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Best washable dog beds in the UK, sized for your breed
By the buychecked team · Updated 9 October 2026 · Prices refresh daily from the retailer feed
The right dog bed is mostly about two things: a size that lets your dog lie the way it actually sleeps, and a cover you can get into the washing machine without a struggle. Fancy shapes and colours matter far less than whether a Labrador can stretch out on it or a terrier can curl up without hanging off the edge, and whether you can wash it as often as dog bedding needs washing.
For most medium and large dogs our pick is the Big Little Duvet Co. medium to large dog duvet with a polycotton cover. At 120cm by 90cm it is a generous, flat bed that works in a crate, on the sofa or in the car boot, and both the cover and the hollowfibre duvet inside are machine washable. Smaller dogs get the same design in a 90cm by 60cm size, and if you want something cheap and simple for a small pet, the Charles Bentley linen pet bed is the budget option.
Below are five beds across budget, mid-range and premium prices, followed by advice on measuring your dog, choosing a fabric and keeping the bed clean.
How we chose
We have not had dogs sleep on these beds. We shortlisted them by comparing the published specifications, dimensions, fabrics, washing instructions and price of the dog beds across the range we list, using the retailer's own product information. We favoured beds with stated dimensions and fully washable construction, and chose different sizes and cover fabrics rather than the same bed in several colours. The range we track does not currently include orthopaedic or memory foam beds, so none appear here; if your dog has joint problems, read the section on older dogs below before buying.
1. Best overall
Dog Bed Duvet & Dog Bed Duvet Cover Med - Lge Polycotton Green - Medium to Large
£59.99 at The Big Little Duvet Company · best for medium and large dogs that like to stretch out
This is a dog duvet rather than a raised or bolstered bed: a flat, padded hollowfibre duvet inside a removable 50/50 polycotton cover that closes with a hook-and-loop strip at one end. At 120cm by 90cm it gives a large dog room to lie on its side with legs out, which bolstered beds of a similar footprint often do not. The flat design means it fits into a crate, a basket, across a sofa seat or in the car boot, and it rolls up with a carry strap for travel. Both the cover and the duvet are listed as machine washable, and the filling is described as hypoallergenic. It sits in the mid-range on price and comes in several plain and patterned colours.
✓ Pros
- Large 120 x 90cm footprint for stretching out
- Cover and duvet both machine washable
- Flat design fits crates, sofas and car boots
- Rolls up with a carry strap
✕ Cons
- No raised sides for dogs that like to rest their head
- Hollowfibre is soft padding, not orthopaedic support
2. Best for small to medium dogs
Dog Bed - Dog Duvet & Dog Duvet Cover Sml/Med Polycotton Navy - Small to medium
£39.99 at The Big Little Duvet Company · best for terriers, spaniels and dogs that curl up
The smaller version of the duvet above measures 90cm by 60cm, which suits small and medium breeds and many medium dogs that sleep curled up. It has the same construction: a hollowfibre duvet with a removable 50/50 polycotton cover and a hook-and-loop closure, plus a carry strap so it can go in the car or to a friend's house. Being flat, it also works as a crate mat for medium-sized crates, though it is worth checking your crate's internal floor size first. It is cheaper than the larger size and is one of the more affordable fully washable options in the range.
✓ Pros
- Compact size for smaller dogs and crates
- Removable, washable polycotton cover
- Duvet itself is also machine washable
- Portable with a carry strap
✕ Cons
- Too short for a large dog to stretch out
- Plain polycotton is less snug than a fleecy cover
3. Best budget
Small Linen Soft Pet Bed Taupe
£14.99 at Charles Bentley · best for small dogs and cats on a tight budget
The Charles Bentley linen pet bed is the cheapest bed here and is aimed at small pets. It has a linen outer in a neutral taupe that is designed to sit quietly in a living room, and the whole bed is machine washable at 30 degrees, which is simpler than unzipping a cover. The retailer says the bed comes in three sizes; the listing we track is the small one, so it suits small dogs, puppies and cats rather than medium breeds. The product information does not give dimensions or filling details, so measure your pet and check the size on the retailer's page before ordering.
✓ Pros
- Budget price
- Whole bed goes in the washing machine
- Neutral design suits most rooms
✕ Cons
- No dimensions in the product information
- Small size only in this listing
- Washing at 30° is less hygienic than a warm wash
4. Best cosy bed for large dogs
Dog Bed Duvet & Dog Bed Duvet Cover Med-Lge Faux Fur Suede Pink - Medium to Large
£69.99 at The Big Little Duvet Company · best for large dogs in cold houses, utility rooms and conservatories
This is the same 120cm by 90cm hollowfibre duvet as our top pick, but with a faux fur and faux suede cover instead of polycotton. Faux fur gives a warmer, softer surface, which can help in a cold kitchen, utility room or conservatory, and many dogs like the feel of something fleecy to dig and nest in. The trade-off is that fur-style fabric holds onto hair and mud more than a smooth polycotton weave, and it can take longer to dry after washing. It is the most expensive bed here, so it makes most sense if warmth and softness are a priority.
✓ Pros
- Soft, warm faux fur surface
- Large size for big breeds
- Cover and duvet both machine washable
✕ Cons
- Premium price
- Fur-style covers trap hair and take longer to dry
5. Best cosy bed for small dogs
Dog Bed Duvet & Dog Bed Duvet Cover Sml/Med Faux Fur Blackberry - Small to medium
£49.99 at The Big Little Duvet Company · best for small dogs that feel the cold
Small and short-coated dogs tend to feel the cold more, and this smaller faux fur version of the dog duvet is aimed at them. It measures 90cm by 60cm with a hollowfibre duvet inside a faux fur and faux suede cover, and like the rest of the range both parts are listed as machine washable. It costs more than the polycotton small size, so the question is whether your dog will actually benefit from the extra warmth. For a whippet, Chihuahua or older small dog in a draughty spot, it is a sensible upgrade.
✓ Pros
- Warmer, softer cover for small or thin-coated dogs
- Compact 90 x 60cm size
- Machine washable cover and duvet
✕ Cons
- Costs more than the polycotton version
- Less practical for muddy dogs
How to choose the right size
Measure your dog while it is lying down in its usual sleeping position, from the nose to the base of the tail, then add around 15 to 25cm. For width, measure across the dog when it is stretched out on its side. A dog that sleeps curled in a ball needs less length than one that sprawls, so watch how your dog actually sleeps for a few nights before choosing.
As a rough guide, a 90cm by 60cm bed suits small breeds such as terriers, Dachshunds and Cavaliers, and many medium dogs that curl up, such as Cocker Spaniels and Beagles. A 120cm by 90cm bed suits Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and similar breeds, and gives medium dogs room to stretch. Giant breeds such as Great Danes and Newfoundlands may need something bigger still, so check the dimensions carefully against your measurement. If your dog is between sizes, go bigger. A bed that is too small is the most common reason a dog ends up sleeping on the floor next to it.
If the bed is going into a crate, measure the inside of the crate rather than the dog. A flat duvet that fills the crate floor is more comfortable than a smaller bed that slides around.
Washable covers: what to look for
Dog beds need washing more often than most people expect, typically every week or two, and more often for puppies, muddy dogs or dogs with skin conditions. A removable cover is the minimum. Better still is a bed where the inner part can also be washed, as with the hollowfibre duvets above, because odour soaks into the filling over time, not just the cover.
Check the washing temperature. A warm wash is better for removing bacteria and killing dust mites, and it helps to know the bed will fit in your machine. A 120cm by 90cm duvet will fit most standard domestic machines when folded, but a thick foam bed may not. Tumble drying on low, where the label allows it, speeds things up and keeps hollowfibre fluffy. Owning a spare cover means the bed is never out of action on wash day.
Polycotton is hard-wearing, easy to brush hair off and quick to dry. Faux fur and fleece are warmer and softer but hold onto hair, mud and moisture. Linen-look fabrics are mainly a style choice. For a dog that comes in wet from walks, a smooth, tightly woven cover is the more practical option.
Flat duvet, bolster bed or basket?
Flat duvets and mats are the most versatile. They work in crates, in the car, on the sofa and on the floor, and they suit dogs that like to stretch out or that overheat easily. They do not give the sense of enclosure that some anxious dogs like, and there is nothing to rest a chin on.
Bolster or donut beds have raised sides and suit dogs that curl up and lean against something. They take up more floor space for the same sleeping area, so measure the inside of the bed, not the outside. A firm basket or plastic bed with a duvet inside is a good choice for puppies and chewers, since a duvet is cheaper to replace than a whole bed.
Older dogs and joint problems
Hollowfibre duvets are soft and comfortable but they compress under a heavy dog, so they are not orthopaedic. For an older dog, or a large breed with arthritis or hip problems, look for a bed with a thick, dense memory foam or orthopaedic foam base that does not flatten when the dog lies on it. None of the beds in the range we currently track is sold as orthopaedic, so if this applies to your dog it is worth looking specifically for that.
A low entry height matters too. Stiff dogs find it harder to step over high bolsters. A flat duvet placed on top of a firm foam mat is a reasonable compromise, and your vet can advise on what suits your dog's condition.
FAQs
What size dog bed does a Labrador need?
Most adult Labradors need a bed around 110 to 120cm long so they can stretch out. A 120cm by 90cm duvet suits most Labradors and Golden Retrievers. If your dog always sleeps curled up, a slightly smaller bed will do, but most owners find bigger is safer.
How often should I wash my dog's bed?
Washing the cover every one to two weeks is a good routine, and more often for puppies, dogs with allergies or skin problems, or after muddy walks. Wash the inner duvet or cushion every month or so if the label allows, and vacuum the bed between washes to keep hair and dust down.
Can I put a dog bed in the washing machine?
Many can, but check the label first. Dog duvets like the Big Little Duvet Co. range have washable covers and washable hollowfibre inners. Shake off hair and vacuum the bed before washing to avoid clogging your machine, and use a non-bio, fragrance-free detergent if your dog has sensitive skin.
Is a dog duvet good for a crate?
Yes. Flat dog duvets are one of the best options for crates because they fill the floor and are easy to remove for washing. Measure the inside of your crate before ordering, and use a chew-resistant mat instead if your dog tends to shred bedding.
Do older dogs need an orthopaedic bed?
Older dogs and large breeds with stiff joints usually benefit from a bed with a dense, supportive foam base that does not flatten under their weight. A soft hollowfibre duvet is comfortable but is not orthopaedic. Ask your vet if your dog has arthritis or hip problems.
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