Best Dog Beds for Small Breeds: Yorkie, Chihuahua, Pomeranian & Toy Dog Guide (2026)
A small dog bed needs to do more than just fit a smaller body — it needs to retain warmth for dogs that lose heat 2–3× faster than large breeds, support joints under lighter pressure without feeling hard, and use materials safe enough for dogs who press their faces directly into the surface for hours at a time. Small breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Maltese, and Toy Poodles weigh between 3–15 pounds, and their tiny bodies interact with bed materials in fundamentally different ways than a 70-pound Labrador. At East Perry, we see this every day — our smallest sheepskin beds are among our most popular because natural wool solves the heat-retention problem that small breed owners struggle with most.
This guide covers what small dogs actually need, which materials work best at toy and miniature sizes, and the specific features to look for (and avoid) when shopping for your small breed dog's bed.
Why Small Dogs Have Different Bed Needs
Small breed dogs aren't just little big dogs. Their physiology creates specific bedding requirements that most dog bed manufacturers ignore because they design for the average — which is a 50-pound medium-breed dog.
The Heat Loss Problem
Small dogs have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio. A 5-pound Chihuahua has roughly 4× the skin surface area per pound of body weight compared to a 100-pound Mastiff. This means small dogs radiate body heat at a dramatically faster rate. Their resting body temperature is the same as any dog — 101–102.5°F — but maintaining it costs more metabolic energy.
This is why small dogs:
- Tremble and shiver even in moderately cool rooms (below 68°F)
- Burrow under blankets, into crevices, and between couch cushions
- Seek out warm surfaces (your lap, a heating vent, a sunny window)
- Curl into tight balls to minimize exposed surface area
What this means for bedding: Small dogs need beds that retain and reflect their own body heat. Standard cotton or polyester beds absorb heat away from the dog's body. Sheepskin and natural wool do the opposite — they create an insulating microclimate that reflects warmth back while still allowing moisture vapor to escape. The lanolin in sheepskin wool creates a natural thermal barrier that maintains approximately 86–90°F at the skin surface, which is the thermoneutral zone where small dogs stop shivering and truly relax.
The Pressure Distribution Problem
Most dog beds are designed for dogs weighing 30+ pounds. The foam density, fill height, and support structure are calibrated for moderate-to-heavy body weight. When a 6-pound Pomeranian lies on a bed designed for a 50-pound dog, the foam barely compresses — the dog is essentially lying on a hard surface that happens to have a soft cover.
Memory foam is the worst offender here. Memory foam requires body heat and sustained pressure to conform. A small dog doesn't generate enough of either. The result: the foam stays rigid, and your small dog experiences a firm, flat surface instead of the contouring support that the marketing promised.
Natural sheepskin and wool respond to any weight because the individual fibers compress mechanically, not thermally. Even a 4-pound Maltese creates enough pressure to compress the top fibers of a sheepskin surface, which means they get the same proportional cushioning that a 70-pound Lab gets — just at a different depth.
The Chemical Exposure Problem
Small dogs have faster metabolisms relative to body weight, which means they process inhaled chemicals at a higher rate. They also spend proportionally more time with their noses pressed directly into the bed surface — many small breeds sleep face-down in their bedding for 14–16 hours per day.
Standard polyurethane foam off-gasses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) continuously. For a small dog breathing at surface level for 14+ hours daily, the cumulative exposure is significant. Flame retardant chemicals (TDCPP, PBDE) and formaldehyde from adhesives compound the problem.
This is one of the core reasons we built East Perry around non-toxic, natural materials. Sheepskin doesn't off-gas because there's nothing to off-gas — no petroleum-based chemicals, no flame retardant treatments, no synthetic adhesives.
What to Look for in a Small Dog Bed
| Feature | Why It Matters for Small Breeds | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal retention | Small dogs lose body heat 2–3× faster than large dogs | Natural wool, sheepskin, or insulating materials that trap warmth |
| Low entry height | Many small breeds have short legs (Dachshund: 5–6" ground clearance) | Bolsters under 4 inches, or flat-entry designs |
| Gentle cushioning | Light body weight doesn't compress standard foam adequately | Natural fiber fill that responds to minimal pressure |
| Enclosure design | Small breeds are instinctive burrowers and nest-builders | Cave beds, hooded beds, or deep bolster beds with high sides |
| Non-toxic materials | Higher metabolic rate + face-down sleeping = increased chemical exposure | Certified organic fabrics, natural wool/sheepskin, no foam off-gassing |
| Easy washability | Small dogs with long coats (Yorkies, Maltese) transfer oils and tangles | Removable, machine-washable covers over a separate fill |
| Durability at small scale | Small beds receive concentrated wear in a tiny area | Dense natural materials; avoid thin batting or flattening polyfill |
Best Bed Styles for Small Breeds
Cave and Hooded Beds
Cave beds with an overhead canopy or hood are the most popular style for small breed dogs, and for good reason — they satisfy the burrowing instinct that's hardwired into most toy and miniature breeds. The enclosed design retains body heat (solving the thermoregulation problem) and provides a sense of security.
Best for: Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Italian Greyhounds, and any small breed that burrows under blankets.
What to avoid: Cave beds with rigid canopies that don't drape onto the dog. The canopy needs to lightly touch the dog's back to provide the deep-pressure comfort that triggers relaxation. Read about how deep pressure touch calms anxious dogs for the science behind this.
Bolster and Donut Beds
Round bolster beds with raised edges allow small dogs to curl up with their back against a padded wall, which provides both warmth retention and spinal support. The best bolster beds for small breeds have a low entry point on one side so short-legged dogs can step in easily.
Best for: Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and French Bulldogs.
East Perry's approach: The Snug provides the bolster enclosure style with genuine sheepskin lining — the natural wool creates warmth without electricity, and the lanolin in the sheepskin has a naturally calming effect that helps small anxious breeds settle.
Flat Pad Style
Flat sheepskin pads work beautifully for small dogs when placed inside a crate, on a couch, or as a travel bed. They don't provide the enclosure that bolster beds offer, but they're the most versatile option — especially for dogs who already sleep on furniture.
Best for: Multi-location sleeping (crate + couch + car), dogs who already have a preferred sleeping spot, households with multiple small dogs.
East Perry's approach: The Snugly — our genuine sheepskin pad — is popular with small breed owners because it transforms any surface into a warm, antimicrobial, temperature-regulating sleeping spot. Many customers keep one in the crate and one on the couch.
Breed-Specific Recommendations
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
Yorkies (4–7 lbs) have a single-layer silky coat with no undercoat, which means they have virtually no natural insulation. They get cold fast. They're also prone to tracheal collapse, so beds with elevated sides they have to climb over should be avoided.
Ideal bed: Small cave or low-bolster bed with sheepskin or wool interior, interior dimensions 20" × 15" minimum, entry height under 3 inches.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas (3–6 lbs) are one of the most heat-sensitive small breeds. They tremble in anything below room temperature and instinctively burrow. They also spend more time sleeping than almost any other breed — up to 16 hours per day — making material safety critical.
Ideal bed: Small cave or hooded bed, natural wool or sheepskin for maximum heat retention, interior dimensions 18" × 14" minimum. Non-toxic materials are especially important given the extended sleep hours.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians (3–7 lbs) have a thick double coat that can mat when pressed into textured surfaces. Despite their fluffy appearance, their small body size still means rapid heat loss. They tend to be nest-builders who rearrange bedding before settling.
Ideal bed: Medium bolster or donut bed (they need room to nest), smooth interior surface (sheepskin doesn't mat fur like synthetic fleece), interior dimensions 22" × 16".
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs (16–28 lbs) are technically small-to-medium but have specific needs that align with small breed requirements. As brachycephalic dogs, they overheat easily — which means temperature-regulating bedding is medical-grade important. They also have sensitive skin prone to allergies. See our complete French Bulldog bed guide.
Ideal bed: Medium flat pad or low-bolster with exceptional temperature regulation and hypoallergenic materials. Sheepskin regulates temperature naturally and is inhospitable to dust mites (a common Frenchie allergen).
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles (4–6 lbs) are intelligent, sensitive dogs that respond strongly to comfort and routine. Their curly, non-shedding coat can trap debris from textured bed surfaces. They're also prone to luxating patella (kneecap slippage), making low-entry beds important.
Ideal bed: Small bolster bed with smooth interior, low entry point, natural materials that don't trap curly fur. Sheepskin's smooth fiber structure works well — it's warm without creating tangles.
Small Dog Bed Material Comparison
| Material | Warmth for Small Dogs | Comfort Under Light Weight | Chemical Safety | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural sheepskin | ★★★★★ — Best thermal retention | ★★★★★ — Conforms to any weight | ★★★★★ — Zero chemicals | ★★★★☆ — 3–5 years | $$$ |
| Natural wool fill | ★★★★☆ — Excellent insulation | ★★★★☆ — Good fiber response | ★★★★★ — Zero chemicals | ★★★★☆ — 3–5 years | $$ |
| Memory foam | ★★★☆☆ — Retains heat but too much | ★★☆☆☆ — Doesn't compress for light dogs | ★★☆☆☆ — VOCs + flame retardants | ★★★☆☆ — 1–2 years | $$ |
| Polyester fill | ★★☆☆☆ — Minimal insulation | ★★☆☆☆ — Flattens in weeks | ★★★☆☆ — Low off-gassing but not zero | ★☆☆☆☆ — 3–6 months | $ |
| Fleece/synthetic plush | ★★★☆☆ — Moderate warmth | ★★★☆☆ — Adequate at light weights | ★★★☆☆ — Variable | ★★☆☆☆ — Mats and pills | $ |
Common Mistakes When Buying Small Dog Beds
Buying a heated bed instead of an insulating bed. Electric heated beds create dependency and can overheat a small dog dangerously if the thermostat malfunctions. Natural sheepskin provides equivalent warmth through thermal reflection — without electricity, without the fire risk, and without the monthly energy cost.
Choosing style over function. Many small dog beds are marketed with cute patterns and trendy designs but use cheap polyester fill that flattens in weeks. Your Chihuahua doesn't care about chevron prints — they care about being warm and comfortable.
Using a bed that's too big. Unlike large breeds (where bigger is usually better), small dogs feel exposed and insecure in oversized beds. The bed should be cozy — just large enough for your dog to stretch and turn, with sides they can lean against. Measure your dog while sleeping and add only 4–6 inches.
Assuming "small" versions of big-dog beds work. Many brands simply shrink their large bed design. But the foam density, fill type, and structural design that works for a 60-pound dog doesn't scale down to a 6-pound dog. Look for beds designed specifically for small breeds, or choose materials like sheepskin that work proportionally at any weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog bed for a Chihuahua?
Most adult Chihuahuas (3–6 lbs) need a small bed with interior dimensions of approximately 18" × 14" to 20" × 15". Measure your Chihuahua while curled in their sleeping position and add 4–6 inches. Chihuahuas prefer enclosed beds (caves or deep bolsters) that retain body heat.
Do small dogs need orthopedic beds?
Small dogs benefit from proper cushioning just as much as large dogs, but standard "orthopedic" foam is often too firm for their light body weight. Natural wool and sheepskin provide appropriate orthopedic support for small breeds because the fibers compress proportionally to the weight applied. For small seniors with joint issues, a low-entry sheepskin bed is typically ideal.
Why does my small dog shake on their bed?
Shaking or trembling in small dogs is almost always a temperature response — they're cold. If your dog shakes on their bed but stops when they burrow under a blanket or sit on your lap, the bed isn't retaining enough warmth. Switch to a thermally insulating material like sheepskin or wool, or add a cave-style hood to retain body heat.
How do I stop my small dog from peeing on their bed?
Small dogs have smaller bladders and can develop marking behaviors, especially if not spayed/neutered. Use a bed with a fully removable, machine-washable cover over a waterproof liner. Natural sheepskin is naturally antimicrobial and resists odor absorption better than synthetic materials, which helps prevent marking reinforcement (dogs are more likely to mark spots that already smell like urine).
What's the best bed for a puppy toy breed?
Toy breed puppies need small, enclosed beds made from non-toxic materials. Puppies chew on everything and breathe at surface level — chemical safety matters more than any other feature. Natural sheepskin is ideal: it's chew-resistant (the dense fiber structure doesn't shred like foam), non-toxic, and provides the warmth that tiny puppies need while their thermoregulation is still developing.
Are heated dog beds safe for small breeds?
Electric heated beds carry risks including overheating, burns, and electrical hazards (especially for dogs that chew). Most veterinarians recommend insulating beds over heated beds for small breeds. Natural sheepskin creates equivalent warmth through thermal reflection without any electrical risk. If you do use a heated bed, never leave it unattended and ensure it has an auto-shutoff function.
Related Reading
- Best Dog Beds by Size: Complete Guide for Every Breed — Our full sizing guide across all breeds
- Best Dog Bed for French Bulldogs — Frenchie-specific recommendations
- Calming Dog Beds: A Guide for Anxious Dogs — Many small breeds struggle with anxiety
- Deep Pressure Touch for Dogs — The science behind why enclosure beds work
- The Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Dog Beds — Material safety matters more for small breeds
- Shop East Perry Sheepskin Dog Beds →