What Size Dog Bed Should You Buy for a Puppy? Buy for Now or Adult Size?

Buying a bed for a puppy sounds simple until you realise one awkward fact:

your puppy is going to grow.

That creates an obvious question:

Should I buy a bed that fits my puppy now, or buy a larger one for their adult size?

There isn’t one correct answer for every dog.

A smaller first bed can be cheaper, cosier and easier to manage while your puppy is still growing.

A larger adult-size bed may avoid buying twice.

But buying too large can mean paying more upfront for a bed that your puppy may chew, soil or simply not enjoy using.

So don’t start with:

What size dog bed should I buy?

Start with:

How big is my puppy likely to become, how do they sleep, and how much sense does it make to buy for the future right now?

The short answer

A dog bed should be large enough for your puppy to rest comfortably in their natural sleeping positions.

Dogs Trust recommends comfortable, washable beds and bedding that are large enough for a dog to sprawl flat out.

For a puppy, you then have two broad options:

Buy for now

Best when:

• your puppy has a lot of growing left to do
• you’re unsure what type of bed they’ll prefer
• chewing or toilet-training accidents are likely
• you don’t want to spend heavily on something temporary

Buy closer to adult size

Best when:

• you have a good idea of expected adult dimensions
• the larger bed still creates a comfortable resting space now
• you want to avoid replacing the bed purely because of growth
• you have enough floor space

First Dog verdict: buy for comfort now, but don’t ignore expected growth.

How big should a puppy bed be?

The important test isn’t whether your puppy fits when curled into a tiny ball.

They should have enough room to adopt their preferred sleeping position comfortably.

Dogs Trust recommends beds large enough for dogs to lie stretched out.

So look at your puppy when they’re relaxed.

Do they:

• curl tightly?
• sleep on their side?
• stretch their legs out?
• roll onto their back?
• move between positions?

A bed should accommodate normal comfortable sleep, not force them into one position.

How to measure your puppy for a bed

A useful approach is to measure your puppy while they’re lying naturally.

Measure body length

From roughly the front of the chest to the rear of the body.

Look at stretched sleeping length

If your puppy regularly sleeps with legs extended, take that into account.

Add some extra room

Don’t buy a bed whose internal dimensions match the puppy’s body exactly.

They need room to:

• reposition
• stretch
• turn around
• grow

Important

Look at the usable sleeping area, not only the manufacturer’s overall outside dimensions.

A bed advertised as 80cm wide may have much less sleeping space once thick bolsters or sides are taken into account.

Internal size matters more than external size

This is one of the easiest online-shopping mistakes to make.

Imagine two beds are both listed as:

80cm

Bed A

Flat mattress with almost the whole 80cm usable.

Bed B

Thick raised sides taking up 10cm on each side.

The actual sleeping area is substantially smaller.

So when comparing beds, check:

• overall dimensions
• internal sleeping dimensions
• bolster thickness
• shape

Don’t compare product labels alone.

Should you buy a bed for your puppy’s adult size?

Sometimes.

But it isn’t automatically the money-saving answer it appears to be.

Suppose your puppy currently needs a relatively small bed but will eventually become a large dog.

You could buy:

Option A

A modest puppy bed now, then replace it later.

or:

Option B

A large adult bed immediately.

Option B sounds cheaper because you only buy once.

But that assumes the first large bed:

• survives puppy chewing
• survives toilet-training accidents
• suits the dog’s eventual sleeping preference
• doesn’t dominate your room unnecessarily
• still feels comfortable to the puppy

That’s a lot of assumptions.

When buying for adult size makes sense

CONSIDER ADULT SIZE

This approach is more attractive when:

• your puppy isn’t dramatically smaller than their adult size
• you know their likely adult dimensions reasonably well
• the bed design works for both puppy and adult
• the cover is washable
• the construction is durable
• you’re happy with the floor space it occupies
• your puppy isn’t destroying bedding

It can be particularly sensible with some medium or larger beds where buying twice would be expensive.

When buying a smaller first bed makes sense

BUY FOR NOW

A temporary first bed may be smarter when:

• your puppy is very young
• adult size is much larger than current size
• they’re still toilet training
• they’re chewing bedding
• you haven’t learned how they prefer to sleep
• you’re experimenting with crate or pen arrangements
• you don’t want to risk an expensive permanent purchase yet

That isn’t “wasting money”.

You’re paying for something appropriate during a stage when you don’t yet have enough information to choose the final bed well.

The most expensive bed may be the wrong first bed

A beautiful premium bed can look like an obvious long-term investment.

But puppies are excellent at turning “long-term investment” into “fabric confetti”.

Before spending heavily, ask:

Do I know enough about this puppy yet?

If the answer is no, there is nothing wrong with using:

• a simpler washable bed
• suitable bedding
• a crate mat
• another comfortable temporary setup

and upgrading later.

What type of bed is best for a puppy?

There isn’t one universal best type.

Common options include:

• flat mattress beds
• bolster beds
• doughnut-style beds
• crate mats
• raised beds
• enclosed beds

Different puppies may prefer different designs.

The RSPCA advises choosing a bed based on factors including size, sleeping style, comfort and materials rather than assuming every dog needs the same shape.

Flat mattress beds

Potential advantages

• large usable sleeping area
• straightforward sizing
• good for dogs that stretch out
• often easy to place in different parts of the home

Potential drawbacks

• less of an enclosed feeling
• may move on smooth floors
• depends heavily on padding quality

Worth considering for:

A puppy that likes to stretch.

Bolster beds

These have raised sides.

Potential advantages

• something to lean against
• more enclosed feeling
• may suit dogs that like curling or resting their head on an edge

Potential drawbacks

• external dimensions can be misleading
• internal sleeping space is smaller
• bulky sides reduce usable area

Worth considering for:

A puppy that naturally seeks edges, cushions or something to lean against.

Doughnut or round beds

These can create a cosy, enclosed-feeling resting place.

Potential advantages

• cosy shape
• useful for curled sleeping
• soft sides

Potential drawbacks

• not always ideal for dogs that stretch out
• can be harder to size for growth
• deep fluffy material may be impractical for some puppies

Worth considering for:

A smaller puppy that strongly prefers curling up.

Crate mats

A crate mat is usually flatter and simpler than a full dog bed.

Potential advantages

• fits easily into a crate
• less bulky
• easier to replace
• often washable

Potential drawbacks

• less cushioning than some standalone beds
• specific sizing required for crate fit

Worth considering for:

A puppy using a crate as part of their resting setup.

Puppy Pen vs Crate: Which Do You Need — and Should You Have Both?

Raised beds

These lift the sleeping surface off the floor.

They can be useful in certain settings, but they’re not automatically a first-puppy essential.

Consider:

• height
• ease of getting on/off
• stability
• material
• intended indoor/outdoor use

For a young puppy, simplicity may make more sense initially.

Does your puppy need more than one bed?

Possibly.

Dogs Trust suggests having more than one resting area if you have the space.

That doesn’t necessarily mean buying several expensive beds.

You might have:

• main sleeping bed
• washable mat in the kitchen
• crate bedding
• blanket in another quiet area

The useful principle is:

Give the dog comfortable places to rest where household life actually happens.

PDSA likewise recommends providing a comfortable resting area in a quiet location where the dog won’t be disturbed.

Where should the bed go?

Location can matter as much as the bed itself.

Dogs Trust says dogs need a safe space where they can relax and won’t be disturbed.

Look for somewhere:

• relatively quiet
• not in a busy walkway
• away from obvious draughts
• away from excessive heat
• where the puppy can rest undisturbed
• still appropriately connected to household life

Don’t buy a fantastic bed and then put it somewhere your puppy doesn’t want to rest.

What if your puppy sleeps on the floor instead?

That’s useful information.

It doesn’t necessarily mean the bed is defective.

Your puppy may:

• be too warm
• prefer a firmer surface
• dislike the bed shape
• prefer another location

Watch what they choose.

If they consistently avoid a very soft bed but sleep happily on a thin mat, that tells you something about their preferences.

Don’t force the puppy to use a product simply because you bought it.

Washability should be near the top of your list

For puppies:

washable beats luxurious surprisingly often.

The RSPCA specifically recommends choosing beds that are easily washable.

Puppy beds may encounter:

• toilet accidents
• muddy paws
• food
• drool
• fur
• general dirt

So check:

• removable cover?
• machine washable?
• washable inner?
• maximum washing temperature?
• tumble dry or air dry?
• how quickly does it dry?

A bed that takes two days to dry may leave you wishing you’d bought a spare cover.

Removable covers can be worth paying for

This is one feature where spending a little more can make practical sense.

A removable washable cover means:

• easier cleaning
• less need to wash the whole bed
• possibility of buying a spare
• potentially longer useful life

When comparing two otherwise similar beds, this is a feature we’d take seriously.

Waterproof or water-resistant beds

The RSPCA notes that waterproof or water-resistant materials can be useful for beds used outdoors or in situations where dampness is likely.

For an ordinary indoor puppy bed, full waterproof construction isn’t automatically required.

But some level of protection can be useful during:

• toilet training
• muddy weather
• travel

Again:

solve your real problem.

What about puppy chewing?

Some puppies chew bedding.

Some barely touch it.

You won’t necessarily know which puppy you’ve got until they come home.

That creates another argument against immediately buying an expensive permanent bed.

If your puppy chews the bed

Check for:

• exposed filling
• loose fabric
• damaged seams
• pieces they might swallow

Remove badly damaged bedding rather than allowing the puppy to continue dismantling it.

If your puppy is persistently eating non-food materials or you have concerns about swallowing parts of bedding, speak to your vet.

Is there such a thing as a chew-proof dog bed?

Be cautious with the phrase.

“Chew-resistant” or “tough” may describe stronger construction.

It does not mean:

This puppy cannot destroy it.

A determined dog can damage many products.

So we’d treat published durability claims as:

product characteristics to investigate

rather than guarantees.

Padding: how much does a puppy need?

The RSPCA recommends dog beds that are comfortably padded.

But more padding isn’t always automatically better.

Consider:

• puppy weight
• body shape
• temperature
• sleeping preference
• ease of getting in/out
• washability

For a healthy young puppy, you probably don’t need to start with a highly specialised orthopaedic bed unless there is a specific reason.

If your puppy has a medical or mobility issue, ask your vet what type of sleeping surface is appropriate.

Do puppies need orthopaedic beds?

Not routinely.

Orthopaedic beds are often marketed around:

• joint support
• older dogs
• mobility problems
• pressure relief

A healthy young puppy doesn’t automatically require one simply because memory foam sounds premium.

If your puppy has:

• joint problems
• pain
• mobility difficulties
• another diagnosed condition

ask your vet.

Don’t self-prescribe an expensive bed based on advertising.

Memory foam vs ordinary foam

Memory foam may offer different pressure-distribution characteristics.

But for the average healthy puppy, we’d rank these things higher:

• correct size
• comfortable resting surface
• washability
• safe construction
• sensible durability
• suitability for the puppy’s sleeping style

Only then would we become interested in premium foam terminology.

Does the bed need raised sides?

Only if that suits the dog.

Raised sides can be useful for puppies that like:

• curling
• leaning
• resting their head against something

They are less useful if your dog wants:

• maximum stretching space
• easy access from every direction

Observe how your puppy sleeps.

Then buy accordingly.

What about warmth?

Puppies should have a comfortable resting area.

PDSA’s guidance on new puppies recommends keeping the sleeping space warm and comfortable during the first nights.

But avoid creating an excessively hot sleeping environment.

Dogs should be able to move away from warmth if necessary.

Season, breed, coat and room temperature all matter.

What about summer?

A thick fluffy bed that is appealing in January may be less attractive in July.

This is another reason some dogs benefit from several resting options.

For example:

• padded bed
• cooler mat or floor surface
• shaded resting location

Let the puppy choose between appropriate options where possible.

Puppy bed vs crate mat

These solve slightly different problems.

Puppy bed

Best if:

• you want a standalone resting place
• space is available
• the puppy isn’t confined to a crate footprint

Crate mat

Best if:

• the bed needs to fit inside a crate
• you want something low-profile
• easy cleaning matters
• your puppy is still at a destructive stage

Some owners may use both:

crate mat initially

then

larger standalone bed later.

That’s perfectly reasonable.

Puppy bed vs blanket

A blanket can form part of a sleeping setup.

It is:

• cheap
• washable
• portable
• easy to replace

But a blanket alone may provide less cushioning than a proper bed.

Again, don’t make this ideological.

You can combine:

mat + blanket

or:

bed + blanket

depending on the puppy and location.

What size bed for a small puppy?

Don’t buy purely on labels such as:

small dog

because the manufacturer’s dimensions matter more.

Measure your puppy.

Then check:

• internal sleeping length
• internal width
• bolster space if present

If your puppy will remain small as an adult, you may be able to buy closer to adult size without ending up with an absurdly oversized bed.

What size bed for a large-breed puppy?

This is where the growth decision becomes more significant.

You may have:

small puppy now

but

very large adult later.

Your choices are:

Buy small now, replace later

Advantages:

• better fit today
• less upfront spending
• easier if puppy chews/soils it

Disadvantages:

• definite future replacement cost

Buy large now

Advantages:

• potentially avoid one replacement
• suitable through growth if the puppy uses it happily

Disadvantages:

• higher upfront price
• huge footprint
• may feel less cosy
• still vulnerable to puppy destruction

There is no universal winner.

How do you estimate adult size?

If you’re buying a known breed, breed information can give you a rough expectation.

But individuals vary.

If you’re buying from a responsible breeder, ask about:

• parent size
• likely adult range
• growth expectations

If your puppy is a crossbreed or has uncertain parentage, predicting final size may be harder.

That uncertainty makes an expensive adult bed less attractive as a first purchase.

Should you use breed recommendations on retailer websites?

Use them as rough guidance, not a substitute for measurements.

A retailer saying:

Labrador — Large

doesn’t mean every Labrador will fit every “Large” bed.

Brands don’t use universal size standards.

Check the centimetres.

What if two dogs share a bed?

If you have another dog, don’t assume they should share.

Dogs Trust recommends giving dogs safe resting spaces where they can relax without being disturbed.

Each dog should have access to an appropriate resting place.

If they sometimes choose to sleep together, that’s different from forcing them to share one inadequate bed.

Puppy bed buying checklist

Before buying:

• I’ve considered my puppy’s current size
• I’ve considered likely adult size
• I’ve looked at internal sleeping dimensions
• My puppy can stretch out comfortably
• The bed suits their sleeping style
• The cover is washable
• I’ve checked whether the inner is washable
• I’m comfortable with the replacement risk during puppyhood
• The bed fits the intended location
• It won’t block important household space
• The materials are suitable for my puppy
• I’ve considered chewing
• I’ve checked the returns policy if buying before the puppy arrives

If you’re mainly choosing on:

colour

you’ve probably skipped a few questions.

What we’d prioritise when buying

1. Size

Your puppy needs room to rest naturally.

2. Washability

Especially during puppyhood.

3. Comfort

A bed is primarily for sleep and rest.

4. Practical construction

No loose parts or easily accessible filling.

5. Durability appropriate to your puppy

Don’t overpromise “indestructible”.

6. Location compatibility

It needs to fit your home.

7. Price

Relative to how long you realistically expect the puppy to use it.

Features we’d pay less attention to initially

Unless they solve a real need:

• luxury branding
• elaborate styling
• fashionable colours
• “human-grade” marketing language
• extreme cushioning for a healthy young puppy
• unnecessary electronics

The bed has a fairly simple job:

give your puppy somewhere comfortable and safe to rest.

Don’t let the marketing make the decision more complicated than it needs to be.

How much should you spend on a puppy bed?

There isn’t one correct amount.

A sensible budget depends on:

• dog size
• whether this is temporary
• material
• washability
• durability
• replaceable covers
• expected adult size

Spend less initially if:

• puppy is growing rapidly
• chewing risk is high
• you’re still learning their preferences

Spending more may make sense if:

• growth remaining is limited
• bed is likely to be used long-term
• covers/parts are replaceable
• construction meets a genuine need

Puppy Cost Calculator UK

Should you buy a cheap puppy bed first?

Quite possibly.

“Cheap” shouldn’t mean:

• unsafe
• uncomfortable
• impossible to clean

But a sensibly priced first bed can be an excellent decision while you learn:

• whether the puppy chews
• preferred sleeping shape
• where they choose to rest
• how quickly they grow

Then make the premium purchase with actual information.

When we’d upgrade the bed

Consider upgrading when:

• your puppy has outgrown it
• the bed is worn/damaged
• their sleeping preferences are now clear
• they’ve stopped destroying bedding
• you need something easier to clean
• their physical needs have changed

Upgrade because you know why, not because the dog has reached an arbitrary birthday.

What First Dog won’t claim

Unless we’ve genuinely tested a bed, we won’t say:

“This was the most comfortable bed we tried.”

We can’t know how comfortable a dog finds a product from reading the specification.

What we can verify includes:

• dimensions
• construction
• washable components
• materials
• replacement covers
• published product features

Then we can explain which circumstances those features appear to suit.

Buy for now or buy for adulthood?

Use this decision.

Buy for now if:

• your puppy is much smaller than their expected adult size
• growth is uncertain
• they’re chewing bedding
• toilet training is still messy
• you haven’t learned their preferences
• you want to keep initial costs sensible

Buy for adulthood if:

• you know their likely adult size
• the larger bed is still practical today
• you’ve measured carefully
• the bed is washable
• you’re comfortable risking the larger investment during puppyhood

Not sure?

Buy practical rather than premium.

Waiting until you know your dog better is a valid buying decision.

First Dog verdict

Your puppy’s bed should be:

big enough to rest and stretch comfortably

easy enough to clean

appropriate for the stage they’re currently in.

Dogs Trust recommends comfortable, washable bedding large enough for dogs to sprawl flat out.

For many young puppies, that means we wouldn’t rush into buying an expensive forever bed.

Start with something suitable.

Learn:

• how they sleep
• how quickly they’re growing
• whether they chew
• where they like resting

Then decide whether the adult-size investment makes sense.

Where to go next

Still buying the essentials? What Do You Actually Need for a Puppy?

Working through your preparation list? First-Time Dog Owner Checklist UK

Deciding between a crate and puppy pen? Puppy Pen vs Crate

Your puppy has just arrived? Your First Month With a Puppy

Trying to manage equipment costs? Puppy Cost Calculator UK

Sorting walking equipment too? Collar vs Harness for a Puppy

The short answer

Measure the usable sleeping area, not just the outside of the bed.

Make sure your puppy has enough room to:

• turn
• stretch
• lie naturally
• change sleeping position

Then decide whether it makes sense to buy:

for now

or

closer to adult size.

If your puppy has a lot of growing, chewing and toilet training ahead, a practical washable first bed may be the smarter purchase.

If they’re closer to adult size and you know what they prefer, spending more on a longer-term bed becomes easier to justify.

Don’t buy the forever bed until you have a reasonable chance of knowing what “forever” needs to look like.

How we built this guide

This guide uses current UK welfare guidance to establish the basic criteria for a suitable resting area.

Dogs Trust recommends comfortable, washable beds and bedding large enough for dogs to lie stretched out and suggests providing multiple resting areas where practical.

The RSPCA advises considering bed size, shape, material, comfort and washability when choosing a dog bed. Dogs Trust and PDSA also recommend providing dogs with quiet, comfortable areas where they can rest without unnecessary disturbance.

Where First Dog later adds product examples, we will use verifiable published information such as dimensions, materials and washing instructions rather than imply hands-on experience we haven’t had.

If your puppy has a mobility problem, pain, joint condition or other health issue that could affect their sleeping requirements, ask your vet what type of resting surface is appropriate.

Last factual review: August 2026.