Looking for a comfy bed for your Bulldog? Your loving and courageous pal deserves the best night of rest you can give him. But choosing a bed for a Bulldog is not like shopping for just any dog. Bulldogs have a lot of special requirements while they sleep. They need a bed that is cool, supportive and makes it easy for them to breathe.
In this guide, we will help you find a dog bed that is suitable for your pup. But before we get into sharing top products, we want to go over important features and considerations when buying a bed for your dog. We also want to talk about why your Bulldog needs to have the most suitable bed. Let’s get started.
What are the Benefits of Choosing the Right Dog Bed for Bulldogs?
1. By choosing a shape and type of dog bed that your Bulldog enjoys, he will have a spot that he always feels safe and cozy lying down.
2. Like other types of dogs, this breed can experience joint problems. But the right dog bed can support your dog's joints to maximize comfort.
3. Bulldogs have flat snouts, which makes them a “brachycephalic” breed. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons explains how an elongated soft palate, malformed nostrils, and other structural issues make it hard for dogs with this “squashed” face shape to breathe. The right type of dog bed will help your Bulldog breathe without obstructions. It will also help him to maintain a safe and comfortable body temperature. Another example of a brachycephalic breed is the Bullmastiff, which is a cross between a bulldog and a mastiff. Organizations like the Bulldog Club of America have worked hard to improve the health of the bulldog breed, but that does not mean that respiratory issues and other health problems are not common among these dogs. As your pet's owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your dog has a healthy and supportive bed.
4. Don't want to spend a ton of time and effort cleaning your dog's bed? The best Bulldog beds include features that make them fast and easy to clean and maintain.
5. Getting restorative sleep each night can help your Bulldog to maintain optimum health.
6. Bulldogs need a lot of rest each day. In fact, your Bulldog probably sleeps somewhere between 12 to 14 hours a day! The reason for that is that the physiology of the Bulldog is conducive to fatigue. So, you want to make sure you are giving your Bulldog exactly what he needs to wake up feeling rested and renewed.
Key Buying Considerations for a Bulldog Bed
So, how can you choose the right bed for your Bulldog so he can enjoy all the benefits we just went over? Let’s go over some key considerations while you are comparing products.
Size
We’re assuming in this article that what you have is an English bulldog, also called a British bulldog.
Average height: 14-15 inches
Average weight: 50 pounds for male bulldogs, 40 pounds for female bulldogs
That makes the Bulldog a medium breed. While the information above comes from the American Kennel Club (AKC), Hill’s mentions that bulldogs may also reach 16 inches in height.
So, you will want to take an individual measurement of your own pet’s size and weight before you choose a dog bed.
Note that there is also a type of Bulldog called a French Bulldog. This is a smaller animal weighing in at around 28 pounds.
Dog beds similar to the ones on this list may be appropriate for either English or French Bulldogs. Indeed, some of these beds may suit either pet, but you will need to size down if you have a French Bulldog.
There are a couple of ways you can figure out what size dog bed to get.
Method 1:
When you measure your dog for a bed, you usually need to check his length, starting at his nose and running to the base of his tail. That is the length of your dog.
You then will need the width between your pet’s shoulders.
The sizing guidelines for the bed you are interested in will tell you which size is appropriate for your pet’s size. But keep in mind, you want the bed to be a bit larger than your dog's measurements because you want him to have plenty of room. So, once you have the width and height for your pet, you will want to add 8-12”. This consideration is extra essential for bulldogs. Why? Because they frequently sleep on their backs or sprawl out.
The reason for this is that they are doing their best to stay cool. We will explain more about this later. For now, let’s get back to discussing measurements.
Method 2:
Another option is to measure your dog's height and then multiply it by 2. Then, take that same height number, and multiply it by 2.5. So, let’s say your bully has a height of 15”. Multiplying by 2 gives you 30”. Multiplying by 2.5 gives you 37.5”. Look for a dog bed that falls within the 30”-37.5” size bracket, and you should find it is a suitable size for your four-legged friend.
Durability
Are you used to coming home to find that your Bulldog has just chewed up your couch or pillows? It’s true—bulldogs can be seriously destructive chewers. So, that is a concern when you are shopping for a bulldog bed. Choose a bed made of sturdy materials and which features high-quality seams. That way, it can stand up to your pet's destructive behavior.
Orthopedic Design
For bulldogs, a dog bed with an orthopedic design may be particularly important. As it turns out, there are several reasons why.
Carson Animal Hospital writes, “A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in bulldogs … Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your Bulldog's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures.”
Those are not the only potential musculoskeletal problems your Bulldog might experience. Carson continues, “When Bulldog puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD.”
The site also mentions that it is not uncommon for English bulldogs to tear the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee.
So, how can an orthopedic dog bed help?
This type of dog bed is made of materials that provide extra support, like orthopedic foam. They cushion your pet’s joints to help keep them comfortable and aligned.
Another feature that might be helpful as part of an orthopedic dog bed is a bolster. Your Bulldog can prop his head up on the bolster for extra support, which may help to align his spine.
Easy to Clean
To be sure—Bulldogs have short coats. But they also shed moderately. That means you can expect to clean up a fair amount of hair on your dog's bed. Plus, there are other ways for your Bulldog's bed to get dirty. He might track dirt in from outdoors, or he might have an accident in the bed.
Bulldogs also have a weird habit of sleeping with their tongues out. They do this when they have an overbite or underbite. Some Bulldogs also sleep with their tongues hanging out because they are super relaxed. You might be familiar with this firsthand if you have ever woken from deep sleep to find you have drooled on your pillow.
Bulldogs that sleep with their tongues hanging out are also prone to drooling as they doze. That is why we suggest that when you are trying to pick out a dog bed, you choose one with easy cleaning features.
A waterproof liner can help prevent your dog’s mattress from getting dirty. An easy-wipe surface also will reduce the number of wash cycles you need to deal with.
When it does come time to give your dog’s bed a thorough washing, it can help if it is machine-washable, either in full or in part.
With some dogs, you can stuff the entire bed, mattress and all, into your washer. But with others, there will be a zipper that lets you take off the cover and wash that in your machine.
Cool and Comfortable
As we just mentioned, Bulldogs are brachycephalic. Because of this, they need a cool, comfortable surface on which to sleep on warm days.
Hill's pet explains, “Because of their breathing difficulties, these dogs tend to have a low tolerance for vigorous exercise and are highly susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Basically, dogs pant to cool themselves off. But a dog that is brachycephalic like this breed has trouble panting efficiently. So, they tend to overheat. That means you should take care to choose a sleeping surface on which your pet will not overheat.
Shape
Now, let’s talk about the shape of your Bulldogs bed.
There are a variety of different types of dog beds on the market. As we talked about before, most Bulldogs want some room to spread out. They might sleep on their backs, or their sides, or on their stomachs.
But some Bulldogs may prefer to curl up or might sprawl out one day and curl up the next. Still, others may sleep in a sitting position or even a standing position. This is common among Bulldogs that suffer from hip dysplasia. But it isn’t always indicative of the condition. In some cases, it could also be easier for them to breathe if they are upright. But in other cases, it might just be how they like to sleep.
Pay attention to your pet’s preferred sleeping positions, and then choose a bed shape that will support those postures.
A flat bed might do well for a sprawling Bulldog, while a donut could be ideal for one that curls up. We also mentioned before that a bolster might be a helpful feature for your dog if he has joint problems. But it is a feature that your Bulldog might also appreciate since he is brachycephalic. How so? When your Bulldog can elevate his head while sleeping, he may be able to breathe more easily.
Plus, you will end up appreciating this feature too! The increased pressure that Bulldogs have in their throats and constrictions in their nasal passages can make them heavy snorers. When your dog props up his head while he sleeps, his nasal passages and throat can be more open. That means less snoring.
Price
One more consideration that is important when picking out a dog bed for bulldogs is your budget. The price range for bulldog beds includes budget, mid-range, and premium options.
While some premium dog beds may be worth paying extra for, we do not think you need the most expensive dog bed to enjoy a quality product.
Some budget dog beds offer great value, though we would not recommend the cheapest beds on the market either.
Most of our recommendations fall in the middle of the price range, where we found the ideal balance between quality and cost.
Top 5 Dog Beds for Bulldogs
Are you ready to find the ideal dog bed for your Bulldog? Now that you know what to look for in a quality Bulldog bed, we can share some recommended products with you.
Best Orthopedic Bed
FurHaven NAP Memory Foam Bed
Does your Bulldog have hip dysplasia or another joint condition? We bet you are ready to do everything possible to give your pet a comfortable night of rest.
The FurHaven NAP Memory Foam Pillow Dog Bed is our recommendation for bulldogs that need extra joint support. The mattress features a wide-open design that is perfect if your dog likes to spread out to stay cool while sleeping.
What’s more, the medical-grade polyurethane with a memory foam core offers fantastic support for your pet's joints, making for a more refreshing night of sleep.
The bed is covered with a rugged oxford poly canvas, perfect for standing up to chewing and tearing. But with its soft faux fur surface, it offers the best of both worlds: strong durability and soothing comfort.
Highlights
Things to Consider
Best Couch-Style Dog Bed
FurHaven Faux Fur Memory Top Bolster
Does your Bulldog love to rest his head on the arm of your sofa? Then he is going to adore the FurHaven Faux Fur Memory Top Bed.
This couch-style bed provides a roomy mattress for sprawling and stretching, surrounded on three sides by bolsters to offer head support.
That means your pet can keep his spine aligned and his airway more open. The result? Less snoring and a happier, healthier pet that can indulge in deep, restful sleep.
Oh yeah—and did we mention this bed is also made of orthopedic memory foam with medical-grade polyurethane? So, your dog gets support for all of his joints. And with its velvet cover featuring soft faux fur, your four-legged pal is going to drift off to sleep in total comfort.
Highlights
Things to Consider
Best Mattress-Style Bed
Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Pillow Bed
While both the options we shared above are suitable for dogs that like to sprawl, our top recommendation in this category is the Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Pillow Bed.
This product also features a layer of orthopedic memory foam on top of two inches of high-density support foam. But the best part? It is super roomy, so your bully can stretch to his heart’s content.
Highlights
Things to Consider
Best Cooling Elevated Bed
K&H Pet Products Elevated Bed
Live in a climate where the weather really heats up in the summer? If you have a Bulldog, you know he overheats easily. Maybe you want to give him a cool place to relax if your home gets warm. Perhaps you want to lounge around with him outside in the hot sun.
So, what's the solution? Your pet will love being able to rest on the K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed. This product features an elevated design with a durable metal frame. The feet are rubber, so you can move it across your floor without worrying about scratches.
Speaking of the floor, if your doggo finds yours uncomfortable even when sleeping on a mattress, you can place the mattress on top of this cot if you want to get him entirely off the floor. He may love the extra cushioning. But he might also just prefer this cool elevated bed by itself.
The heavy denier fabric is tough enough for indoor or outdoor use, while the breathable mesh at the center helps your Bulldog regulate his body temperature on hot days.
Oh, another cool thing—the bed can resist mold, mildew, moisture, and bacteria. That also makes it perfect for hanging out with your buddy outdoors.
Highlights
Things to Consider
For Curling Up
Frisco Velvet Round Bolster Bed
While a lot of bulldogs like to sleep stretched out, some prefer to curl up. Curling up can help conserve warmth, and it also may help a dog to feel safer and less exposed. If that describes your pet, the Frisco Velvet Round Bolster might be his ideal bed.
With its rectangular donut shape, this bed features bolsters on every side. So, your pet can curl up in the center or rest his head on any of the bolsters.
The faux velvet surface is cozy and visually appealing. Also, this is one of the most budget-friendly beds we have recommended, which is another plus!
Highlights
Things to Consider
Conclusion
Now you know what to look for in a bed for your Bulldog, and you have some options for what to buy. Ready for your Bulldog to settle in for a night of cozy, restful sleep? Click on any of the links in this article to get a high-quality bed for your Bulldog now.