Do Staffies need a bed with sides?

Many do well with one, since a bolstered or donut-shaped bed gives something to lean against and can feel more secure than a flat mat, especially for a dog who likes to burrow or curl up tightly rather than stretch out fully.

Are Staffies known for chewing their beds?

Some are, particularly younger dogs and anything left unsupervised for long periods, but it varies a lot between individual dogs. A washable cover and a sturdily stitched bed reduce the damage a determined chewer can do, even if they never fully stop the habit.

What size bed does a Staffy need?

Measure your dog lying fully stretched out and choose a bed a little larger than that measurement, since Staffies are often heavier and broader than their height alone suggests. A bed that is too snug tends to get abandoned in favour of the sofa or the floor.

Should a Staffy's bed be raised off the floor?

It is not essential, but a raised base can help keep a dog away from cold flooring and draughts in winter. A low, easy step-in design still suits the breed's build best, so a raised bed with a low side is often a better compromise than a tall, bolstered one.

Best bed for a Staffy

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier's build changes what a bed needs to do. They are short, dense and heavier than they look for their size, they like to burrow rather than perch, and a fair few of them will treat a soft edge as something to chew rather than something to sleep on — so durability and a low, easy step-in matter more here than they would for a lankier breed.

Why a Staffy's build changes what works

A Staffy is a compact, muscular dog, and that weight is concentrated rather than spread out the way it is on a taller, leaner breed. A bed that flattens quickly under a Labrador's weight will often fare no better, and sometimes worse, under a Staffy's — so a genuinely supportive base, rather than a thin layer of stuffing, is worth paying attention to.

The breed's low-slung build also means a low bed with an easy step over the edge suits most Staffies better than a raised or bolstered design built with a taller dog in mind. Plenty of Staffies also like to dig and burrow into blankets before settling, so a bed with some depth to nest into tends to get used far more than a flat mat left on the floor.

Chew-resistant and washable matters here

Not every Staffy is a determined chewer, but enough are that it is worth building the choice around a washable cover and a bed that will not fall apart the first time a corner gets caught in their teeth during a play session. A removable, machine-washable cover also earns its keep with a breed that sheds a fine, short coat that works its way into fabric.

A raised bolster or donut style with a stitched rather than glued edge tends to hold up better long-term than a cheaper flat cushion, simply because there is less loose trim for a bored or teething dog to start picking at.

Picking the right size

Measure your Staffy lying fully stretched out, nose to tail, and add a reasonable margin rather than buying to the breed's average — plenty of Staffies sit at the larger end of what is technically a medium breed, and a bed that is genuinely too small gets abandoned for the sofa.

If your dog likes to curl up tightly rather than sprawl, a smaller bolster bed with raised sides can feel more secure than a large flat mat, so it is worth thinking about how your own dog actually sleeps rather than sizing purely on their standing height.

Beds and kit for this breed

Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.

L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed

A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.

From£44.99

Waterproof Pet Furniture Protector Blanket

A quilted waterproof throw that shields beds and sofas from hair, mud and accidents.

From£11.99

Quilted Cotton Pet Floor Mat

A soft, washable quilted cotton mat that gives cats, dogs and small pets a cosy place to rest. Lightly padded with a pretty patterned finish, it lies flat over floors, crates or pen bases and machine washes easily.

From£10.99

Four-Sided Washable Dog Bed

A cosy bolstered dog bed with raised sides for a sense of security and a fully removable, machine-washable cover. The layered cushion and mattress lift out for easy cleaning, ideal for autumn and winter.

From£46.99

Padded Pet Crate Mat with Corner Ties

A padded crate mat with corner ties that stays put inside a cage or carrier.

From£8.99

Enclosed House-Shaped Pet Bed

A cosy house-shaped enclosed pet bed in soft, water-resistant down-jacket fabric, with a padded roof and removable cushion. The snug cave design keeps cats and small dogs warm and gives them a private place to retreat.

From£24.99

Cooling Bolster Pet Sofa Bed

Supportive bolster pet bed with a breathable cooling top that keeps dogs and cats comfortable in warmer weather. Raised sides cushion the neck and the cover fully detaches for easy washing.

From£65.99

L-Shaped Bolster Dog Sofa Bed

A roomy sofa-style dog bed with a raised L-shaped bolster along the back and side for support. The flat cushioned base gives large dogs plenty of space to sprawl and rest.

From£65.99

Bolstered Orthopaedic Dog Bed

A supportive bolstered dog bed with a thick cushioned base and raised sides that cradle joints and give a place to rest the head. Ideal for older dogs or any pet who likes to stretch out for restful, comfortable sleep.

From£45.99

Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed with Washable Cover

A supportive memory-foam dog bed with raised bolster sides for head and neck resting. The soft cream boucle cover removes for washing, making it easy to keep fresh while giving your dog proper rest.

From£69.99

Padded Roll-Up Pet Travel Mat

A quilted, water-resistant travel mat that gives your dog a comfy resting spot anywhere. Folds and rolls up with the attached strap to carry like a tote, ideal for car boots, picnics and trips away.

From£26.99

Plush Ribbed Mattress Dog Bed

A soft, ribbed faux-fur mattress bed that gives dogs a cosy, supportive place to stretch out and nap. The removable cover is machine washable, and a non-slip base keeps it steady on smooth floors.

From£28.99

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Common questions

Do Staffies need a bed with sides?: Many do well with one, since a bolstered or donut-shaped bed gives something to lean against and can feel more secure than a flat mat, especially for a dog who likes to burrow or curl up tightly rather than stretch out fully.
Are Staffies known for chewing their beds?: Some are, particularly younger dogs and anything left unsupervised for long periods, but it varies a lot between individual dogs. A washable cover and a sturdily stitched bed reduce the damage a determined chewer can do, even if they never fully stop the habit.
What size bed does a Staffy need?: Measure your dog lying fully stretched out and choose a bed a little larger than that measurement, since Staffies are often heavier and broader than their height alone suggests. A bed that is too snug tends to get abandoned in favour of the sofa or the floor.
Should a Staffy's bed be raised off the floor?: It is not essential, but a raised base can help keep a dog away from cold flooring and draughts in winter. A low, easy step-in design still suits the breed's build best, so a raised bed with a low side is often a better compromise than a tall, bolstered one.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.