Best Dog Beds for Boxers: Quick Picks
- #1 Big Barker [Best Overall Bed for Boxers] – The Big Barker provides better support than any other option on the market and is backed by clinical trials demonstrating its ability to reduce joint pain and stiffness.
- #2 Furhaven Pet Bed [Best Overall Runner Up] – Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the Big Barker does, the Furhaven Pet Bed satisfies most of the criteria owners would want, and it should serve most boxers well.
- #3 Barkbox Memory Foam Bed [Best Value Choice] – One of the most affordable beds we discuss below, the Barkbox Bed provides the kind of quality owners want, at a price that’ll fit into most budgets.
There are likely a dozen reasons you love your boxer.
From his cute little underbite, to his gravity-defying greetings, to the gentle way he “supervises” your kids, it’s only natural to think of him as family.
And this means your boxer deserves a good bed – not only for his nightly slumbers but also for those mid-day cat naps that he seems to require.
Below, we’ll try to help you pick out the best bed for your boxer and explain some of the key things you’ll want to consider while making your choice.
The Best Dog Beds for Boxers
Need to set your boxer up with a comfortable bed? We’ve tried to make it easy on you by identifying seven great options that’ll work for your beautiful little pooch!
So, whether you just want the best one available, you need to save some cash, or you need a bed that addresses specific health or behavioral concerns, you’ll find the perfect solution below!
1. Big Barker
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Big Barker
Premium, clinically proven bed for XL dogs with a 10-year warranty
A 7-inch-thick dog bed that features a combination of three different types of foam, a machine-washable cover, and a headrest
If you simply want the best bed on the market for your boxer, go with the Big Barker. It’s easily the best bed available for big doggos.
Designed specifically for large breed dogs and backed by clinical trials demonstrating its ability to reduce stiffness and joint pain, the Big Barker stands head-and-shoulders above the competition.
It’s certainly not the most affordable bed on the market, but super-premium products like this never are.
Features:
- Four-layered core includes contour, comfort, and support foam
- Backed by a 10-year warranty against flattening or “pancaking”
- Removable, machine-washable microfleece cover
- Available in three sizes and your choice of four colors
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Designed specifically to support large dogs
- Unparalleled comfort – many owners found the bed better than their own!
- Great choice for dogs who have hip dysplasia, arthritis, or other joint problems
- Includes headrest option for dogs who like to rest their head on a raised surface
Cons
- Pricey
- Too firm for small breeds
- Will not withstand chewing or “digging”
- Does not feature a non-skid bottom
2. Furhaven Pet Bed
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The Furhaven Pet Bed is a fantastic boxer dog bed for owners who demand quality but don’t want to splurge on the Big Barker.
Note that this bed is marketed a little differently than most other pet beds. Furhaven maintains a single Amazon page for all of their beds rather than individual pages – you simply select the features you’d like, and it automatically narrows down the results.
But we’ve taken the work out for you and selected the best model for boxers. Made with orthopedic foam, a unique, dog-body-supporting shape, and a micro velvet cover, this is a premium bed with an affordable price tag.
Note: Chewy also stocks a similar, but slightly different bed, which would also be great for boxers.
Features:
- Made with a medical-grade solid foam core for maximum support
- Bed shape essentially provides bolsters, without limiting the bed’s accessibility
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Comes with a 60-day warranty (restrictions apply)
- 2.5 inches thick in the middle; 6 inches thick at each end
Pros
- Shape is ideally suited for a dog’s body
- Like a bolster bed, but still easy for your dog to climb on
- Machine-washable cover makes it easy to keep clean
- Very affordably priced for the quality
Cons
- Not suitable for pups with serious chewing problems
- We’d prefer if the middle of the bed were slightly thicker
- Raised sides may not be firm enough for dogs who like to lean again their bed
Note: You can also purchase this bed with a cooling foam core if your home stays on the warm side. You can also buy a standalone cover in case you need a backup.
3. Barkbox Memory Foam Bed
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Perhaps best known for their subscription-based toy and treat packages, Barkbox also produces an awesome but affordable, foam-core dog bed.
Built around a dual-core slab (consisting of high-density and memory foam), this bed comes with a waterproof, removable, and machine-washable cover, and it is thicker than some other beds – including more expensive models.
Features:
- Dual-foam core features a memory foam upper layer and a high-density lower layer
- Zippered, water-resistant cover is machine-washable
- Available in your choice of seven colors
- Replacement covers are available
- Comes with a free squeaky toy
Pros
- Provides a great value given its affordable price point
- Owners note that the cover is easy to keep clean (even after messy accidents)
- Cozy raised bolsters are ideal for dogs who curl up into a ball when sleeping
Cons
- Some owners complained that the bed seemed a bit small (you may want to select the next size up if your boxer is on the big side)
- May not be supportive enough for extra-large boxers
- Does not appear to be waterproof; it is water-resistant
4. K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Bed
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At first glance, the K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Bed just looks like a run-of-the-mill dog bed. It features a pretty standard padded sleeping area and bolsters on three sides, as well as your choice of cute exterior patterns, and some nifty little leather corners for extra flair.
But the big selling point of this bed is the internal “space blanket” which reflects your dog’s body heat and keeps Fido feeling super warm and cozy. And unlike most other self-warming beds, which are on the small side, this one should be large enough for most boxers.
Features:
- Fill material made from recycled plastic bottles
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Non-slip bottom to keep the bed in place
- Available in your choice of four color patterns
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Pros
- One of the only self-warming beds on the market large enough for big boxers
- Bolsters provide additional warmth, security, and comfort
- Doesn’t appear to be as loud (crackley) as some other self-warming beds are
Cons
- Several owners complained that the bolsters flattened with use
- Part of the manufacturing process occurs in China (though the final touches are applied in the US)
5. Coolaroo Original Elevated Pet Bed
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Coolaroo’s Elevated Pet Bed
Elevated pet bed that’ll keep your canine cool while sleeping
Featuring a powder-coated steel frame and an HDPE, cot-style sleeping surface, this bed provides a cool and comfortable sleeping surface for your pooch.
Coolaroo’s Elevated Pet Bed is primarily designed to help your canine stay cool while he snoozes, but the bed’s design offers a number of additional benefits too.
For example, the elevated mesh surface helps eliminate pressure points while your doggo is sleeping, it’s very easy to clean (simply hose it off and then let it dry), and it is also a dog bed that’s suitable for outdoor as well as indoor use. It also breaks down easily, making it great for owners and dogs on the go.
Features:
- Powder-coated steel frame holds sleeping surface 7 inches above the ground
- Resistant to fleas, mites, mold, and mildew
- HDPE sleeping surface is breathable and provides plenty of airflow
- Available in three sizes and six colors
- GREENGUARD certification ensures no harmful fumes are emitted
Pros
- Very affordable (especially given its quality)
- Elevated design prevents joint pain and keeps canines cool while sleeping
- Lightweight and easy to break down, making it a great travel bed
- Can be cleaned with a garden hose
- Frame is somewhat chew-resistant
Cons
- Elevated design may be intimidating or off-putting to anxious, skittish dogs
- May not be warm enough in cool climates
6. Majestic Pet Bagel Bed
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Like most cuddler- or bagel-style beds, the Majestic Pet Bed features wraparound bolsters and a padded sleeping surface that “nesting” dogs will love.
However, this particular model rises above the competition by also using premium high-loft fill material and coming with a waterproof base.
Additionally, this dog bed is made in the USA, and the entire thing is machine washable.
Note: Chewy stocks a similar bed with a velvet cover.
Features:
- The bed is machine washable; wash in warm water then tumble dry on low heat
- Bottom surface is made from waterproof 300/600 Denier
- Bolsters completely encircle the bed, making it easy for your dog to get comfortable
- Made in the USA from imported materials
- Available in four sizes and seven colors
Pros
- Waterproof bottom makes it a good choice for accident-prone dogs
- High-loft fill material retains shape well
- 8-inch-thick sleeping surface provides plenty of cushion
Cons
- May not fit well in small washing machines
- While it is assembled in the USA, it features imported materials
- Owners report that it can collect a lot of dog hair
7. Kuranda Dog Bed
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Kuranda Dog Bed
Elevated bed with aluminum frame and a 1-year warranty
Featuring an aluminum frame that’s capable of supporting 250 pounds and heavy-duty, 40-ounce vinyl, this bed is built to withstand your canine’s chompers.
The Kuranda Dog Bed provides many of the same benefits most other elevated pet beds do, such as giving your dog a cool place to sleep and being easy to clean. It’s also excellent for owners who travel a lot, as it’s lightweight and pretty easy to assemble.
But the Kuranda’s most notable for featuring incredibly durable materials, which are designed to withstand power-chewing puppers. This makes it great for boxers with chewing problems.
Features:
- “Orthopedic” design reduces the pressure on your dog’s body while he sleeps
- Indoor/outdoor design is easy to wash; just hose it down and let it dry
- Made in the USA
- Available in six sizes and four colors
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Pros
- Holds up especially well to power chewers
- Some owners have found it works well inside crates
- Easy to move and works well for owners who travel with their pooch
- Made from high-quality aluminum components
Cons
- Pricey
- As with most other elevated beds, skittish dogs may not like it
- Some dogs may not find the sleeping surface comfortable, but Kuranda sells an accessory sleeping pad
What Kind of Dog Bed Is Best for Boxers?
As when picking a bed for any pooch, it is important to think about your boxer’s specific needs.
For the most part, any high-quality bed of the proper size will suffice for your short-nosed cutie. But, if you want the ideal bed for your bestie, keep the following criteria in mind.
Boxers Are Sensitive to Temperature Extremes
Boxers have thin, short hair, so they don’t stay especially warm in cool weather. And to complicate matters further, their short faces mean that they can have trouble in hot weather too.
So, be sure to select a bed that is well-suited for the temperatures in your pooch’s sleeping space.
If your home runs a little on the warm side, or your pooch likes to take cool-down naps after park play sessions, you may want to consider opting for an elevated dog bed.
These beds allow air to flow beneath the laying surface, which will help keep your canine cool.
On the other hand, if your home gets chilly at night, you may want to opt for a self-warming bed, which will reflect heat back toward his body.
Alternatively, you can just hook your boxer up with a cozy pet blanket to keep him warm.
This is actually a great solution for owners living in areas with hot summer and bone-chilling winters: Just grab an elevated bed and toss a blanket on it when the mercury drops.
Boxers Often Suffer Joint Problems
Boxers often suffer from joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. This can not only cause your pooch lots of pain, but it can also make it harder for him to run, jump, and play like he wants.
Fortunately, a supportive dog bed can help reduce these symptoms. Just be sure to look for a bed that is on the thicker side and provides plenty of support.
Honestly, if your pooch is already suffering from hip dysplasia (or you suspect that he may develop it), it’s probably best to just go ahead and pick the Big Barker – the only bed we’re aware of that has been clinically demonstrated to reduce pain and joint stiffness.
However, there are also other, more affordable options, which should also help ease hip pain, such as the Furhaven Pet Bed (discussed below).
Boxers Drool by the Bucket Full
Boxers may be cute (we certainly think so), but you’ll likely note copious amounts of drool pouring off that beautiful face on a more-or-less constant basis. And this won’t stop once your pooch is snoozing, either.
Accordingly, you’ll want to stick to washable dog beds that are easy to clean. Otherwise, the bed is just going to end up coated in cooties and unsightly stains.
Manufacturers usually make beds easy to clean in one of the following ways:
- They make beds that can be tossed directly in a washing machine. This is probably the easiest option for owners (assuming you can fit the bed in your washing machine), but these types of beds rarely feature high-quality foam cores.
- They make beds featuring removable, machine-washable covers. Most manufacturers of high-quality, foam-core beds go with this option.
- They make elevated beds, which can simply be hosed off. Most elevated beds are designed for indoor or outdoor use, so a quick spritz with a garden hose will clean them off.
In some cases, beds can also be machine dried. But others will need to air dry, which means they won’t be useable for a little while after washing them.
Boxers Shed a Lot
Boxers may not be notorious shedders like huskies or German shepherds, but they are moderately heavy shedders who will cover everything you own in a layer of dog hair. And because your pooch will spend hours on his bed, it will often develop a particularly thick layer of hair.
There’s no way you can eliminate this problem completely (although there are some tricks you can use to stop your dog from shedding and reduce the amount of shed hair in your home). So, the best strategy is to minimize the problem.
You can do this by buying a bed that is machine washable and similar in color to your pooch. Regular trips through the washer and dryer will help remove the bulk of the dog hair, and by matching the color of the bed to your dog’s fur color, the bed will look better between washes.
Boxers Often Suffer from Allergies
Unfortunately, boxers and boxer mixes are prone to allergies – including environmental allergies to things like dust, pollen, and the dander of other pets (for example, some dogs can be allergic to cat dander).
Your canine’s coat will collect these types of allergens as he goes about his day. Then, when he lays down for the night, many of them will fall off his coat and stick to his bed, which will only exacerbate his allergy problem.
This provides one more reason why you should select a bed that is easy to wash, so you can reduce the amount of exposure your dog has to these allergens.
While we’re on the subject of allergies in boxers, it’s important to note that some boxers may also suffer from food allergies. So, you may want to consider opting for a boxer dog food that is hypoallergenic or made with a limited number of ingredients.
Some Boxers Exhibit Destructive Chewing Problems
This is a bit of an individual characteristic that varies from one pooch to the next, but many boxers develop destructive chewing problems. This often leads to your pup nomming on things you’d rather he didn’t – including his bed.
Accordingly – and depending on your dog’s chewing habits – you may want to opt for a chew proof dog bed that will stand up well to your dog’s teeth.
As a quick recap, be sure to select a bed for your boxer that meets the following criteria:
- It must be well-suited for the temperatures in your dog’s sleeping space.
- It must provide support and cradle your pet’s body to reduce hip and joint pain.
- It must be easy to wash frequently so you can keep it clean.
- In some cases, it is important to obtain a chew proof dog bed for boxers.
General Bed-Buying Considerations: Picking a Good Bed for Your Pooch
No matter what type of dog you have, there are a few things you’ll always want to keep in mind when picking out a dog bed. A few of the most important criteria to consider include:
Suitable Core Material
The first thing you’ll want to consider when selecting a dog bed is the material used in the core. After all, the core is what cushions and cradles your dog’s body, and it is ultimately the most important component of the bed.
There are several different materials manufacturers use when making pet beds, but the following are the most common:
- Memory Foam – Originally developed for NASA, memory foam deforms when exposed to heat. That means that when your dog lays on a memory foam mattress, the core will contour to your pet’s specific body shape and provide unparalleled comfort and support. A few minutes after your dog gets up, the bed will cool and return to its original shape. Memory foam isn’t ideal for all circumstances, but it is generally the preferred choice among dog owners.
- Standard Foam – We’re using the term “standard foam” to characterize all of the foams typically used in beds, except for memory foam. You may see them called “contour foam” or “comfort foam,” among others. These foams are all relatively similar, but they’ll provide varying levels of support. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to make apples-to-apples comparisons of these foams, so it is wise to check out the owner reviews before making a choice.
- Gel Foam – Some foams are designed to absorb your dog’s body heat to help keep him cooler than he’d otherwise be. These types of foam are generally placed at the top of a bed’s core, where they can sit in direct contact with your dog’s body. These types of foam layers are generally helpful for dogs living in warm climates.
- Polyfill – Also called “polyester fill,” polyfill is made from long fibers of polyester material. Polyfill can provide warmth and comfort for your dog, but it doesn’t provide nearly the same amount of support as a foam core. Nevertheless, polyfill beds can be suitable for some circumstances, and they’re typically very affordable.
Note that some beds with foam cores use single sheets of foam, whereas others use numerous pieces of shredded foam.
Both of these styles will typically provide better support than poly-fill beds, but shredded foam doesn’t provide as much support as large sheets of foam do. Manufacturers usually utilize shredded foam to save money, while still being able to advertise that the bed has a foam core.
Adequate Thickness
In addition to high-quality core materials, you’ll also want to make sure you pick a bed that is thick enough to keep your dog’s body from pressing into the floor. Even the highest-quality foam available will fail to keep your canine comfy if the bed isn’t thick enough.
As a rule of thumb, we typically recommend owners look for beds that are at least 4 inches thick. You may find beds featuring super-premium foams that provide adequate cushioning without being this thick, but such beds are relatively rare.
On the other hand, if you select a bed with a relatively low-quality fill material, you may need to purchase one even thicker than 4 inches.
Bed Cover Criteria
After narrowing your selection to beds that feature suitable core materials and adequate thickness, you’ll want to turn your attention to the cover. So, be sure to select a bed that exhibits the following characteristics:
- Comfort – Obviously, you’ll want to select a bed that has a cover that’ll keep your canine comfy. Dogs are rarely very picky in this regard, but try to avoid beds with slick or stiff covers.
- Quiet – Some bed covers make lots of loud “crinkling” sounds, which are off-putting to many dogs. These types of sounds are usually most troubling for sensitive or skittish dogs; confident canines rarely care as much about these noises.
- Removable – Even the cleanest dogs will soil their bed’s cover over time, covering it in dirt, hair, and various bodily fluid. This means you’ll have to wash the bed cover, which is much easier if the bed has a removable cover. Otherwise, you’ll likely find it necessary to clean the bed by hand or head to the laundry mat to stuff the entire thing in a commercial size washing machine (and let’s face it, no one wants to spend their Sunday doing that).
- Non-Skid Bottom – As your dog uses his new bed, his activity will often cause the bed to “wander” a bit – especially if it’s placed on top of slick floors made from hardwood, linoleum, or tile. However, beds with non-skid or rubberized bottoms will tend to stay in place much more effectively.
Your Dog’s Sleeping Style
Different dogs sleep in different positions, and most will demonstrate a favorite sleeping position over time. To ensure you end up with the best bed for your dog, you’ll want to keep this in mind when picking a shape.
For example, beds with bolsters can be the best choice for dogs who tend to rest their head on pillows or other elevated places.
Dogs who like to curl up when sleeping will often appreciate a “cuddler” or bagel-style bed, while sprawlers and dogs who sleep outstretched on their backs will usually find a flat bed to be the most comfortable.
Proper Size
Obviously, you want to pick a dog bed that is the proper size for your pooch. Provided that you don’t mind spending a little more than necessary and have plenty of space available, you can give your dog a larger bed than he needs – there’s nothing wrong with that.
But you can’t give him a bed that’s too small. At least, not if you want him to use it and enjoy it.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick-and-easy way to determine the bed size your dog needs. So, the best way to decide on a size is to wait for your pooch to settle in for a nap, and then measure out how much space he’s taking up.
Some manufacturers will provide recommended sizing information for their beds. But while you should consider this information, but it’s no guarantee of success. So, just measure your pooch and go from there.
Aesthetics
Your dog won’t care what his bed looks like. He won’t be disappointed if the color fails to match the décor of your home or if the pattern is too busy. But you may very well care what his bed looks like, so make sure you consider the color, pattern, and overall aesthetics of any bed you intend to purchase.
Just be sure to consider the following questions when picking a bed:
- Does your dog shed a lot? If so, you will likely want to pick a bed that is similar in color to his fur. In the case of boxer owners, this means sticking to beds that are some form of brown. However, this won’t work as well for boxers who also have white patches of fur.
- Are you really picky about the bed’s color? If so, you may want to take a few minutes to look at the color of the bed on several websites (such as right here at K9 of Mine, on the Amazon or Chewy page, and any photos owners have shared in the user review section). It is also wise to view the photos via several devices to counteract any differences in display color.
- Does your doggo get dirty often? If your pooch likes to play in the dirt, grass, and mud, consider picking a bed with a complex color pattern. These types of designs will usually help hide dirt better than single-colored fabrics. Also, try to avoid light colors and opt for darker ones instead.
But, if you don’t care what color your dog’s bed is, don’t even worry about it – your dog certainly won’t care.
Country of Origin
Unfortunately, beds made in countries with lax safety and quality standards may emit fumes or simply feature shoddy craftsmanship.
This isn’t always a problem – a trip through the washing machine and dryer should help eliminate odors, and you may not mind patching up the bed as seams rip and holes develop.
But most owners would just rather start with a high-quality bed that they know is safe for their pooch.
To that end, we recommend purchasing beds that are made in the USA, Canada, or Western Europe whenever possible. Manufacturers don’t always disclose where their beds are made, but most US-made beds proudly proclaim their country of origin.
***
In many ways, boxers are pretty similar to other medium-to-large working breeds. But they do exhibit a unique combination of traits that you’ll want to keep in mind when picking out a bed for your boxer buddy. But, by heeding the advice provided here and selecting the best bed above for your specific pooch, you’re likely to end up with one that works well for your pet.
What kind of bed do you use for your boxer? Have you tried any of the models mentioned above? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below!
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