Best bed for a Chihuahua
A Chihuahua does best with a small, enclosed or hooded bed that helps them feel secure and holds in warmth, since this is a breed that feels the cold noticeably more than most dogs their size would suggest. The grid below is a genuine range of dog beds, with that in mind rather than a one-size-fits-all pick.
Why Chihuahuas need different bed features
Chihuahuas have very little body fat and a short coat, which makes them genuinely more sensitive to cold than most small breeds, let alone larger dogs. A bed with raised sides, a hood, or a burrow-style design that lets them tuck themselves in tends to suit this breed better than a flat, open cushion.
Many Chihuahuas also actively seek out small, enclosed spaces to sleep in — under a blanket, inside a cave bed, tucked into a corner — which is worth working with rather than against when choosing a bed shape.
Getting the size right
It is easy to assume the smallest bed available is the right choice for the smallest dog, but a bed that is genuinely too snug does not give a Chihuahua room to stretch out fully when they want to, which they still do despite their preference for curling up.
A bed a little larger than the minimum, especially one with soft, padded sides they can burrow against, generally works better than the tightest possible fit, and it also has some flex if you get a slightly bigger dog than expected as a puppy.
Other practical considerations
A washable cover matters more with a small breed than it might seem, since Chihuahuas often sleep pressed right up against their bedding and accidents from a young or elderly dog are easier to deal with on a bed that comes apart for the machine.
If your Chihuahua sleeps somewhere draughty, such as near a door or on a hard floor, an elevated or thicker-based bed helps keep them off the cold surface, which matters more for this breed's comfort than it would for a larger, better-insulated dog.
What we stock 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
Round Plush Pet Bed with Attached Hooded Blanket
A soft round pet bed with a fleece-lined hooded blanket attached, so cats and small dogs can burrow in and stay cosy. The raised bolster sides offer a sense of security for calmer, warmer sleep.
From£23.99
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
Common questions
- Do Chihuahuas need a heated bed?
- Not necessarily, but they do feel the cold more than most breeds, so a warm, enclosed or hooded bed away from draughts is worth prioritising. A heated pad can help in a particularly cold room, but is not essential if the bed itself retains warmth well.
- What size bed does a Chihuahua need?
- A small bed suits their size, but avoid going so small that they cannot fully stretch out when they want to. A slightly roomier bed with soft sides to burrow against generally works better than the tightest possible fit.
- Why does my Chihuahua burrow under blankets?
- It is a natural instinct in this breed, linked to seeking warmth and feeling secure in an enclosed space. A cave-style or hooded bed gives them that same burrowing option in a dedicated bed rather than only under your own blankets.
- How often should I wash my Chihuahua's bed?
- Roughly every couple of weeks under normal use, or more often if your dog has an accident or the bed starts to smell. Choosing a bed with a removable, washable cover from the start makes this much easier to keep on top of.
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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.