Help Choosing Right Outdoor Dog Bed

How To Measure Your Dogs Height:

You want to measure from the floor to your dogs withers. The whithers are basically his solders. See image for help. It may be easier to stand your dog up next to a wall and mark the wall at the top of his whithers. Then measure the distance between the floor and the mark.

How To Weigh Your Dog:

First weigh your self, using a regular scale. Write down your weight. Then pickup your dog and stand on the scale. You may need some one to help you, because you may not be able to see the scale holding your dog. Then just subtract the weights. Help finding size and weight by breed click Here

Where will the bed be used:

Will the bed be using mostly inside or outside. What are the seasonal temperature ranges where you live? You will need to select a dog bed that can stand up to temperature range and weather conditions of your area. If you will leaving the bed outside you may want a bed that will not allow water to puddle on it. This way you will not need to remove the water from the bed after it rains.

Does your dog like to chew things:

Does your dog chew up those pillow beds and every thing else that fits in his mouth? If so you may want to find a bed that encloses the mat material in side the bed frame. Check out our Chew Resistant model (Here).

What Size Bed Do You Need:

Using the weight of your dog is a good starting point in picking bed size. Becarefull of purchasing a bed that does not have a clear weight rating. You may also want to measure you dog. Measure your dog as explained above or in his favorite sleeping position; perhaps his length when fully stretched out, or his diameter when curled into a ball. Another thing too keep in mind is will your dog still grow. If your dog is still growing you might want to think about buying the next size up.

What Style dog bed is right for your dog?

Listed below are some of the common styles of dog beds. We know that not everyone is looking for the type we make and think these definitions may be helpful. We currently make the first four styles. Later we will add links to site that make the other styles.

Outdoor Dog Bed or Dog Cot: (Outdoor Dog Bed or Dog Cot) This is usually a PVC or Metal frame dog bed. With the portion of the bed the dog lays on, the mat portion is attached to the bed either by wrapping around the parts of the frame, or in our case attached to the inside of the tubing that makes up the dog bed frame. Some pillow based dog beds are marketed for outdoors as well.
Orthopedic Outdoor Dog Bed: (Orthopedic Outdoor Dog Beds) This is usually a dog bed made out of some type of foam. Most commonly memory foam. We market our beds as orthopedic outdoor dog beds because of the built in flex that we call comfort by design. This allows for a cushion feel without the foam. This is why we specifically market them as Outdoor Dog Beds. We like to think of it as a nice balance between foam or pillow based bed and standard Outdoor Dog Bed were the mat is tight as drum.
Hammock Outdoor Dog Bed: (Hammock Dog Beds) This is usually a dog bed were the portion of the bed the dog lays on is attached to the frame in only two places. This is were it gets it Hammock name. These beds are usually made of heavier material to support the added pressure the mat puts on the two places it is connected to the frame. Some cot dog beds were the mat clearly attaches on all four sides have been marketed as Hammock Dog Beds. I'm not sure why, I guess it was another key work they are hoping to gain hits from.
Raised Dog Bed or Elevated Dog Bed: This is usually the same as an outdoor dog bed or dog cot. See definition below.
Pet Furniture: ( Pet Furniture) This is usually dog beds that look like small versions of people furniture. They usually look like couches or beds. They tend to be a bit more expensive, but are worth the money if that is what you are looking for.
Pillow Beds: ( Pillow Beds ) This is usually a dog bed made out of some type of pillow stuffing or foam. There are tons of these on the market and even Costco regularly carries them. They range in price around $20.00. These are great for indoors.

Quick Chart:

What Style dog bed is right for your dog?