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Dog Bed Selector & Size Guide

George Barclay is synonymous with beautifully designed, high end, luxury orthopaedic dog beds in a range of different styles such as dog sofa beds, luxury walled dog beds, dog mattresses and dog pillow beds, as well as a comprehensive range of pet specific accessories. Our luxury orthopaedic dog beds are designed in the heart of Wiltshire, UK, using handpicked upholstery fabrics and materials sourced from across the globe. These attributes ensure our beds are truly unique, designed to suit your dog’s individual needs.

Choosing Your Dog's New Bed

Dogs spend between 12-14 hours a day sleeping which is why it is so important that you choose the right bed for your dog. Our extensive range of George Barclay dog beds provide comfort and support so that your canine companions can get an undisturbed and comfortable night’s sleep. We have been supplying our luxury dog beds to dog owners across the United Kingdom for many years now and have built a reputation as purveyors of only the finest orthopaedic and memory foam dog beds in a range of styles and sizes.


Dog Bed Selector Tool

To help find the correct size, and style of dog bed for your dog, please use our dog bed selector below:

1. What size is your dog?

Toy Breeds - Chihuahua (up to 5kg)

We have soft walled 'Box Beds' to suit your dog's size.

Box Beds View Dog Beds
Small Breeds - Frenchie (up to 15kg)

We have soft walled 'Box Beds' to suit your dog's size.

Box Beds View Dog Beds
Medium Breeds - Beagle (up to 25kg)

2. What style of bed would you like?

Large Breeds - Labrador (up to 40kg)

2. What style of bed would you like?

X-Large Breeds - Doberman (up to 60kg)

2. What style of bed would you like?

XX-Large Breeds - Great Dane (up to 90kg)

We have mattress style beds to suit your dog's size.

Mattresses View Dog Beds

Please note: Dogs of the same breed can vary greatly in size and weight. Our ‘Dog Bed Selector’ is to be used as a guide only, please confirm your size selection, using the measurements given below, prior to purchasing.


Dog Bed Measurements

We recommend checking the ‘sleep area’ measurements of your chosen dog bed, to make sure your dog will be comfy in their new bed. If you’re purchasing a sofa bed or box bed, it’s worth noting that your dog will also be inclined to use the side bolsters to rest upon, as well as the active sleep area.

You’ll also notice we’ve included the maximum external dimensions of each bed. These measurements may be useful if you have a specific location in mind for your dog’s new bed.

Mattress Measurements

Mattresses


Bed Size
Max. Size* (WxDxH)
Sleep Area (WxD)
Medium
80 x 60 x 8cm
78 x 59 x 18cm
(31 x 23.5 x 7")
80 x 60cm
(31.5 x 24")
Large
100 x 70 x 10cm
98 x 69 x 20cm
(38.5 x 27 x 8")
100 x 70cm
(39 x 27.5")
X-Large
120 x 80 x 12cm
118 x 79 x 20cm
(46.5 x 31 x 8")
120 x 80cm
(47 x 31.5")
XX-Large
135 x 90 x 15cm
133 x 89 x 18cm
(52 x 35 x 7")
135 x 90cm
(53 x 35.5")

* Bed with a blended mattress. A bed with a formed mattress is the same overall size as the quoted bed size.

Sofa Bed Measurements

Sofa Beds


Bed Size
Max. Size* (WxDxH)
Sleep Area (WxD)
Medium
90 x 65 x 22cm
96 x 67 x 24cm
(38 x 26.5 x 9.5")
70 x 53cm
(27.5 x 21")
Large
120 x 75 x 27cm
125 x 79 x 38cm
(49 x 31 x 15")
91 x 62cm
(36 x 24.5")
Soft Walled Box Bed Measurements

Soft Walled Box Beds


Bed Size
Max. Size* (WxDxH)
Sleep Area (WxD)
Small
60 x 50 x 27cm
72 x 64 x 30cm
(28.5 x 25 x 12")
38 x 33cm
(15 x 13")
Medium
75 x 60 x 30cm
90 x 75 x 32cm
(35.5 x 29.5 x 12.5")
51 x 43cm
(20 x 17")
Large
90 x 70 x 33cm
105 x 79 x 33cm
(41.5 x 31 x 13")
66 x 53cm
(26 x 21")
X-Large
105 x 80 x 36cm
122 x 98 x 36cm
(48 x 38.5 x 14")
82 x 64cm
(32 x 25")

What Makes a Dog Bed Orthopaedic

Our range of memory foam beds are designed to offer relief for dogs with aches and pains often suffered by older or larger breed dogs. For dogs with joint and muscle issues, our beds are available in either blended memory foam or with a memory foam topper. Memory foam offers many orthopaedic benefits to dogs providing them with a comfortable place to rest and sleep.

The blended memory foam moulds to your dogs shape allowing them to settle into the bed finding the spot that suits them best. Our memory foam toppers are the preferred option for those dogs that need a firmer surface to support their aching joints and muscles however, this doesn’t mean that these beds are only suited to these types of dogs. While a memory foam dog bed offers great orthopaedic benefits for dogs susceptible to arthritis for example, they are perfect for any dog that wants a good night’s sleep regardless of size, breed, age or health conditions.

Another health benefit of our memory foam orthopaedic dog beds is that they can stop a dog overheating or seeking an alternative cool place to lie down. The dual layer of our memory foam topper ensures that the mattress remains cooler than other memory foam alternatives. Another factor in providing dogs with a comfortable place to sleep.

Our Orthopaedic Dog Bed Styles

Dog Mattresses

Our mattress dog beds are perfect for all dogs that like to spread out when they sleep. Offering maximum comfort, they are available in both the blended memory foam mattress option or with a memory foam topper. For those dogs that need ease of access to their beds without the restriction of supportive sides, they are the ideal solution. In a range of sizes and styles, there is something for all breeds and size of dog, and are even great for those dogs that like to snuggle up and share a bed. In addition to providing the ideal place for your dog to sleep, they are also highly practical and easy to care for with removable, machine washable covers. You can even purchase replacement covers so that you always have a spare handy.

Great for dogs that like to spread out and sprawl

Popular with larger dogs including Labradors, Pointers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Great Danes and Newfoundlands

Sizes: Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large

Mattress Dog Bed

Soft-Walled Dog Bed

High Sided Box Style Dog Beds

Our high sided dog beds are popular with dogs that like to feel safe and protected from the world while they sleep. With high sides, and a high front with opening for access, they offer a secure walled feeling, not dissimilar to a nest. As puppies, the litter will huddle together for warmth and security. Many dogs like this feeling when separated from the litter therefore, our high sided ‘nest style’ beds are the perfect solution. With firm sides, they offer support for those that like a surface to rest against while they sleep. Available in a range of sizes from X Small to X Large, they are suitable for all dog breeds large and small. Like the rest of our dog bed range, George Barclay’s high sided beds also come in a selection of colour ways and have removable, machine washable covers.

Great for dogs that like to feel protected when they sleep

Popular with small to medium sized dogs including Pugs, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Dachshunds.

Sizes: X Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

Sofa Style Dog Bed

Our sofa style dog beds are an extremely popular choice with dogs of all size and breeds from those that like to spread out while they sleep to those that prefer to curl up in a ball. Available in medium and large, they are great for single medium to large size dogs or smaller dogs that like to share. A compliment to any living room, choose from a range of colours and themes to match the décor of your home. Their modular design means that it is easy to maintain and care for your sofa style dog bed. Just pop the cover off and place it in the washing machine and then pop back on the bed again. When it comes to the mattress, you can opt for our blended memory foam particles for the dog that likes to settle into the bed or select a memory foam topper for a firmer surface.

Great for dogs that like a surface to stretch with the support of sides

Popular with all sized dogs including Labradors, Springer Spaniels, Pointers, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels and Rottweilers

Sizes: Medium, Large

Dog Sofa Bed

Cushion and Pillow Style Dog Beds

Not to be confused with a pillow, our luxury cushion, pillow style dog beds are actually beds styled to look like a pillow. They make the ideal travel companion for dog friendly holidays or to keep in your car for long journeys. They are also great for moving to different rooms around the house and are easy to transport. Filled with blended memory foam particles, they allow your dog to get comfortable, contouring to the shape of their body as they find their comfy spot. Available in one size, large, the design is aimed at the medium to large dog however for bigger breeds, you will need something that offers more support. With removable covers, if the pillow bed gets dirty, you can simply pop the covers off and wash them.

Great for holidays, car journeys or as a day bed

Popular with medium to large sized dogs including Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Retrievers, Frenchies, British Bulldogs and Springers

Sizes: Large

Compare Our Orthopaedic Fill Options

Orthopaedic - Blended Memory Foam Particles

Orthopaedic - Blended Memory Foam Particles

Our blended particle fill, not only provides the correct orthopaedic properties and rebound characteristics, the particles allow your dog to settle into the bed. We recommend this type of fill for dogs that like to snuggle, nestling themselves, to create their very own comfy spot. Our blended memory foam mattresses use internal channels, to control the particles movement. This ensures the mattress retains the supportive qualities your dog requires.

Memory-Topper Mattress

Memory-Topper Mattress

These memory topper mattresses are beneficial older dogs, working dogs or dogs who suffer from joint related issues. The mattress is constructed in two layers, with a high-density foam base, combined with a memory foam top layer, providing optimum comfort and support. The mattress will remain cooler, than a conventional memory foam mattress. A memory topper mattress, provides a more stable base, than our blended memory foam particle mattress, it is also a firmer mattress, meaning your dog will not settle into the bed as much as our particle mattress.

Fabric Technology Used in Our Beds

Machine Washable Covers

Machine Washable

To help keep George Barclay dog beds looking and smelling like new, all outer cover/covers are machine washable. Please refer to the care instructions inside the beds cover for specific washing instructions. Clean bedding will not only minimise bad odours but will also keep your dog’s skin and coat looking healthy. You may also want to consider keeping two sets of bedding so you can change everything on a weekly basis with less hassle and stress.

Water Resistant Inner Liner

Water Resistant Inner Liner

The bed’s inner liner, used to contain the cushioning inside a George Barclay luxury dog bed, is equipped with Moisture ShieldTM technology. The liner’s surfaces adjacent to the bed’s sleep area are backed with a waterproof PU (Polyurethane) coating, protecting the bed’s filling from moisture. This water resistant barrier remains flexible, with minimal noise, so as not to disturb dogs as they settle.

Moisture Shield
WoofWax Water Repellent Coating

WoofWaxTM

The sleep area of many George Barclay dog beds has been coated with WoofWaxTM water repellent. WoofWaxTM is applied to the fabric fibres forming a flexible water repellent barrier, preventing the material from ‘wetting out’ and allowing moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining breathability.

WoofWax Water Repellent Coating
SofTough Fabric Technology

SofToughTM

Many George Barclay pet beds are produced using our SofToughTM fabrics. These materials provide a soft, inviting surface for pets to lie on, yet are extremely durable. This is achieved by using a multi-layer fabric composition. SofTough™

SofTough Fabric Technology

Heritage British Design

Whether it’s the Country Classic look that you are seeking or a more modern approach, our British design means we can produce a range of beds to suit all tastes. Our Country Classic range is one of the mainstays of our extensive collection of beds and includes our extremely popular Midnight Blue, Olive Green and Chestnut Brown options. Designed for those who prefer the classic cottage style country living look, these particular beds are the only part of our collection that we continually produce.

Available in our more modern range are a selection of more muted colours and neutral tones for those that are looking for a bed that blends in with their décor. Colours include taupe, silver, chestnut, iron and ash. Each colour choice is produced in a variety of styles. Some will be extended across all of our styles of beds – mattresses, sofa beds and high sided dog beds while others may be limited to a smaller range.

For those who prefer something different, and a bit more daring, we also offer a range of bold and bright colour contrasts including Liquorice and Cherry, Ginger and Ember and Aquamarine. These colours are produced on a limited basis and often, once the allocation is sold, we discontinue the range, updating them to new and exciting colour combinations.

For those who can’t decide – well that’s simple – we offer a choice of replacement colours so as long as you order the right style and size, you can order a replacement cover for your bed in one or more different colours to suit the changing seasons or to match the décor of your home.

What Makes a Dog Bed Luxurious

The name George Barclay is synonymous with luxury beds for dogs but what makes a dog bed luxurious? Well, for a start, it’s how well the bed is made. Made from the finest selection of quality covers, our beds are produced in our Salisbury using our own blend of memory foam particles or our memory foam toppers designed with your dog’s comfort and well-being in mind. Each and every bed is constructed by our skilled and experienced team who know exactly what it takes to meet our exacting standards.

Of course, it’s not just about the quality of the bed but also how it looks and feels. For many, a dog bed is a piece of furniture that is carefully selected to match the interior of the home. Being able to choose a theme that suits both the style of your home is key. For those that want more than one bed, each bed can be ordered with your home décor in mind. From bright and bold colours to more muted and neutral tones, there is something for every taste.

An added luxury of George Barclay beds is the fact that they have machine-washable covers, you can even buy replacement covers. This makes them easy to clean and maintain, great for those hairy dogs, or those that like to dive straight in after a muddy walk! Along with a moisture resistant lining inside, our beds are practical, stylish and exude luxury.

Dog Bed FAQ's

As dogs sleep between 12-18 hours a day, it is important that they have a nice, comfortable bed to rest on. It is not absolutely essential that they have a bed but it is not nice for dogs, especially those that suffer with bad joints or are getting on years to have to sleep on a cold hard floor. A firm dog bed that is big enough for them to spread out on ensures that they are well supported and comfortable when they sleep.
A dog only needs one bed to sleep on. There are instances where you might have more than one bed. For example, if you have more than one dog, they should have the option of a bed each. If you want to have a bed downstairs for daytime and one upstairs for night time, you may choose to purchase two dog beds rather than having to keep moving one around the house. You may also choose multiple beds to match the décor of particular rooms.
As a guide, dog beds should be replaced every 1-5 years. This very much depends on the wear and tear sustained, how dirty your dog gets their bed, whether it gets a lot of use etc. Our dog beds are built to last with removable covers that can be machine washed and a moisture resistant inner lining to protect the inner filling of the bed.
A question that we get asked a lot ‘what size dog bed does my dog need?’. The answer depends on the individual situation. Does your dog like to stretch and sprawl or are do they curl up in a ball? The answer to this will tell you how big your dog bed should be. The former means that they need a bed that is larger than them while the latter indicates that you could get away with something smaller.
Again, this very much depends on the individual dog and their sleeping habits, their age and size. Large dogs are more prone to joint and muscle problems therefore need a firmer surface than a smaller dog that likes to snuggle. Blended memory foam and memory foam beds offer great orthopaedic properties that are ideal for a dog’s comfort and well-being. Also, consider the style of bed and whether they prefer to stretch out unhindered on a mattress or whether they like the security of a high-sided bed.
Many dogs like to nest. They like the comfort and protection of a high sided bed that makes them feel safe and protected. It also gives them that feeling of security they get from being in a pack or as part of a litter. Some dogs prefer the alternative – a flat surface where they can watch the world go by.
A pillow bed that is designed specifically for dogs can be used as a dog bed however this isn’t the most suitable option for all dogs. Often, a pillow bed makes an excellent day bed or the perfect solution when travelling. It’s great to pop in the boot of the car for example or to use as a bed when on holiday.
Your dog will have a particular preference to how they sleep. Some dogs prefer a flat surface to stretch out on while others like a bolster to rest their head on or high sides so that they feel protected from the outside world. How they prefer to sleep will depend on their sleep style, size and whether you have more than one dog sharing.
A bed with machine washable covers that is easy to vacuum will prolong the life of the bed and ensure that it looks and feels as it should. A bed with memory foam inners can also be plumped, and, when required, the memory foam can be replaced or topped up. ‘Buy cheap - buy twice’ as the old saying goes.
The appropriate thickness of a dog bed will depend on the size of the dog. A small dog can get away with a much smaller and thinner bed than a Great Dane who needs a thicker, more sturdy option with a firmer mattress.
The most comfortable bed for a dog is one that suits their individual requirements. This will often include the size of the dog, how old they are and if they suffer with any particular health conditions that require a certain type of mattress for example. Some dogs prefer snuggling on softer, more malleable surfaces while others like a harder, firmer surface.
Many puppies are crate trained for ease and to ensure that both they, and your house, are safe, especially when they are going through the chewing stage. If you crate train a dog from a puppy, it may be once they reach adult hood that you choose to get rid of the crate. However, you may find that dogs that are used to a crate prefer the feeling of security that it offers them and will sleep in it out of choice. That’s not to say you can’t put a bed in their crate or offer them a bed to sleep on if they are outside of their crate.
If you have a dog crate, you need to choose a dog bed that fits inside. If it’s too big it’s not going to fit. It can however be smaller. Consider how much space your dog takes up when sleeping in it currently. You want a bed that covers the same area.
A round bed has its benefits however, it is probably more prudent to invest in a squarer bed which is longer than it is wide. A round bed may mean that your dog spends too much time hanging off one edge and struggling to get comfortable. Instead, opt for something that is more suited to the shape and size of your dog.
Dog beds are often made from specialist materials that are moisture resistant, machine washable and easy to hoover. The material also needs to be comfortable and offer them the relevant firmness so that they can sleep in comfort. Some will prefer a blanket on top of their bed to give them a softer surface to snuggle into.
Your dog bed’s filling should be reflective of their age, size, breed, any medical conditions and how they prefer to sleep. If they are older and suffering with stiff joints, a firmer memory foam topper may be a better choice than a blended memory foam dog bed which moulds to the dog’s body. It is very much dependent on the individual dog’s needs.
Orthopaedic beds are great for dogs that are older and that suffer with joint and hip pain or other ailments. They offer a firm, supportive system for larger frame dogs and mean that your dog can find comfort from their bed while resting.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an orthopaedic dog bed. The first is the type of mattress that you choose. A blended memory foam mattress allows the dog to sink more into the bed as the foam will mould to their body. A memory foam topper is firmer and more supportive for dogs that need extra support.
Usually, you’ll find that dogs like sleeping on beds. Of course, they would often prefer to sleep on your bed rather than their own if given the choice however, having their own bed is definitely the best option for everyone. If it is very hot and the dog is looking for somewhere cool, they will lay out on the floor, they will also sometimes do this out of choice for no apparent reason.
A dog should sleep on a bed that offers comfort and support. If they are older or larger, they may prefer something firmer that can support their frame. If they are smaller and younger, a softer, blended memory foam option would be better.
It is definitely worth investing in a bed that is going to last longer than a few weeks. Ideally, you want a sturdy bed made from high quality materials that can easily be maintained and cleaned. Choosing a bed that is built to last, and that can be washed/cleaned, is a good start. If you buy cheap, you often end up buying twice so while you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds as you would on your own bed, you do need to look at it as an investment for the health and comfort of your canine companions.
There are a number of factors that will determine what size dog bed your dog needs. Age, size, breed, any joint or health issues and how they like to sleep. Some dogs love to stretch out while others like to sleep in a ball. Some dogs like to share a bed which means you need to consider something that is big enough for more than one dog.
Your dog’s bed should be big enough that they comfortable fit, without their feet sticking over the edge when they stretch out and they have plenty of space to sleep comfortably. Conversely it should not be so big that they are dwarfed by it.
Small dogs may prefer small dog beds to big dog beds and medium sized dogs that like to curl up and sleep surrounded by walls may also prefer a smaller bed however, whether or not your dog likes a small bed will very much depend on their sleep style and preference.
You probably wouldn’t put a Chihuahua in a large sofa bed or a Yorkie on a large mattress. In this circumstance, the dog would be dwarfed and may not like the feeling of so much space. Smaller dogs may prefer the comfort of a smaller high-sided dog bed that makes them feel protected. So yes, in essence, a dog bed can be too big.

Dog's Sleeping Behaviour FAQ's

Most adult dogs seem to sleep between 12-14 hours a day. For comparison, most adult humans need 7-8 hours of sleep each day.
The average dog will sleep between 12-14 hours a day. This is generally made up of day-time naps and overnight sleep. Puppies need even longer, typically sleeping 18-20 hours a day until around 12 weeks of age. As dogs start to reach their mature years, they will sleep more as their bodies and minds tire quicker.
Usually 75% of a dog's daily sleep is during the night, while the rest occurs during the daytime. The average dog sleeps around 9 hours each night, and 3 hours during the day.
The sleep your dog requires each day changes as they develop. As a puppy your dog will sleep 18-20 hours each day. As your dog grows into an adult their sleep will reduce to 8-14 hours each day. In their senior years their sleep pattern will increase up to 20 hours each day.
This is really down to individual preference. While you should provide two beds for two dogs, you might find that they prefer to snuggle up to sleep together. Alternatively, they may not want to share a bed. Many dogs prefer the pack mentality as this emulates how they are introduced to the world with their litter mates and how dogs sleep in the wild.
All dogs should have a blanket that they can snuggle with. Many won’t actually lie under a blanket, and don’t need to unless it is cold or they are very small, getting on in years or suffering from illness or injury. Instead, they prefer to use the blanket to get comfortable and have something warm and snuggly.
Dogs digging in their beds before lying down to sleep is actually referred to as ‘denning’. It’s a natural instinct that comes from dogs in the wild digging to hide and protect themselves. It is not a sign of either anything being wrong with your dog or them being badly behaved.
Dogs scratch their beds to mark their territory. Just like cats and other animals, they have scent glands on their feet. They secrete a distinct pheromone which acts as a signal to other animals that the territory is marked.

How to Change Your Dog's Bed Cover

To help keep your dog's George Barclay dog bed in good condition, all our luxury dog beds have a fully removable outer cover. Once the bed has been dis-assembled, the outer cover can be machine washed at 30 degrees, air dry he cover before re-fitting. Before removing / refitting your dog's bed cover we recommend watching the video tutorial: