Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes and vary greatly in price, colour shape, material and durability. It all depends on the type of dog and his age, your budget and your decor as to which one you should opt for. Plastic beds are great for dogs that are tough on their bedding and not adverse to using it as a after-walk snack if dinner is a little late arriving.

Perla Plastic Dog Bed

Be sure to choose one that has adequate ventilation holes and is slightly off the floor to ensure good air circulation which will help prevent condensation and it becoming damp for your dog, particularly if they like to romp in puddles on their walks and they are not completely dry when they lie in the bed. A good thick quality dog blanket will help keep them warm, but if your dog is older or a little stiff jointed a vinyl bed, such as the

Danish Design Pet Lounger

provides good cushioning for older joints and the removable quilted inner mattresses can be easily removed for regular washing. A good bed should also have a non-slip base, preferably water resistant to prevent dampness moving up into the bed, particularly from tile floors in kitchens and utility rooms.

For a toastier alternative providing your pet doesn't chew his bed, a soft fur dog bed is a cosy option. The durability of the bed will depend on the quality of the fur - the thicker the better - and the filling. A good quality dog bed should contain either solid foam or hollow fibre fill, both of which keep their shape well unlike cheaper fillings that 'lump' with use and washing and can become uncomfortable for your dog. The filling and fabric should also conform to certain safety standards - they should be Fire Retardant and comply with the Furniture & Furnishings Fire & Safety Regulations 1988 BS.No.5852 Ignition Source 2. 

Fur dog beds can be large due to their filling, so bear in mind, how you will wash it. A removable inner mattress is a good idea so you can fit it into your washing machine, at least in two parts. A bed also needs to be able to withstand regular washing as dirty soft bedding can be a source of skin irritation for your dog and harbour fleas. Always use a non-biological washing powder as biological powders can be too harsh especially for thin skinned breeds.

Polar Fleece Softy Bed

When buying a good quality fleece fur dog bed always buy generously in the size. Beds are measured underneath across the base of the bed - so a 26" bed like the one above will probably be between 22-24" internally, depending on the thickness of the walls. Also take into account your dogs sleeping habit and where his bed will be situated. Does he always sleep curled up or if the bed is in a warm room will he want to stretch out - there's no point buying him a thick, cosy,warm bed if it's too hot for him to stay in it and he has to sleep on the floor!

The most important thing is budget - as with most things you pay for what you get - a good quality dog bed should last at least three to four years with normal wear and tear - but there are some good quality ranges at a more affordable price which are still stylish and you should expect a couple of years good use from such as Rosewood's 40 Winks Range.