6 Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds in 2023

Standing at twenty-six inches or taller, it’s no surprise why many find German Shepherds to be intimidating dogs.

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That intimidation isn’t just for show either. Historically, German Shepherds served as herding dogs in Germany and then popular K-9 workers in the United States. Even today, many law enforcement agencies across the world still work alongside German Shepherds.

When they aren’t sniffing out illegal activities or hunting down criminals, German Shepherds make great family companions. Not only are they known for being gentle with children, but they’re also fiercely protective of their loved ones.

If you’re interested in adopting a German Shepherd or you already own one, there are a few things you’ll need: along with purchasing essentials like a harness or collar, your Shepherd is also going to need a bed to sleep during the day. Many first-time owners make the mistake of picking out the first bed that looks like it will fit and hoping for the best.

However, that doesn’t guarantee your German Shepherd will use it: your dog may steer clear of a bed that isn’t comfortable or, in some cases, they may end up tearing it apart. Also, the type of bed your Shepherd requires can depend on their activity level, age, and personal preferences.

Before you end up wasting your money on a product that won’t work (or survive the week), there are a few things you should know. Fortunately, we’ve got the answers—keep reading for a closer look at the different types of beds as well as our top picks for 2023.

What to Look for in a Good Dog Bed for German Shepherds

You might think buying a bed for your German Shepherd is easy, but depending on your dog’s specific needs, it can be more difficult than you’d think.

The first thing to consider is your German Shepherd’s sleeping style. Dog beds can come in a variety of different styles and shapes: while some let your Shepherd stretch out, others allow them to curl up or burrow beneath the material. Before buying anything, be sure to observe which positions your German Shepherd prefers to nap in.

Another factor that can play a key role in how long the bed lasts is durability. As a large breed, German Shepherds tend to play a little rougher—and that includes their beds. When shopping, you’ll need to find a bed that has a sturdier construction or thicker material. It may help to purchase one that includes a removable cover.

Instead of gnawing on the bed, your German Shepherd can only rip apart the cover. Removable covers can also come in handy if your German Shepherd spends a lot of time playing outside. When the bed ends up covered in dirty paw prints, you just need to remove the top layer and wash it (rather than the entire bed).

Comfort is an essential factor too. Although most dog beds will promise to be comfortable, not all of them will be. If you already know your German Shepherd can be finicky, you’ll want to look for beds that use extra-soft materials like sheepskin or bolstered edges.

Color might not seem like a big deal, but it can be distracting if the dog bed clashes with the rest of your home. Most German Shepherd beds will come in multiple colors (and sizes) so it’s a good idea to check out your options before you go ahead and purchase anything.

Different Types of Dog Beds for German Shepherds

While many dog beds might look the same when you’re shopping, there are actually several different types you should be aware of. Like humans, German Shepherds can have specific needs you need to pay attention to.

If your German Shepherd has achy joints or is a senior, you might want to consider investing in an orthopedic dog bed. Orthopedic dog beds are mattresses that offer your dog medical-grade orthopedic support. After a long, tiring day, your pup can relax and seek relief from sore limbs on his orthopedic mattress. Unlike some other choices, orthopedic mattresses avoid painful pressure points and provide more cushioning for your German Shepherd as well.

Although more popular with smaller breeds, donut and bolster beds are another option. If your German Shepherd enjoys curling up into a ball or resting his head on a raised surface, he might enjoy this choice. These round beds tend to retain body heat and keep your dog a little more cozy, but keep in mind that it won’t allow your German Shepherd the space they need to sprawl out.

Pillow and cushion beds offer exactly what their name suggests: a large cushion for your German Shepherd to rest on. While a cushion bed might not offer all the features of an orthopedic mattress, they might be a better choice if you’re on a budget (and your German Shepherd doesn’t have any specific medical needs). Along with that, pillow and cushion beds are also usually more portable as well.

Despite not being referred to as “beds,” crate mats are another option to consider. These padded mats are specifically designed to fit inside your pup’s crate as extra cushioning, but you can also take them out too. In addition to a regular bed, some owners choose to use crate mats since they can be easier to clean and more portable as well.

Heated dog beds are a popular choice for senior dogs. These cozy beds can help relieve the pain of aching joints as well as reduce stiffness or soreness. If your German Shepherd is extremely active, a heated dog bed might be exactly what they need after playing outside all day long.

Overall Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds

There are a lot of great beds out there, but the features on this one make it stand out among the rest:

Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed

Best Overall

After a long, tiring day, your German Shepherd deserves to relax on something as high-quality as the Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed. Along with a durable steel frame, this bed also has PVC-coated fabric that’s designed to support the weight of large breeds like the German Shepherd.

Since the fabric is breathable, you can place the bed outside during the summer and let your German Shepherd use it to stay cool. Unlike some beds, cleaning this product is a breeze – when your Shepherd tracks dirt and mud onto it, all you need to do is wipe it down.

5 More Highly Rated Dog Beds for German Shepherds

There’s no reason to stop there—here are five more of the best German Shepherd beds currently on the market:

FurHaven Comfy Couch Orthopedic Sofa Dog & Cat Bed

Whether your German Shepherd is in their prime or enjoying their golden years, they’ll most likely love the FurHaven Comfy Couch Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed. Not only does it use a peak and valley design to ensure the material stays breathable, but the medical-grade orthopedic foam cradles your German Shepherd and helps relieve the pain of achy joints.

With bolstered edges, your German Shepherd can rest comfortably in any position he chooses to. Cleaning the bed isn’t a huge ordeal either. You can throw the removable zipper cover in the washing machine for a quick rinse, and then clean the actual bedding.

MidWest Quiet Time Pet Bed

After a long day of playing outside, your German Shepherd can plop down in the Midwest Quiet Time Fleece Pet Bed. With stain-resistant material that you won’t need to wash as often, this product requires less maintenance. If your German Shepherd does manage to get the fabric dirty, you can always just pop it in the washing machine for a quick rinse.

For extra comfort, the Midwest bed uses synthetic sheepskin as well as polyester-filled bolsters. During the winter, the bed can keep your German Shepherd warm but then cool them down during the summers.

Chuckit! Travel Bed

One of the issues that can arise when purchasing a dog bed is transportation. Even if the bed fits perfectly in your home, there’s no guarantee that you can cram it into a car or RV. Fortunately, traveling is what the Chuckit! Travel Bed does best.

With a durable construction that’s meant to last wherever you go, the stuffed sack is portable, and can easily fit inside small spaces (like the trunk of your car). If you need to wash the travel bed, there’s no hassle involved: all you need to do is place it inside the washing machine for a quick clean.

Precision Pet Products Chevron Chenille Gusset Low Bumper Pet Bed

While some beds might promise comfort, not all of them can deliver as well as the Precision Pet Products Chevron Chenille Gusset Low Bumper Pet Bed can. The cozy fabric features a bumper that allows your German Shepherd to cuddle up in any position they want to.

Keep in mind that purchasing this bed might not only be a good decision for your German Shepherd, but also a smart choice for the environment too: the polyester fill comes from recycled plastic bottles.

Although you can place this bed around the house, it should fit snugly inside most crates, SUVs or mobile homes too.

Petmate Suede & Plush Antimicrobial Orthopedic Deluxe Pet Bed

Although some beds might be comfortable for your German Shepherd to lay in, they can quickly accumulate bacteria growth. Unlike dirt or grime, not all odors come out after a few rinses in the washing machine. Fortunately, that isn’t a problem with the Petmate Suede & Plush Antimicrobial Pillow.

The Microban technology is able to stop most odors before they begin as well as prevent the build-up of bacteria on the bed. That being said, if you do need to clean the bed, it’s machine washable. For a little extra comfort, the bed uses faux suede material that is soft against your German Shepherd’s coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my German Shepherd need a bed?

First-time dog owners might question why their German Shepherds need a bed in the first place. The truth is, your Shepherd is a lot like you—they need somewhere cozy they can retreat to during naptime. Dog beds act as your German Shepherd’s personal space. In addition to giving them a comfortable spot for a restful sleep, purchasing a bed for your Shepherd can ensure they don’t end up sleeping in places you don’t want them to.

What is a good bed for German Shepherds that are aggressive chewers?

While durability can vary from bed to bed, you might want to consider investing in one that includes a removable cover if your German Shepherd is an aggressive chewer. This is especially crucial if you’re purchasing an orthopedic bed for a dog that likes to chew. Instead of tearing up the actual bed, the cover will act as a buffer between your dog’s teeth and the material.

What is an orthopedic dog bed?

Much like humans that use orthopedic mattresses, your German Shepherd may need one too. If you’ve got an older dog or one that suffers from joint issues, orthopedic mattresses offer extra cushioning and relief after a long day of play. In some cases, your vet may recommend an orthopedic mattress if your German Shepherd isn’t sleeping well. While more pricey, the soft material of an orthopedic bed can help ensure your Shepherd gets a restful night’s sleep.

Does my German Shepherd need an orthopedic bed?

While orthopedic mattresses are often a great choice for many dogs, your German Shepherd might not need one. Unless your dog is dealing with joint issues or it’s vet-recommended, the cost of purchasing an orthopedic mattress might outweigh the benefits. The last thing you want is to spend tons of money on a mattress that your puppy ends up destroying within a week. If you aren’t sure whether or not you need an orthopedic mattress, you can always double-check with your vet.

How expensive are German Shepherd beds?

The price of the best German Shepherd beds can vary based on what type you decide to purchase. Crate mats or pillow beds, for instance, might only be $10-20 while an orthopedic mattress can range anywhere from $50-200. Keep in mind that a bed might not necessarily be better just because it’s got a bigger price tag. Ultimately, you’ll want to figure out your German Shepherd’s specific needs and preferences before you buy anything.

Conclusion

Finding a dog bed that suits the individual needs of your German Shepherd can be a challenge. Senior dogs might require a softer bed while a growing puppy might need one that they can’t destroy with their teeth.

Along with having several different kinds to pick from, every dog has different preferences too. The good news is that you don’t need to waste your money on a product that won’t survive a week (or one that your German Shepherd will refuse to use). Feel free to try one of the best German Shepherd beds that we’ve reviewed above for you.

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