Best Dog Beds for Golden Retrievers

Owning a golden retriever comes with many responsibilities―namely, making sure they always have plenty of food and water, exercising them regularly, and taking them to the vet for their check-ups.

But that list neglects another of the most important things you can do for your furry friend, and that’s making sure they have a comfortable place to sleep. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best dog beds for golden retrievers. Whether your medium-sized pup prefers soft and cushy or something that gives them some support, we’ve got you covered. So read on to find out which bed is perfect for your pooch!

1. Serta – Quilted Pillowtop

The Serta Quilted Pillowtop is one of the all-around best dog beds for most golden retrievers, as you’d be hard-pressed to find one that wouldn’t curl up on its cushiony, soft surface. It’s a miniature version of the “people bed,” using the same comfort technology that’s synonymous with Serta.

As your dog probably measures somewhere around 40”, the extra-large pillowtop should provide ample room for your dog to move around or stretch out without hanging off the edge. Serta’s dog beds are also CertiPUR certified, which is helpful for pups with allergies.

Tip: If your golden retriever sleeps in a crate, Serta also sells memory foam crate mats, which are much kinder to your fur baby’s body.

Bottom Line – There’s nothing out of the ordinary about this particular Serta model, as it’s a typical mattress-style dog bed with the addition of a quilted pillowtop for a little extra comfort. However, it’s sturdy, well-made, and has just enough padding to keep your golden retriever snoozing soundly for years.

2. BarksBar – Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Bolster

Even if your golden retriever has skin or joint problems common to the breed, BarksBar’s Snuggly Sleeper is an excellent choice.

The Sleeper is an oversized cuddler bed like those you typically see for small pups. However, instead of a shredded foam fill standard with these models, BarksBar uses an orthopedic foam insert. Combining a supportive mattress with soft but sturdy cotton bolsters gives your pup plenty of comfy sleeping positions. And the super soft cover will feel soothing to dogs with dermatitis or other skin conditions.

Bottom Line – You get the best of all worlds with the BarksBar Bolster dog bed for golden retrievers. It’s cozy and comforting, soft on the skin, and provides plenty of support in the middle and sides. Plus, it’s one of the more stylish models, which is great for you!

3. Carhartt – For Indoor or Outdoor Use

As you know, golden retrievers love to be active and appreciate their time outdoors. So, we had to include the Carhartt dog bed, as it’s excellent for indoor or outdoor use. This particular option is a plain mattress-style model with a bit less structure. But don’t let that deter you, as it’s also one of the top choices for durability.

This particular dog bed has a 12 oz firm-hand cotton, water-repellant outer cover reminiscent of the company’s famous jackets. There are extra wide zippers and heavy-duty seams to prevent rips or tears. So, if you spend time in the great outdoors sleeping in tents, your best furry friend will be well equipped for the adventure.

Bottom Line – If you’re looking for a dog bed for golden retrievers that’ll stand up to outdoor as well as indoor use, then Carhartt is a great choice. The only downside is that it seems to attract fur. So, you could be wielding a lint brush or cleaning the cover frequently.

4. Brentwood – Runyon Sofa-Style

Brentwood labels its line of dog beds as luxury, and we think you’ll agree. All you have to do is look at the beautiful muted colored quilted fabric covering the Runyon sofa-style bed, and you’ll see what we mean.

The Runyon has back and graduated side bolsters, giving your golden retriever something to lean on or support their neck and legs. Brentwood’s unique design combined with the orthopedic mattress can significantly improve restful sleep and quality of life for pups with hip dysplasia or other joint conditions.

Bottom Line – Brentwood isn’t an inexpensive option, but the beds are some of the sturdiest, most supportive, and stylish you’ll find. While you could opt for the brand’s Griffith mattress-style bed, the Runyon fits the bill for most golden retrievers.

What should I look for in the best dog beds for golden retrievers?

Golden retrievers are medium-sized dogs. So, the door is open to a broader range of bed styles than if you were shopping for a large breed pup. If your dog is younger and without special needs, you could pick pretty much anything from a cuddler to a mattress. One consideration is the material, though. As you’re probably aware, golden retrievers tend to shed in the spring and fall, so it’s best to avoid material that’s hard to clean. They’re also prone to skin conditions, so a softer cloth is preferable.

How do I know what size dog bed to buy for my golden retriever?

One size doesn’t fit all, but golden retrievers typically weigh somewhere in the 65-pound range and average 40” in length. Don’t be fooled when you see 21” or 22” inches associated with these dogs, as that’s their height. So, when you shop for a dog bed for a golden retriever, look for a length that’s at least 40”. For any model with bolsters, consider the size of the sleeping area instead of the overall dimensions.

What’s the best type of bed for golden retrievers with joint pain?

Golden retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and benefit from orthopedic mattresses and dog beds with at least one bolster. We prefer padding on opposite ends instead of just one side. That’ll allow your fur baby to have neck and leg support. While cot-style beds are excellent choices for aging dogs who can’t get up and down easily, padded options with some elevation are more suitable for golden retrievers.

Does my golden retriever need a dog bed?

Not all dogs need or even want a bed, as some prefer the cold hard floor or snuggling up on the carpet. And golden retrievers are active dogs who appreciate being outside, so yours might be used to laying in the grass. But a dog bed is more than a comfy sleeping surface, as it provides a designated spot that’s just for your fur baby. So, your pup might not need a dog bed, but it could still come in handy. You don’t have to go all out with a deluxe model, as most golden retrievers can snuggle up on a mattress-style model or a simple pad. However, if your pup starts developing joint or other health problems, you’ll find that a dog bed can provide considerable relief.

Tips for Buying the Best Bed for Golden Retrievers

Make a List – Before you hit the “buy now” button or even begin your shopping expedition, it’s helpful to jot down the basics. It’s much easier to purchase the best bed for your golden retriever when you know how much they weigh, their length from nose to tail, and if they need special accommodations like neck support.

Consider Your Dog’s Age – Buying a bed for a puppy is different than one for a senior golden retriever. For their first five years, most will be comfortable on any dog bed you provide, as long as it’s big enough and you’re not dealing with any medical conditions. Later, golden retrievers benefit from the extra support of an orthopedic mattress along with bolsters, blankets, or pillows.

Focus on Beds for Medium-Sized Dogs – Golden retrievers are in the middle of the pack size-wise. So, you’re shopping for the best beds for medium-sized dogs and looking for a minimum of 40” in length.

Shop for Your Future Dog – Unless you’re buying an inexpensive dog bed for your golden retriever, intending to replace it every year or few years, do some preplanning. This particular breed averages about 40” in length and weighs anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds on average. Golden retrievers are known for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and skin conditions, like CAD or Canine Atopic Dermatitis. So, your shopping list could focus on those unique needs even if you’ve got a perfectly healthy pup at this moment. Ideal beds for golden retrievers have foam mattresses, bolsters for support, and material that’s soothing to the skin.