There's a dog bed available for every type, size, habit, breed, and age of the dog. Like people, dogs have unique preferences including the feel, look and even smell. As pet parents, choosing the right dog bed can be tricky and daunting at times. Pet parents have asked us, "What is the best dog bed I should buy?" and "Do dogs prefer hard or soft bed?" or "What shape or color of dog bed should I get?" These questions are tough to answer when you don't know your dog enough or what features to look for in a dog bed. So, what exactly makes a dog bed the right bed for your pooch?
1. Find out the size of the dog bed you need for your dog. Generally, you want a dog bed that will fit your pet all around, including their legs. Although, there are dogs that don't mind their paws touch the ground, or their backsides curled in the shape of a half-moon. You don't want the biggest dog bed made to fit an English Mastiff or Bernese Mountain Dog when you're buying for a Yorkie or a Shih Tzu. You also don't want a dog bed that's cramped that their legs are hanging out or their head is so close to the edge that with one little move they could fall off any second.
The fabric cover used in dog beds can be made of faux fur or microfleece made of synthetic wool and polyester or from canvas similar to those used on backpacks and shoes. The fabric's quality and softness can also vary along with the price depending on the dog bed you choose.
All things being equal, you want to buy a dog bed with a fabric that's durable like those used outdoors like canvas and nylon for a dog bed that will last a fairly long time. But, if you want a dog bed that lasts a long time, go with an engineered textile, like Crypton fabric that is resistant to stain, water, and even microbes like molds or bacteria.
The type of dog bed filling used for the padding and cushions are equally important. The dog bed filling can be made of foam chips, sheet layers, a block of memory foam or polyester fiber that can provide different levels of comfort or softness and support. Some dog beds are filled with cedar chips to remove odors however know that some dogs like the smell of wood chips and your dog bed could end up in shreds.
3. Sometimes one dog bed isn't enough to sleep on. If you have more than one dog, a single dog bed won't be enough and often leads to one dog sleeping on the floor, pushing each other off, or finding your dog sleeping next to you in your private bed. With that being said, it's always a good idea to buy a 2nd dog bed for your other furry one.
If you travel with your dog, a second dog bed placed in the backseat of your car isn't a bad idea either. However, you want to be sure that the dog bed you're choosing is lightweight and portable to either fit inside their cage or carrier.
4. Where you live can matter when it comes to sleep comfort. For pet owners that live in colder climates, you would choose a super-plush, dog bed to keep them plenty warm at night. For those living in warmer climates, a cooling bed or a bed that doesn't hold heat is preferred.
5. How your dog sleeps matter when it comes to the type of bed you're buying. For dogs that prefer to curl up, a round-shaped bed will work just fine. Dogs that like to sprawl out could use more room, therefore a rectangular-shaped bed that is appropriately sized would allow them to sleep "freely" without feeling confined. Then, there are some dogs that prefer to rest their heads on pillows that a bolster bed with raised cushions around the sides would likely be a better fit. 
6. Choose a dog bed that will blend and fit within your living floor space. For rooms with large open spaces like play areas, a standard medium-sized dog bed measuring 20-inch x 30-inch shouldn't take up too much space. However, the same dog bed would probably be too big if placed near stairs or walkways. Those with an artistic taste for color and shape, dog beds come in all sorts of colors and designs from simple monochromatic colors using the different shades and tones to more elaborate designs and textures.
7. Where you buy your dog bed from in-store or online could leave you empty-handed or unhappy. You'll find dog beds in virtually all local pet stores but in recent times big box, department stores, and members-only warehouses are now selling dog beds providing you a hands-on feel for what you're buying. However, the dog beds that a brick and mortar shop sells may be limited as shelf space for large items like dog beds require a fair amount of valuable square footage of retail space that smaller retail pet shops don't have.
For a wider selection, online pet stores like Us offer dog beds that give you both value and selection. There's also the convenience of "looking them up" online without leaving your home and learning about the different brands that manufacture these dog beds. For those of you who prefer the ease and convenience of shopping online, buying dog beds online isn't too difficult.
Remember, the right dog bed will make a world of difference for your pet!