The Best Dog Beds for Border Collies

Border collies are dogs that love to exercise and work hard, but they also love to sleep hard. As a border collie parent, you want to provide your dog with the best life possible. To do this, one of the things you’ll need is a dog bed for your border collie.

The problem is, there are thousands of dog beds available on the market today. Dog beds come in all different sizes, materials, and comfort levels. With the amount available to buy, choosing the best bed can be confusing and time-consuming.

Well, you’re in luck. I have gone ahead and done all the research for you.

Towards the end of the article, you can see my choices for the bed dog bed for border collies. But first, I’ll provide some background information on border collie sleeping habits, the types of beds, and how to pick the best dog bed for your border collie.

Does your border collie need a dog bed?

While you may think that your pup is fine curling up and sleeping anywhere in the house, a dog bed is one item your border collie does need. In fact, choosing the right dog bed for them is very important.

Dog beds are important to have for many reasons.

A spot for your dog to have all to his own

Without a dog bed, your border collie may feel like he doesn’t have a place of his own. They feel like the house belongs to everyone else and they are living in it.

By having a bed, your border collie can have a place to call their own. It can be a place they feel comfortable and secure in. A place where they can go if they need a little alone time.

Beneficial for their health

Sleeping on the floor or other hard surfaces is not great for dog’s joints and bones, especially when it comes to older dogs. Dog beds provide the cushioning they need to keep their bodies happy.

When they get older, hip dysplasia in border collies is common. Orthopedic dog beds help provide the comfort and support they need.

Cleanliness

No matter how many times you clean your floors, they won’t ever be as clean as you think they are. Dog beds provide a clean place for your border collie to sleep and spend their time.

Not only is it clean for you, it actually helps keep the rest of the house clean as well. Your border collie’s bed will attract the dirt, shed, and dander from your pup which will keep it from being spread amongst the rest of your home.

Most dog beds even come with a removable cover that can easily be cleaned in the washer when it gets too dirty.

Injury prevention

Dog beds are great to have if you want to keep your dog off the couches and beds.

Not only will a dog bed give them a place to sleep on the floor, but it can also prevent them from possibly injuring themselves when jumping up and down from beds and couches.

Border collie sleeping habits

To decide which bed is best for your border collie, one of the first things you need to understand is their sleeping habits.

This will be different for each dog, so it is up to you to learn their schedule. I know my border collie follows the same sleep patterns as I do, but he will also sleep sporadically during the day after a good exercise. Exercise certainly helps if you’re trying to get them to nap more.

Just the other day, I had woken up at the usual time, and he must have been extra tired because 15 minutes later, I could hear him “dreaming” in the other room.

On average, dogs spend around 50% of the day sleeping (12 to 14 hours). This can be different for puppies and older dogs who need considerably more sleep.

When it comes to working dog breeds like border collies, they might spend less time sleeping than a more sedentary breed. This is because of their need for more mental and physical stimulation.

Choosing a dog bed

The dog bed you choose for your border collie really depends on a few different factors. Because there is a dog bed for any occasion, you can use these four indicators to lead you closer to choosing the best one.

Sleeping Style

Your border collie’s sleeping style can be used to determine the right kind of bed for them. Does your pup like to sleep sprawled out taking up as much room as possible? Or does he like to sleep curled up in a ball?

Observing how they sleep and where they decide to lay down can help you narrow down your dog bed choices.

Dog size

The next factor to consider is your dog’s size. This is more important when it comes to choosing the final option, but make sure that each dog bed you are considering has a size for your dog.

I found after doing the research that the large size in most dog beds was the most common size for border collies.

Budget

Some dog beds are made of really high-quality materials and some are just cheap dog beds you can get at Walmart.

Of course, the better the quality, the more expensive the bed will be.

It helps to have a budget in mind so you can rule out the more expensive options, or the less expensive options right away.

Appearance

Dog beds come in all different colors, materials, and styles. While this may not be as important a factor as the others, appearance can be considered as well.

If appearance is something that is important to you, chances are, there is a dog bed for your decorating style. There are dog beds that work better in smaller apartments, and dog beds that work better for big houses.

Types of dog beds

There are so many different kinds of dog beds available to buy. Figuring out which kind your dog needs is the second part of choosing the best dog bed for border collies.

When it comes down to it, there are really only around five or six types of dog beds. Each one is made with a different purpose in mind, so it is important to know what you are looking for when it comes to making a purchase.

Bolster and donut beds

The first types are the donut and bolster beds. These are the ones that are usually circular or rounded in shape and have raised sides.

These kinds of beds are great for dogs that love to sleep curled up in a ball or dogs that prefer to sleep with their head on a pillow. They are also nice if your border collie likes to sleep leaning up against something like a wall.

Smaller dogs like these beds because they make them feel warm and secure.

Cushion and pillow beds

Cushion and pillow beds are probably the most common and most affordable dog beds. They are basically what the name says, a big pillow or cushion.

These beds come in all different sizes and are typically made of some kind of plush or pillow top material.

For the more expensive ones, the fabric shell is usually removable and machine washable. For the cheaper ones, you might have to throw the whole bed in the wash.

Orthopedic dog beds

Orthopedic dog beds are usually the most comfortable but also the most expensive. They are great for older border collies that have hip and joint problems like hip dysplasia or arthritis.

Orthopedic beds are like a big mattress for your dog. They are usually made of some kind of orthopedic memory foam base and are often large in size.

These beds are great for dogs that love to sprawl out when they are laying down. They often come with a raised edge on one side for your dog to lay their head on. Orthopedic beds are the best beds for dogs with arthritis.

Heated beds

More uncommon than the other, are heated dog beds. These are also great for warming the joints and bones of older border collies with these problem areas.

These dog beds can be completely flat or have raised sides. They are great for providing warmth in cold climates and some are even made for outdoors as well. They might not be as comfortable as an orthopedic bed, but they provide the warmth if your border collie needs it.

Heated beds are great for dogs or cats that love to be outside, no matter the temperature.

Outdoor dog beds

Outdoor dog beds are for the border collie who loves the outdoors or for a parent who wants their dog to feel comfortable even when they are outside.

There are different types of outdoor beds including normal looking beds, cots, and beds for camping. Outdoor dog beds are typically made to withstand the weather and are usually easier to clean than the indoor beds.

Dog bed features

Another thing you can look at to decide between dog beds is their characteristics.

Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes. They can be made of all kinds of materials, both inside and out.

Some can be easier to wash, while can hold up without washing. Some are made for big dogs, some for small. You get the idea.

Here are some characteristics you can look at when purchasing a new dog bed for your border collie.

Material

Dog beds can be made of many different materials. Most of the time they have an internal base with a removable fabric cover around it. Not all the time though.

Cheaper dog beds can just come as a solid bed with no real way to clean it, other than throwing the whole thing in the wash. And outdoor beds are usually just a waterproof material that can just be sprayed off.

Common materials for the base of the bed are plush, foam, and memory foam. The more expensive and thick the material is, the more expensive the bed is. Orthopedic dog beds are usually made with memory foam because this is better for your dog’s bones and joints.

The exterior covering will usually be made of some kind of common material such as cotton or polyester. They can also sometimes be made of suede, leather, and other less common materials like shag. Most of the dog beds are made with a removable cover for easy cleaning, but some aren’t.

The best bedding materials for dogs really depends on their age, activity level, and preference.

Shape

Dog beds come in all many different shapes as well. There are circular beds and square beds. There are rectangular beds and oval beds. Some beds come with raised sides, and some are completely flat.

The shape you get depends on how your dog likes to lay and sleep. If your border collie likes to sprawl out, then a rectangular one with no side walls is probably your best bet. But if your border collie likes to curl up in a ball, then a circular one with raised edges might be your best bet.

Cleaning

Being able to wash the dog bed is important because over time it will get dirty and filled with hair and dander. Most beds have a removable outer cover that can easily be thrown in the washing machine and washed.

The cheaper dogs beds usually don’t have this so cleaning them is a little more difficult. Typically, in this case, you will have to throw the whole bed in the wash. This is easy with small beds, but for a bigger bed, it might not fit.

An easy to wash dog bed is better for border collies because they are always getting into messy situations! You can only wash border collies ever so often, so having an easy to clean bed certainly helps!

Odor resistant dog beds

Many dog beds claim they are odor resistant which may be true, but most beds still smell after awhile. Unless it’s one of those beds that are raised above the ground like the outdoor cot beds, over time, every dog bed will retain unwanted odors.

When it comes down to it, keeping the odors out really depends on you. If you maintain a clean dog and a clean dog bed, then the odors will never stick around.

Dog bed sizes

Most dog beds come in different sizes to accommodate dogs of every size. It all just depends on the brand and type of dog bed, but most can fit a little tiny chihuahua all the way to a big great dane.

After doing research into the best dog bed for border collies, it seems like the large size in most brands accommodates a border collie perfectly. I would recommend reading into the sizing more for any dog bed that you are considering.

Most brands even have a dog bed size chart available so you can find the perfect size for your dog.

Best dog bed for border collies

When it comes to choosing the bed dog bed for border collies, it can be hard to choose only one. There are so many dog beds out there and each one serves a different purpose. Because of this, I have broken down the list into the best dog bed for each occasion.

PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed

The PetFusion ultimate pet bed is what the name implies, the ultimate pet bed. This bed is made with a 4-inch memory foam base and has bolsters around the majority of the bed.

It has a water resistant cover on the outside, and a waterproof liner to protect the memory foam base on the inside. Both covers are removable and washable which is perfect for dogs who love tracking dirt and hair into the house.

This bed is great for border collies of all ages, especially for older ones who need more stability for their bones and joints. In terms of size, a large is the recommended size for border collies.

Best Friends by Sheri Luxury Shag Faux Fur Donut Cuddler

If your border collie is one that prefers to curl up in a more plush and comfortable feeling bed, then this pet bed is for you. This bed is your typical donut-shaped bed with a water-resistant cover and non-skid bottom. It has short bolsters around the entire bed so your dog has somewhere to lay their head.

The outer cover features a faux shag material that is both warm and comfortable. Although this bed doesn’t have a removable cover, you can throw the entire bed in the washing machine if it fits.

I would normally recommend getting the 36”x36” size, but it appears to have been discontinued. The 30”x30” size still appears to fit a border collie and the 45”x45” one is plenty big.

Best orthopedic dog bed for border collies

Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed

If you’re willing to spend the extra money to get the best bed you can get as far as orthopedic dog beds go (Or any bed for that matter), then this one is for you.

While the sticker price might shock you, the high-quality materials and raving reviews certainly won’t.

The Big Barker bed is a pillow top orthopedic dog bed perfect for border collies that have hip and joint problems. The design is quite simple, but the quality is outstanding.

This 7-inch orthopedic foam bed is like a couch for your dogs. It comes in a rectangular shape with a bolster on one side and is perfect for border collies that like to sprawl out when they sleep.

This bed comes with a removable cover that is easy to clean in the washer. It is great for large dogs and extra large dogs because it can hold their weight without losing its shape.

The Big Barker is made in the USA and claims that it won’t flatten over time. In fact, they even have a 10-year warranty on the product.

If you’re thinking about getting the Big Barker, then a large is the size you’ll want.

BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed – Snuggly Sleeper

The BarksBar dog bed is like the PetFusion bed, but with more of a plush look and feel.

This bed is made of a memory foam base, with a cotton bolster around three of the sides. It has 4 inches of memory foam that won’t lose its shape over time. It has a solid foam pad instead of a mixture of smaller memory foam pieces.

The bottom has a non-slip rubber backing and the cover is removable for easy washing. The cotton bolsters are extra soft for dogs who like to lay their heads on something or lean against something when they are sleeping.

The only downside to this bed is that it only comes in two sizes. If I were you, I would get the larger size to be safe.

Milliard Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

The Milliard dog bed is simple but also gets the job done.

It is the most affordable of the orthopedic memory foam dog beds, which is great if you need something cheaper.

This bed is made of a 4-inch memory foam base with a removable cover that is easy to wash. While it doesn’t have any bolsters, it can be great for border collies that like to sprawl out and not care about laying their heads on anything.

As far as sizing goes, you’ll most likely want to get the large size for your border collie.

Best affordable dog bed for border collies

If you’re looking for an affordable dog bed that gets the job done, then there are two beds you might consider looking at. Both beds are made by the same company, and both are under $30.

MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Super Plush Bed

The MidWest Homes for Pets plush dog bed if your run of the mill plush dog bed.

It is a rectangular shape which means it will fit great in a crate and it has a non-skid surface on the bottom so it won’t slide around on wood or tile floors. This bed doesn’t have a removable cover but you can throw it in the wash if it fits.

If you need one of these for your border collie, then the 42-inch size should be perfect.

MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed

This MidWest Homes for Pets is another option if you are looking for an affordable dog bed.

This bed doesn’t have much in the way of padding on the bottom, but it does have bolsters for your dog to lay their head on.

If you want to get this bed, I would recommend the 42” but keep in mind that people say it comes slightly smaller than advertised.

Best outdoor dog bed for border collies

K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot

The K&H pet cot is the best outdoor dog bed for border collies.

It’s not like the other dog beds where they are made of a plush or foam material. This bed is more of a cot hammock style of bed.

It is an elevated dog bed that is perfect for keeping your dog cool during the warmer months. The center of the bed is made of a breathable mesh material and the frame is easily assembled without the need for extra tools.

This bed can hold up to 150 pounds and is great for hot summer days in the backyard, camping, or hanging out by the water.

Because it is an elevated pet bed, air can circulate all around them to keep them cooler. The best part is, this bed is completely waterproof and can easily be cleaned by spraying it down with a hose.

This dog bed comes in a few different sizes, but the large is the best for your border collie.

Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed

The Chuckit! Travel dog bed is another kind of dog bed that doesn’t look like the rest.

This bed is made specifically for taking on camping trips, hikes, and the great outdoors. The top is made of a poly-suede material and has extra cushioning from the double-offset quilting pattern.

It’s almost like a sleeping bag for your border collie.

The bed easily rolls up and fits in a nylon back for taking on the go.

If you the bed gets dirty and you want to wash it, you can run it right through the washer. It even has a built-in fabric hook for hanging to air dry.

If you’re looking for the top dog adventure bed for your border collie, then look no further.

Best heated dog bed for border collies

K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Heated Bed

If you’ve never seen a heated dog bed before, don’t feel bad. Honestly, I’ve never seen one before until now either, but I felt like I had to include it to in list anyways.

A heated dog bed is exactly what it sounds like, a bed that can be heated to keep your pets warm, no matter the reason.

This bed, in particular, claims to be the only heated dog bed that is made with orthopedic foam. The outside is made of a soft PVC waterproof material and the bed can be used indoors or outdoors.

This bed has an internal thermostat that heats up to your border collie’s normal body temperature. It also comes with a removable fleece cover to keep them extra warm and comfortable.

This heated dog bed is perfect for dog houses, kennels, garages, and basements. It comes in three different sizes and the large is the best size for your border collie.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best dog bed for your border collie, there is a lot you have to consider. A dog bed is a place for your dog to call their own. It’s a place where they will sleep for many hours a day. While choosing the best one can be confusing with so many options out there, hopefully, this guide has helped guide you in the right direction. The options above are the ones that I feel make the cut for the best dog bed for border collies.

If you have one of the dog beds listed above or one that I didn’t include in the list, please feel free to share your experiences below!