Dog beds with sides — often called bolster beds — give dogs a raised edge to lean against, rest their head on, or burrow into, and in 2026 they remain one of the most popular bed styles for exactly that reason: dogs that like to curl up tightly or feel enclosed tend to strongly prefer them over flat mats. We tested and researched the picks above across different dog sizes, chewing tendencies, and sleeping styles to help you match the right bolster bed to your dog’s actual habits rather than guessing.
The Best Dog Beds with Sides at a Glance
Furhaven Sherpa & Suede Bolster Dog Bed with Sides
- Bolster sides hold shape well after months of use
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Wide range of sizes for small to giant breeds
- Sherpa fabric attracts fur and needs frequent lint-rolling
- Bolster is soft, not firm — dogs seeking back support may want a firmer option
Bedsure Calming Donut Dog Bed with Raised Rim
- Enclosed, nest-like shape provides a real sense of security
- Faux fur is soft without matting quickly
- Machine washable and dries reasonably fast
- Rim compresses over time and loses some loft
- Not ideal for dogs who like to stretch out fully
Big Barker Sidekick Orthopedic Dog Bed with Bolster
- Genuine orthopedic-grade foam, not just poly-fill
- Bolster edge doubles as a supportive headrest
- Backed by a long structural warranty
- Higher price point than most bolster beds
- Heavier and bulkier, harder to move between rooms
PetFusion Ultimate Bolster Dog Bed
- Water-resistant base protects the internal cushion
- Solid bolster support on three sides
- Non-slip bottom stays put on hardwood and tile
- Cover fabric feels slightly stiffer than plush alternatives
- Zipper on the cover can be stiff to work at first
K&H Pet Products Bolster Couch Dog Bed
- Very affordable for a bolstered design
- Lightweight and easy to move or wash
- Good entry point to see if a dog prefers bolster-style beds
- Bolster padding is thinner than premium options
- Durability suffers with heavy chewers or diggers
MidWest QuietTime Bolster Dog Bed
- Sized to fit standard crate dimensions
- Bolster edges provide head support in tight spaces
- Easy to spot-clean
- Less plush than free-standing bolster beds
- Limited style/color options compared to other picks
K9 Ballistics Tough Bolster Dog Bed
- Genuinely tough, tear-resistant fabric on stress points
- Bolster sides hold up to digging and nesting behavior
- Machine washable despite the tough fabric
- Firmer overall feel than plush bolster beds
- Higher price reflects the reinforced materials
Why Some Dogs Prefer Beds with Sides
Bolstered edges mimic the feeling of denning — the instinct many dogs have to curl up against something solid for security, whether that’s a couch cushion, a corner of a room, or your legs. Dogs that circle repeatedly before lying down, burrow under blankets, or prefer resting their chin on something raised are typically strong candidates for a bolster-style bed. Dogs that prefer to sprawl out flat, on the other hand, sometimes ignore the bolster entirely and lie in the center, which is worth considering before you invest in a premium option.
Sizing a Bolster Bed Correctly
Bolster beds need a bit more length and width than a flat bed of the same “size” label, because the raised sides eat into usable lying space. Measure your dog from nose to tail base while lying stretched out, then add at least 6-8 inches to that length to account for the bolster’s interior curve. For dogs who curl up tightly, you can size slightly smaller than nose-to-tail, but always err larger for dogs over 50 lbs to avoid limbs hanging off the edge.
Bolster Height and Firmness
Bolster height varies from about 4 inches on budget beds to 7-8 inches on orthopedic designs like the Big Barker Sidekick. Taller, firmer bolsters work better as head/neck support for larger and senior dogs, while shorter, softer bolsters suit small dogs and puppies who mainly want a soft edge to nuzzle against. If your dog has any neck or joint sensitivity, prioritize a firmer, higher bolster rather than a plush, low one.
Materials: Sherpa, Suede, and Tough Fabrics
Sherpa and faux-fur covers (Furhaven, Bedsure) feel the coziest but shed lint and mat down faster with heavy use. Suede and canvas-style covers (PetFusion, K&H) are more durable and easier to wipe down but less plush. If your dog is a known chewer or digger, prioritize reinforced or ballistic-grade fabric like the K9 Ballistics pick — standard sherpa or suede bolsters will not hold up to sustained scratching or biting at the seams.
Orthopedic Support for Large and Senior Dogs
Standard poly-fill bolster beds are fine for small and young dogs, but large breeds and seniors benefit significantly from a supportive foam base underneath the bolster, not just around the edges. Look for beds that specify high-density or orthopedic-grade foam in the base cushion, not only in marketing copy — genuine orthopedic foam resists flattening far longer than standard polyester fill, which can compress permanently within a year under a heavy dog.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Because bolster beds have more surface area and seams than flat mats, they can trap more fur, dander, and odor over time. Prioritize beds with a fully removable, machine-washable cover (all the picks above qualify) and check the fill material’s washability separately — some bolster bed interiors are washer-safe, while others (particularly foam-based ones) should only be spot-cleaned, with just the cover going in the machine.
Fitting a Bolster Bed in a Crate
If you want bolster comfort inside a crate, measure your crate’s interior dimensions carefully before buying — most bolster beds are designed as free-standing furniture and run larger than standard crate pads. The MidWest QuietTime is purpose-built to standard crate sizing, which makes it the safer choice if crate fit is a priority over bolster height or plushness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sizing based on flat-bed dimensions instead of accounting for bolster wall thickness
- Choosing a plush sherpa bolster for a known chewer or digger
- Ignoring firmness for large or senior dogs who need real joint support, not just a soft edge
- Assuming all bolster beds are machine washable in full — some only have washable covers
- Buying the cheapest option first for a dog that has already destroyed multiple beds
| Bed | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furhaven Sherpa & Suede | Curling/leaning dogs | 4.7 | $$ |
| Bedsure Calming Donut | Anxious dogs | 4.6 | $ |
| Big Barker Sidekick | Large/senior dogs | 4.8 | $$$$ |
| PetFusion Ultimate | Accident-prone dogs | 4.6 | $$ |
| K&H Bolster Couch | Budget | 4.4 | $ |
| MidWest QuietTime | Crate use | 4.5 | $ |
| K9 Ballistics Tough | Chewers/diggers | 4.6 | $$$ |
Sizing Reference by Dog Weight
| Dog Weight | Recommended Bed Length | Bolster Height |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 lbs | 24″-30″ | 4″-5″ |
| 25-50 lbs | 30″-36″ | 5″-6″ |
| 50-90 lbs | 36″-44″ | 6″-7″ |
| Over 90 lbs | 44″+ | 7″-8″ |
Not sure a bolster style is right for your dog? Our main dog beds hub covers flat, orthopedic, and elevated styles side by side. If your dog runs hot, pair any bolster bed with placement away from direct sun, and check our cooling mattress guide for the same temperature-regulating fabric principles that apply to pet bedding. Furnishing the whole bedroom around a new dog bed? Browse our bed frames with storage for under-bed storage that keeps dog bedding tucked away, or see our beds hub for the full range. Learn how we evaluate every product on our how we test page, and read more about our review process on our about page.
Give Your Dog Something to Lean On
Check current pricing and sizes for our top-rated bolster dog bed pick.
Check price on AmazonWhat is a dog bed with sides called?
These are commonly called bolster beds or bolster dog beds, referring to the raised, cushioned edge that runs along one or more sides of the bed.
Do dogs actually prefer beds with sides?
Many dogs do, especially those that like to curl up tightly, lean their head on something, or feel enclosed while sleeping. Dogs that prefer sprawling flat may not use the bolster edge as much.
How do I size a bolster dog bed correctly?
Measure your dog nose to tail base while lying stretched out, then add 6-8 inches to account for the bolster walls taking up interior space.
Are bolster dog beds good for large breeds?
Yes, especially orthopedic bolster beds with high-density foam bases, which provide joint support along with the bolster’s head and neck support.
Can bolster dog beds be machine washed?
Most have removable, machine-washable covers, but always check whether the internal cushion or foam is washer-safe separately, since many are spot-clean only.
Are bolster beds good for dogs that chew or dig?
Standard bolster beds can be destroyed quickly by heavy chewers. Look for reinforced or ballistic-grade fabric specifically marketed as chew- or scratch-resistant.
Will a bolster bed fit inside my dog’s crate?
Only some are designed for crate use. Measure your crate’s interior dimensions and choose a bed specifically sized or marketed for crate fit, since most bolster beds are meant as free-standing furniture.
Do puppies benefit from bolster-style beds?
Yes, many puppies like the enclosed, secure feeling, though supervise use closely since some puppies chew at bolster seams and stuffing during teething.
Part of the Talk Beds editorial team — testing and researching beds, mattresses and sleep gear so you can rest easy. Full profile & sources →
