The 11 Best Large Dog Beds Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024

Getting the best dog bed is an important task for every pet parent, especially if we consider the fact that dogs tend to spend most of their free time sleeping. 

Not only this, but the bed is often a source of comfort and safety for our canine friends - a space they can truly consider their own.

When it comes to choosing a dog bed for large dogs however, the task becomes more difficult and more important.

This is why our 'Best Large Dog Beds' guide is dedicated to finding the right bed for your dog in large sizes. We've got you covered with some points that will help you choose the right bed for your dog.

To help suss out the best of the best, we teamed up with veterinarians, dog behaviourists, and pet parents alike to form our independent panel of experts that tested several dozen varieties. After months of research and discussion, we have found 10 concrete suggestions for a large dog bed, so your big pooch can truly enjoy their nap time. Along with our list ahead, we also share tips on finding the best bed for your larger-breed fur bestie. Let's get started!

Australia's Best Large Dog Beds Reviewed

If you are looking for the best extra-large dog beds in Australia, you actually have quite a few options. We’ve checked out and tested all of them along with our panel of independent experts and agreed to this top 10 list. Take a look!

The Barney Dog Bed is far and away the best dog bed available within Australia (and most likely worldwide) and is one of those universal beds that all dogs would love.

The bed features a 3-layer load bearing orthopedic memory foam design, made from the highest-quality materials that will never sag, ensuring adequate support for the big bones of large dogs. In addition, the outside cover is made from reinforced material that will withstand the test of time (that also easily unzips and is totally machine washable).

Related: The Best Human Dog Beds.

The hundreds of genuine 5 Star reviews on Google reinforce the extremely comfortably design of this bed, as do the reviews from our expert panel whose dogs happily use theirs, long after the trial phase of our research ended! We also love how the bolsters on all four walls provide a calming feeling of protection and support, great for puppies, adults dogs, senior dogs and anxious dogs alike.

The bed comes in the usual small and medium sizes, but what also makes it stand out from the rest is its large, extra-large and extra-extra-large range!

• Large Size - suitable for Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Huskies etc.
• Extra-Large Size - suitable for Bernese Mountain Dog, Greyhound, Ridgebacks etc.
• Extra-Extra-Large (the worlds biggest dog bed) - suitable for Great Danes, Newfoundlands, or multiple dogs that love sharing a bed.

Barney provides a size guide on their website that will list your exact breed and what corresponding bed size should be most suitable. You can also reach out to them through either their online chat, email or over the phone to confirm bed size. 

Finally, shipping is completely free and the beds are delivered straight to your door in a box, usually arriving within 2-3 days.

The Ortho bed from Fur King is about as large as orthopedic dog beds get. The guys at Fur King listened to the wishes of their customers and they now make an XL size which is 155 cm long and 110 cm wide. This is big enough to fit some of the largest canines out there and also works great as a shareable bed for 2 medium dogs!

Besides sheer size, there are more reasons to choose this bed for larger (and heavier) canines. In particular, we are referring to the awesome memory foam base on this bed. The memory foam inside the Ortho is thick and fairly dense, similar to our number one choice, so it will provide adequate support for achy joints even if your dog is quite large.

I especially appreciate how this bed also features a removable cover that can be washed in the washing machine. The cover easily came off with a zipper and I was able to put it back in place in no time. It also features a water resistant layer, and it’s designed to be scratch-proof.

As they get older, dogs (and especially larger breeds), tend to develop issues that impact their mobility like arthritis and achy joints due to hip dysplasia (2). If this is the case, you can make your dog’s life easier by providing a proper supportive bed.

This orthopedic dog bed from Imperial Pet Care features a thick mattress made with premium foam, designed to support the weight of even the largest dogs. Besides the memory foam mattress, this bed also comes with three bolsters on the sides for maximum comfort and security, but most importantly there is an easy access flat entry side for those dogs that have limited mobility. That alone makes it a standout from our first two bed choices, and our independent experts whose own dogs have mobility issues really loved this feature.

In addition, there are extra removable covers for the beds, which allows you to change up materials and colours.

This is a cost effective option that is designed for dogs with special needs in mind.

In short, it's a great bed for large dogs, no matter what age they are. The largest version is 112 cm long which is pretty much as big as it gets.

Large dog beds usually come with high price tags, sometimes even higher than a sofa from IKEA in about the same size! But this bed by MidWest Homes For Pets shows that not every large dog bed needs to break the bank.

The first thing about this model that catches the eye is the plush faux fur cover. It’s so soft to the touch, you can rest assured your pooch will be very comfortable sleeping on it.

Made of a polyester-cotton blend, the bed is very durable and machine -washable. And thanks to the quilted stitching, the padding doesn’t move around from daily use or washing. So when not in use, you can simply fold the bed for easier storage, without worrying the stuffing will migrate and create unsupported spots.

The bed features a bolster cushion around the perimeter, like our number one and number two choices, allowing your canine companion to rest their head for ultimate comfort.

Our panel of experts also noted that the dimensions of the bed make it a great option for a dog crate, but also for use in dog carriers and even in cars. Having such a versatile product saves you the need of having separate ones for each situation, which is always great for your wallet. 

Kopeks is well aware that our large babies have more demanding support requirements than smaller dogs, and that’s why they made this bed specifically for our gentle giants. 

Kopek’s orthopedic foam construction can support over 120 kg of weight, which makes it one of the best XXL dog beds on the market. It prevents the joints from sinking into the mattress, creating no painful pressure points whatsoever.

The science behind it is simple - the support foam layer, which is dense and inflexible, is sandwiched between two comfort foam layers. Furthermore, this bed uses “open-cell” foam, which allows air to move freely throughout it.

This three-stage construction bed won’t flatten like a pancake over time, no matter the amount of use or heft of your four-legged companion.

I also like how the bed comes in 3 colour options: grey, brown & chocolate brown. The cover is removable and safe for machine washing as well as tumble drying. Since it’s made out of strong, tear-resistant microfiber, it holds up well against digging and nesting. It’s water resistant, which means that it’s okay if your dog rushes on it straight from the walk in the rain. However, spilled water will get through the cover. Unlike our third choice, it doesn't include a waterproof liner but you can purchase one separately if this is an issue.

Generally, dogs love sitting on couches. And who’s to blame them, they are so comfy! However, sharing a couch with a large dog is quite the challenge, as they take up most of the sitting space. But, what if your pooch had his own couch? This dog bed from Snooza is basically that - a three-bolster dog sofa your Fido will love more than your ordinary human couch.

The Snooza Ortho Sofa doesn’t just look like a luxury dog bed, though. It has a modern memory foam mattress with a dense foam base which helps regulate the temperature on warm days thus keeping your pooch cooler and more comfortable.

This bed comes in a couple of different sizes and the largest version measures 120 cm long x 80 cm wide, which means even the largest of pups can fit in here. There are two earthy colour options, suitable for any living room. Finally, the cover on this bed is easy to clean like our number two bed choice - just unzip it and put it in the washing machine.

A lot of dogs, mine included, like to make nests and burrow themselves into blankets curled up - this gives them a sense of security and comfort (3). Nowadays, you can find dog beds specifically designed for pooches who like to sleep like that. This bed from Snooza is one of those calming cushions that also comes in an extra-large size, big enough to fit your large snuggler.

The base of the bed is made out of human-grade foam which relieves the joint pressure. The walls are padded with cotton which provides the neck and head with optimum comfort and support. The cotton is so soft to the touch, your dog will feel like he’s sleeping on clouds.

The bed cover is quilted grey on the outside and light grey on the inside. It comes in two colour options, both fancy with a sleek design that will look great in any room. Our panel of independent experts also loved how the backing of the cover has a non-slip rubber, which prevents it from sliding across the hardwood floors when your big pooch jumps on it.

This Snooza bed is ready to go. Once the bed gets dirty, it’s just as easy to get it cleaned. Unzip the cover, put it into the washing machine and set on a gentle or delicate cycle and air dry. You can also vacuum it and spot clean with gentle soap.

Crates are an invaluable tool for dog training at an early age. Dogs who aren’t crate trained and also haven’t had any destructive episodes throughout their growing up period are more of a special case than a norm.

For most crate trained dogs, the crate becomes their safe place, where they spend their time home alone. And you surely don’t want your large pooch to lay on a naked crate floor, so you’ll need to get them a dog crate bed. Consider this memory foam mat a higher-end version of our budget pick at number four. 

BarkBox makes this memory foam mat in different sizes, the largest being a little over 1 metre long and 73 cm wide. The mattress is 10 cm tall so it doesn’t take up much of the crate space while still being fairly comfortable. Our panel of independent experts loved how it’s a combination of ergonomic memory foam which relieves pressure and gel foam for regulating temperature. You can rest assured this mattress will keep your Fido comfortable in any sleeping position.

This bed from BarkBox comes in four neutral colours - espresso, grey, navy, and sand. The cover is made out of plush fabric which is great at hiding hair, fur and dirt, so you don’t have to spend hours cleaning the dog bed when you have guests over. And when the time for cleaning comes, simply unzip the cover and throw it into the washing machine.

If you live in a warm climate (and maybe your dog has a double coat or just lots of fur), getting a dog bed that is not too warm can actually be a challenge. Pillow-style beds, like our number four and number seven choices, can be too toasty, and can become the perfect breeding ground for mites and mould if the weather is hot and humid. 

The solution to this is choosing the best raised dog bed suited to your dog.

The Coolaroo Original Elevated Pet Bed is one of the best raised beds for dogs we have found. It also comes in 3 different sizes, the largest of which is 130 cm long.

This bed also comes with a strong powdered steel frame which can support a lot of weight. The sleeping surface is stretched across the frame and it’s made of breathable and durable high-density polyethylene fabric. The bed is raised approximately 20 cm off the floor, thus ensuring constant airflow underneath the sleeping surface.

Considering all of this, our team of independent experts summarise that it's a great choice for those looking for big dog beds that are easy to maintain. This bed will easily accommodate even the largest canines, and it also works perfectly as a bed for two pets, for example.

As our canine dogs get older, they often start requiring a bit of extra care. This is exactly what you can give them with this orthopedic bed from Dogbed4less.

The most important part of this dog bed is, of course, the mattress. This one is made with 10 cm thick gel-infused solid memory foam. As our independent experts note, the foam used here is just like that in mattresses made for humans, and it will surely provide appropriate support for your dog’s bones and joints.

In addition to this, this bed also features a great cover system. First of all, there is a waterproof internal cover that protects the memory foam mattress and your floors, similar to that of our number eight choice. When it’s on, you can rest assured that nothing will get to the mattress, including not only liquids but also mites and other allergens.

This bed also comes with two interchangeable covers, which I think is great as you can use one while the other one is in the wash. One of the covers is made of real denim that is 100% cotton. The fabric is really durable, but also machine washable. It also has a nice feel to it and won’t cause any allergies, even if your pooch’s skin is very sensitive like my little guy's is. The second cover is made of brown MicroSuede.

Ok, so we squeezed one more in our list. But if you have a Great Dane, a Saint Bernard, or maybe even an English Mastiff, sometimes no bed seems big enough. However, the extra-large canines also deserve to stretch comfortably. Well, if you are looking for an XXXL dog bed, The Dog's Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed XXXL is the largest bed we found made specifically for dogs. And members of our independent team of experts with XXXL-sized doggos won't stop raving about this one!

The largest version of this bed is 162 cm long, which, we must admit, is almost as big as a human bed. This bed was also designed to support more weight - the base features 10 cm of thick dense foam that provides durable stability and 5 cm of orthopedic memory foam on top for optimal support.

As one would expect from any good dog bed, this one also comes with a removable and washable cover. The cover is quite durable and the sleeping surface is made with extra-fluffy fabric. Underneath the cover, there is also a waterproof liner to protect the mattress, like our number eight and number ten beds.

The Criteria To Follow When Buying a Large Dog Bed

Huge dog beds are not as easy to find as beds for tiny dogs. While it can be comical to see your big dog try their best to curl up into a bed obviously not made for their size, once you do find a bed that is big enough, it’s also important to consider it’s characteristics. Here is what our team of independent experts suggest you to look out for:

Material

The material which the dog bed is made of will largely determine how comfortable it is. While you can find many beds that are simply oversized pillows, if you want the ultimate comfort for your pooch, it’s a good idea to choose memory foam that is often found in orthopedic dog beds. It provides better support and moulds to your dog’s body. Orthopedic egg-crate foam is also a good, but less expensive, alternative to memory foam.

Thickness

The material which your dog bed is made from is important, but it’s worth nothing if the mattress is not thick enough. It doesn't matter if you are looking for a large bed for a large dog or for multiple pets, you’ll probably want it to support a lot of weight. That’s why it’s important to look for mattresses that are at least 10 cm thick, or thicker.

Durability

Finally, everyone wants their new dog bed to last more than a month. To ensure that you are getting the best indestructible dog bed, take a good look at what the external cover is made of.

After all, it is the first line of defence against your dog’s “attacks” and any other factors. You’ll want the cover to be washable, but also durable. In general, dog bed covers made with a blend of cotton and polyester tend to perform best.

Related How To Choose The Right Size Dog Bed?

Large Breed Dog Beds & Common Health Concerns

The larger the dog, the larger their skeleton and the amount of weight their bones need to support. Because of this, large and giant breeds tend to be more susceptible to health issues that affect their bones and joints, like arthritis and hip dysplasia.

While we certainly hope your dog will remain healthy throughout his or her life, sometimes this is just not the case. And if you are facing health concerns like these, one of the ways you can help your dog is by getting a supportive orthopedic mattress. Mattresses made of quality memory foam will provide extra comfort and support to your dog's body, which can, in turn, relieve any aching or pain they might feel.

My Final Say  

Choosing a bed for your dog is often an individual decision. It will depend on many factors, like the space in your home where you want to place the bed as well as the needs and preferences of your canine friend.

If you are looking for a quick recommendation, everyone on our expert team thinks the Barney Bed will work in most cases. This bed is well-made, supportive, and is designed for big dogs. If you are looking for something more affordable, though, we recommend the TR Dog Bed since it comes at a more affordable price.

Want to learn more about dog beds? Check out our below guides:

• Puppy Beds
• Heated Dog Beds
• Cooling Dog Mats
• Cave Dog Beds
  
  

References

1. “Hip Dysplasia in Dogs”. May 26, 2022. AKC Staff. AKC. Retrieved April 19, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/
2. Simonson, A. February 7, 2022. “Osteoarthritis (OA) in Dogs”. PetMD. Retrieved April 19, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_multi_arthritis_osteoarthritis 
3. Morris, J. “Why does my dog dig at her bed at night?” November 5, 2018. The Mercury News. Retrieved April 19, 2023. https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/11/05/why-does-my-dog-dig-at-her-bed-at-night/