A dog bed is one of the most-used items in your home — your dog will spend more hours on it than on almost anything else you buy them. So it's worth choosing well. A good luxury dog bed isn't just about looks (though there's nothing wrong with wanting it to suit your décor); it's about size, shape, materials and how your dog actually sleeps.
Watch how your dog sleeps
Before you buy, spend a day noticing your dog's sleeping style. Dogs who curl into a ball love raised edges to nestle against; dogs who sprawl prefer a flat, open mattress. Most dogs do a bit of both, which is why bolster beds — with a cushioned base and supportive raised sides — suit so many of them. Matching the bed to the habit is the single biggest factor in whether it gets used.
Measure your dog, not the room
Measure your dog lying down in their natural sleeping position and add a good margin — a bed that's slightly generous beats one they have to squeeze into. Check the manufacturer's size guide against your dog's breed and weight rather than guessing, and think about where the bed will live: a bed tucked in a draughty hallway gets less use than one in the room where the family gathers.
Check the cover and the filling
A removable, washable cover is non-negotiable — dog beds get grubby, and being able to freshen the cover keeps the whole thing inviting. Look at the filling too: a supportive, well-filled base holds its shape far longer than a thinly stuffed one. Quality fabrics like tweed wear beautifully and shrug off everyday use.
Our pick: The Lincoln Luxury Tweed Bolster Dog Bed
Ralph & Co's Lincoln Luxury Tweed Bolster Dog Bed (£61.99) ticks the boxes: a generously cushioned base, supportive raised bolsters for dogs who like to nestle, and a classic tweed finish that looks at home in any room. Browse more in our dog beds collection.
With Bonfire Night approaching, a familiar, comfortable bed matters more than ever — our guide to helping your dog feel settled has gentle tips for the evening itself.