The Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds You Should Check Out

If you’ve already started searching for the best dog beds for German Shepherds, you know there are literally hundreds of choices.

And, If you’ve only just begun your search, I’m happy you’re here!

Wherever you are in your search, German Shepherd Corner has brought you the crème de la crème of dog beds for your German Shepherd.

Head Straight to the Comparison Table

You’ll learn about each bed in detail. From the dimensions to the quality as well as the pros and cons.  

Not only that, if you’re interested in orthopedic dog beds, check out this review for more.

By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to choose from the best dog beds for German Shepherds.

If you’ve got time and want to hang around, just use the links below and be magically transported to any section you’re interested in.

Quick Navigation Menu

1. Why You Should Only Consider The Best Beds for German Shepherds
2. Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds: Comparison Table
3. The 3 Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds
   • Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed with Knitted Fabric
   • Armarkat Pet Bed
   • FurHaven Deluxe Dog NAP Bed
4. Buyers Guide for Dog Beds
   • Why You Should Consider Buying a Dog Bed
   • How to Choose the Right Size Bed for Your German Shepherd
   • How to Measure Your Dog
   • Your Dog’s Weight in Important
   • What’s Your Dog’s Favorite Sleeping Position?
5. Different Dog Bed Styles
6. Conclusion

Why You Should Only Consider The Best Beds for German Shepherds

Buying a dog bed for your German Shepherd is an investment in your dog’s comfort and well-being.

To tell what makes one bed better than another, there are several things you must consider…

1. Adult German Shepherds are not lightweight dogs and even the pups are heavy. You need a bed that’s durable, that will stand up to this and not fall apart or end up like a pancake.
2. And what about keeping the bed hygienic and clean? German Shepherds are shed-monsters who shed their coats all year round.  You want a bed that’s super easy for you to clean.
3. A bed that’s hard to clean will always be covered in hair. And if you don’t like the smell of a dog, an easy-to-clean bed is important.
4. Did you know that your GSD sleeps and snoozes between 16 and 18 hours a day?  You love your GSD and you want them to be as comfortable on their bed as you are on yours. So finding a bed that gives them comfort and support is important to you.
5. Portability is another factor to consider. My dogs sleep in different areas depending on the season. I know this sounds strange but living in Southern Africa summers are extremely hot and winters can drop to below freezing. And if you take your dog away on trips or regularly kennel your dogs, a bed that’s easily portable is a must.

Read more below about the best beds for German Shepherds and then read the buyers guide.

The buyer’s guide will help you sort through all the sizes and styles, so you can find a bed you’ll be happy with. And one your dog will love until the cows come home!

The 3 Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds

Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed with Knitted Fabric

Why this is a best bed pick?

If you’re looking for a multi-functional bed that provides comfort during the summer and winter months, the Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed is just what you need.

As a GSD owner, I love the Coolaroo elevated beds for my dogs. And although they each have several beds throughout the house, my dogs always pick their Coolaroo above their other beds. 

This is especially true in the summer months.

The Coolaroo Elevated Bed is made from a high-density, knitted polyethylene fabric unique to Coolaroo.

The fabric allows free airflow which keeps your GSD cool in the summer. A great feature considering your dog has a double coat.

The design is pretty smart because it elevates your dog off the ground with an 8″ raised steel frame. This keeps your dog off hot ground and floor surfaces for even more cooling in the summer.

And in winter your dog is raised off cold surfaces. And the bed can be made even warmer in winter by placing a blanket on top of the Coolaroo and a mattress underneath.

German Shepherds are prone to hot spots. So, especially in the summer months the elevation and breathable material help prevent these from developing.

Also, being elevated off the ground is easy on your dog’s joints and pressure points adding to the comfort for your GSD.

For this reason, it’s great for older dogs too. And from the feedback I’ve heard, it’s easy for German Shepherds with hip dysplasia to climb on and off the bed.

Cleaning the Coolaroo is a breeze. Just brush off the hair and hose down. The knitted fiber means excess water drains off, so no pooling of water in the middle.

It’s quick to dry and won’t rot or attract mildew.

The older version was a little tricky to set up. But Coolaroo’s new setup design makes it quick and easy, with way less “juggling” of parts like in the video below.

Heck, I’m a woman and I set both beds up in no time with nothing else but the Allen key included with each bed.  

Check out this handy YouTube video from the manufacturer for easy step-by-step instructions.

The extra-large Coolaroo measures 59.8 x 37 x 8.8 inches and a GSD will fit comfortably on the bed with no part of their body hanging off the sides.

The overall design is durable since the mesh material won’t sag under the weight of your GSD.

Which is a benefit considering even small, compact German Shepherds are heavy.  And because of the Coolaroo’s unique design, the bed is not easily chewed on.

The black foldable steel frame makes this bed easy to move around, store, or travel with.

With all these features, the Coolaroo will provide excellent sleep and comfort for your dog.  Your GSD will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

It’s ultra hygienic and a ‘no-headache option. It’s clear to see why the Coolaroo elevated Bed is one of the best beds for German Shepherds.

Click here to see the Coolaroo Elevated Bed on Chewy

Coolaroo Elevated Bed Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Ideal for year-round shedder like a GSD.	Your GSD might take time to get used to the bed. See my video to counter this.
Super easy to clean - Just brush & hose down.	Dog's who nest a bed might scratch through fabric over time.
Not chewable.	Adding a blanket during summer reduces cooling effect.
Outdoor or indoor Bed.	Initial setup confused some owners.
Limited 5 year warranty.
Made in the U.S.

Armarkat Pet Bed

Why is this a best bed pick?

If you want a bed where your dog has a cozy place to sleep with long-lasting comfort, then you should consider the Armarkat Pet Bed.

The inside is filled with a gigantic pillow in 3 sections for added comfort. 2 of the sections are sewn together and the other zips on, making it super easy to remove the cover.

It has a heavy-duty, canvas waterproof lining which keeps damp and water out. Leaving the inside in pristine condition.

It also has a non-slip base, which keeps your dog from slipping when getting on and off the bed. A definite benefit if you have tiled or wooden floors.

The cover is burgundy and ivory in color – which will blend in well with pretty much any décor.

Its cover is filled with extra thick, 100% poly-fill for that added soft comfort.

To clean it just unzip, remove the cover, and pop it in the washing machine. And voila, it’s like new again!

I recommend washing it on a cold setting though – just to avoid possible shrinkage.

To give your German Shepherd maximum room to stretch out, I recommend choosing the largest option. It measures 49″ x 35″ and is 8″ thick.

Although this is a bigger bed, it’s relatively easy to move around. However, if you’re planning on traveling with it, you might need to remove the cover and fold the pillows on top of each other.

Depending on how much space you have available.

If you want a bed with comfort, durability that’s easy to clean, I think this is a great choice for you.

And one your dog can get some superb rest on.

Although it might take a little effort to travel with this bed, this doesn’t take away from the fact that it most certainly belongs in the top 3 best beds for German Shepherds.

Click here to see Armarkat Pet Bed on Chewy

Armarkat Pet Bed Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Machine washable & easy removable cover.	Can be noisy due to inner waterproofing.
Waterproof due to heavy canvas lining.	Only a 6 month manufacturing defect warranty.
Non-skid base for easy on and off movement.	Can be tricky to travel with.
Extra thick, overstuffed 100% poly-fill.	Some owners reported poor quality on the zipper.
Cover is over stuffed with 100% poly-fill for extra comfort.	Bed might lose shape with an extremely large dog.
Extra covers easily available.	Made in China

FurHaven Deluxe Dog NAP Bed

Why is this a best bed pick?

If you’re in the market for a luxurious dog bed that’s environmentally friendly, promotes healthy and restorative sleep.

You should consider the FurHaven Deluxe Dog NAP Bed.

The inside is made from a plush deluxe, solid egg-crate foam mattress for added comfort.

The benefit for your GSD is extra support for those big joints and it’s easy on pressure points.

The peaks and valleys of the mattress conform to your dog’s body for extra comfort and increased blood circulation.

The foam design is free of mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and other heavy metals. And it’s kind to the environment.

The cover is an ultra-soft, faux fur sleeping surface that’s kind to noses and paws. And the bed comes in a whopping 26 colors to suit any home décor.

It’s machine washable and it comes with a zipper for easy removal. Just be careful when removing it – the zipper can rip the peaks of the mattress off.

Like the Armakat bed, I recommend washing on a cold setting. And I recommend allowing it to air dry – not in a dryer.

The bottom and sides of the cover are waterproof due to the poly-canvas material.

Keeping the inside mattress clean and dry. While protecting floors and furniture from fur, dirt, and dander.

But unfortunately, it lacks a non-slip base. And some owner feedback says it’s prone to slipping around.

The easy step-on technology makes this a great choice for older, disabled dogs. And even for puppies and for dogs after surgery.

Since the mattress is solid it won’t be an easy bed to travel long distances with – unless you have plenty of space. But it’s light enough to easily move around the house.

For a German Shepherd, I recommend the jumbo size which measures 35 x 44 x 4 inches. Providing more than enough space for an adult GSD to sprawl out.

All in all, The FurHaven Deluxe Dog NAP Bed is a high-quality, durable bed with oodles of comfort to boot.

If this is what you’re after this bed should be on your list of contenders.

And considering its rave reviews on the interwebs, it’s the bed of choice for many happy dogs and owners. And deserves a place as one of the best beds for German Shepherds.

Click here to see FurHaven Deluxe Dog NAP Bed on Chewy

FurHaven Deluxe Dog NAP Bed Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Solid egg-crate orthopedic foam.	Not an outdoor bed.
Contains no mercury, lead or other heavy metals.	Cover is made in China.
Dog hair does not stick to cover & is easily cleaned.	There's no non-skid bottom.
Easy to clean removable cover.	Only 30 day refund period for defective or incorrect items shipped.
Waterproof on bottom & sides.	Some customers reported slow shipping.
Assembled in U.S. with U.S sourced materials	Remove cover carefully. Zipper can tear off egg crate foam peaks.

Coleman Roll-Up Waterproof Travel Bed

Why this is a best bed pick?
Coleman is probably one of the most popular names when it comes to outdoor-type gear. 

So it’s no surprise they’ve made outdoor gear for our pooches too.

And this roll-up waterproof bed is pretty much perfect for a doggo and their outdoor-loving family. 

Except for one small issue.  But I’ll come to that in a minute…

The bed has a ripstop nylon top.  It is great to keep the bed in one piece if your dog likes to nest in their bed. 

The ripstop nylon also makes this bed exceptionally robust for outdoor life.

The bottom of the bed is waterproof and non-slip which is essential for any outdoor bed made for traveling.

The stuffing is polyester so it’s easy to wash in the machine and it’s quick-drying too.  I think they could have been a little more generous with the stuffing though.

Opened up the bed has dimensions of 36 by 24 inches. And it rolls up pretty small to 16 by 8 inches.

The bed comes with 2 sewn-in straps and handles making it easy to roll up and travel with.  But this is where the bed is flawed…

When the bed is open, the handles are under the bed, right in the middle.  That doesn’t seem very comfortable. 

I mean, I wouldn’t like to lie down on 2 hard, rocks under my bed.  And I’m sure my dogs won’t either.

But some owners and their dogs don’t seem to have an issue with this.  So I guess it all depends on what you think is comfortable for your pooch.

See the Coleman Roll-Up Travel Bed on Amazon

Coleman Roll-Up Waterproof Travel Bed Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Ripstop Nylon Top	Smaller than expected.
Waterproof non-slip bottom.	Handles may cause discomfort.
Easy to wash and keep clean.
Great for outdoors.
Easy to roll-up for travelling.

Buyers Guide for Dog Beds

Why You Should Consider Buying a Dog Bed

Countless German Shepherd owners end up sharing their beds with their dogs. This may seem like a good idea when your GSD is a puppy.

But the problem with German Shepherds is…

Well… They grow into large, heavy powerful dogs. Not exactly ideal to share even a large bed with.

Here are 5 good reasons why your German Shepherd should have their own bed to sleep on.

Interrupted Sleep – Having the family dog stretched out on the bed can cause broken sleep for you or your children. And in the long run, broken sleep causes many other health issues.

Everyone in your home – including your GSD – deserves a good night’s rest. Giving your dog their own bed will take care of this.

Spreading of Parasites – Fleas and ticks are a common occurrence in dogs especially in warmer months.

Although you may use preventative treatment it takes just one flea to turn over the apple cart. If your GSD has their own bed the problem is easily contained and eliminated.

Dirty Bed Linen – Your dog loves digging holes, rolling in the dirt, and putting who knows what in their mouth.

And after your German Shepherd has romped around outside, they traipse all that muck onto your bed.

There’s nothing worse than getting into bed and the sheets are covered in grit. And yes, it’s hard work to keep those sheets smelling and looking fresh.

Ramps Up Allergies – I suffer from a dust allergy. So even although I’m not allergic to dogs, keeping the dust to a minimum is important.

Maybe you or your children suffer from allergies too. Keeping your GSD off human beds and on their own will drastically reduce allergic reactions.

So far all the reasons for giving your dog their own bed have been for you. Now here’s a reason just for your dog…

Give Them Their Own Den – Dogs are den animals, they like to have a space of their own. One where they can lay down, sleep, or nap.

Having space where they can do this supports this need to have a place where they can just relax and unwind.

It’s also very useful when they’re stressed to have a space they consider safe.

How to Choose the Right Size Bed for Your German Shepherd

Figuring out which beds are right for your dog’s size and weight can be tricky.

But I’m going to break it down for you to help you determine which bed will be the most suitable for your dog.

The most important thing to remember is that no part of your dog’s body should hang off the bed when they are stretched out.

Usually, an extra-large bed should do the trick. But each manufacturer has a different idea of what extra large means.

So it’s up to you to make your choice based on facts.

There are 3 things you need to know before you start shopping for your dog’s new bed.

Dog beds all come with weight and height recommendations which is why it’s important that you know your dog’s stats.

How to Measure Your Dog

It’s best to measure your dog when they’re lying down and completely stretched out.

Take a measuring tape and run it from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail. And then add an extra 5″.

Also, remember to measure your GSD’s height. Just run the tape from the tip of their pointy ears to the tip of their paws.

Now you know what size bed your German Shepherd can comfortably lie down on without any body parts hanging off.

Your Dog’s Weight is Important

Manufacturers will usually give a weight range for each bed.

It’s useful to know what your dog weighs because you need a bed that can withstand the strong and sometimes very large German Shepherd.

Always chose a bed that can hold more than the current weight of your dog. This way you know for sure your GSD will be comfortable.

What’s Your Dog’s Favorite Sleeping Position?

Okay so this is more a preference than a stat but it’s equally important.

Does your dog sleep stretched out? Or curled up in a ball? Or like my boy Zè who likes to sleep on his back with his legs in the air.

Knowing your dog’s favorite sleeping position will help you chose the right style of dog bed.

Below, I’ve outlined the most common dog bed styles.

Different Dog Bed Styles

Square or Rectangle Beds

These shapes are considered standard style beds. Usually, there are no edges which make them perfect if your GSD is a side-sleeper who likes to stretch out.

Bolster Style Beds

Some beds are raised on one side – these are called bolster beds. They are a good mix for dogs who like to sleep stretched out or paws in the air.

The raised side supports them when they’re in a paws-in-the-air kind of mood.

Nested Style Beds

If your dog enjoys curling up to sleep they might enjoy a nested style bed. Like a bolster bed, the nested style bed has raised sides which supports your dog’s need to curl up.

If you do pick a nested style bed you should take into consideration that your dog might also want to stretch out too. So choose a bed that’s large enough to allow this.

Conclusion

Now you have all the information you need to shop with confidence and make the best bed choice for your dog.

Whether you’re looking for the best dogs bed for German Shepherds or the best-rated orthopedic dog beds, finding the perfect dog bed for your dog will be frustration-free and fun.

And the one you choose will be one your dog will love for many years to come.

Check out my favorite dog bed choices on Chewy…
Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed
FurHaven Deluxe Dog NAP Bed