If you are in search of a dog bed for an giant dog, finding the right bed starts with knowing what features matter most to keep your giant pet comfortable and well-rested.
This guide will help you find a high-quality jumbo dog bed by introducing you to top products. But before we jump in with the product recommendations, let's lay some groundwork. Below, we discuss things you need to look for and why it is worth taking some extra time to find the ideal bed for your big dog.
Why Is It Important to Choose the Right XXL Dog Bed?
Here are a few benefits of finding a suitable extra large dog bed:
What Dogs are Extra Large?
Not sure if you need an extra large dog bed or not? It helps to know what makes a dog "XXL" in the first place.
Here's a simple way to figure out if your pooch qualifies as a giant dog breed. Just answer this question: Does your dog weigh more than 100 pounds as an adult?
That’s it! If the answer is “yes," you have a giant breed dog. If you answered "no," then you might still have an extra-large dog if your pet is close to that weight range.
What to Know About Health Issues for XXL Dogs
It is essential to be aware that giant breeds such as Mastiff, Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, and other similarly sized dog breeds are prone to certain health issues.
PetMD says, “It’s important to note that their size also makes them more prone to certain health concerns and gives them shorter lifespans. In fact, according to the 2013 Banfield State of Pet Health Report, giant dog breeds have an average lifespan of 8 years versus 10.8 years for a medium-sized dog.”
Some of the health issues that the site mentions include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, a cervical spine disease called “wobbler syndrome," and several other problems that affect other parts of the body like the eyes or heart.
You might be wondering why giant dogs tend to have health problems. Here are some explanations:
A healthy lifestyle with a nutritious, balanced diet and regular exercise can help keep your pup in good condition. So can providing your dog with the healthiest possible environment—including a bed that supports his extra weight adequately.
Related: Best Dog Beds for Great Danes
Factors to Consider
Now you know more about the health issues that these big canines may face. You also understand the difference that the right dog bed can make. But what features make for a high-quality bed for your pet? Let's go over key buying considerations.
Dimensions
You need to buy an XXL dog bed that will be big enough to give your giant fur buddy plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable. It will also need to be firm enough to support his weight.
So, your first step is to measure your dog! Check his weight, and then find out his length from the base of his tail to his nose.
To get his width, measure between his shoulders.
Once you have the measurements, add 8-12" to them. You don't want your pal to be cramped in his bed, so a bit of extra wiggle room is essential.
Looking for an alternate method to get your dog’s measurements?
If you know your dog’s height, you can multiply it by 2. You can then separately multiple the dog’s height by 2.5. This will give you two numbers that form a range. So, say your dog is 25” tall. Multiplying 25” x 2 gives you 50”. Multiplying 25” x 2.5 gives you 62.5”. That means that a bed in the 50”-62.5” range should be right for your dog.
Durable Design
Some giant dog breeds love to chew … and chew … and chew. And a large dog can do a large amount of damage fast. That is why another important feature to look for in an XXL dog bed is durability.
Rugged materials, as well as high-quality, concealed stitching, can help a dog bed stand up longer to the aggression of a pet that scratches and chews.
Such a bed may cost more upfront than one with flimsier construction, but you won’t need to replace it as soon. So, in the long run, it may be a less expensive option.
Easy Cleaning
Giant dog breeds can make a bed dirty fast by:
To save yourself from having to put in a lot of elbow grease to clean up an XXL mess, choose a bed with features that make it easy to clean. These include:
Orthopedic Materials and Support
An orthopedic design is one of the most vital features to look for when picking out a bed for giant dogs. As we talked about, these dogs can develop arthritis and joint and spine issues.
Materials like orthopedic foam provide more support than non-orthopedic materials. That means that it is easier for joints to stay aligned while your pet is resting.
In some cases, you might also want to shop for a bed that includes at least one bolster. Dogs with neck issues can rest their heads on them for extra support. The spine may be more aligned in this position.
Coolness or Warmth
Depending on the breed of dog you have and your climate, you may want to choose a bed that will help your pet stay warm or cool.
You may even want to provide your dog with a couple of options for different seasons. He may want to sprawl out on an open, breathable bed during the summer and curl up on a bolstered bed during the winter.
Hypoallergenic Materials
Dogs can suffer from allergies just like you can, so if yours does, make sure you are getting a hypoallergenic dog bed.
Is your dog brachycephalic? Pets with this nose shape can have a harder time breathing than most. A hypoallergenic dog bed may be extra important with this type of dog.
Shape and Sleeping Style
How does your pet like to sleep? Do you find him resting sprawled out on his side? Does he sleep on his stomach? Does he curl up? At that rate, where does he prefer to sleep? In the open? Or in an enclosed environment like his extra large dog house?
Paying attention to your pet’s preferred sleeping style is the key to finding a dog bed that will match that style. A donut shape, for example, suits a dog that curls up to sleep, while a flat dog bed may suit one that sprawls.
Cost
The price range for extra large dog beds is pretty wide. Look for a dog bed that is within your budget but does not compromise on quality. You can find quality dog beds towards either end of the price spectrum, but generally, the cheapest beds are not ideal. But the most expensive is not always the best value for your dollar either.
Warranty
You also may want to look at the warranty information for any dog bed you are thinking of purchasing. This is especially important if you are buying a premium giant dog bed. Such a bed is a significant investment, and you should make sure it is protected.
What's the best XXL dog bed to buy?
You know what to look for in a high-quality XXL dog bed now. With the features above in mind, let's look at some of the top products to consider.
You're serious about giving your big dog the joint support he needs to maintain his best health. It turns out there is a dog bed ideal for that purpose, and that is the Big Barker 7" Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed.
We recommend the “Giant” size, which measures 60” x 48” x 7”. Big Barker explains that this is a real mattress, with the same level of support and quality you would expect from your own. The company even put this mattress to the test in a clinical research trial at the University of Pennsylvania.
They write, "To scientifically determine if Big Barker dog beds could reduce joint pain and improve mobility in big dogs with arthritis, University of Pennsylvania researchers gave forty dogs - each at least three years old and weighing 70+ pounds - Big Barker beds and activity monitors to measure their sleep and movement.
Independent data analysis showed the following improvements to the mean score: 17.6% improvement in joint function; 21.6% reduction in pain severity; 12.5% reduction in joint stiffness; 9.6% improvement in gait; and 15.1% improvement in quality of life.”
Pretty awesome, right?
The bed was built to stand the test of time, too—in fact, if your Big Barker mattress loses more than 10% of its shape within the 10-year warranty period, the company will send you a free replacement.
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Best XXL Sofa Bolster Dog Bed
Looking for a sofa-style dog bed with bolsters? It is hard to beat the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed. The cozy shape of this bed is perfect for the extra-large dog that likes to snuggle up on the couch with you. It gives him room to spread out but also bolsters on each side to curl up against.
The front of the bed features an opening in the bolsters, making it easy to step in and out of the bed (perfect for older pets or those with joint problems).
Here’s more good news—along with a smart design, this bolster dog bed features high-quality materials. Certi-PUR-US Memory foam offers comfortable support, while the bolsters are made of recycled materials.
Additionally, this product doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like mercury, lead, ozone depleters, formaldehyde or phthalates. It also features low VOC emissions. That means it is both “green” and healthy—good for your dog, your air quality, and the environment.
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Best XXL Flat Dog Bed
Our pick for the best extra large flat dog bed is the Dogbed4less Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed. The flat surface is ideal for dogs that like to spread out, and the 4-inch memory foam mattress holds its shape well while supporting your pet’s joints.
In fact, this mattress is a lot firmer than many competing products. You would probably be quite comfortable sleeping on it yourself, so you will be able to rest assured it is good enough for your pet as well.
What else do we like about this dog bed? Along with a firm mattress, it features a rugged denim removable cover. So, it may be a good option for dogs that quickly tear apart softer covers.
Best of all, the company that sells this dog bed is responsive and helpful. If you ever need anything from them, you should have no problem getting the support you are looking for.
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Best Calming Bed to Cuddle Your Extra Large Dog
If your doggo loves to curl up into a ball and get cozy and warm, you may do well with a donut-shaped bed like The Dog’s Bed Sound Sleep Donut Dog Bed.
When you first take it out of its packaging, you will notice it is a bit flat. The reason for that is the vacuum sealing used to pack it.
All you need to do is fluff it up a bit. Once you do, you should find that the fibers do a great job holding their shape. With bolsters all the way around, your dog can rest his head in any position.
You can easily remove the soft cover of this bed and put it in your washing machine as well. If, over time, the cover wears out, you can buy a replacement cover (these are not always available for every product).
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Best Elevated Cooling XXL Dog Bed
For an indoor/outdoor dog bed where your pet can rest comfortably, consider the Veehoo cooling elevated dog bed. This bed features a tear-resistant Textilene fabric surface that is breathable and helps to prevent hot spots.
The frame of the bed is powder-coated steel. It is easy to move around since it is lightweight, but it is also sturdy and weather-resistant. In fact, the entire dog bed is resistant to mold, mildew, fleas and mites.
With the open airflow beneath the bed, your furbuddy will be able to sprawl out and stay cool, even on hot summer days.
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Best Dog Bed for Senior XXL Dogs
Are you shopping for a dog bed for an extra-large senior dog? Then it would help if you had a bed that will go above and beyond to provide the maximum level of support.
The KOPEKS Memory Foam Dog Bed is our top recommendation in this category. This bed features an impressive 7” of thickness plus an additional 3” for the headrest. That is far superior to a lot of other dog beds on the market.
We also like that the bed's core is hypoallergenic premium memory foam instead of egg crate foam. We think you will also appreciate the double-layer cover design. There is a waterproof fabric cover on the inside, and the outside features a plush suede cover perfect for dogs that like a soft, cozy surface.
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Best Value XXL Dog Bed
On a budget? Don’t worry—even if other extra large dog beds are out of your price range, you can still get a high quality bed. The Bedsure Jumbo Dog Bed for Large Dogs Up to 125lbs is our pick for a budget buy.
Even with its lower cost, it features a comfortable, supportive design, durable materials, and great attention to detail. The orthopedic egg crate foam provides a comfortable surface on which your pet can lounge about comfortably during any season.
Moreover, the removable cover has two sides—a soft sherpa side you can use in the winter for warmth and an Oxford side you can switch to in the summer to keep your pet cool. The Oxford side is also more durable, so may be ideal fulltime for pets that chew and tear.
The durable zippers and reinforced stitches help to keep the bed in tiptop shape over years of use. So, it should last you a long time.
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Conclusion
Now you are familiar with some of the best extra large dog beds. That means you are ready to pick out the right bed for your pet. To give your extra-large dog the additional support he needs to protect his joints and promote restful sleep, click on any of the links in this article.