The inner sleep area is 8 in smaller each way than the outside size (maker), and some Amazon owners say it's too small for dogs of 50 lb or more. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Inconsistent foam bolsters (Wirecutter), mixed Amazon durability, and a one-year limited warranty (maker).
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best memory foam (updated 2025-12-04): full-body support with bolsters all around; no waterproof liner or non-skid bottom.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Former pick, dropped: inconsistent quality (bolsters never fully expanded on two samples) no longer justifies the price; cover trapped fur.
#7
Bedsure
$BolsterScore 2.8/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Large listing (35,965 ratings), pooled across sizes and colors.Good Housekeeping's best overall orthopedic-style bed and the Guardian's best budget pick: soft, comfortable, with a waterproof liner and non-skid bottom, at well under $50 in the medium size. But the listed size includes the bolsters, so most people need to size up, and the Guardian's chewer put a hole in a bolster almost at once.
Top complaints
- Runs small; size upVery common
Good Housekeeping notes that the measurements run from the outside of one bolster to the other, so the sleep space is smaller, and it agrees with Amazon reviewers who suggest sizing up. Amazon's summary says some owners call the sizing inaccurate and not suitable for large dogs.
- Not chew-resistantMentioned often
The Guardian's 70-lb lab mix treated it like a stuffed toy and chewed a hole in a bolster after a moment unsupervised; the Guardian says it isn't rugged.
- Budget materials; awkward to washMentioned often
Amazon's summary is mixed on material, with some calling it cheap and not memory foam. The Guardian says the bolster is built into the cover, which makes washing and drying more awkward, and there is no warranty.
What owners love
- Comfortable and supportive
Among the most comfortable beds the Guardian tested, and its dog liked resting his head on the bolster. Good Housekeeping found the top super soft and the foam firm.
- Liner, non-skid base and washable cover
It has a waterproof liner, non-skid bottom and machine-washable cover (Good Housekeeping), and Amazon owners say the cover comes off easily for washing.
- Low price, easy setup, no smell
Medium was $44.99 at Chewy in the Guardian's test. It expanded quickly out of the vacuum pack with no lingering plasticky smell. Good Housekeeping says every size is under $110.
Skip it if…- Your dog chews soft things
- You don't want to guess the size (go up a size)
- You want real memory foam
Good for- A cheap bolster bed with a waterproof liner
- Dogs who like to prop their head up
- Calm, non-destructive dogs
Scores (tap for why)
- Support (keeps shape)3.5
Why 3.5?
Firm foam (Good Housekeeping) and soft yet supportive (Guardian), but some Amazon owners call it cheap and not memory foam. - Washable cover3.5
Why 3.5?
Machine-washable cover with a waterproof liner (Good Housekeeping); easy to remove per Amazon owners; the built-in bolster makes washing awkward (Guardian). - Chew & dig resistance1.5
Why 1.5?
It survived digging, but the Guardian's dog chewed a hole in a bolster within a moment. - Size accuracy2.5
Why 2.5?
Outside dimensions include the bolsters; Good Housekeeping recommends sizing up, and some Amazon owners say sizing is inaccurate. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners mostly praise the quality, but the Guardian says it feels like a budget bed, isn't rugged, and has no warranty.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall orthopedic dog bed (updated 2025-12-04): soft top, firm egg-crate foam, liner and non-skid base; consider sizing up.
- The Guardian (The Filter US): Best budget dog bed (2026-08-25): soft and supportive, but its tester chewed a hole in a bolster quickly; no warranty.
#8
Best Friends by Sheri
$$Calming donutScore 2.8/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Small 23-inch listing (73,236 ratings), pooled across sizes and colors.Amazon's mega-seller donut bed: soft and fluffy, fully machine-washable, and many dogs love it. But Wirecutter dropped it because the fill shifted until its testers could feel the floor and the cover got grubby fast, and Amazon owners report it falling apart. The 'calming' and joint-relief wording is the maker's own claim.
Top complaints
- Thin fill that shiftsMentioned often
Wirecutter found its inserts thinner and flimsier than the Majestic bagel bed, and the fill moved so much that it left empty spots where testers could feel the floor.
- Falls apart for some ownersVery common
Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some owners reporting it falls apart and rips easily; negative durability mentions outnumber positive ones.
- Shag gets dirty and is hard to spot-cleanMentioned often
Wirecutter says the cover got gross quickly and was a pain to clean in its spot tests. Amazon owners are also mixed on whether it's worth the price, and on size (some find it a little large).
What owners love
- Soft, and dogs love it
Amazon's summary says customers find it comfortable, soft and fluffy, and that pets sleep well in it. A Spruce Pets writer who has fostered 70 dogs calls it one of her favorites.
- Whole bed goes in the washer
The maker says the entire bed is machine-washable and dryer-safe (gentle cycle, low heat), and Amazon owners find it easy to wash.
- Wide size range
Sold from 23 in up to 45 in (maker). The Spruce Pets notes it comes in more sizes than the brand's Cozy Cuddler.
Skip it if…- Your dog needs firm support
- Your dog digs or rips at beds
- You expect it to reduce anxiety (no tests are cited)
Good for- Small dogs and cats that curl up
- Owners who want to throw the whole bed in the washer
- Puppies that like to burrow
Scores (tap for why)
- Support (keeps shape)2.0
Why 2.0?
Wirecutter found the inserts flimsy and the fill shifting until testers felt the floor. - Washable cover3.5
Why 3.5?
The whole bed is machine-washable and dryer-safe (maker) and easy to wash per Amazon owners, but Wirecutter found it hard to spot-clean. - Size accuracy3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon's summary is mixed on size: some find it spacious, others a little large. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon durability mentions are more negative than positive (falls apart, rips easily).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: thinner, flimsier inserts than the Majestic bagel bed, fill shifted so you could feel the floor, cover got gross quickly.
- The Spruce Pets (big dogs guide): Also recommended (updated 2025-01-02) alongside its Cozy Cuddler pick; the writer keeps two at home and says it comes in more sizes.