You bring home a new bed, set it down in the living room, and your big dog circles it twice, sniffs it, and walks back to the cool floor by the door. Or the bed skates across the hardwood every time he steps in. Or it looked roomy in the photo, but once he lies down, his paws hang over the edge. With a larger dog, small mistakes in size, surface, and materials show up fast.
The right bed for a big dog matches his weight, leaves enough real sleeping space once the thick walls are accounted for, and stays put on your floor. Choose by weight rather than breed, and size up if your dog falls between two sizes. Then decide whether he prefers an open bed or a covered den, and whether he needs a soft, warm bed or something more supportive.
Start with weight, not breed
Breed labels are a poor guide to size. A lean sighthound and a stocky mixed breed can look alike and weigh very differently. Weigh your dog if you can. A common trick is to step on a bathroom scale while holding him, then subtract your own weight.
The Calming Covered Pet Bed from Renato comes in four sizes, each rated by weight:
- Small: up to 20 lbs, $59.95 (was $79.95)
- Medium: up to 30 lbs, $69.95 (was $89.95)
- Large: up to 38 lbs, $79.95 (was $99.95)
- X-Large: up to 58 lbs, $89.95 (was $109.95)
If your dog sits between two sizes, take the bigger one. A bed with a little extra room is easy to live with. A bed that is too snug often gets ignored.
Be realistic about the top of the range, too. The largest size is rated up to 58 lbs. If your dog weighs more than that, this is not the right bed for him, and it is better to know before you order.
Choosing a dog bed for large dogs: look at the sleeping surface
The outside dimensions of a bed only tell you part of the story. The walls of this bed are 4 to 5 inches thick, so the space where your dog actually lies down is smaller than the footprint on the floor. That is part of what makes it cozy, but it matters when you pick a size.
Here is a simple way to check:
- Watch how he sleeps. A dog who curls into a tight circle needs less floor space than one who stretches out or sprawls on his side.
- Measure him in his usual position. Mark the length and width he takes up on the floor, then compare that to the lying area, not the outer edge.
- Add a little breathing room. He should be able to turn around and shift without pushing against the wall.
- Think about growth and weight changes. A young dog who is still filling out needs room to grow into the bed.
If the measurements are close, go back to the rule above and choose the larger size.
Open bed or covered den?
Some big dogs love to burrow and disappear under a roof. Others want to keep an eye on the room. You do not have to guess, because this bed does both.
With the zip closed, it is a covered den. Fold the hood back and it becomes an open, cuddly bed with a soft blanket-like rim. The hood does not come off. It zips open and folds back onto the rim, where it stays attached, so there is nothing to lose or leave in another room.
A few other details are worth knowing:
- Two seasons, one bed. The covered version feels snug in winter, while the open version works better in warmer months.
- Soft all the way through. It has a corduroy exterior and polyester fiberfill (PP cotton), in one soft body with no hard core and no layers.
- Easy to move. It is light enough to lift with one hand, so it can follow you from the living room to the bedroom.
- Two colors. It comes in grey and brown, so it blends in with most homes.
A warm bed is not the same as a supportive bed
It helps to be clear about what a bed is built to do. This one is a warm, soft bed. It is not an orthopedic or supportive bed.
That difference matters for larger dogs. Today's Veterinary Practice reports that researchers at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine found radiographic signs of osteoarthritis in 18 of 30 medium and large dogs (60%) that were admitted for dental prophylaxis. It was a small group of dogs at a clinic, so it does not tell you what to expect for your own dog. It is still a good reminder that joint trouble is not unusual in bigger dogs.
If your dog is slow to get up, stiff after naps, or hesitates on stairs, talk to your vet about what kind of support he needs. If he is healthy and simply wants a soft, warm place to rest, a cozy bed like this one can be a good fit.
Keep it in place and keep it clean
A bed that slides around is a bed a heavy dog may not trust. The base of this one has a non-slip layer over the whole underside, so it stays put on wood and tile.
Cleaning is simple, because the whole bed goes in the washing machine. A few habits keep it fresh:
- Wash gently. Use cold water and a calm cycle.
- Dry it flat. Let it air dry. Do not put it in the dryer.
- Do not overdo it. A few washes a year are enough for most households.
- Brush weekly. A quick brush removes hair and dust from the corduroy.
- Treat spots in between. Clean up muddy paw prints or spills as soon as you see them, instead of waiting for the next full wash.
If you have a heavy shedder or a dog who comes in wet from the yard, a routine like this keeps the bed pleasant for both of you.
What to expect when you order
The practical details are worth knowing before you buy:
- Shipping: Free in the US. Orders are shipped within 8 to 9 business days, so plan ahead if you are replacing a worn-out bed.
- Trial time: You have 14 days after delivery to try it. Unused items in their original packaging can be returned for a refund.
- Reviews: The bed has a 4.8 out of 5 rating based on 127 reviews. Customers describe it as soft, comfortable, and good looking, and say their dogs warm up to it quickly.
- Questions: Renato answers questions personally, usually the same day.
When the bed arrives, put it where your dog already likes to rest rather than in a new corner. Some dogs take to it right away. Others need about a week to decide it is theirs, so give him some time before you judge.
Frequently asked questions
Which size does my dog need?
Go by weight, not breed. Small fits dogs up to 20 lbs, Medium up to 30 lbs, Large up to 38 lbs, and X-Large up to 58 lbs. If your dog sits between two sizes, choose the larger one. Also keep in mind that the walls are 4 to 5 inches thick, so look at the sleeping surface, not just the outer size.
Does the hood come off?
No. It zips open and folds back onto the rim, where it stays attached. With the zip closed, you have a covered den, and with the hood folded back, you have an open bed.
How do I wash it?
The whole bed can go in the washing machine. Use cold water and a gentle cycle, then let it air dry flat. Do not use the dryer. A few washes per year are enough. Brush it weekly and remove stains in between.
What if my dog does not use it?
Give him some time, because some dogs need about a week. If he still ignores it, you can send it back for a refund within 14 days of delivery. It needs to be unused and in the original packaging.
Choosing a bed for a big dog comes down to his weight, the room on the sleeping surface, and how he likes to rest. If you are unsure about a size, or want to know whether this bed suits your dog, visit the Renato website and send your question. It is usually answered the same day.