How to Choose a Hooded/Dome Dog Bed

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Published

31 May 2020

What Is the Right Size for a Hooded/Dome Dog Bed?
What Is the Best Material for a Hooded/Dome Dog Bed?
What Is the Best Hooded/Dome Dog Bed for Specific Conditions?
Quick Tips

Who doesn't enjoy a good snuggle? Certainly not your dog! The perfect hooded/dome dog bed will allow your pet to feel cozy and safe in a warm, burrow-like environment.

That's why choosing a hooded/dome dog bed for them shouldn't be a random or rushed purchase: you need to take into consideration both your dog's personal needs and practical 'human' concerns such as washability and odors.

Let's help you find a woofing great bed for your best friend!

What Is the Right Size for a Hooded/Dome Dog Bed?

The right size for a hooded/dome dog bed depends on how big your dog is or, if it's still a puppy, on how much it's expected to grow. Don't make the mistake of skimping on size just because you're worried that their bed might not fit in that perfect spot in your living room! The comfort of your pet should be the only thing you take into account.

Watch your dog sleep: does it curl up? Does it stretch its legs often? Try and measure it, too!
While you should make sure that your dog has enough space, bigger isn't always better: a hooded/dome dog bed that is far too large won't make a tiny dog feel comfy, safe and protected;
If you have a small dog (less than 25 lbs) like a pug or a shih tzu, an 18x18" bed that is 3.5-5" high will be just fine;
A medium-sized bed (25x25" and at least 5" high) will work better for Scottish terriers, beagles, Schnauzers, and dogs that are between 25 and 40 lbs;
Larger dogs like Cocker Spaniels, boxers, bulldogs and those weighing between 40 and 70 lbs need at least 35x35";
Have you got a Scooby Doo-like big boy? For larger breeds like German shepherds, Dalmatians or Rottweilers (over 70 lbs), aim around 40-45".

What Is the Best Material for a Hooded/Dome Dog Bed?

When it comes to colors and designs, the choice is all yours (want your room to feel cohesive? Go for the main accent color!). However, the most important thing is to make sure that your hooded/dome dog bed is well-padded, hygienic, and makes your little four-legged friend feel comfortable.

Most hooded/dome dog beds are made of synthetic materials like polyester and filled with soft foam;
To avoid odors, dirt and fleas, you must be able to wash them often, so it's always better to look for a model that includes a removable cover;
Wool can help keep your dog warm, whereas cotton is a great breathable alternative, but both these materials make the bed harder to clean and vacuum if your dog sheds a lot of fur;
Does your naughty little friend like to chew on things? Go for a durable nylon cover and avoid expensive extra features;
Cedar-filled beds do a fantastic job of repelling odors, and can even make your dog smell nicer the more they roll in it;
If your dog sleeps on the patio, you could go for wicker designs, as long as you have a roof to protect them from the rain; if there's no roof or you're planning on leaving their bed in the garden, dog houses would be a much better choice;
Does your dog join you on your camping trips? Then we recommend purchasing a separate waterproof sleeping bag for dogs: they often follow a similar hooded design which can help them feel more at ease, but they wouldn't be comfortable enough for them to sleep in every single night for years.

What Is the Best Hooded/Dome Dog Bed for Specific Conditions?

As well as the pros and cons of different materials, you might want to consider these additional features if your dog has specific requirements:

Is your dog rather old or suffers from joint problems? Then choose orthopedic cushioning or memory foam beds;
Dogs with long hair, a thick fur or living in particularly warm climates can easily overheat during the night: look for a dog bed with a cooling function, for example one that includes a cooling gel foam top, with microgel beads that reduce the heat by one to two degrees;
Beds made of natural fabrics like cotton or wool are a safer bet for sensitive dogs that suffer from allergies, as they avoid the chemicals involved in the production of synthetic fibers;
If your little friend suffers from incontinence, look for a waterproof bed, for example one that is made of nylon.

Quick Tips

Do you want to make sure that you won't get woken up at night by an annoyed, uncomfortable dog? Remember these points in order to find a howling, wagging-tail approved hooded/dome dog bed:

Measure your dog when it's sleeping, and check whether it stays curled up or stretches a lot
Its bed should be big enough to sleep in it comfortably, but not so big that your dog no longer feels cozy and protected
Very small dogs will only need a 18x18x3.5/5" bed, medium-sized dogs (between 25 and 50 lbs) should be allowed around 25x25x5", bigger dogs (up to 70 lbs) need at least 35 inches, whereas the largest breeds might even need a 40/45" bed
Go for a bed with a removable cover, so that you can wash it often and avoid unpleasant smells
Synthetic beds filled with foam are the most popular choice, and particularly easy to clean if your dog sheds lots of fur, but hypoallergenic and natural materials like cotton and wool should be prioritized for sensitive dogs
Specific requirements and features should also be taken into account if your dog is particularly old, has joint problems, or suffers from incontinence.