Dogs can be kids at heart, but some of them do tend to get pretty huge – too huge, in fact, to comfortably share a bed with, both for you and for prone-to-overheat canines. When it comes to German Shepherds, averaging 22 to 24 inches for adult females and 24 to 26 inches for adult males (and anywhere between 75 to 90 pounds in weight), a separate dog bed where they can lay back and enjoy their own space is an integral part of caring for your puppy. Especially for older dogs, who may over time be afflicted with conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia (a recurring ailment of this breed), special orthopedic beds designed to give their bodies the right support goes a long way in giving our furry friends some much-deserved comfort and relief. German Shepherds are after all well known for being incredibly loyal, protective and devoted companions, and it goes without saying that we reward them with the luxury they deserve, along with all the space in our hearts. Here are our top picks for the best snooze-pad for your German Shepherd.
German Shepherds are after all well known for being incredibly loyal, protective and devoted companions, and it goes without saying that we reward them with the luxury they deserve, along with all the space in our hearts. Here are our top picks for the best snooze-pad for your German Shepherd.
KEN’S PICK
BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed
A large comfy bed for large snuggly dogs, the removable, grooved memory foam of our top pick is great not just for elderly canines – the foam adjusts to support your dogs’ preferred sleeping positions, holding up aching joints or sore muscles – but also molds to the specific sleeping quirks any dog prefers, be it upside down with paws in the air or stretched out on their side. The plush-filled bed measures up at dimensions of 40 inches by 30 inches, with the padded interior measuring 36 inches by 24 inches, giving fully grown German Shepherds plenty of space to roll around and stretch in. The
The pillowy, raised sides of the bed are perfect for the puppy who prefers to rest its head or neck as it sleeps, or an older dog with aching neck or shoulder joints, the cotton padding instantly adjusting to their weight and shape. The polyester of the cover is soft, resilient and breathable to let your pup remain cool as it snoozes, and can be slipped right off to throw in the wash when it’s time for a clean. Since German Shepherds tend to shed a good deal, it’s recommended to be mindful about regularly washing the cover – as well as the memory foam, occasionally, especially if your dog has an accident in there – to keep the bed from festering any nasty odors or germs. This cozy dog bed comes with a rubber backing to improve the bed’s grip and stops it from skidding on the floor while your pooch messes around in it.
KEN’S BUDGET PICK
Gale Pacific Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
Not all German Shepherds are partial to plush, cozy beddings though. Some will show a preference for lying flat on the floor, because it helps keep them cooler – but this isn’t always a good thing. Conking out over a flat, hard surface can create uncomfortable pressure points for your pup, and it’s not unusual to find German Shepherds sitting at the edge of a bed or chair with their legs dangling off the sides to relieve that pressure – which is where this elevated bed comes in. By keeping your pup roughly 7 inches off the ground, this simple but open-aired design maximizes the air flow around you dog, keeping them cool, while at the same time keeping the pressure off their joints and letting them develop healthily. The highly breathable material of the bed’s high density polyethelene (HDPE) also ensures constant contact with the bed isn’t likely to overheat your dog, the breathability helping prevent hot spots, to which German Shepherds are especially prone. The material is easy to wash down and resists mildew, mold and fleas, as well as the scratches and bites of a restless dog, so you can rest assured that it’ll last you and your growing pup a long time.
Durability is also ensured with the powder-coated steel frame of the bed, capable of holding up even the largest and heaviest of German Shepherds with ease. In fact, the elevated design of the bed and metal legs keeping the fabric off the ground make this an especially versatile choice you can use both indoors and out.
RUNNER-UP
Better World Pets First-Quality Orthopedic Dog Bed
This cushy 5 inch thick bed is both simple in design and versatile in function – it’s 40 by 28 by 5 inch dimensions make it the perfect size for a large breed like German Shepherds, who’ll be perfectly comfortable whether they decide to flop down on their sides, back or tummies, or curl in and snuggle into the plushy softness of their new bed. The memory foam of the bed adjusts and melds to your furry friend’s preferred sleeping positions, gently supporting the joints and limbs of older pooches experiencing arthritis, hip dysplasia or other aches and pains. Capable of holding up to 80 pounds of
Capable of holding up to 80 pounds of pup, the dense foam won’t lose its shape or flatten over time. The cotton-polyester blend cover is removable and machine-washable to rid it of those “dog smells” and dander, while also comfy and breathable for a pup, the open air construct enabling more air flow to keep your dog cool. With waterproof linings and heavy-duty zippers, the bed is built to last, doing its due to both you, your dog, as well as other animals nationwide, since 10% of all profits is donated by the brand to the Humane Society of the United States for the protection of animals across the country.
RUNNER-UP
BRINDLE Soft Memory Foam Dog Bed
The raised, 3 inch shredded memory foam of this bed helps relieve your dog’s pressure points, this 52 inch by 34 inch mattress the perfect size for a large breed dog like German Shepherds, great for young and old pooches alike, especially if you’re looking for an orthopedic option for the latter to relieve joint and muscle pains and conditions. The comfy, microsuede cover is removable, letting you throw it into your washing machine and tumble-dry on low afterwards, as well as being perfectly breathable and soft to let your dogs keep cool. The ‘open’ design maximizes airflow, the dense foam construct not losing its shape or integrity over time with baffles keeping the foam from bunching up inside the bed, cradling your puppy when they’re sleeping but bouncing back into form when not in use.