How to choose the right size bed for your dog — the complete guide
Getting the wrong size bed is one of the most common mistakes pet parents make — and it's more impactful than most realise. Too small and your dog can't fully relax. Too big and they lose the sense of security that makes a calming bed work. Here's exactly how to get it right.
Why size matters more than you think
A calming bed works because of the relationship between your dog's body and the raised rim. When the rim height matches your dog's size, they feel cradled and enclosed — safe. When the bed is too large, that enclosed feeling disappears and so does the calming effect.
Similarly, if a bed is too small, your dog physically can't get comfortable — they'll hang off the edges, shift constantly, and never fully settle. Size isn't just about comfort. For calming beds especially, it's about effectiveness.
The golden rule: Your dog should be able to curl up fully with their nose touching their tail — with just 5–10cm of space around them. Not so tight they're squished, not so roomy the rim loses its effect.
Measure your dog correctly
Measure nose to tail (body length)
Cloudpaws size chart
| Size | Bed diameter | Dog weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 50–55cm | Up to 5kg | Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu |
| Medium | 65–70cm | 5–15kg | Cavoodle, Beagle, Pug, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel |
| Large | 80–85cm | 15–35kg | Golden Retriever, Labrador, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Boxer |
| X-Large | 95–100cm | 35kg+ | German Shepherd, Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler |
Between two sizes? Always go up — not down. A slightly larger bed still provides comfort. A slightly too-small bed means your dog will avoid it entirely. When in doubt, size up.
Special cases — when standard sizing doesn't apply
- Puppies — buy for their adult size, not their current size. Most puppies reach adult size by 12–18 months. Buying a puppy-sized bed means replacing it in months.
- Senior dogs — older dogs tend to stretch out more due to joint stiffness. If your senior dog is a chronic curler who's started sprawling, go up a size.
- Stocky or barrel-chested breeds — Bulldogs, Pugs, and Staffordshire Terriers are often heavier than their length suggests. Use weight as the deciding factor for these breeds.
- Multi-dog households — if two dogs sleep together, measure the larger dog and go up one full size. Dogs sharing a bed need more space to both feel comfortable.
- Very anxious dogs — highly anxious dogs often prefer a snugger fit than the standard formula suggests. If anxiety is severe, consider staying at the lower end of the size range.
Quick tips for getting it right
What happens if you get the wrong size?
Most dogs will give you clear signals within the first two nights. Signs the bed is too small: hanging limbs over the edge, frequently getting up and resettling, avoiding the bed entirely.
Signs the bed is too large: sleeping in one corner only, not using the rim at all, showing no improvement in anxiety or sleep quality despite trying the bed for several nights.
If either happens — don't worry. Cloudpaws' size guarantee means we'll sort it for you.
The Cloudpaws size guarantee: If the size isn't right, we exchange it. Simple as that. Because your dog deserves a bed that actually works — not one that sits unused in the corner.