What size dog bed does a large dog need?

Measure your dog from nose to tail base while standing, add 15-20cm, and choose a bed at least that long. A Labrador or Golden Retriever usually needs 100-110cm; German Shepherds and similar often prefer 110-120cm; giant breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs) need 120cm+. When in doubt between two sizes, always go up — a bed that's slightly too big is fine, one that's too small will be ignored.

Do large dogs need orthopaedic beds?

Large breeds are far more prone to hip and elbow problems (hip dysplasia, arthritis), so yes — orthopaedic or memory foam support is the single best investment for a big dog, especially from middle age. Egg-crate and memory foam distribute weight evenly and take pressure off joints compared with flat cotton beds that quickly flatten under 30kg+ of dog.

How do I stop my dog's bed smelling?

Choose a bed with a removable, machine-washable cover and wash it weekly (big dogs bring in a lot of oil, drool and mud). A waterproof inner liner protects the foam from accidents. For stubborn smells, a spritz of an enzymatic pet cleaner and a sunny air-out usually sorts it.

Sofa bed or flat mattress for a large dog?

Most large breeds love a bolster/sofa style because the raised sides support the neck and feel secure — but dogs that overheat or sprawl flat may prefer a flat mattress. If you're unsure, buy a sofa style with a removable bolster; JOEJOY and WESTERN HOME both work this way.

Best Large Dog Beds UK

Updated August 2026 · 8 min read · Category: Dog gear

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A big dog needs a big bed — and, more importantly, a supportive one. Large breeds carry serious weight on their hips and elbows, which is why orthopaedic support, proper sizing and a washable cover matter far more than looks. These are the XL beds we'd buy in the UK for Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and other 25kg+ dogs, tested for foam support, size, washability and how they hold up to daily use.

What to look for in a large dog bed

Size: a large breed needs at least 100-110cm length to stretch out; measure your dog nose-to-tail and add 15-20cm. 'One size too small' is the most common mistake.
Support: orthopaedic or memory foam (egg-crate foam included) supports hips and elbows and suits older and heavier dogs — plain cotton-filled beds flatten within weeks at this weight.
Washable cover: big dogs bring in mud, drool and fur; a removable, machine-washable cover is essential, and a waterproof inner liner protects the foam from accidents.
Non-slip base: a rubber or anti-slip base keeps the bed from sliding on hard floors when a big dog jumps in.

1. Best value: WESTERN HOME XL Orthopedic Dog Bed (106 x 76 cm)

~£32.28

An Amazon's Choice pick with over 4,300 reviews and the best size-for-price in this guide. The XL (106x76x19cm) fits large and extra-large dogs up to about 38kg, with an egg-crate orthopaedic foam base, supportive U-shape bolsters for neck support and a calming feel, a waterproof layer under the plush surface, and a removable machine-washable cover. The non-slip bottom keeps it firmly in place on hard floors. For most large breeds this is the smart buy.

Pros: 4,300+ reviews, orthopaedic foam, waterproof liner, washable, non-slip

Cons: Sofa style — some dogs prefer a flat mattress

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2. Best premium: JOEJOY XL Orthopedic Dog Bed (107 x 76 cm)

~£39.99

A thicker, more supportive XL sofa bed (107x76x24cm, with XXL up to 122x89x25cm) built for German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and border collies. The fill is crushed memory sponge that reduces joint pressure and supports growing and senior dogs, with 24cm bolsters, a scratch-resistant 1200D linen-cotton shell, a 3D-lamb-fleece sleeping surface, hidden zips for quick cover removal, and a rubber anti-slip base. It's the bed we'd pick for an older or arthritic big dog on a sensible budget.

Pros: Thick memory-foam fill, XXL sizes, scratch-resistant, anti-slip, washable cover

Cons: Needs 48h to fully expand after unpacking

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3. Best for very large dogs: Gimars XL Orthopedic Memory Foam Bed (112 x 81 cm)

~£58.40

When you genuinely need a bed for a very large or giant dog, this is the one. The XL (112x81x20cm) uses 28D egg-crate memory foam with supportive bolsters to relieve pressure on joints — ideal for seniors and dogs recovering from surgery — plus a waterproof inner liner, a removable machine-washable plush cover and a non-slip base. Sizes run up to 120x89cm for dogs up to 50kg, so Great Danes and Mastiffs finally get a bed with room to stretch.

Pros: Thick memory foam, sizes up to 120cm, waterproof liner, washable

Cons: Pricier; needs ~24h to fully expand

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Bottom line

The WESTERN HOME XL is the best-value all-rounder for most large breeds, the JOEJOY is the premium pick with the thickest support for older and arthritic dogs, and the Gimars is the one to choose when your dog is genuinely huge (up to 50kg). All three have washable covers and proper orthopaedic support — the two things that actually matter at this size.

Best Large Dog Beds UK

What to look for in a large dog bed

1. Best value: WESTERN HOME XL Orthopedic Dog Bed (106 x 76 cm)

2. Best premium: JOEJOY XL Orthopedic Dog Bed (107 x 76 cm)

3. Best for very large dogs: Gimars XL Orthopedic Memory Foam Bed (112 x 81 cm)

Bottom line

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