7 Best German Shepherd Dog Beds

A quality dog bed is a key investment for any German Shepherd owner. Sure, your dog may love to sprawl out on the floor (or maybe even the couch or your bed!), but it’s nice for your pooch to have a comfy place to call their own. This guide will help you locate the best German Shepherd dog beds on the market today.

If you’re in the market for a dog bed for your German Shepherd, this guide has everything you need to know – from things to consider before buying (such as your dog’s sleeping style) to the best dog beds for german shepherds and large breeds.

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links I get a small commission at no additional cost to you 🙂 .

Benefits of selecting the right bed for your dog

Think about how great you feel after a good night’s sleep – and then think about how a sleepless night can ruin your entire day!

Your dog’s sleep quality is important as well, and that’s one reason why you should put some extra thought into choosing the right bed. Here are a few benefits of selecting the perfect bed for your dog.

• Sense of security: A dog bed offers your pooch their own special place to claim as their own. It’s a cozy spot your GSD can always escape to if your household gets a little hectic.

• Comfy and cozy: A dog bed gives your pup a little extra cushioning and insulation from the cold, hard floor. This is especially important if you have an older dog, or any dog with arthritis or other joint issues.

• An alternative to the couch: Dog beds aren’t just for your dog – they also protect your home from becoming a dog hair disaster! If your dog has a bed to curl up on at night or during naptime, your dog is less likely to hop on your bed or couch.

Things to consider before purchasing a dog bed

Here are a few helpful tips and questions to ask yourself before making the purchase of a new dog bed for your German Shepherd.

• Age: Don’t buy a fancy dog bed for a young puppy (especially a German Shepherd pup) – or be prepared for a snowstorm of stuffing! And if you have an older dog with arthritis, you may need a bed that offers a little more support to keep them comfortable. Orthopedic beds are great for this.

• Size: Consider the size of your dog. Is she full-grown, or does she need a bed that she can grow into? Also, consider the size of your house or room where you plan on putting the bed. Do you have room for an extra-large dog bed?

• Sleeping Style: Does your dog love to sprawl out in all directions, hang off, lean against a headrest, or curl up in a ball? Allie is a stretched out sleeper – so the bigger the bed, the better!

• Cleaning: Some beds deteriorate if you throw them in the wash, so consider how easily a bed can be cleaned. Does it have a cover that you simply zip off and toss in the washer?

Measuring your German Shepherd for a new bed

Not sure which size of bed your dog needs? Here are a few tips.

• Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.

• If your dog likes to sleep stretched out (like Allie), you may want to go up a size, so your pup has plenty of room to sleep comfortably.

• Also, if you’re purchasing a dog bed with bolsters, you should probably order one size up.

Different styles and types of dog beds

• Standard Dog Beds: This is your basic cushion or pillow, typically without any edges. They come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. These simple dog beds work for just about any dog – and you can find them relatively cheap, so they’re a great choice for a destructive German Shepherd pup.

• Nest or Donut Dog Beds: These types of dog beds are “beefed up” standard dog beds with a boost – they feature cushiony rims around the edge, making it easy for your dog to snuggle in. Nest beds may only have a bolster on one side, while donut beds are typically round and have a pillow-soft edge all the way around. These beds are perfect for pooches that like to curl up.

• Orthopedic Dog Beds: For older dogs (or any dog with joint problems such as arthritis), orthopedic dog beds are a must. These are made with a specialized foam padding that conforms to your dog’s body and gives extra support.

• Kennel Dog Beds: Just as the name says, these dog beds are made to fit perfectly inside a kennel. If your dog spends a lot of time in a crate or kennel while you’re away at work, then consider adding a kennel bed for a little extra comfort. They’re very easy to clean, and most are water-resistant as well.
• If you are looking for the best dog crates for German Shepherds click here.

• Raised Dog Beds: Elevated dog beds are another unique twist on a regular dog bed. If you have a cold floor, these are a great option. Or you can use them outside to keep your pup up and out of the dirt (and the insects!).

• Travel Dog Beds: If you and your dog love traveling and adventure, then you may want a separate travel dog bed to take on the road. Travel dog beds are similar to standard dog beds but roll up for easy storage in a suitcase or car trunk.

• Cooling Dog Beds: Depending on where you live, your German Shepherd may easily overheat – especially after rough and rowdy playtime. Cooling dog beds are filled with water or gel and have a cooling sensation that furry dogs really love.

• Heated Dog Beds: On the other hand, if you live in a cold climate, your pup may need a little extra warmth during those long, cold winters. Heated dog beds are like heating pads or electric blankets, giving your dog a warm, relaxing place to sleep. These beds are also amazing for dogs with achy joints.

Best dog beds for German Shepherds

When it comes to German Shepherd dog beds (or dog beds for large breeds in general), there are many options available and it’s often overwhelming. So, to help you pinpoint the perfect bed for your pup’s naptime, here are a few dog beds that top my list. 

Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed

This is the king of orthopedic dog beds – but this premium bed does come with a premium price. 

For a German Shepherd, I recommend getting the extra large (or possibly even giant) sized bed.

What I love:

• Durable and supportive 7-inch foam core
• Bolster for head and neck support
• Great 10-year warranty
• Great for older dogs
• Large sizes available for larger breeds
• Great for dogs with arthritis or orthopedic issues

Possible downsides: 

• Pretty pricey
• Not waterproof (but you can purchase liner)

And the verdict is…

It’s easy to see why the Big Barker has a loyal following of customers who absolutely love this dog bed. You can’t beat the quality or comfort of this bed!

PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed

This PetFusion orthopedic bed offers up a great (and slightly less expensive) alternative to the Big Barker, without sacrificing too much comfort or quality.

For a German Shepherd, I recommend getting the jumbo-sized bed, which also features a thicker base.

What I love:

• Comfortable 6-inch memory foam base (on jumbo size)
• Bolster for head and neck support
• Waterproof and easy to clean
• Large sizes available for larger breeds
• Great for dogs with arthritis or orthopedic issues

Possible downsides: 

• Some consumers question the durability of the cover
• Sizes run a bit small

And the verdict is…

This is a top-notch bed that lives up to its name as one of the ultimate options for an orthopedic dog bed. And it won’t break the bank!

The Dog’s Bed Premium Orthopedic Dog Bed

If your German Shepherd loves to sprawl out and relax, then this is The Dog’s Bed Premium Orthopedic is the perfect dog bed!

For a German Shepherd, I recommend getting the XXL sized bed.

What I love:

• Super comfortable and thick foam base (6-inches total)
• Waterproof and easy to clean
• Perfect for dogs that love to stretch out for naptime
• Large sizes available for larger breeds
• Great for dogs with arthritis or orthopedic issues

Possible downsides: 

• It’s a fairly basic bed, which may not suit all dogs

And the verdict is…

When it comes to my own German Shepherd’s preferences, this bed wins the day! It’s the perfect mix of value and comfort, Allie loves this bed.

Kopeks Orthopedic Dog Bed

With its orthopedic grade memory foam, the Kopeks dog bed rivals many high-end mattresses, ensuring your pup gets a grade A night’s sleep.

For a German Shepherd, I recommend getting the extra-large sized bed.

What I love:

• Supportive orthopedic grade, hypoallergenic memory foam core (7-inches)
• Great for dogs with arthritis or orthopedic issues
• Bolster for head and neck support
• Waterproof and anti-slip bottom
• Large sizes for larger breeds

Possible downsides: 

• Not the most durable cover or zipper

And the verdict is…

If you’re looking for human-level comfort for your pampered pooch, this is an excellent dog bed – especially for older dogs suffering from arthritis.

FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed

Don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a bed? Check out the FurHaven dog bed.

For a German Shepherd, I recommend getting the jumbo (or possibly even jumbo plus) sized bed.

What I love:

• Comfy 4-inch foam core
• Bolster for head and neck support
• Great price
• Large sizes for larger breeds

Possible downsides: 

• Uses an egg crate foam core, which isn’t the highest quality
• Not ideal for the largest or heaviest dogs

And the verdict is…

The price is extra nice on this orthopedic dog bed. While it’s not as high-quality as the others on this list, it’s still much comfier than just a basic dog bed. 

Majestic Suede Dog Bed

There aren’t a lot of options out there for large breed dogs that love that “nest” feeling of a donut bed. Luckily, there’s the Majestic dog bed.

What I love:

• Super plush and soft
• Bolster for head and neck support
• Waterproof and easy to clean
• Perfect for dogs that like to curl up to sleep

Possible downsides: 

• Might be small for extra-large dogs
• Not as supportive as an orthopedic bed

And the verdict is…

If your dog loves to cocoon themselves in a little ball of dreamy plushness, then this is the bed you need!

Baby Mattress – A Surprisingly Great Dog Bed Option

When you bring home a German Shepherd puppy, you may not realize at first just how destructive that adorable ball of fur can be. But trust me, dog beds don’t stand a chance once a German Shepherd puppy starts chewing!

When Allie was a pup, I went through many (many) dog beds and crate mats because she destroyed everything.

I finally got so frustrated that I just stopped buying them altogether – I figured she wasn’t ready for a “big girl” bed, so she would just have to sleep on the floor until her chewing slowed.

A few weeks later, I happened to see a post on a German Shepherd forum about dog beds for pups. One comment recommended a baby mattress, and lots of people agreed that this was a great option.

A baby mattress is an excellent option for a younger German Shepherd who’s likely to destroy any fancy (and expensive!) dog bed.

They’re 52-inches long and wide enough for your dog to stretch out. And if your dog eventually outgrows it, you can invest in a premium dog bed at that stage.

Final Thoughts

Congrats! You are now armed with the knowledge to select the best German Shepherd dog beds.

Are there any other dog beds your German Shepherds love? Let me know in the comments.