1 Aug 2026 · Gauchitto · 3 min read

How to choose a bed for a Labrador Retriever

Labradors sleep for hours, love to stretch out and put plenty of pressure on their bed's filling. Here is how to choose a size and core that will stand the test of time.

The Labrador Retriever is a large, solidly built dog that loves to relax completely. An adult typically weighs between 25 and 36 kg, and when they lie down, almost all that weight rests on one side of their body.

Size Measure your dog stretched out from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, then add 15 to 20 cm. For most Labradors, this means an internal length of 100 to 120 cm. Labradors like to stretch out their paws, so a snug fit is unlikely to suit them.

Shape Labradors most often sleep on their side or back. A flat mattress tends to suit them better than a bed with high sides. A low bolster on one side provides comfortable support for the head.

Cover A thick coat and a love of water and mud mean the cover must be removable and machine-washable. For this breed, a water-repellent finish and a spare cover are practical essentials.

Joints and weight Labradors are prone to excess weight and hip dysplasia. A high-quality sleeping surface and maintaining a healthy weight are among the simplest and most affordable preventative measures you can take.

Why foam rather than fibre Fibre filling will flatten beneath a Labrador within a few months, leaving a hollow in the centre of the bed. A high-resilience foam core regains its original shape overnight. We recommend a minimum thickness of 8 cm.

Size Measure your dog stretched out from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, then add 15 to 20 cm. For most Labradors, this means an internal length of 100 to 120 cm. Labradors like to stretch out their paws, so a snug fit is unlikely to suit them.

Shape Labradors most often sleep on their side or back. A flat mattress tends to suit them better than a bed with high sides. A low bolster on one side provides comfortable support for the head.

Cover A thick coat and a love of water and mud mean the cover must be removable and machine-washable. For this breed, a water-repellent finish and a spare cover are practical essentials.

Joints and weight Labradors are prone to excess weight and hip dysplasia. A high-quality sleeping surface and maintaining a healthy weight are among the simplest and most affordable preventative measures you can take.