Puppy Beds for Small Dogs | Size & Wash Guide

Small-breed puppy beds come in sizes from 17 to 33 inches, and the right fit depends on your dog’s sleeping posture and whether the cover comes off for washing.

Picking the wrong puppy bed for a small dog usually comes down to one of two mistakes: choosing one too small for the dog’s curled-up sleeping position, or ignoring how the bed gets cleaned. Small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians have different needs than larger dogs, and the stakes of a bad buy are higher because your puppy will outgrow it fast. The practical approach is to measure your dog’s curled length, decide between a bolster and flat design, and confirm the washing method before you ever add it to a cart.

What Size Puppy Bed Does a Small Dog Need?

Small dog beds vary widely in dimensions, so the “small” label alone isn’t enough to go on.

The rule is to match the bed to your dog’s sleeping position, not its weight. Measure your puppy from nose to tail when curled up, and add a few inches so they can shift positions. A larger-than-needed bed is still comfortable; one that’s too small limits curling and stretching, which is the most common fit error owners make.

Bolster Beds vs. Flat Beds: Which Design Wins?

Bolster beds have raised edges that give a small dog somewhere to rest its head, which suits breeds that like to curl against a boundary. Flat beds and mats suit dogs that sprawl out and prefer no obstacle. For crate use, a flat bed usually fits better because the raised rim of a bolster can conflict with the crate walls; for open sleeping areas, a bolster adds comfort and a sense of security.

There’s no universally better option — it depends on your puppy’s habits. If your dog circles before lying down and tucks its nose into its tail, a bolster bed matches that instinct. If your dog flops onto its side with legs extended, a flat bed gives it the room to do that comfortably.

How Do You Wash a Puppy Bed for a Small Dog?

The washing method depends entirely on the bed’s construction, so check the care label before anything else. Removable-cover beds, all-in-one beds, solid foam beds, and filled bolster beds each need a different approach, and assuming they’re all machine-washable is the fastest way to ruin one.

For beds with removable covers, take off the cover and padding before washing. Most small covers can go in a home washer on cold or warm water with a gentle or delicate cycle, then tumble dry low or air dry. Filled polyester bolsters can also be machine washed on gentle in cold or warm water and tumbled dry low. Solid foam beds should never be wrung out — squeezing wet foam damages its structure permanently.

Before washing, vacuum or brush off pet hair, and always dry fully on low heat or air dry per the label. Moisture trapped in a bed is a breeding ground for bacteria and odors.

Common Mistakes and What to Buy Instead

Beyond sizing errors, the biggest mistake is assuming one washing method works for every bed. Heated beds are another misstep — veterinarians generally recommend insulating beds over heated ones for small breeds, since small dogs regulate heat differently and a heated surface poses a burn risk if the puppy chews the cord.

Washer compatibility matters too. If you’re shopping and want options that already match these criteria, our roundup of the best beds for puppies compares top picks for small breeds. The general guidance from Spruce’s guide to washing dog beds is consistent: cool to warm water, delicate cycle, and never wringing solid foam.