Yorkies are small enough that a lot of standard “small dog” beds still end up looking oversized once you get one home. A Yorkshire Terrier typically weighs somewhere between four and seven pounds fully grown, has almost no insulating undercoat, and tends to burrow or curl into a tight ball rather than sprawl out. That combination of size, sensitivity to cold, and a strong nesting instinct is why picking a bed for this breed is a little different from shopping for a generic small dog bed. Below we’ve rounded up bed styles that consistently work well for Yorkies in 2026, along with the details worth checking before you buy.
Top Dog Beds for Yorkies in 2026
Bedsure Calming Donut Dog Bed (Small)
- Small size is genuinely small, not just 'small' by big-dog standards
- Soft faux fur holds warmth well for thin-coated toy breeds
- Machine washable cover
- Some Yorkies push the filling flat within a few months
- Non-slip bottom works best on hard floors, less so on carpet
Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Hooded Dog Bed
- Hood section gives real den-like coverage
- Zip-off cover simplifies washing
- Lightweight enough to move between rooms
- Hood fabric can feel a bit stiff before it's washed a couple times
- Not ideal for dogs that dislike anything overhead
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Cat and Dog Bed
- No cords or batteries, just reflects the dog's own heat
- Lightweight and easy to wash
- Good size match for toy breeds without feeling oversized
- Warming effect is subtle, not a true heated pad
- Cover isn't as plush as some competitors
MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed
- Fits standard small/toy breed crates well
- Bolster sides double as a headrest
- Removable, washable cover
- Filling is firmer than plush donut-style beds
- Bolster height may be too tall for very young puppies
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed (Small)
- Supportive memory foam base holds up over time
- Waterproof liner protects the foam from accidents
- Removable cover with a durable zipper
- Firmer feel than plush beds, some Yorkies need a blanket on top
- Small size still has a wide footprint for tiny apartments
Kong Cuddler Dog Bed
- Very affordable for a second or backup bed
- Soft plush surface most small dogs take to quickly
- Lightweight for easy carrying
- Less durable than pricier options with heavy chewers nearby
- Cover fabric pills a bit after repeated washing
Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed (X-Small)
- Breathable mesh keeps dogs cooler than padded beds
- Easy to hose off and dry quickly
- Sturdy frame despite the lightweight look
- No cushioning, so it's less cozy for cold-sensitive Yorkies
- Some dogs need a small blanket added on top in winter
What Actually Matters for a Yorkie’s Bed
True Small Sizing, Not Just “Small” on the Label
A lot of beds labeled small are still sized for dogs in the 15-25 pound range. For a Yorkie, that’s a bed with far more empty space than the dog will ever use, which can actually make them feel less secure rather than more. Look for beds explicitly sized for toy breeds, or extra-small options, usually in the 15 to 20 inch range for the sleeping surface.
Warmth Matters More Than You’d Expect
Because Yorkies have a single-layer coat instead of a double coat, they lose body heat faster than a lot of other breeds their size. This is why raised-rim donut beds, hooded burrow beds, and self-warming pads tend to outperform flat mats for this breed, especially in homes that run cool at night or in winter.
Edges and Bolsters Give Them Something to Lean Into
Yorkies frequently sleep pressed against something, whether that’s a bolster edge, a blanket roll, or a person’s leg. A bed with a raised rim or bolster side isn’t just a style choice, it mimics that same feeling of contact and tends to get used far more consistently than a flat cushion.
Washable Covers Are Non-Negotiable
Small dogs still track in dirt, shed, and occasionally have accidents, and Yorkie coats in particular can matt fibers into fabric if the cover isn’t removable. A zip-off, machine-washable cover saves a lot of hassle over the life of the bed.
Bed Styles Compared for Yorkies
| Style | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Donut/calming bed | Dogs that curl tightly, anxious sleepers | Filling can flatten with heavy daily use |
| Hooded burrow bed | Blanket-diggers, dogs that like to hide | Not ideal for dogs uneasy with overhead coverage |
| Self-warming pad | Cold-sensitive Yorkies, drafty rooms | Warming effect is passive, not a heated element |
| Bolster crate bed | Crate-trained dogs, defined resting space | Firmer feel, less plush than donut styles |
| Memory foam bed | Senior Yorkies, joint stiffness | Bulkier footprint for small living spaces |
| Elevated mesh bed | Warm climates, indoor/outdoor use | Minimal cushioning, less cozy in cold weather |
Sizing and Placement Tips
Most Yorkies do well with a sleeping surface between 16 and 20 inches, small enough to feel enclosed but with room to stretch out fully when they want to. If you’re placing the bed inside a crate, measure the crate’s interior floor space first, since bolster beds add a few inches of height and width along the sides that can eat into usable room. For dogs that split time between a crate, a living room spot, and travel, a lightweight bed under three pounds makes moving it around far more practical than a heavier memory foam design.
Related buying guides
- All dog bed guides and reviews
- Bed sizes and dimensions guide
- Cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
- Bed frames with storage
- How we test beds and bedding
- About Talk Beds
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Check price on AmazonWhat size bed does a Yorkie need?
Most Yorkies do best with a sleeping surface between 16 and 20 inches, sized for toy breeds rather than general small dogs.
Do Yorkies need a heated or warming bed?
Not always required, but many benefit from a self-warming pad or raised-rim bed since their thin coat offers little natural insulation.
Are donut beds good for Yorkies?
Yes, the raised rim suits their tendency to curl tightly and gives them something to lean against while sleeping.
How often should I wash a Yorkie’s dog bed cover?
Every one to two weeks is reasonable for most households, more often if the dog spends time outdoors or has skin sensitivities.
Should I get a bed with a hood or cover?
If your Yorkie likes to burrow under blankets, a hooded burrow-style bed can reduce blanket-dragging and give them a similar enclosed feeling.
Can a Yorkie use a memory foam bed?
Yes, especially senior Yorkies with joint stiffness, though the bulkier footprint takes up more floor space than a donut or bolster bed.
Is an elevated mesh bed suitable for a Yorkie?
It works well in warm climates or for dogs prone to overheating, but it offers less cushioning and warmth than padded styles.
What’s the biggest mistake people make buying a bed for a Yorkie?
Buying a bed sized for general small dogs rather than one truly sized for toy breeds, which leaves too much empty space for the dog to feel secure in.
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 →