Which dog bed size is right? How to measure your dog correctly
In short: Measure your dog lying down from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail and add 15 to 20 cm. Compare the result with the interior sleeping area, not the exterior dimensions. If your dog is between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Why the right size is so important
A bed that is too small forces the dog to curl up, even if they prefer to lie stretched out. Their head or paws will hang over the edge, and many dogs will prefer to lie on the floor next to it. A bed that is significantly too large is less of an issue, but dogs that like to feel supported often feel lost in it. The goal is a bed in which your dog can stretch out while still feeling the edge against their back.
Finding the right size in three steps
1. Measure your dog lying down
It is best to measure your dog when they are lying in their favorite sleeping position. Place the measuring tape at the tip of their nose and measure to the base of their tail. Do not include the tail itself. If your dog usually sleeps stretched out on their side, measure them in this position.
2. Add 15 to 20 cm
Your dog needs this extra space to turn around, stretch out their legs, and lie comfortably. For large dogs and dogs that like to stretch out, add 20 cm.
3. Compare with the interior sleeping area
This is the most common mistake when buying: many people compare with the exterior dimensions. However, in beds with raised edges, the interior sleeping area is significantly smaller—by 15 to 20 cm in both length and width for our rectangular dog beds. The long side of the sleeping area must match your measurement.
Example: Your Labrador measures 62 cm lying down. Plus 18 cm equals 80 cm. Size XL has a sleeping area of 80 x 65 cm and is a perfect fit.
Size chart with suitable breeds
The following chart applies to all rectangular dog beds from FAVRE. The breeds are guidelines for adult dogs of average size. Your own measurement will always be more accurate.
| Size | Exterior dimensions | Interior sleeping area | Dog's weight | Suitable breeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 55 x 45 cm | 40 x 30 cm | up to 4 kg | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese |
| S | 65 x 55 cm | 50 x 40 cm | 4 to 8 kg | Shih Tzu, Jack Russell Terrier, Pug |
| M | 80 x 65 cm | 60 x 50 cm | 8 to 15 kg | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Basenji |
| L | 90 x 75 cm | 70 x 60 cm | 15 to 25 kg | Border Collie, English Bulldog, Golden Retriever (puppy) |
| XL | 100 x 75 cm | 80 x 65 cm | 25 to 35 kg | Golden Retriever, Labrador, German Shepherd |
| XXL | 110 x 90 cm | 90 x 75 cm | 35 to 50 kg | Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Caucasian Shepherd |
| 3XL | 130 x 110 cm | 110 x 90 cm | from 50 kg | Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Dogue de Bordeaux |
The round dog bed Meallow has its own dimensions: diameters of 40, 60, 90, and 110 cm. You can also find all measurements in our size chart.
Sleeping position: rectangular or round?
Dogs that sleep stretched out on their side need a rectangular bed with a sufficiently long sleeping area. Dogs that curl up tightly often feel more comfortable in a round bed with an elastic edge. Read more about this in the article Round or rectangular dog bed.
Special cases
Puppies
A puppy will quickly outgrow its first bed. If you only want to buy one bed, use the expected size of the fully grown dog as a guide. A Golden Retriever puppy will fit well in size L and usually needs XL when fully grown. Read more in the article Dog bed for puppies.
Two dogs in one bed
If your dogs like to snuggle together, do not simply add their measurements together. Measure the dogs lying next to each other and choose a size with enough width.
Between two sizes
Choose the larger one. A slightly larger bed will almost always be accepted, while one that is too small often will not.
Frequently asked questions
Do you measure the dog with or without their tail?
Without. You measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. The 15 to 20 cm you add will account for the tail.
Is the weight a reliable guide?
Yes, as a rough guide, which is why the chart also lists weight ranges. However, two dogs of the same weight can differ greatly in length. The measuring tape is more accurate.
What should I do if the size is not right?
You have a 14-day right of withdrawal from the date you receive the goods. You can find the details in the withdrawal policy. If you are unsure, we are happy to advise you beforehand: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on +49 151 217 54784 or via the contact page.