Dog Bed Size & Foam Thickness Guide
Quick answer: Measure your dog lying down, from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Add about 6 in if your dog sleeps curled up, or 10 to 12 in if they stretch out. Then pick the EachPaw size whose sleeping length covers that number and whose suggested weight range fits your dog.
On this page
What size dog bed do I need?
Your dog needs the EachPaw size whose sleeping length is at least your dog's nose-to-tail length plus 6 to 12 in, and whose suggested weight range includes your dog's weight.
| Size | Sleeping area (L x W) | Foam depth | Suggested dog weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 36 x 20 in | 3 in | Up to 30 lb | $92 |
| Medium | 42 x 24 in | 4 in | 30 to 60 lb | $104 |
| Large | 48 x 30 in | 5 in | 60 to 100 lb | $140 |
| XL | 52 x 36 in | 6 in | 100 lb and up | $188 |
Length and width are the sleeping area, the flat surface your dog lies on. They are not the outside dimensions of the bed, and they don't include the bolster height.
Weight ranges are fit suggestions to help you choose, not tested limits.
See sizes and prices on the bed page
How do I measure my dog?
Measure your dog while they lie on their side, from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, then measure from their back to the tips of their paws for width.
- Wait until they're lying down. Measure in their usual sleeping position. A standing measurement usually reads shorter than a dog stretched out, so if you can only measure standing, use the higher allowance.
- Measure length. Run a tape measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. A second person helps keep the tape straight.
- Add the allowance for their sleeping style. See the table below: about 6 in for curlers, 10 to 12 in for sprawlers.
- Check width. Measure from your dog's back to the tips of their paws while they lie on their side. Compare it with the bed widths: 20, 24, 30 or 36 in.
- Cross-check with their favorite spot. Measure the bed or patch of floor they already like. If it's bigger than your number, trust the bigger number.
- Weigh your dog. Check that the weight falls in the suggested range for the size you picked.
Which size fits my number?
| Your dog's length + allowance | Size to choose |
|---|---|
| Up to 36 in | Small (36 x 20 in) |
| 37 to 42 in | Medium (42 x 24 in) |
| 43 to 48 in | Large (48 x 30 in) |
| 49 to 52 in | XL (52 x 36 in) |
| Over 52 in | XL is the biggest EachPaw size. Your dog may not fit fully stretched out; see "What if my dog is longer than 52 inches?" below. |
See how much room each sleeping style needs
How much room to sprawl?
A dog that sleeps curled in a ball needs about 6 in more than its nose-to-tail length, while a dog that sprawls on its side needs 10 to 12 in more, plus enough width for its legs.
| Sleeping style | Add to nose-to-tail length | Width to check | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curls up in a ball | About 6 in | Width is rarely the limit | A smaller size can work if the weight range fits. |
| Sleeps on their side, legs out | 10 to 12 in | Back to paw tips must fit the bed width | The most common reason to size up. |
| Rests head on the bolster | 6 to 12 in, by how they lie | Body must fit on the flat surface | The bolster is extra; it doesn't add sleeping length. |
| Sleeps on their back, legs up | 10 to 12 in | Check shoulder width plus room to roll | Go up a size if they roll off their current bed. |
| Changes position a lot | Use 12 in | Use the widest measurement you see | Measure in the position that takes the most room. |
| Two dogs sharing | Measure both together | Measure the space both take up | For most pairs that means Large or XL. |
Compare widths on the bed page
Weight or length?
Length matters more for whether your dog fits on the bed, and weight matters more for how much foam depth your dog needs.
- Small: up to 30 lb
- Medium: 30 to 60 lb
- Large: 60 to 100 lb
- XL: 100 lb and up
When length and weight point to different sizes, choose the larger one. If your dog sits close to a line (around 30, 60 or 100 lb), choose the bigger size too.
How thick should foam be?
Dog bed foam should get thicker as your dog gets heavier. On the EachPaw bed, foam depth comes with the size: 3 in on Small, 4 in on Medium, 5 in on Large and 6 in on XL, so heavier dogs get deeper foam.
A heavier dog presses further into a bed, which is why depth grows with each size. You can't order a Medium with 6 in foam, so if depth is your main concern, size up.
For any bed, a quick check: press your palm hard into the middle. If you can feel the floor, the foam is too thin for a heavy dog.
The 5 in Large is the suggested fit for 60 to 100 lb dogs, including 85 to 100 lb dogs. Choose the XL, with 6 in foam, for dogs over 100 lb or dogs that need the extra length.
See foam depth by size on the bed page
Is too big a bed a problem?
A slightly roomy dog bed is rarely a problem; the main downsides of going too big are the floor space it takes and less of an edge for dogs who like to lean against something.
On the EachPaw bed, the bolster at one end gives your dog an edge to lean on whatever the size. For puppies, buy for the size your dog will be as an adult.
Check your number against the size table
Bigger bed for a senior dog?
Don't undersize a bed for a senior dog: older dogs tend to shift position more and benefit from room to lie flat instead of curling tight.
If an older dog is between sizes or close to a weight line, go up a size.
Check your number against the size table
Large or XL for 80 lb+?
For an 80 lb+ dog, choose the Large if your dog is under 100 lb and fits 48 in with the allowance added, and choose the XL if your dog is 100 lb or more, long-bodied, or sprawls.
Read the full guide to choosing a bed for a big dog
How do I keep the bed clean?
The EachPaw cover unzips from the underside and goes in the washer; the foam insert never does.
Cover care: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle; tumble dry low. Chlorine or oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) is safe.
Foam insert care: Never put the foam in the washer or dryer. Spot-clean it by blotting with mild soap and water, then let it air-dry completely.
Sizing FAQ
What size bed does a 50 lb dog need?
A 50 lb dog usually fits the Medium (42 x 24 in, 4 in foam), the suggested size for 30 to 60 lb dogs. Choose Large if your dog measures more than 42 in from nose to base of tail plus the allowance, or sprawls.
What size for a 70 to 90 lb dog?
The Large (48 x 30 in, 5 in foam) is the suggested fit for a 70 to 90 lb dog, since it suits 60 to 100 lb dogs. Choose XL if your dog is long-bodied or sprawls.
Are sizes inside or outside?
EachPaw sizes are the inside sleeping area, the flat surface your dog lies on. The outside of the bed is bigger because of the sides and bolster.
Does the bolster count?
No. The EachPaw measurements don't include the bolster, which is a raised headrest at one end in addition to the sleeping area.
What if my dog is longer than 52 inches?
The XL (52 x 36 in) is the largest EachPaw size, so a dog longer than 52 in with the allowance may not fit fully stretched out. Resting their head on the bolster can help; measure how your dog actually sleeps, and use the 90-day comfort trial on beds bought directly from EachPaw.
What size bed should I buy for a puppy?
Buy a puppy the size that fits their expected adult weight and length, not their current size. Use the adult weight range in the size table; if you're unsure, size up, since size exchanges are allowed during the 90-day comfort trial on beds bought directly from EachPaw.
Can two dogs share one EachPaw bed?
Two dogs can share an EachPaw bed if the sleeping area fits the space they take up together. Measure them sleeping side by side; for most pairs that means Large or XL.
What if I pick the wrong size?
Beds bought directly from EachPaw come with a 90-day comfort trial, and size exchanges are allowed during the trial, so you can switch if the first size doesn't fit.
Read how the comfort trial works
Ready to choose?
Pick your size on the bed page. The EachPaw bed is recommended by our 20+ veterinarian partners.
Every size qualifies for free shipping (orders $75 and up after discounts, contiguous US and DC) and ships in 1 to 2 business days. Beds bought directly from EachPaw include a 90-day comfort trial and a 10-year warranty.