Best Dog Bed Materials for Comfort, Durability and Style

As sweet and adorable as our pups tend to be, it’s important to remember that they have animal instincts! The desire to chew, bite, dig, shred and tear is a real concern. That’s why it’s so important to choose a dog bed that’s durable enough to stand up to long term wear and tear. 

Polyester, Vinyl and Faux Leather Dog Beds

There are a few common durable materials for dog beds that you can choose from. Many pet beds on the market feature wipeable materials like vinyl, faux leather or polyester. These textiles are water resistant and durable but create potential problems that you would be wise to consider. 

Vinyl and faux leather fabrics don't breathe effectively, so on warmer days your pup may overheat more easily. Polyester is rugged enough but often looks cheap and detracts from your other home decor. 

Choose a Canvas Dog Bed for Durability and Easy Cleaning

Dogs should sleep in beds that provide multiple benefits for them and for you! Canvas offers the perfect balance of lasting durability and simplicity. 

Cotton canvas is among the best dog bed fabrics for snuggling, but thick and strong enough to withstand scratching, chewing and general puppyhood shenanigans. Plus, cotton canvas is machine washable, so when your dog drools, tracks mud into their bed or makes some other kind of mess, you can handle it with ease.

Other Good Fabrics for Dog Beds

If a durable material for dog beds isn’t your top concern, you may be interested in other popular fabrics like faux fur, Sherpa or suede. Each of these fabrics offers their own benefits but it's important to consider cleanability, comfort and overall style.

Cotton is among the most popular materials for sheets, comforters and other bedding. As humans, we know that cotton means comfort thanks to a crisp weave, a soft feel and superior breathability. Those benefits are also what make cotton such a good fabric for dog beds! Cotton is hands-down one of the best dog bed fabrics on the market.

The Importance of Cushioning

Dogs of all ages benefit from a bed that they can snuggle into. Most dogs perform a circling ritual before lying down. Not only are they surveying their sleep spot, but they’re preparing their nest to provide comfort and support.

If your dog walks in circles before lying down, they’ll love an overstuffed, pillow-style bed so they can carve out their perfect spot and drift off to a restful sleep. The right cushioning is a vital part of choosing the best dog bed material.

If you’re shopping for a puppy, you might be tempted to buy a small puppy bed that fits them perfectly now. Puppies always grow faster than you’d expect, so instead of selecting a small dog bed that they’ll quickly outgrow, consider investing in a larger dog bed that will be the perfect size for them in the future.

Dog Bed Sizes by Weight

Selecting a dog bed size by your dog’s weight is a great place to start. Dog beds come in different sizes to better suit your pup’s build. The Canvas Dog Beds you’ll find at Parachute come in two different sizes to accommodate a large range of dogs from the most petite toy poodle to the lankiest greyhound. 

Dogs under 35 pounds can usually nestle comfortably in a size-small dog bed, while dogs from 35 to 75 pounds are more at home in a size-large dog bed.

Dog Bed Sizes by Sleeping Position

Just like humans can be side sleepers, back sleepers or tummy sleepers, dogs usually sleep in a variety of positions. They might curl in a tiny ball at night and flop on their back for afternoon sun naps. The best dog beds will suit your pup in a range of comfortable positions.

If you have a smaller pup but they love to stretch out when they sleep, it’s a good idea to get a large dog bed. The goal is comfort, so you want to give your dog the ability to stretch, roll over, reposition and fall right back to sleep! Make sure you have enough of the best dog bed material for your small pup.

Shopping for dog beds at pet stores can be frustrating. Cutesy patterns, odd shapes and loud, attention-grabbing colors are the most common options out there. If you’re looking for a dog bed that won't annoy you everytime you set eyes on it, consider one that suits your design preferences.

Canvas Dog Beds by Parachute feature the same clean, simplistic style and soothing natural tones as our other home linens. A simple, understated, pillow-shaped dog bed provides comfort for your canine best friend while also complimenting just about any home’s style. And canvas is among the best dog bed fabrics for cleaning and durability.