Best Washable Dog Bed for How Your Dog Actually Sleeps
A round plush bed for a dog that curls into a donut shape, and a flat corduroy bed for a dog that sprawls out flat. Here's how to pick, and why the cover matters more than the color.
By the Essential Pet Gear editorial team · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read
Written by pet owners. For each pick we check the real product listing, materials and size, and recurring complaints in customer reviews where available, then name who it is not for. No brand pays us to rank picks. How we choose.
Quick answer
The best washable dog bed depends on how your dog actually sleeps, not just their size. A dog that curls into a tight donut shape does best on a round plush bed with a raised rim to rest their head on. A dog that sprawls out flat on their side does better on a flatter mat-style bed with a low rim. Both should have a machine-washable or removable cover, since a bed that can't be washed becomes a bed you have to replace.
- How a dog sleeps matters more than their size: curled-up dogs want a raised rim, sprawled-out dogs want a flat surface.
- A washable cover isn't a nice-to-have. Dog beds pick up dirt, drool, and odor fast, and an unwashable one just gets replaced sooner.
- A round donut bed suits a dog that circles and curls before lying down.
- A flat mat-style bed suits a dog that flops onto their side to sleep.
This guide features products from our own shop, sold and shipped directly by Essential Pet Gear. No Amazon affiliate links here. See our disclosure.
Most dog beds get judged on looks in a product photo. What actually matters is whether the shape matches how your dog sleeps, and whether the cover survives getting washed after the first accident or muddy afternoon.
We carry two, built for different sleep styles. One is a round plush bed with a raised rim, for a dog that curls up tight. The other is a flatter corduroy bed with a low rim, for a dog that stretches out on their side. Both covers are machine washable or removable, because a bed you can't clean is a bed you'll be replacing in a few months.
Machine-washable Plush Round Dog Bed
Round plush bed with a raised rim, 60cm, machine-washable cover, 18 colors.
Buy Direct · $57.99
Removable and Washable Corduroy Dog Bed, XL
Flat corduroy bed with a low rim, XL 90x68cm, removable washable cover.
Buy Direct · $50.99From our own shop
Every product in this guide is sold and shipped by Essential Pet Gear, not Amazon. No affiliate link, no third-party markup, it ships direct from our supplier to your door.
Why the shape matters more than the size
Dogs generally sleep one of two ways: curled into a tight circle with their nose near their tail, or sprawled flat on their side with their legs stretched out. A bed shaped for the wrong style either goes unused or gets dragged off onto the floor next to it.
Watch how your dog naps for a day or two before buying. A dog that circles three times and curls up tight wants a raised rim to lean against. A dog that just flops over onto their side wants flat space to stretch into, not a rim in the way.
Why a washable cover isn't optional
A dog bed picks up dirt, drool, and outdoor grime faster than almost any other piece of pet gear, since it's in direct contact with fur and paws for hours a day. A cover that can't be machine washed or removed for a wash just gets dirtier until it gets thrown out.
- Dogs that spend time outside before napping indoors
- Puppies still working through house-training
- Multi-dog households sharing one bed
- Anyone who wants the bed to still look decent after a few months
Check whether the whole bed goes in the machine or just a removable cover. A removable cover is easier to wash often; a whole-bed-in-the-machine design is simpler but takes up more space in the wash.
Best for curling up: Round plush bed
This is who it's for: a dog that circles and curls into a tight donut shape before settling down. The raised rim gives them something to rest their head or back against, the way they'd lean into a corner. It comes in 18 colors and a machine-washable plush cover, sized here at 60cm for small to medium dogs.
Who should skip it: a dog that stretches out flat to sleep. They'll likely push the rim aside or sleep half on, half off the bed, which defeats the point of a curl-up design.
Machine-washable Plush Round Dog Bed
A round plush bed with a raised rim, 60cm, machine-washable cover, 18 colors. Ships from China, 5-11 days, shipping cost included in price.
- Machine-washable plush cover, 18 colors
- Also available in 40cm to 80cm sizes on the product page
Best for sprawling out: Flat corduroy bed
This is who it's for: a dog that flops onto their side to sleep instead of curling up. The low rim around a flat corduroy surface gives them room to stretch a leg out without fighting a raised edge. The XL size runs 90x68cm, sized for larger dogs, and the cover unzips and machine washes.
Who should skip it: a dog that wants to curl up tight. Without a real raised rim, there's nothing to lean their back against, and a curl-sleeper will likely prefer the round plush bed above.
Removable and Washable Corduroy Dog Bed, XL
A flat corduroy bed with a low rim, XL 90x68cm, removable washable cover. Ships from China, 5-11 days, shipping cost included in price.
- Removable, machine-washable corduroy cover
- Also available in S, M, and L sizes on the product page
Compare the two at a glance
The short version: pick the round plush bed for a dog that curls up tight, and the flat corduroy bed for a dog that sprawls out on their side.
| Dog bed | Best for | Size shown | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round plush bed | Dogs that curl up into a donut shape | 60cm (23.6in) | $57.99 |
| Flat corduroy bed | Dogs that sprawl out on their side | XL 90x68cm (35.4x26.8in) | $50.99 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best washable dog bed?
It depends on how your dog sleeps. A dog that curls into a tight donut shape does best on a round plush bed with a raised rim. A dog that sprawls out flat does better on a flatter, mat-style bed. Both of ours have a machine-washable or removable cover.
How often should I wash a dog bed?
Most dog owners wash the cover every 1-2 weeks, more often for a puppy in training or a dog that spends time outside. A removable, machine-washable cover makes this realistic to keep up with.
What size dog bed do I need?
Match the bed to your dog's length when stretched out, not just their standing size. The round plush bed comes in sizes from 40cm to 80cm, and the corduroy bed comes in S through XL (up to 90x68cm), so check the size chart on each product page before ordering.
Round bed or flat bed?
A round bed with a raised rim suits a dog that circles and curls up tight to sleep. A flat bed with a low rim suits a dog that sprawls out on their side. Watch how your dog naps before choosing.