Large dogs are hard on bedding. Between shedding, mud, drool, and the occasional accident, a bed that can’t go in the washing machine has a short lifespan in a house with an 80-pound dog. In 2026, more large-breed dog beds are being built with genuinely removable, washable covers instead of the sewn-shut cushions of a decade ago – but not all of them are created equal. Some “washable” covers shrink, some zippers fail after two cycles, and some liners aren’t actually waterproof underneath. We looked at the beds that hold their shape, their support, and their fabric after repeated washing, with a focus on sizes and weight capacities that fit real large breeds rather than beds labeled “large” that fit a 40-pound dog comfortably.
Our picks for washable large dog beds
Furhaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed (Jumbo)
- Zippered cover washes and dries fast
- Egg-crate orthopedic foam holds shape after washing
- Bolsters help anxious dogs feel enclosed
- Foam base itself isn't machine washable, only the cover
- Zipper can snag if you rush it
Bedsure Large Dog Bed with Removable Washable Cover
- Very affordable for the size
- Cover slides off without tools or extra effort
- Comes in multiple large and XL sizes
- Filling flattens faster than pricier memory foam options
- Not chew-resistant
Big Barker 7" Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Heavy-duty 7-inch foam holds up under 90+ lb dogs
- Waterproof liner protects the foam from accidents
- Made in the USA with a long warranty
- Premium price point
- Cover is bulky in a standard washer, may need a laundromat
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Bolster Dog Bed
- No electricity needed to stay warm
- Machine washable outer shell
- Bolster edge doubles as a headrest
- Bulkier to dry than thinner beds
- Large size still feels snug for giant breeds
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed with Removable Washable Cover
- Water-resistant liner under the washable cover
- Non-slip base stays put on hardwood
- Structured bolsters keep shape
- Runs slightly small for true giant breeds
- Cover color options are limited
MidWest QuietTime Defender Washable Crate Bed
- Fits standard large/XL wire crates
- Fully machine washable and dryer safe
- Chew and water resistant liner
- Less cushioning than a standalone bolster bed
- Best for crate use, not as a standalone floor bed
K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangular Washable Dog Bed
- Ripstop, chew-resistant outer fabric
- Fully removable and washable cover
- Waterproof liner underneath
- Firmer feel than plush options
- Higher price for the durability level
What “washable” actually means on a dog bed
Not every washable dog bed is washable the same way, and the difference matters a lot once you own one for six months.
Removable cover vs. whole-bed washing
Most large dog beds that claim to be washable actually mean the outer cover unzips and goes in the machine while the foam or fiber-fill core stays dry. This is the setup you want for anything with real orthopedic foam, since foam degrades quickly in a washer and almost never dries right. Smaller, thinner beds – like crate pads – are sometimes fully machine washable including the fill, which works fine because there’s less mass to dry.
Waterproof liners
A good washable bed for a large dog has a waterproof or water-resistant liner between the foam and the outer cover. This keeps accidents, drool, and wet-dog moisture from soaking into the foam itself, which is where odor actually lives long after the cover is clean. If a bed doesn’t mention a liner at all, assume moisture will eventually reach the foam.
Zipper quality
This sounds like a small detail until you’re trying to stuff a jumbo-sized foam insert back into a cover with a jammed zipper. Beds with heavy-duty, oversized zippers (and a little extra fabric room) are noticeably easier to maintain long-term than tight-fitting covers with delicate zipper teeth.
Sizing for large and giant breeds
“Large” on a dog bed label isn’t standardized. A bed listed as large might measure 36 inches, which is snug for a 70-pound Labrador and too small for a Great Dane or Bernese Mountain Dog. As a rough guide:
- Large (50-90 lbs): Look for beds in the 40-44 inch range so the dog can fully stretch out.
- XL/Giant (90-150+ lbs): You’ll want 48 inches or larger, and it’s worth checking the bed’s actual internal cushion dimensions, not just the exterior cover measurement.
If your dog sleeps stretched out flat rather than curled up, add a few extra inches to whatever size the brand recommends for their weight – most sizing charts assume a curled sleeping position.
Support matters as much as washability
A bed that’s easy to clean but offers no real support isn’t doing your dog many favors, especially for large breeds prone to hip and joint issues. Orthopedic foam – ideally 3 to 7 inches of higher-density foam – holds up better under sustained weight than shredded fiber-fill, which compresses within months under a large dog. The tradeoff is that thicker foam beds are heavier and bulkier to wash (the cover, not the foam), so factor in whether you’re dealing with a standard home washer or need to make a laundromat trip for bigger covers.
Chewers, diggers, and “nesting” dogs
If your large dog digs at their bed before lying down or chews at the seams, a plush suede cover won’t last. Ballistic nylon or ripstop fabric covers resist digging and light chewing far better, and the better ones in this category are still fully washable – they just feel firmer and less plush to the touch, which is a fair tradeoff for durability.
Comparison at a glance
| Bed | Best For | Washable Cover | Waterproof Liner | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furhaven Plush & Suede Jumbo | Leaning/burrowing dogs | Yes, zip-off | Partial | $$ |
| Bedsure Large Dog Bed | Budget-conscious owners | Yes, removable | No | $ |
| Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic | Joint support, seniors | Yes, removable | Yes | $$$ |
| K&H Self-Warming Bolster | Cold sleepers | Yes, machine wash | No | $$ |
| PetFusion Ultimate | Clean, structured look | Yes, removable | Yes | $$ |
| MidWest QuietTime Defender | Crate use | Fully washable | Yes | $ |
| K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangular | Chewers/diggers | Yes, removable | Yes | $$$ |
How often should you wash a large dog’s bed?
For most households, every one to two weeks is reasonable, with a spot-clean in between for muddy paws or drool. Dogs with allergies, or homes with more than one large dog sharing a bed, may want a weekly wash cycle. Keeping a spare cover on hand (some of the beds above sell replacement covers separately) means you’re never stuck air-drying a wet cover overnight while your dog sleeps on the bare foam.
Related buying guides
- Browse all dog bed guides
- Bed sizes and dimensions guide
- How we test beds and bedding
- Cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
- Mattresses under $300
- About Talk Beds
Can you put a whole dog bed in the washing machine?
Usually not the foam or thick fiber-fill core – only the removable cover. Thin crate pads without foam inserts are sometimes fully machine washable, but check the care label before assuming the whole thing can go in.
How do I know what size washable dog bed to buy for a large breed?
Measure your dog from nose to tail while lying stretched out, then add a few inches. Weight-based size charts are a starting point, but stretched-out sleepers usually need a size larger than the chart suggests.
Are washable dog beds waterproof?
Not automatically – washable and waterproof are two different features. Look specifically for a waterproof or water-resistant liner between the foam and cover if accidents or drooling are a concern.
How often should I wash my large dog’s bed?
Every one to two weeks for most dogs, with spot-cleaning in between. Dogs with allergies or skin issues may benefit from weekly washing.
Do washable covers shrink after multiple washes?
Lower-quality polyester covers can shrink slightly over many wash cycles. Washing in cold water and air-drying or using low heat in the dryer helps covers keep their fit longer.
What’s the difference between orthopedic and regular large dog beds?
Orthopedic beds use higher-density foam that supports joints and doesn’t fully compress under sustained weight, which matters more for large and senior dogs prone to hip or elbow issues. Regular fiber-fill beds are softer initially but flatten faster.
Are washable dog beds good for dogs who dig or chew at their bedding?
Standard plush covers don’t hold up well to digging or chewing. Look for ripstop or ballistic nylon covers, which are more chew-resistant while still being removable and washable.
Can I put a washable dog bed cover in the dryer?
Check the care tag first – some covers are dryer safe on low heat, while others should air dry to avoid shrinking or damaging waterproof linings.
Sophie Laurent
Sophie Laurent is TalkBeds' Beds & Bedroom Editor. With more than ten years covering home and furniture, she leads everything on the site that isn't the mattress itself: bed frames, platform beds, headboards, bunk and kids' beds, sizing, and the interiors decisions… Full profile & sources →