Are you a pet owner who owns a large breed, or giant breed, dog? If so, you know how fast they tend to grow. Before you know it, they’re hitting that 20 pound mark. You’re wondering how your little puppy turned into such a “big boy” or “big girl”. They sure are growing out of that tiny bed you bought them fast.

Working in the pet industry, I’ve seen a lot of things. There’s one image that resonates through my mind often. That image is of a large dog trying to fit in a bed that, at one point in time, they did fit in. Just picture it: a HUGE Great Dane attempting to fit in a bed that’s the perfect size for a Yorkshire Terrier. There’s no doubt that it’s a cute sight. But, at the same time, there’s NO WAY that’s comfortable for the giant breed.

Finding the Right Bed for Your Large Breed Dog

Let’s clear the air some before we dive right in on finding the right bed for your large breed dog. Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish if you own a large breed or not. Especially if your dog is still a young puppy. You may have NO idea how big your puppy is going to get. This can be hard even if you know who both the puppies parents are.

What Will Be Your Puppy’s Adult Weight?

According to Pet Education, there’s a general rule when it comes to distinguishing how big your puppy will be. When your puppy is around 4 months old, you’ll want to make sure you get a weight. Because, as a rule, your pet will be double that weight as an adult dog.

Let’s use the Great Dane for example again. A Great Dane who is only 4 months old may weigh as little as 45 pounds. While others may weigh as much as 65 pounds. In general, with most breeds, male dogs are larger than their female counterparts.

So, let’s say your Great Dane is 4 months old. Your sweet puppy is weighing in at an astonishing 65 pounds. Which is probably equivalent to about 11 Yorkshire Terriers! You should probably expect your puppy to reach as much as 160 pounds as an adult. In some cases, your pup may weigh more than YOU do.

Large/Giant Breed Dog Bed Features to Look For

Alright, now you’re the proud owner of a large (or giant) breed dog. You’re excited about your new puppy. Plus, it seems as if all the “cute” options are all aimed at smaller dogs. So, obviously, it’s hard not to grab that cute, tiny polka dot bed with the ribbons.

STOP! I get it. These items are cute. But, with a large breed, your pup isn’t going to be using these smaller items for long. My first recommendation is to go ahead and splurge on the larger options available. In all honesty, you’ll probably be replacing some things pretty soon anyways. Especially if your pup doesn’t have a lot to keep him or her occupied. We all know how feisty puppies can get.

Like I said above, the first thing you’ll want to take into consideration is how big your puppy will eventually be. Dog beds come in all different shapes and sizes. Another thing to take into consideration is where you will have your bed. Will you crate train your dog? If so, you’ll want to make sure the dog bed you choose will fit inside the crate you plan on using.

If you have a large, or even small breed, I hope the chart below will come in handy when choosing the right size bed for your beloved pooch.

Aside from size, you’ll also want inspect the durability of the bed. Especially since we know sometimes puppies can become a little destructive. I mean, how many dog meme’s of dogs being caught beside “exploding beds” make you laugh every day?

We may think that bed stuffing all over the house is hilarious. This is especially true when a seemingly guilty dog is standing beside the disaster. But, this scene isn’t always fun for the dog owner. In addition to the clean up, it means more money coming out of the dog owner’s pocket. They will now have to replace the dog bed.

As a dog owner, you’ll want to ensure that the dog bed you pick is high quality and durable. Memory foam dog beds are a great option when it comes to quality and durability. They also have other great features. These beds shape to your dog’s body. Which is a great way to offer their joints great support.

The memory foam material is also very durable. Many also come with waterproof covers. Which, in my opinion, is a MUST HAVE with a puppy OR older dog. We all know that puppies have accidents. The same is true for older dogs. Having a cover that is easy to remove and wash is something you’ll definitely want on your “must have” list.

Why is Finding the Right Bed for Your Large Breed Dog Important?

Finding the right bed for your large breed dog isn’t just about looks. If that was the case, we’d all be internet sensations. Just imagine all the pictures that would take over of huge dogs stuffed in tiny beds. Finding the right bed for your large pooch is about the comfort of your dog. But, it goes above and beyond that. The right bed will also offer health benefits to your dog.

The Benefits of Finding the Right Bed for Your Large Breed Dog

This is especially true when it comes to our larger breed dogs. They need a dog bed that can support their joints. Arthritis is possible for any breed of dog. But, larger breeds do tend to get arthritis at a younger age. Plus, many large breeds already have other conditions that strain their body. One condition that is common among large breeds is hip dysplasia.

Finding the right dog bed for your dog is imperative. Making this decision isn’t just about looks. It’s also about your dog’s comfort.

The right dog bed doesn’t just supply your dog with a comfy place to lay his or her head every day. It also helps ensure your pooch also has the support he or she needs. While, at the same time, promoting overall good health.