Top 10 Best Dog Beds for Boxers

Top 10 Best Dog Beds for Boxers

Does a Boxer puppy or dog really need a bed? After all, a Boxer is going to grow to be about as big as a human. They can fit up on the sofa or even in your own bed. And, many Boxers seem perfectly happy to stretch out on the floor or curl up in your favorite chair.

So, should you bother getting a bed for your Boxer? Let’s take a look.

Why a Bed is Beneficial for Boxer Puppies

Proper support for growing pups. When you’re housebreaking your puppy and have him in his own designated area so that he doesn’t pee all over the house, when you’re out and your Boxer pup is home alone and in his area, or anytime that he is sleeping (not in your bed), he should have a quality canine bed to rest and nap on.

It offers a feeling of security, keeps a young pup warm and most importantly, if you get the right one, a bed will provide optimal support for a rapidly growing body.
There’s a lot going on during the first two years and particularly year one. Breeds of this size have rapid growth phases.
What happens is this: Cartilage growth happens first, ahead of the bone growth. The cartilage forms and becomes calcified. Then, bone marrow vessels work their way in. Some of the cartilage that has been calcified is reabsobred and some becomes the framework for the bone itself.
During this time, a puppy can experience discomfort (referred to a ‘growing pains’ and is very real). A growing pup can experience a throbbing discomfort in his limbs. While it comes and wanes, it tends to generally appear in the late afternoon into the evening. And cramping pain at night can wake up a puppy.
Lying on the floor can be just brutal on a pup, exasperating issues, whether or not he looks comfortable. However, an orthopedic bed or mattress can ease his sore body.
So, to recap: A bed for your Boxer puppy will help him feel comfortable when he’s home alone and will offer an appropriate sleeping surface to support his growing body. He can still snuggle up with you on the couch when you’re watching TV and can take over your recliner (whether you want him to or not), but giving him his own bed to retreat to when he wishes and for being able to lie down on the right surface is recommended.
What to look for in a bed for a Boxer puppy: Look for quality materials that are washable and offer thick, firm support. Most pups like to have a bolstered bed, as it offers the feeling of a ‘den’. And of course, you want it to be appropriately sized, keeping in mind that your pup’s size will always be increasing.

Why a Bed is Beneficial for Adult Boxer Dogs

As a method to help avoid senior issues. A Boxer transitions into a senior around the 8 to 9 year mark. While life span is 9-12 years, quite a few Boxers do live longer into their teens. One of the biggest mistakes owners can make is not planning for their Boxer’s senior years. Everything you do in regard to his care now culminates to his quality of life when he’s older.
One major issue that this breed has as they mature and grow older is hip and back issues. By the mid adult stage (6 to 8), 20% of dogs have osteoarthritis. The Boxer that used to be able to dash up a hill now can only handle a slower walk though the neighborhood. The dog that used to jump up with lightening speed, now shows signs of discomfort when rising.
Resting and/or sleeping on the floor puts so much stress on joints and bones. It’s very wearing to the body. And while an adult Boxer may seem perfectly comfortable, his older senior self will be faring much better with proper bed support during the adult years.
Even if your Boxer sleeps in your bed at night, for all other times, do not allow him to lie on the floor; instead give him a large, super supportive mattress.
Qualities of the best beds for adult Boxers: Adult Boxer dogs tend to like flat mattress. Since this breed is the a ultimate ‘stretcher’, a ‘giant’ or XL size often works best. Look for one that is constructed with memory foam. This will form to his body for proper support.

Why an Orthopedic Bed is a Must for Senior Boxers

To help ease senior discomfort. Studies show that about 90% of senior dogs have osteoarthritis in at least one joint. And with the Boxer breed, it is often in several areas.
Even with the best of care, most senior Boxer dogs are feeling some level of discomfort in their hips, back and limbs. Seniors will have trouble rising up from a down position and will not have the strength and endurance to go as far or as fast as their younger counterparts.
In addition, as a Boxer ages into his senior years, there is a gradual loss of muscle mass. This means less support around joints and bones and more pressure and stress onto the skeletal frame.  And being on the floor or on other inferior surfaces can be exceedingly rough on the elbows.
Do speak to your vet about supplements and medications for arthritis. And one thing you should do at home is make sure that your Boxer is resting and sleeping on the right bed. Older dogs should never be on the floor, even if it seems that they prefer it. A low mattress will both keep the Boxer happy and provide what he needs for his body to rest on.
What to look for: Like adult Boxers, most seniors will want a low, flat mattress. And this is especially true since it is not uncommon for there to be some hearing and vision loss, so they like to rest without 3-sided barriers.
Being a brachycephalic breed, some Boxers like to be able to have one pillowed edge to rest their head on. This can cut down on snoring and other breathing issues by allowing the neck to stretch out.
If you are not sure if your Boxer would like the pillowed edge, you may want to opt for a flat mattress and use a king size or body pillow for him to rest his head on.
Seniors with balance issues may find a low-rise bumper bed offers a bit of security (2nd row, first bed | 5th bed on mobile view).

The 10 Best Dog Beds for Boxers

Frisco Steel Framed Elevated Dog Bed – Best Value

Frisco Steel Framed Elevated Dog Bed
Bed Type: Elevated Cot
Frame Material: Metal
Cover Material:  Polyester
Dimensions: 51.6” x 31.8” x 7.75”

The Frisco Steel Framed Elevated Dog Bed is another elevated cot style bed with a metal frame. Many Boxers love to chew, so it can be a problem when they are left alone. If yours suffers separation anxiety and is left alone with their bed, they can chew through hard plastic and other materials.

A metal frame can prevent your dog from completely destroying its bed even when stressed. The elevated position is suitable for dogs with sore joints, and it facilitates natural airflow on hot nights. Keeping the bed off the floor provides a more comfortable sleeping environment than a hard floor or concrete. The polyester cover can be removed and is washing machine safe.

The Frisco Steel Framed Elevated Dog Bed is inexpensive, easy to maintain, and has the metal frame that should withstand any chewing. Its skid-resistant feet prevent the bed working its way around the room on hard surfaces. And unlike the K&H Pet Products bed above, you can buy replacement covers. It is our selection as the best dog bed for Boxers for the money.

Be advised, the beds are a little tricky to assemble and the stitching of the fabric can break easily if your dog likes to jump in and around its bed.

Cons
  • Stitching does come apart with rigorous bed use
  • Tricky to assemble
Pros
  • Cheap
  • Cover can be removed and washed
  • Metal frame is chew resistant
  • Replacement covers are available

Frisco Pillow Cat & Dog Bed

Frisco Pillow Cat & Dog Bed
Bed Type: Pillow
Frame Material: Polyfill
Cover Material:  Polyester
Dimensions: 40” x 28” x 6.5”

Some dogs love a basic pillow bed. They can stretch out, unhindered by cushions and frames, and there’s no danger of them rolling off an elevated position. If the filling is soft enough, they allow some nuzzling, and your dog can push the cushion filling around to ensure they get comfortable for a good rest.

Because the pillow sits directly on the floor, it is easy to get on and off for your dog, although it does mean that the soft cushion is easily pushed around floors. The Frisco Pillow Cat & Dog Bed is made with a polyfill filling and a removable polyester cover which can be thrown in the washing machine to keep it clean. It’s at a nice price point, and it is soft enough that it will provide a comfortable place for your Boxer to sleep or rest.

However, the filling does move around and if your dog stretches or attempts to push the filling outwards, they can be left with a hollow in the centre that means they are basically laying on the hard floor underneath.

Cons
  • Filling is easily moved around while stretching and moving
  • Can end up quite thin
Pros
  • Soft polyfill cushion pillow
  • Cover can be removed and put in the washer
  • Cheap

K&H Pet Products Bolster Elevated Dog Bed – Premium Choice

K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed
Bed Type: Elevated Bolster
Frame Material: Metal
Cover Material:  Nylon, Mesh
Dimensions: 42” x 30” x 7”

Sticking with the elevated, metal framed bed, the K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot Elevated Dog bed is a little more luxurious than the two previous models because it has cushioned bolsters, which are great for dogs that like to lounge with their heads on a cushion. Bolsters offer a little more protection that may prove beneficial for dogs that suffer anxiety. The rest of the bed consists of a metal frame with a mesh base and nylon cover.

The bed is expensive and because of the bolster cushions, the sleeping area is smaller than in a similarly sized standard cot bed. The bolster cushion, which is zippered and has a removable cover, is also somewhat vulnerable to chewing.

Cons
  • Expensive
  • Bolster cushions can be destroyed
Pros
  • Metal frame is difficult to chew
  • Bolster cushions offer extra comfort and protection
  • Bolster covers are removable

K&H Pet Products Elevated Pet Bed – Best Overall

K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed
Bed Type: Elevated Cot
Frame Material: Metal
Cover Material:  Nylon
Dimensions: 30” x 42” x 7”

The K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed sits a mere 7 inches off the ground, which is great for dogs with mobility problems, and it also enables air to pass around and under the bed, providing a cool sleeping environment even in hot temperatures.

The nylon cover is easily washed and cleaned, and it can be removed and put in the washing machine so is convenient. The metal frame, which is easily constructed, is virtually indestructible even to power chewers. The whole bed can be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled, which makes it a convenient choice for the home or for taking camping or on holidays and the bed is very competitively priced.

The cost, strong frame, and removable cover make this the best overall dog bed for Boxers. Unfortunately, if your dog likes to chew fabric covers, the nylon won’t withstand too much chewing and you can’t currently buy just a replacement cover, but this is the only thing that really lets the bed down.

Cons
  • The cover isn’t chew resistant
  • You can’t buy a replacement cover
Pros
  • Metal frame is resistant to chewing
  • Good price
  • Elevated cot is easy to get on and allows air to circulate
  • Cover can be removed and washed

Best Friends By Sheri Calming Bolster Cat & Dog Bed

Best Friends By Sheri Calming Lux Fur Donut Cuddler Bolster Cat & Dog Bed
Bed Type: Bolster Donut
Frame Material: Polyfill
Cover Material:  Nylon, Faux Fur
Dimensions: 36” x 36” x 7”

The Best Friends By Sheri Calming Lux Fur Donut Cuddler Bolster Cat & Dog Bed is a rounded cushion with bolstered, cushioned sides. This creates an enclosed environment, which can really benefit nervous dogs and those that suffer anxiety and separation problems.

The polyfill filling is soft, although it tends to be easily moved around if your dog stretches out and pushes the filling too often. The underside of the bed is water and dirt resistant, so it shouldn’t pick up too much mess. The bed also has a faux fur layer to give a luxurious and inviting resting environment.

The bed is expensive, but it is a decent size. Where there is padding, it is soft and comfortable, but there is less padding around the bottom of the bolsters. Also, the faux fur can shed, which means you will be picking up bits of fluff from all over the house.

Cons
  • Expensive
  • Gaps in cushioning leave voids
  • The faux fur fluff sheds
Pros
  • Donut shape can help calm anxious dogs
  • Soft and cushioned for comfort
  • Water and dirt resistant bottom
  • Machine washable

Furhaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed

Furhaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed
Bed Type: Sofa Pillow
Frame Material: Orthopedic Foam
Cover Material:  Polyester
Dimensions: 36” x 27” x 8.5”

The Furhaven Plush & suede Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed has an orthopedic base that provides support for joints and ensures that the bed is comfortable for all dogs, including those with muscular and joint problems. It is covered in a plush faux fur that is inviting and luxurious and the cushioned sides are covered in suede for comfort and protection.

The price is a little on the expensive side, especially for the jumbo option, which might be necessary if you have a stretcher. The suede sides are useful for dogs that like to elevate their head positions while sleeping, but they detract from the overall size of the sofa bed if yours prefers to lay flat.

Although the cushion is described as orthopedic, it is easy to flatten, which means that a heavy dog will be able to feel the floor underneath and even the egg comb design is unlikely to provide too much support and protection. The zipper is easily destroyed so a curious dog will easily find a way into the foam filling.

Cons
  • Zipper is easily destroyed
  • Cushion feels thin
Pros
  • Cushioned sides provide head and neck support
  • Faux fur is soft and comfortable
  • Machine washable, removable cover

Furhaven Quilted Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed

Furhaven Quilted Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed With Removable Cover

Bed Type: Sofa
Frame Material: Orthopedic Foam
Cover Material:  Polyester
Dimensions: 44” x 35” x 10.5”

The Furhaven Quilted Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed With Removable Cover is an orthopedic sofa style bed that uses an egg-crate style foam fill design. It has a quilted sleeping area, and three sides are bolstered to offer support for your dog to rest their head while they sleep. The jumbo size should be suitable for Boxers, including those that stretch out to full length, but this is more expensive than most of the other beds on the list and it suffers the same flattening problem as a lot of foam beds.

The bed cover could do with being more durable and if your Boxer likes to scratch in order to make a bed before laying down, the cover won’t last long before the bed needs replacing, which is disappointing considering the cost.

Cons
  • Expensive
  • Cover is not durable
Pros
  • Bolstered, cushioned sides
  • Large size is suitable for Boxers

Disney Pluto Pillow Cat & Dog Bed

Disney Pluto Pillow Cat & Dog Bed
Bed Type: Pillow
Frame Material: Polyfill
Cover Material:  Cotton
Dimensions: 40” x 30” x 4”

The Disney Pluto Pillow Cat & Dog Bed is a pillow style bed that sits directly on the floor and is made with polyfill filling covered with a cotton cover. The cover can be removed and washed and because it’s low it is easy to get on and off for dogs of any age and physical condition. The bed is reasonably priced, but the sizing means that you will need an extra large bed if your Boxer likes to spread out or roll around when sleeping, and if you have a hard floor, the bed is likely to stray. The polyfill cushioning isn’t that secure so it will flatten with regular use, and if your Boxer likes to chew, it will make relatively short work of the cotton cover and the zipper.

Cons
  • Cotton cover is easy to chew
  • Polyfill cushion is easily flattened
Pros
  • Pluto design looks good
  • Pillow bed is easy to get on and off
  • Machine washable cover

Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed

Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed
Bed Type: Elevated Cot
Frame Material: Metal
Cover Material:  HDPE
Dimensions: 60” x 37” x 8”

The Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed has a metal frame that is difficult to destroy and a high-density polyethylene cover, which is not only washable but is also resistant to fleas and insects. The cot style hanging bed relieves pressure on joints that can be present with cushion and other beds that sit directly on the floor, and it is possible to buy replacement covers, if it turns out your Boxer loves to chew the cover. The cover can be easily washed with a hose and is completely recyclable so good for the environment.

The Coolaroo is cheap, the bed is more than big enough for Boxers, even if yours enjoys spreading out and stretching, and it is easy to look after. However, construction is difficult, and the material can start to sag after a few months.

Cons
  • Very difficult to assemble properly
  • The cover sags
Pros
  • Cheap
  • Replacement covers are available
  • Metal frame is difficult to destroy

Barksbar Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed

Barksbar Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed With Removable Cover

Bed Type: Sofa
Frame Material: Orthopedic Foam
Cover Material:  Polyester
Dimensions: 20” x 14” x 3.5”

The Orthopedia Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed With Removable Cover is an orthopedic cushion bed with bolstered sides and a removable cover. It is an expensive side and despite being billed as a large bed, it won’t be suitable for Boxers that lay down at full stretch.

The cushion feels a little on the hard side, although some dogs do prefer this, and while the cover is removable and washable, it is a struggle to get everything back inside how it is intended. Also, the cover isn’t that durable, and it won’t withstand scratching or chewing.

Cons
  • Cover is easily destroyed by scratching or chewing
  • Very difficult to get the cushion back in the cover
  • Expensive
Pros
  • Bolstered, cushioned sides are good for head and neck support
  • Cover is removable and washable

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Bed for Boxers

Getting your dog the right bed enables them to sleep comfortably. It can also provide them with a comfortable napping and resting area. Dogs with joint problems, and senior dogs, can benefit from beds that provide additional limb support and that are easy to get on and off, and Boxers do like to spread out while they’re sleeping, which means that you are likely to want a large, extra-large, or jumbo bed.

As any Boxer owner will attest, the breed especially enjoys chewing and scratching, so a hard-shell bed is not really an option because your pup will make short work of the easily destructible plastic material, so metal frames or pillow style beds with no frames may be a better option. Read on to find out what you should be looking for when looking for the best dog bed for Boxers.

Bed Types

There are various types of dog beds to choose from. While all dogs are different, Boxers are known for chewing and scratching, and they like to spread out when they lay down. With that in mind, the following bed styles are good options for your dog.

Sofa

The sofa dog bed looks like a full-size sofa but is smaller and doesn’t usually have legs. It is like a cushion or pillow design but has built up sides. The built-up sides allow your dog to rest their head while lazing around: a position that some dogs like. However, the sides can also prevent users from being able to stretch out their legs to achieve the most comfortable slumber position. Removable covers can be more difficult to put back on this style of bed, and you may want to ensure that there isn’t too large a void between the sides and the base.

Pillow

The pillow is the simplest style of bed. It is a flat or nearly flat bed that lays directly on the floor. It typically has a polyfill or cushion filling and a removable, soft cover. This type of bed does not restrict your dog’s movement and it is easy for dogs of any size and age to get on and off the bed. However, they do not offer much support and may not be a popular choice for dogs that like some neck support while they’re sleeping. Pillows, or cushions, do tend to be inexpensive, but those with orthopedic filling and plush covers can be more expensive.

Elevated Cot

The elevated cot bed can look utilitarian, almost like it belongs in a barracks or a field hospital, but it does offer certain advantages. The mesh base may not be cushioned but because it hangs down from a frame, it provides comfort in the same way a hammock does. The frame is usually made from metal so is difficult to chew, although we can’t say impossible because Boxers do have a knack of being able to destroy apparently indestructible materials. The elevated position means that the bed can be used outdoors without it becoming too dirty or mucky and it allows air to flow under the bed and around the dog so is suitable for warm weather, too.

Bed Materials

Boxers can chew. They can also scratch. And, in either case, this means that their bed can come under threat, so it is important to choose a bed that is made to last and that is durable enough to withstand teeth and claw while also offering a comfortable bed to lay on.

Metal Frames

Especially common in cot style bed design, metal frames are beneficial because they are difficult, although not necessarily impossible, to chew. They should be sturdy, but this also depends on the quality of the fastenings and construction of the bed. Metal frames are difficult to repair or replace if they get broken, though.

Polyfill vs Orthopedic Filling

Polyfill is a basic foam filling. If it is thick enough, and of a good enough quality, it can be comfortable and can last for years without becoming damaged or flattened. Orthopedic filling is supposed to offer more support for the joints and can help dogs that have joint and posture problems. Try to determine the quality of orthopedic filling and pay attention to its depth because no matter how good the quality of the foam, if it is really thin, it will not offer any support for your dog.

Washable Covers

Whether covers are made from cotton, faux fur, or polyester, they should be washable. Ideally, the cover should be removable and machine washable, although some nylon covers can be washed using a hosepipe instead. Removable covers do need a zipper or some other method of removing and reattaching the cover, though, and these can be points that are easily destroyed by your dog.

What Type of Bed Is Best For A Boxer?

All dogs are different but Boxers tend to like spreading out. They also move around quite a lot during their sleep and may adopt a curled-up position. This movement and their propensity to stretch out means that a flat mattress or pillow style bed, or a raised cot, may prove the best option. However, if your Boxer likes to rest its head on a raised surface, a sofa is your best option. It really does depend on your dog’s preferences.

What Size Bed Does A Boxer Need?

Typically, you will need to look for beds for large or extra-large dogs, according to whether yours prefers to stretch out or curl up while asleep and depending on their actual size.

How Do Boxer Dogs Like To Sleep?

Boxers really are quirky characters, and they can adopt any sleeping position you might imagine. It is common for them to stretch their legs out fully while they’re asleep, which can be a nuisance if they’re asleep next to you on the chair.

Conclusion

Getting the right bed for your dog is important. Choose one that is large enough for your dog’s preferred sleeping position, strong enough to withstand occasional digging and stretching, and that is comfortable enough that your dog can get a good night’s sleep and have somewhere comfortable to lay down and relax during the day.

We found the K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed to be the best overall because it is inexpensive, and its metal frame should be resistant to heavy chewers. For a few dollars less, the Frisco Steel Framed Elevated Dog Bed is similar in design and equally chew resistant.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.