The affectionate, clever Australian Shepherd makes a loving family dog for experienced dog owners. They are friendly and loving with their family, but have an extremely high energy level and require vigorous exercise every day to wear them out. They desire lots of attention and dislike being left alone for long periods. They are always alert and may respond to guests with an alarm bark, but are generally friendly—though reserved—with new people. Overall, Australian Shepherd are intelligent companions that are exceptionally responsive to training.
However, Australian Shepherds are not hyperactive, so they will appreciate a good dog bed near you to rest after their activity-filled days. When looking for a good dog bed for your Australian Shepherd, you should try to find one with a firm mattress to support the weight of the dog (around 40 pounds) and big enough to let the dog stretch out.
Factors to consider:
Size and weight:
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs that weigh between 35-65 pounds. Males stand 20-23 inches tall while females are slightly smaller at 18-21 inches. As puppies, they weigh just 10-15 pounds.
For Australian Shepherd puppies, a bed around 30 inches long and 20 inches wide provides ample room. The bed should have soft cushioning for their developing bones and joints. Once full grown, Australian Shepherds require a larger bed size of at least 36 inches long and 28 inches wide. This gives them space to sprawl out after a long day of activity.
Orthopedic beds with firm support are ideal for adult Australian Shepherds to properly align their back and hips.
Sleeping position:
Australian Shepherds sleep around 12-14 hours per day. It would help if you also considered how your Aussie likes to sleep. Some dogs like to curl into a ball, and others like to rest their head on a pillow.
Others like to spread out and use every inch of available space or sleep with their limbs hanging off the side. A spacious bed provides room for these varied sleeping styles. Different bed types suit different sleeping positions, width is particularly important so they can fully extend their legs without dangling over the edges.
If you’re unsure how your pup likes to sleep, watch them for a few days.
Materials and durability:
Since Australian Shepherds were bred as herding dogs, they have high energy levels and need a good 1-2 hours of exercise daily. For this reason they require a firm mattress that will not flatten out over time and use.
Durability is a key factor for this breed. Sturdy oxford or canvas beds can withstand Australian Shepherds jumping in and out. Avoid flimsier fabrics like velour that can rip. Waterproof liners also help preserve the bed against accidents.
Also, Australian Shepherds are playful and known for their nesting behavior, it likes to nibble on its own things. Your best bet is to choose a bed made from more durable materials that have a higher chance of withstanding your dog’s chewing. Look for beds with stitched panels rather than glued ones, as they are much more substantial. You may also want to opt for flatter beds without raised edges or corners that your pooch can nibble on.
Comfort:
First thing’s first: try to avoid having your Australian Shepherd’s bed in your bedroom. You don’t want to encourage their dependence on you or let them think of themselves as the leader of the pack. Instead, opt for somewhere like the living room. Choose a quiet area, out of the way, which is airy and well ventilated. This is especially important in the summer.
They have a double-coat that can overheat them in warmer weather. An elevated cot bed allows for cooling airflow during hot summer months. In the winter, a donut or nest style bed with high walls gives them a cozy retreat.
A good dog bed should provide adequate support and comfort to your Australian Shepherd. Look for beds with memory foam or other orthopedic materials that can relieve pressure on your dog’s joints.
With their prone-to-hip dysplasia genetics, orthopedic support is critical for Australian Shepherds. If your dog is older or suffers from bone, muscle, or joint issues, it’s a good idea to invest in these beds. Memory foam beds contour to pressure points like hips and shoulders to properly align the back. This prevents pain and arthritis as the dog ages. For puppies, a soft foam provides cushioning while still supporting bone development.
If your dog doesn’t have any health issues, though, a well-padded bed can suffice.
Surface material:
With their beautiful long coats, Australian Shepherds can bring in a whole load of dirt from the outside, which means their bed can become stinky quickly, it is very important to keep this in mind.
You do not want to get a fabric bed that catches the hair and doesn’t wash well, this is why choosing an easy-to-clean dog bed is crucial. You may be tempted to get a bed with a really soft or fluffy fabric to help keep your puppy warm, but these fabrics will really catch the hairs. Whatever bed you want to go with, make sure that it is washable, but there is more to it than that.
Some fabrics that are washable do not let small hairs go even when you wash them, instead they seem to work the hairs further into the fabric. I have had to throw out a bed that did this, so even being washable does not mean everything. Look for beds with removable covers that are machine washable. Some beds come with waterproof or resistant covers that protect the foam from liquids and dirt, extending its life.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Australian Shepherd owners should opt for a larger-sized dog bed with durable construction and orthopedic support. The dimensions should accommodate the breed’s size and tendency to sleep sprawled out.
As herding dogs bred for endurance, they also require beds made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. Keeping their energetic nature and joint health in mind allows owners to choose a bed their Australian Shepherd can thrive on.
