Great Danes are well known for their giant size and love of sleep. One common questions that owners ask themselves is “what’s the best bed for my Great Dane?” With their large size and higher likelihood for orthopedic issues, it’s important to get them a bed that provides proper support.

The best bed for Great Danes is the Big Barker 7-inch Headrest Edition. It’s specifically designed to provide proper joint support and relieve pressure points for giant breeds like Great Danes, and comes with a fantastic warranty as well.

Best XL Dog Bed for Great Danes

There are lots of dog beds out available ranging from the basic stuffed beds to elevated beds and even high-tech temperature-controlled beds. My tried and true favorite is the Big Barker 7-inch Headrest Edition, tailored specifically for giant breeds like Great Danes.

It’s what I (well, my Danes) personally use!

The bed is designed to eliminate pressure points to create maximum comfortability for your pup. It is made of soft foam that supports the dog’s body and keeps it level and off the hard ground.

Where traditional dog beds are stuffed with random filling, all beds from Big Barker are made with American made foam and are certified by CertiPUR-US to meet standards for content, performance, and durability. This ensures that your Dane will never sink through and end up.

Don’t just take my word for it! Here’s a short video from Dr. Kim Bowers from the All Pets Veterinary Hospital talking about why it’s her favorite bed as well.

Not only is it made from quality fabrics and upholstery to match your interior decor, the bed purchase comes with a 10-year warranty after purchase!! You can buy the bed at Amazon.com.

It’s an easy choice for the lovable giant Dane. Not only is the bed is able to withstand their weight, it is comfortable and stylish as well!

The Runner-up

While purchasing a top-notch bed should save you money in the long run, I realize that price is always a concern. For that reason, I also highly recommend the KOPEKS Deluxe Orthopedic Dog Bed.

This bed also provides 7-inches of memory foam support and a three-quarters headrest. Its soft micro-suede cover is removable and machine washable.

A secondary waterproof liner is also provided to further protect the memory foam from those everyday happenings 😉

Why A Good Dog Bed Is Important

#1 Joint support

We all know that Great Danes are also great sleepers. So much in fact, that most sleep 16-18 hours per day! With all this time spent sleeping, it makes sense that they should be able to do so in a supportive manner.

When dogs sleep on the floor or flimsy beds, they are forced to curl up into whatever space is available and are limited in their movement and sleep positions. Over time this can become harmful to their spine and posture.

This is especially true for elderly dogs and Great Danes, who are naturally prone to issues such as hip dysplasia or arthritis.

Many people believe that their Great Danes simply “slow down” due to age. What they don’t realize is that in most cases they only slowdown because movement causes pain or discomfort. According to Dr. Matt Burke of the Veterinary Orthopedic Sports Medicine Group

“Arthritis and other joint conditions are among the most widely undiagnosed problems in big dogs. Up to 80% of large dogs experience joint pain or soreness as they age.”

Dr. Matt Burke, Veterinary Orthopedic Sports Medicine Group

Think about that statistic for a moment – 8 in 10 large dogs experience joint pain! You could quickly retire a millionaire with those type of odds anywhere else in life.

Providing a proper bed is beneficial not only for older dogs to ease their joints, but it can also help any dog in preventing future spine or structural problems.

Furthermore, a hard or uneven floor and sleeping in uncomfortable positions may also lead to unstable sleep patterns and cause your dog to lose sleep. This can make them irritated and lethargic.

#2 Temperature regulation

Similar to us humans, dogs need to regulate their body temperature. This is especially important for Great Danes due to lean build and short haired coat.

They are very susceptible to temperature change, so what might seem like mildly chilly night to us is probably way colder for the pups sleeping on the floor.

When dogs are exposed to harsh temperatures during the summer or winter months, or for an extended period of time, they become more prone to sickness. Buying a dog bed ensures that your Dane will be comfortable regardless of the weather.

There are different options for temperature regulation beds you are able choose from, such as electric self- warming and cooling beds and elevated dog beds. These may not be necessary unless in cases of extreme inclement weather.

#3 Save your furniture!

Let’s face it, some of your flooring, favorite rugs, or even expensive couches have probably taken a beating from your Great Dane.

Some dogs love to circle around, scratch, dig or burrow before settling down for a night’s rest. This wear and tear can quickly add up and lead to repairs or even the need to replace furniture.

A dog bed is a designated space for your dog to get comfortable without doing damage to your goods! Not to mention sparing them from collecting pounds of drool and hair!

#4 a place to call home

Dogs are naturally territorial so it makes sense that you should give your Dane their own designated space.

Great Danes don’t require much exercise as it is, so they need somewhere they can relax and feel safe 24/7.

By providing them with a bed, you create a stress-free sanctuary for your pet that they can access anytime to get their snooze on.

Common Great Dane Bed Questions

1. How do I know what size is best for my dog?

Whether you go with one of my recommended beds or not, picking the correct bed size is still important. Let’s face it, no one wants to sleep on a tiny bed!

To find out how big of a bed to get for your dog, consider how long the width needs to be in order for the dog to be able to spread out comfortably. To do this, have your dog stand up straight and measure from the bottom of their paw to the top of their shoulder.

You will need to add 3-4 inches to that to come to an efficient width. Make sure to leave plenty of room to grow into the bed if you’re purchasing for a Great Dane puppy!

2. Are orthopedic dog beds worth it?

For Great Dane owners, opting for an orthopedic dog bed may prove to be beneficial in the long run.

Since these are constructed with dogs who need some extra support in mind, they can make your dog comfortable sooner and prevent from developing worse joint conditions.

Plus, orthopedic beds are usually made with quality materials so they don’t need to be replaced as often as traditionally stuffed beds would need to be.

3. But what if my dog eats their bed?!

Although they may need somewhere to sleep, dogs tend to have a knack for chewing on inappropriate things, especially new or particularly fluffy things like their beds.

It is a natural occurrence since dogs explore this way, but dog owners are not usually keen to coming home to ripped bedding. To keep your dog from chewing on his bed, try introducing a new chew toy or bone as a distraction.

This will capture their attention and train them to chew on other things besides their bed.

You can also attempt to train your dog to not chew by using tactics like spraying water or clapping. When a dog is under stress, they may display odd behavior like chewing. Be conscious of the situations your dog is in and try to create a stress-free environment as much as possible.

Putting The Topic To Rest 😉

Your furry best friend deserves more than to just sleep on the floor or on a cheap and chunky bed.

It is more than just a stuffed square to sleep on—it helps your dog develop a space and sense of privacy and security, develops good sleeping habits, and affects their health in a positive way.

There are also great benefits for Great Dane owners as well like keeping your house clean and furniture intact. When choosing a dog bed for your pup, be sure to keep these tips in mind so you both can sleep soundly!