Top 10 Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds
When choosing the best dog bed for your German Shepherd, the same considerations apply as when you’re picking one for yourself.
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A German Shepherd dog bed that looks good isn’t enough!
Professionals say getting the right dog bed for your German Shepherd is not only an investment into their health and happiness — it could even help them live longer.
But there’s a problem…
There are hundreds of designs and materials to choose from on the market, and the prices are just as wide!
To help you out, let me show you the best German Shepherd beds that will not only support their joints but provide you with peace of mind knowing you’ve made a healthy decision.
Why should I buy a German Shepherd dog bed?
I know I want the best for my dog when it comes to her comfort. Especially since German Shepherds weigh up to 90 pounds or more and this can put a lot of stress on their joints.
Just like you, your dog needs deep, comfortable sleep to wake up feeling rested and ready to keep you company.
When sleeping your German Shepherd needs:
- a place that quiets and out of the way of foot traffic
- to lie off the floor so they don’t put pressure on their joints which causes pain
- a hygienic place to sleep that you can clean so they stay healthy
A dog bed for your German Shepherd is not only the perfect way to say you love your dog, but it’s also a safe zone for your companion to enjoy when the world seems a bit too hectic for them.
Let’s dig a little deeper into why you need to buy the best beds for German Shepherds, even puppies.
What is the best size dog bed for a German Shepherd?
The best size dog bed for a German Shepherd is a bed that measures at least 40 inches long by 30 inches wide. But, what’s also important is to choose the best depth of the mattress for joint support. Weighing up to 90 pounds or more a German Shepherd bed size with at least 3 inches deep to provide the right orthopedic support and pain relief, and at least 4 inches of depth for a dog with hip dysplasia or other joint issues.
The Importance of Depth
The depth is especially important since your dog will use their bed full time and German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and need to keep their weight off the hard floors. Your dog’s hips and shoulders need to be fully supported to avoid any weight touching the ground.
As you already know, some GSDs suffer from joint and hip issues that can affect their quality of life. Make sure your dog’s bed meets the depth requirements, listed below in the measurements section, to avoid putting pressure on their bones when lying down.
The thicker, or deeper, the mattress the better for most German Shepherds. As long as they’re easily able to walk onto the surface without injuring themselves it’s best to choose a thick foam mattress.
German Shepherd Sleeping Styles When Choosing a Dog Bed
Perhaps you’ve noticed that your German Shepherd prefers to sleep curled up in a ball or sprawled out wide at some points during their naps?
German Shepherds have many different ways they like to sleep.
Knowing their sleep style can help you choose the right type of bed that your GSD will prefer to rest on. It’ll also make choosing a bed for them easier for both of you.
Here are the main styles of sleeping for a German Shepherd:
| Curler Dogs | Stretcher Dogs | Leaner Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs who prefer to sleep curled up in a protective sleep style, nose to tail. | Pups who like to stretch out on their backs, bellies, or sides to sleep. | While sleeping on their sides, the dog favors leaning their heads onto an object. |
| Round beds or beds with bolsters. | Large flat-style beds without bolsters. | Beds with bolsters on any side; even 3 or 4 sided bolsters. |
The bed you choose needs to take into account how your dog likes to sleep and give them the room they need to lie comfortably in their chosen positions.
Your German Shepherd’s bed should be large enough for him to move around unrestricted and without stumbling off. When in doubt, it’s better to get a larger size, since dogs move around in their sleep.
Choosing the Most Comfortable Dog Bed for Your German Shepherd
So, what’s the magic formula for choosing the best German Shepherd dog bed?
It’s simple — your German Shepherd needs a bed that:
- measures at least 40 inches long by 30 inches wide for a large size dog
- supports a dog up to 90 pounds (or a bit above your dog’s weight)
- is at least 3 inches deep for joint support or 4 inches deep for hip and joint issues
- can withstand some chewing, if necessary (for puppies generally)
- is made of easy-to-clean fabric that’s washable
- doesn’t hold fur on the surface or in the weave of the material
And don’t leave without knowing how to measure your dog for its perfect-sized bed. You’ll find a way to measure your GSD below the product suggestions.
Best Beds for German Shepherd Dogs and Puppies
Did you know that your German Shepherd sleeps 12 to 14 hours a day (source)?
That’s a lot of time to spend on a cold, hard floor — especially given your breed’s propensity to joint and hip issues.
In fact, dogs exert 2 to 3 times their body weight per limb when they move and impact the ground surface (study).
This is a dramatic amount of pressure and force on their paws!
But, you can help your dog take the stress off their bodies by providing them with a cushioned bed that keeps them off the hard surface and allows their limbs a rest.
Here are the top picks for the best German Shepherd dog beds, chosen because they’re from one of the largest and most trusted online retailers, have unique features, and received the best reviews from dozens of happy pet owners (even GSD owners).
The 10 Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds
Best Friends Blanket & Original Dog Bed – Premium Choice
| Brand: | Best Friends by Sheri |
| Style: | Donut Bolster |
| Colors: | Taupe |
| Dimensions: | 45 x 45 inches |
If money really isn’t an object to you, you could check out the Best Friends by Sherry Blanket and the Original Dog Bed. It is our premium choice due to its top quality and double value. If your Shepherd is a snuggle bug, they can definitely benefit from this high-quality blanket that is tossed in the mix as well.
This dog bed is so cozy you’re going to want to cuddle up with your pal right then and there. It is perfect for chilly nights, silly play sessions, or cozy snoozes. The bed is a donut bolster design, so your Shepherd can curl up without problem—and both the blanket and bed are machine washable.
The taupe color goes in just about any home décor you can think of, so it makes up for the lack of color choice. We were really impressed with the craftsmanship of the bed, as it is super comfy, firm, and plush with tight stitching and extra filling.
If your Shepherd gets hot easily, the material of this bed could make the problem worse. So, if your dog doesn’t like a lot of heat touching them, you might benefit better from another selection on the list.
Coolaroo Steel-Frame Elevated Dog Bed – Best Value
| Brand: | Coolaroo |
| Style: | Elevated |
| Colors: | Brunswick green, terracotta, grey, nutmeg, navy blue, turquoise |
| Dimensions: | 51 x 31.5 x 8 inches |
If you’re looking for the biggest savings you can find, you should check out Coolaroo Steel-Frame Elevated Dog Bed. It’s the best dog bed for German Shepherds for the money. We wanted to get German Shepherd owners a chance at having an elevated bed without the high price tag.
We love the easily breathable high-density polyethylene fabric. You can order this particular bed in various colors, including Brunswick green, Terra cotta, grey, nutmeg, Navy blue, and turquoise—you can blend it with just about any decor.
It is straightforward to throw together, too. You just snap the pieces together as per the instructions, and you’re good to go. The mesh liner is incredibly breathable, creating optimal airflow. It’s all 100% recycled material. Another incredible perk is that you can use this bed for indoor or outdoor use of no consequence.
It is entirely resistant to fleas, mites, mold, and mildew while being lightweight and durable for your Shepherd, too. So, you can plan on keeping this bed for a while.
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Slightly lower quality
K&H Pet Products Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed – Best Overall
| Brand: | K & H Pet Products |
| Style: | Elevated |
| Colors: | Chocolate, camo |
| Dimensions: | 30 x 42 x 7 inches |
Because our beloved German Shepherds have incredibly long thick coats, we love K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed most. It is a product that is built for dog breeds like the German Shepherd—plus, it’s easy to take care of and will last years with proper use.
This elevated pet bed has a raised design with a mesh covering that keeps it up off the floor. It creates an aerodynamic airflow through the material to keep your dog pool and even summer temperatures.
This bed is the perfect size for any German Shepherd, even large ones. You can get it in two eye-catching collars: chocolate or camo. It might be a little awkward to fit in certain areas since it is fixed—and in no way squishy—like some other competing products.
This cot was incredibly straightforward to put together. You simply place the legs into individual slots, and the entire thing is set up for you. There are rubber supports on all of the bases of the legs to keep it still on any surface.
Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Dog Bed – Best for Puppies
| Brand: | Brindle |
| Style: | Waterproof pillow |
| Colors: | Charcoal velour, navy trellis, red Sherpa |
| Dimensions: | 46 x 28 x 4 inches |
We all know that little puppies are prone to accidents. Not only are they learning the ropes of potty training, but they also make all sorts of other messes. Having a waterproof dog bed is kind of a big deal in their first year. That’s why we recommend the Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed.
It’s a product that can repel most liquids that come with having a puppy while providing optimal comfort. The bed has excellent joint support to cradle your growing puppy, ensuring no pressure on the body.
We think that it looks pretty terrific, coming in stylish colors such as charcoal velour, navy trellis, or red Sherpa. We recommend the large size for your German Shepherd puppies, so they’re able to grow into it over time. It might also work well for seniors who have incontinence issues.
Because memory foam is such an expense sometimes, having a waterproof cover is almost essential to protect the authenticity of the material. If memory foam gets wet, it can quickly diminish, so having a waterproof cover really helps. Plus, it comes fully equipped with a non-skid bottom.
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Expensive
| Brand: | Frisco |
| Style: | Bolster |
| Colors: | Gray, beige |
| Dimensions: | 36 x 27 x 9 inches |
If your dog really enjoys laying their head on a raised surface, the Frisco Plush Orthopedic Front Bolster Dog Bed is a terrific option. This bed is incredibly comfortable for canines of any mobility level. It is so well made that it shouldn’t break down with moderate use for several years, speculatively.
You can buy this dog bed in grey or beige—whichever fits your décor style the best. The triple-layered bolster is full of plush polyfill for cozy comfort and a raised place to rest their head. We recommend the large size for the German Shepherd dog breed.
The memory foam slab is 3 inches thick, easily cradling the joints. It isn’t quite as thick as some others we tried out, but we think your Shepherd will love it still. You can remove the cover as it is completely machine washable to clean up any messes or for general maintenance.
Our only complaint is that there are no gripping materials on the bottom to keep it in place, so it won’t work as well on hard surfaces without a rug, which is a potentially added expense for some homes.
FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa – Best for Seniors
| Brand: | FurHaven |
| Style: | Sofa |
| Colors: | Gray, expresso, deep pool |
| Dimensions: | 44 x 35 8 inches |
If you’re looking for optimal comfort for your senior guy or gal, you can check out the FurHaven Plush & Suede Full Support Orthopedic Sofa. It has just the right amount of support for muscles and joints. It’s made of awesome suede material for a comfortable experience.
You can find this bed in three charming colors: gray, expresso, or deep pool (all very elegant). The bolstered sides are perfectly designed to gently cradle your dog’s head. We really think that it would work wonders for your older guy or gal.
The exterior is made of a very soft suede material that is smooth to the touch. You can easily remove this cover for a quick wash in the washing machine when it needs a little TLC.
All in all, we love the joint support the mattress offers—and the overall design and attractiveness is a perk. However, we fear the material might stain easier than some others.
HappyCare Textiles Round Bolster Bed
| Brand: | HappyCare Textiles |
| Style: | Half bolster |
| Colors: | Grey |
| Dimensions: | 39 x 39 x 5 inches |
We love the HappyCare Textile Round Bolster Bed because it has an innovative and attractive design. It is perfect for dogs who like to have a strong level of comfort while being free to come and go as they please.
With this bed, only half of it is bolstered and the entire design is a circle shape for optimal curled up comfort. You can buy the chevron gray, gray dots, and striped gray design. We recommend the large size for the German Shepherd dog breed.
We really love that the entire bed is completely machine washable, so there’s no fussing with zippers or such to keep it clean. You can pop the whole thing in the washer for a fresh clean, so it’s very convenient.
This bed offers a ton of support for your dog while being an open concept. We love the overall durability and function of the bed. But the oval design might make it an awkward fit in some living spaces.
GOHOO PET Memory Foam Dog Bed with Cooling Gel
| Brand: | GOHOO PET |
| Style: | Cooling Memory Foam |
| Colors: | Gray |
| Dimensions: | 41 x 29 x 4 inches |
We think that GOHOO PET Memory Foam Dog Bed with Cooling Gel is a terrific option for a Shepherd in need of joint support and temperature control.
It is a very straightforward design, simply making a rectangle with no added bells or whistles. It fits in with practically any style, available in cocoa, crimson, latte, denim, or moss colors—all of which are divine.
The mattress has both a gel memory foam portion and a waterproof layer to protect it on top. We like that there is some reinforcement there to prevent damaging the memory foam with spills or accidents.
The bed has a plush top and removable cover. So, when things are looking a little dingy, you can take it off and toss it in the wash. We will note that the side fabric is slightly thin, so it might break down quickly. We don’t recommend this bed for heavy chewers.
Magic Dog Store Orthopedic Foam Pet Bed
| Brand: | Magic Dog Store |
| Style: | Orthopedic foam |
| Colors: | Gray, blue, dark brown, dark gray, burgundy |
| Dimensions: | 47 x 39 3.7 inches |
We think that the Magic Dog Store Orthopedic Foam Pet Bed. It is simple, straightforward, and all in one piece. It has an ultra-comfortable suede material on the mattress top.
You can buy this dog bed in various colors, including light gray, blue, dark brown, dark grey, burgundy. The entire bottom of the design is completely non-skid and safe on any surface.
You can buy the bed in jumbo or large sizes for your German Shepherd.
The mattress materials are so great that the bed will retain its shape for up to 3 years without breaking down. However, without proper care, it can actually diminish the product’s lifespan tremendously.
Our favorite feature was the seamlessly hidden zipper that is on the bottom. It talks away nicely, but it’s easy to locate, so you can easily remove the top cover when it needs a good wash.
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Fussy care
Happy Hounds Bailey Rectangle Pillow
| Brand: | Happy Hounds |
| Style: | Pillow |
| Colors: | Denim, cocoa, crimson, latte, moss |
| Dimensions: | 48 x 36 x 6 inches |
If you’re looking for a simplistic dog bed that gets the job done, we think your German Shepherd will be happy with Happy Hounds Bailey Rectangle Pillow Dog Bed. It’s perfect for a corner of your room or on top of an existing piece of furniture.
We highly recommend this sturdy bed for rowdy boys or girls since it’s so tough. The exterior has extremely thick, durable microfiber fabric made with double-sewn boxed edges for an excellent finish. It’s available in five cool colors: denim, cocoa, crimson, latte, and moss.
When the item arrives, it is compressed until you break the seal. Within minutes, the bed folds out nicely for a puffy finish. You can let your Shepherd use it until it needs a wash—then toss the cover in your machine—no hassle.
This bed is specifically designed to prevent shredding. So, it’s a little stiff. If your dog has no chewing issues, you can freely choose another bed.
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Dog Bed for German Shepherds
The one thing that’s on your list when it comes to a dog bed for your German Shepherd is probably your dog’s comfort. Sure, style and such are important factors, but nothing is more important than your dog’s overall well-being.
No matter the area you are trying to target, it’s important to know what aspects you’re looking for in a dog bed. Let’s take a closer look.
Quality Materials
- German Shepherds are hardy dogs. They have powerful muscular bodies and large poles with some serious claws. Having heavy-duty materials is an essential part of successfully enjoying a pet bed that you purchased.
- After all, you’re going to want the design to last more than just a few months. Try gravitating towards high-quality materials to avoid premature ripping, staining, and other imperfections.
Easy to Clean
You aren’t going to want to fiddle with hard-to-clean dog beds. German Shepherd shed quite a bit, so their beds can get dirtier more quickly due to their coat trapping more debris. Getting a bed that’s hard to clean may be very inconvenient and lead to premature repurchasing of a different style dog bed.
Affordability
No one’s budget is the same, and we all have different commitments elsewhere. So, you need to pick a bed that works for your budget. There’s no need to go all out when cheaper options exist that are just as good sometimes.
Temperature Control
You’re all too familiar with your Shepherd’s very thick double coat. These puppies get hot! Having a bed that can keep a decent temperature without getting too hot or cold is crucial. Some people prefer certain elevated pet beds to eliminate overheating and create airflow.
Style
There are tons of styles on the market. Here are a few.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to take the plunge, we still recommend K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed as our number one pick. It is an ultra-breathable, very well-made bed with middle-of-the-road pricing. We think it would fit the needs of most adult Shepherds, but the choice is yours!
If you’d rather save a few bucks, but want something similar to our number one, try out the Coolaroo Steel-Frame Elevated Dog Bed. It’s a little less quality than our number one brand, but it is still durable, breathable, and super easy to clean—all at an affordable price.
No matter what you pick, we hope you find a bed that is as high in quality as the sleeping environment you want to provide your dog.
