This page provides a general size indication by breed. It is a useful starting point, but breed alone does not determine the correct size. Dogs of the same breed can differ considerably in body length, build and sleeping posture. Always confirm the size by measuring your dog before ordering.
How to Use This Guide
- Find your dog's breed in the table below
- Note the suggested size as a starting point
- Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail
- Confirm the correct size using the Dog Bed Size Guide
The breed table does not replace measurement. It gives you a reasonable first estimate - nothing more.
Recommended Dog Bed Size by Breed
| Breed | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Akita | XL |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | M/L |
| Australian Shepherd | L |
| Basenji | M |
| Beagle | M |
| Belgian Malinois | L |
| Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) | L |
| Belgian Tervuren | L |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | XXL |
| Bichon Frise | S |
| Border Collie | M |
| Bouvier des Flandres | XL |
| Boxer | L |
| Cane Corso | XL |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | S |
| Chihuahua | S |
| Chow Chow | L |
| Cocker Spaniel | M |
| Dachshund | S |
| Dalmatian | L |
| Dobermann | XL |
| English Bulldog | M |
| French Bulldog | M |
| German Shepherd | XL |
| Golden Retriever | L |
| Great Dane | XXL |
| Greyhound | XL |
| Havanese | S |
| Irish Setter | L |
| Jack Russell Terrier | S |
| Labradoodle | L |
| Labrador Retriever | L |
| Maltese | S |
| Miniature Schnauzer | S |
| Newfoundland | XXL |
| Papillon | S |
| Pomeranian | S |
| Rottweiler | XL |
| Saint Bernard | XXL |
| Schipperke | S |
| Shih Tzu | S |
| Siberian Husky | L |
| Toy Poodle | S |
| Weimaraner | XL |
| Whippet | M |
| Yorkshire Terrier | S |
Why Breed Alone Is Not Enough
Breed-based sizing is indicative, not precise. Two dogs of the same breed regularly require different sizes because body length, build and sleeping habits vary considerably between individual dogs - even within the same litter.
The correct size is determined by measuring your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, then matching that measurement to the model-specific size table in the Dog Bed Size Guide. The size tables vary by model because the number of headrests affects the usable lying surface. The correct size for a Flat Bed may differ from the correct size for a Sofa Bed, even for the same dog.
If your dog's measurement falls between two sizes, always choose the larger size. This is particularly important for dogs that stretch out fully, larger breeds and senior dogs.
Size Overview
The table below shows what each size is typically suited to. Use it alongside the breed table above to sense-check your starting point.
| Size | Max Dog Length | Typical Breeds |
|---|---|---|
| S | up to 50 cm | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Dachshund |
| M | up to 66 cm | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Whippet, Border Collie |
| L | up to 82 cm | Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Dalmatian, Siberian Husky |
| XL | up to 101 cm | German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Dobermann, Greyhound, Weimaraner |
| XXL | up to 114 cm | Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane, Newfoundland |
Maximum dog length values shown are for the Flat Bed, which offers the largest free surface. Values differ slightly for the Lounge, Corner and Sofa models. See the Dog Bed Size Guide for model-specific tables.
Choosing the Right Model
Once you have confirmed the correct size, choose the model that suits your dog's sleeping behaviour.
The Flat Bed has no headrests and offers the most usable surface for a given size. It suits dogs that move around frequently or prefer to spread out fully. The Lounge Bed has one raised edge and suits dogs that like to rest their head on an elevated surface. The Corner Bed has two headrests and suits dogs that gravitate towards a corner when sleeping. The Sofa Bed has three headrests and suits dogs that prefer clearly defined boundaries on multiple sides.
For a full explanation of each model, see How to Choose a Dog Bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
My breed is not listed - what size should I choose?
Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and use the Dog Bed Size Guide to find the correct size directly. The breed table is a convenience reference - the measurement method works for any dog regardless of breed.
My dog is the same breed as the table but a different size - which do I trust?
Always trust the measurement. The table provides a general indication based on typical body length for that breed. If your dog is larger or smaller than the breed average, the measurement will give you the accurate result.
Can two dogs of the same breed need different sizes?
Yes, and this is common. Body length varies within a breed depending on the individual dog, its lineage, sex and general build. The breed table is a starting point, not a definitive answer. Measure both dogs and size for the larger of the two if they will share a bed.
Does the recommended size change depending on the model?
It can. Because models with headrests have slightly less usable lying surface than the Flat Bed, the same dog may require a larger size in a Sofa Bed than in a Flat Bed. Always check the model-specific table in the Dog Bed Size Guide after choosing your model.
What size bed does a puppy need?
Size selection for a puppy should be based on the expected adult body length, not the puppy's current size. If you know the breed and have a reasonable estimate of adult size, use the breed table as a reference and confirm with the size guide. Buying for the adult size avoids the need to replace the bed once the dog is fully grown.
What if I have a mixed-breed dog?
Measure your dog and use the Dog Bed Size Guide directly. Breed-based guidance does not apply reliably to mixed breeds, where body length and proportions depend on the specific combination of parent breeds.
Where to Go Next
- Confirm your size - Dog Bed Size Guide
- Browse by size - Dog Beds by Size
- Learn how to choose the right model - How to Choose a Dog Bed
- Explore all beds - Snoozeluxe Orthopaedic Dog Beds