Choosing a Dog Bed for a Big Dog
Quick answer: For dogs 60 to 100 lb, the EachPaw Large (48 x 30 in sleeping area, 5 in foam, $140) is the suggested fit. For dogs over 100 lb, long-bodied dogs and dogs that sprawl, the XL (52 x 36 in, 6 in foam, $188) is the suggested fit. Before you buy, check your floor space, how your dog gets on and off, and how you'll wash a big cover.
On this page
- What size for a large dog?
- How thick for a big dog?
- Large or XL for my dog?
- How much floor space?
- Easy to get on and off?
- Has my dog's bed gone flat?
- Does the bed sleep warm?
- How do I wash a big cover?
- What does the bed look like?
- Who shouldn't buy this bed?
- Best bed for a Great Dane?
- Big dog bed FAQ
- Ready to choose?
What size for a large dog?
A large dog needs a bed whose sleeping length is at least its nose-to-tail length plus about 6 in if it curls up, or 10 to 12 in if it stretches out. For most dogs 60 lb and up, that's the EachPaw Large or XL.
| Large | XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping area | 48 x 30 in | 52 x 36 in |
| Foam depth | 5 in | 6 in |
| Suggested dog weight | 60 to 100 lb | 100 lb and up |
| Price | $140 | $188 |
Sizes are the sleeping area, not the outside of the bed, and don't include the bolster height. Weight ranges are fit suggestions, not limits.
Measure your dog with the size guide
How thick for a big dog?
A big dog needs deeper foam because a heavier dog presses further into a bed; the EachPaw Large has 5 in of foam and the XL has 6 in, compared with 3 in on Small and 4 in on Medium.
Foam depth comes with the size, so you can't add depth to a smaller bed. On any bed, 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. The XL has 6 in foam for dogs over 100 lb.
Compare foam depth on the bed page
Large or XL for my dog?
Choose the EachPaw Large if your dog is 60 to 100 lb and measures 48 in or less with the allowance added; choose the XL if your dog is 100 lb or more, long-bodied, sprawls, or shares the bed with another dog.
| If your dog... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Is 60 to 100 lb and curls up or sleeps on their side | Large |
| Measures 48 in or less with the allowance | Large |
| Is 100 lb or more | XL |
| Measures 49 to 52 in with the allowance | XL |
| Sprawls flat out with legs extended | XL |
| Shares the bed with another dog | XL (measure both together) |
XL is 4 in longer, 6 in wider and 1 in deeper than Large, and costs $48 more.
Compare Large and XL on the bed page
How much floor space?
A big dog bed takes more floor space than its listed size, because EachPaw sizes are the sleeping area and the sides and bolster add to the outside of the bed.
- Measure the spot where the bed will go, and leave a few inches spare on every side.
- Check doorways and the path into the room if you plan to move the bed around.
- If the space only fits a Large, a Large your dog can stretch out on is better than an XL squeezed into a corner.
See every size in the size guide
Easy to get on and off?
A bed with open sides and a raised headrest at only one end is easier for a big or older dog to step onto; the EachPaw bed has its bolster at one end, so your dog can walk on from the front or sides instead of climbing over a wall. The edge your dog steps over is the foam depth: 5 in on Large and 6 in on XL.
- Bolster at one end: it gives your dog a place to rest their head, while the rest of the bed stays open for stepping on and stretching out.
- Sleeping style: curlers and side sleepers usually fit a Large. Sprawlers and long-bodied dogs often need the XL's extra 4 in of length and 6 in of width.
- Non-slip bottom: the EachPaw bed has a non-slip bottom.
- Placement: put the bed where your dog can approach it from the open side, away from stairs.
Check sleeping-style allowances in the size guide
Has my dog's bed gone flat?
A dog bed has gone flat when you can feel the floor through your dog's usual spot, or that spot stays lower than the edges after your dog gets up.
- Press your palm into the spot where your dog sleeps most, then into a corner. Compare the two.
- Look for a dip that doesn't recover after your dog gets up.
- Take a photo with the date if you see a change, so you have a record.
The EachPaw bed has a 10-year warranty that covers the bed flattening. It doesn't cover chewing or accidents.
Email support@eachpaw.com with your order number and photos
Does the bed sleep warm?
No. The EachPaw bed doesn't sleep warm. The sleeping surface is white faux fur over a memory-foam base.
See the bed's materials on the bed page
How do I wash a big cover?
To wash a big EachPaw bed, unzip the cover from the underside, slide out the one-piece foam insert, and machine wash only the cover; the foam never goes in the washer or dryer.
- Unzip the cover along the underside.
- Slide out the foam. The base and bolster are one connected insert, so there's one piece to handle.
- Wash the cover on its own so a big cover has room to move in the drum.
- Keep the foam out of the washer and dryer.
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.
A charcoal woven backup cover is sold separately in all four sizes, so your dog can stay on the bed on wash days.
Read how to wash the cover, step by step
What does the bed look like?
EachPaw customers send photos of their dogs on the bed, with the raised bolster at one end and the white faux-fur surface.
Find your dog's size in the size guide
Who shouldn't buy this bed?
The EachPaw bed isn't the right choice if your dog is longer than about 52 in with the allowance added, chews bedding, or you need a waterproof bed.
- Not chew-proof. If your dog chews bedding, supervise them on the bed until you know how they treat it.
- Not waterproof. The cover is machine-washable and bleach-safe, but liquid can soak through to the foam.
- Very long dogs. XL (52 x 36 in) is the biggest size. A dog that needs more length may not fit fully stretched out.
Free shipping on orders $75 and up after discounts (contiguous US and DC). Ships in 1 to 2 business days. Beds bought directly from EachPaw come with a 90-day comfort trial and a 10-year warranty.
Read how the comfort trial works
Best bed for a Great Dane?
For most Great Danes, the EachPaw XL is the size to choose: a 52 x 36 in sleeping area on 6 in of foam, suggested for dogs 100 lb and up. A Dane that sleeps fully stretched out may be longer than 52 in, so measure first.
| Feature | EachPaw XL |
|---|---|
| Suggested dog weight | 100 lb and up |
| Sleeping area | 52 x 36 in |
| Foam depth | 6 in, the deepest EachPaw makes |
| Step-on edge | 6 in, the same as the foam depth |
| Bottom | Non-slip |
| Price | $188 |
Will my Dane fit on an XL?
A Great Dane fits on the XL if their nose-to-tail length plus the allowance is 52 in or less. Many adult Danes measure more than that fully stretched out, so the XL suits Danes that curl up, sleep on their side with legs bent, or rest their head on the bolster.
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while your Dane lies down.
- Add about 6 in if they curl up, or 10 to 12 in if they sprawl.
- If the total is 52 in or less, the XL fits. If it's more, your Dane may hang off the end when stretched flat.
Size exchanges are allowed during the 90-day comfort trial on beds bought directly from EachPaw.
See the allowance for each sleeping style
Is 6 in of foam enough?
For most Great Danes, 6 in is EachPaw's suggested depth: it's the deepest EachPaw makes, and it's the foam on the XL for dogs 100 lb and up. Some beds sold for giant breeds use 7 in or more, so compare foam depth if that matters to you.
Getting on and cleaning
The XL is open at the front and sides, so your Dane steps over the 6 in foam edge, not a wall. More in Easy to get on and off?
Most drool and hair stay on the cover, which unzips from the underside and goes in the washer. Drool can soak through to the foam; spot-clean the foam if it does. See How do I wash a big cover?
Big dog bed FAQ
Large or XL: what differs?
The EachPaw Large has a 48 x 30 in sleeping area with 5 in foam and costs $140. The XL has a 52 x 36 in sleeping area with 6 in foam and costs $188, so it is 4 in longer, 6 in wider and 1 in deeper.
What size for an 80 lb dog?
The EachPaw Large is the suggested fit for an 80 lb dog, since it suits 60 to 100 lb dogs. Choose the XL if your 80 lb dog is long-bodied or sprawls, or if you want the 6 in foam.
Is there a weight limit?
EachPaw doesn't publish a weight limit. The weight ranges are suggestions to help you pick a size that fits your dog.
Is a spare cover included?
No. The charcoal woven backup cover is sold separately in all four sizes.
What if the bed isn't right?
Beds bought directly from EachPaw come with a 90-day comfort trial, and size exchanges are allowed during the trial, so you can switch between Large and XL. Every bed has a 10-year warranty.
Ready to choose?
The EachPaw bed is recommended by our 20+ veterinarian partners.
Pick a size: Large, 48 x 30 in, 5 in foam, $140 or XL, 52 x 36 in, 6 in foam, $188.