Choose a Dog Bed by Your Pet's Sleeping Style
By DogTuff | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Buying Guides
Find the perfect dog bed based on how your pup sleeps. From side sleepers to sprawlers, get practical advice and size tips.
Quick answer
Match your dog's sleeping style to a bed shape and fill that supports their natural posture. Side sleepers need a bolster or high-sided bed, sprawlers need a flat, oversized surface, and burrowers want a cave-like design. Size matters too—measure your dog from nose to tail and add 6–12 inches.
Why sleeping style matters
A bed that fits how your dog naturally sleeps reduces joint pressure, improves sleep quality, and can prevent calluses or hot spots. A side sleeper on a flat, thin bed will wake up sore; a sprawler in a high-sided cave will feel cramped. Observing your dog for a few nights tells you more than any label.
Size first, then shape
Before choosing a shape, get the size right. Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they stand. Add 6 to 12 inches for a bed that lets them stretch without hanging off. For small dogs under 25 pounds, a round bed like the Round Bed - Houndstooth in Small (28" W x 4.5" H) offers a cozy, contained sleep surface that many small breeds prefer.
Decision rules for choosing a dog bed by sleeping style
- Side sleeper: Choose a bed with a bolster or raised rim (like a donut or bolster bed) to support the head and neck. Look for at least 4–5 inches of fill in the rim. Avoid thin, flat mats that offer no lateral support. If your dog flops on one side with legs extended, a bolster bed prevents neck strain.
- Sprawler / belly sleeper: Pick a large, flat, rectangular bed with thick, even fill (at least 4 inches). Avoid high sides or bolsters that will get in the way. Measure your dog's full stretched length and add 12 inches. A flat orthopedic foam bed works best for dogs that lie on their stomach with legs splayed.
- Burrower / digger: Select a cave-style or hooded bed with a soft, plush interior. Some dogs prefer a round bed they can nestle into. The Round Bed - Houndstooth's contained shape and 4.5–5 inch height gives small burrowers a sense of security. If your dog circles and digs before settling, a cave or round bed with raised edges helps them feel enclosed.
Product spotlight
- Round Bed - Houndstooth: Available in Small (28" W x 4.5" H), Medium (36" W x 4.5" H), and Large (42" W x 5" H). Classic Houndstooth pattern adds polish to any setting. The round shape and low profile suit dogs that curl up or sleep in a tight ball, and the timeless design works in any room.
Round Bed - Houndstooth
Who should choose which bed type
Best for
- Dogs that curl up or sleep in a ball — round beds like the Houndstooth provide a cozy, contained space
- Small dogs under 25 pounds — the Small size (28" W) offers a snug, secure fit
Not for
- Dogs that sprawl flat on their belly — they need a larger, rectangular surface without raised edges
- Large breeds over 60 pounds — the Large size (42" W) may still be too short for a fully stretched Great Dane or Mastiff
