Hur man väljer rätt storlek på hundbädden: En enkel mätningsguide för alla raser

Choosing the right dog bed size is one of the most important, and most misunderstood, parts of buying a bed for your dog. A bed that is too small can disrupt your dog’s sleep, cause joint discomfort. One that is too large may feel cold, unsupported or simply out of place in your home.

Whether you’re shopping for a tiny puppy or a large adult dog, this guide will help you find the perfect fit.

Why dog bed size matters

Dogs spend between 12–18 hours a day resting or sleeping. During that time, their body needs proper support for the spine, hips and joints. A correctly sized bed:

• Helps support healthy posture
• Improves sleep quality
• Reduces pressure on joints
• Makes your dog feel safe and secure
• Prevents overheating or cramping

Getting the correct size is especially important for senior dogs and large breeds, but every dog benefits from a well-fitting bed.

How to measure your dog for a bed

This is the easiest and most accurate method:

1. Wait until your dog is lying down in their natural sleeping position
2. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail
3. Measure from the top of the back to the floor (for depth reference)
4. Add 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) to the length number

That final number is your ideal bed length.

If your dog is still a puppy, measure their current size and check their estimated adult size to avoid needing to replace the bed too quickly.

Typical bed size guide by dog size

While every dog is different, these general size guidelines can be very helpful:

Small dogs (2–8 kg / 4–18 lbs)
Example breeds: Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, Maltese
Recommended bed size: 50–65 cm (20–26 inches)

Medium dogs (8–20 kg / 18–45 lbs)
Example breeds: French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie
Recommended bed size: 70–85 cm (28–34 inches)

Large dogs (20–40 kg / 45–88 lbs)
Example breeds: Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd
Recommended bed size: 90–110 cm (36–43 inches)

Extra large dogs (40kg+ / 88lbs+)
Example breeds: Great Dane, Mastiff, Rottweiler
Recommended bed size: 115–130 cm (45–52 inches) or more

If your dog falls in between two sizes, always choose the larger one.

Take your dog’s sleeping position into account

Size doesn’t only depend on your dog’s weight, their sleeping style matters just as much.

Dogs that curl up
Often feel more secure in round beds with raised edges. You can usually choose a slightly smaller size.

Dogs that stretch out
Need extra length in a rectangular or open mattress bed.

Dogs that sprawl on their side or back
Need a larger surface area to fully relax.

If your dog changes positions during the night, go for the bigger size for flexibility.

Consider breed traits

Some breeds naturally prefer certain types of beds:

• Bulldogs and pugs benefit from firmer, structured support
• Greyhounds prefer extra padding for bony joints
• Dachshunds and small breeds love surrounding support
• Long-haired breeds often prefer breathable materials and slightly larger beds

Knowing your dog’s breed tendencies can help you make a more informed choice.

Don’t forget the crate (if you use one)

If the bed will go inside a crate, measure the inside of the crate rather than your dog alone. The bed should fill the floor space comfortably without being forced or folded.

What if you already have a bed that seems wrong?

If your dog:
• Avoids the bed
• Sleeps half on / half off
• Moves to the floor at night
• Seems restless

These are signs the bed may be the wrong size (or material). A small adjustment in size can solve many of these problems.

Final thoughts

The right dog bed size is about more than just fitting your dog — it’s about supporting their health, comfort and sense of security. A well-sized bed can improve sleep, reduce joint strain and help your dog feel truly at home.

When in doubt, size up, choose quality materials and observe your dog’s natural habits. Those small details make a big difference in their everyday life.