7 Best Dog Beds For Alaskan Malamutes In 2024

Today, Alaskan Malamutes may spend more time lounging around your house than they do pulling sleds. While high-energy, Alaskan Malamutes do require downtime. Once you’ve exhausted them out with a long play session, they may want to nap and recuperate. However, unless you want your Mal to tear up your furniture with their nails or shed in places they shouldn’t, you should think about investing in a dog bed.

Not only will a high-quality dog bed prevent your furniture from getting covered in dog hair, but many older Alaskan Malamutes rely on beds to give them relief from sore and aching joints. Unfortunately, finding the right bed for your pup can be a challenge. Many brands may promise luxurious comfort or durability, but not all of them can deliver on those promises.

Luckily, you don’t need to guess which ones will—we’ve already done that part for you. Keep reading for an in-depth look at what makes up the best Alaskan Malamute beds, our top picks, and the answers to frequently asked questions.

What To Look For In A Good Dog Bed For Alaskan Malamutes

Although you might have plenty of options to choose from, that doesn’t necessarily mean you know what to look for. Without understanding your Mal’s specific needs, you could end up wasting your money on a bed that isn’t right.

The first thing to look for is comfort. Like humans, your Mal probably won’t spend a lot of time in a bed that feels uncomfortable. This can be difficult to determine without purchasing the bed first, but one thing you can do is look at the materials. Softer beds tend to use extra cushioning and gentler fabrics like sheepskin, fleece, or polyester filling.

Even if the bed you find is extremely comfortable, it won’t matter much if your Mal tears it apart within a week. The best Alaskan Malamute beds are also durable beds. The same materials that help you decide whether a bed is comfortable can also help you figure out whether or not it will be durable. Mattresses that use removable zipper covers, for instance, tend to last longer than those that don’t.

While it may not be the case with every Alaskan Malamute, many of these dogs have specific positions they prefer to sleep in. If your Mal likes to burrow underneath the covers or curl up, they may like a donut or cave bed. Alaskan Malamutes that prefer to stretch out or lie on their backs would probably get a lot more use out of a pillow or cushion bed.

The best beds are easy-to-clean. Since your Mal will likely track in dirt or mud from time to time, it’s convenient if you can stick their bed in the washing machine or quickly wipe it off (rather than spending hours trying to hand wash it).

Different Types Of Dog Beds For Alaskan Malamutes

Dog beds may all start to look the same after a while, but there are several different kinds out there. Each type has its own features, weaknesses, and unique purpose.

Orthopedic beds, for instance, are one of the most popular choices for Alaskan Malamutes—especially if your pup is aging or suffers from joint issues. An orthopedic bed, which is technically a mattress, uses extra cushioning to ensure it doesn’t cause stiffness or press down on painful pressure points. Although more expensive, orthopedic beds are often recommended for senior dogs.

While many Alaskan Malamutes will nap anywhere they can, don’t be surprised if your pup wants to bask in the sun or plop down in the grass after a tiring play session. Alaskan Malamutes that enjoy sleeping outside may get a lot of use out of a cot. Cot beds look a lot like a cot that a human would sleep on – just smaller. By using a raised frame and sturdy materials, a cot bed may last longer than a standard cushion bed.

Despite their large size, many Alaskan Malamutes still enjoy burrowing under the covers while they sleep. If that’s the case with your Mal, a covered or hooded bed may be the best option. These cave beds look a lot like comfortable little houses – not only do they use cushioning inside, but they also have a covered top as well. Alaskan Malamutes that are shy or need a little extra time to themselves may be particularly fond of a cave bed.

When they aren’t hiding under the covers, your Mal may also enjoy a heated bed. During the wintertime, your pup may want a little more warmth than their coat can provide. This is where a heated bed can come in handy: usually by getting plugged into the wall or using special insulation, a heated or self-heating bed will give your pup the warmth they aren’t getting on their own.

Crate mats aren’t always referred to as dog beds but they are. If your Mal has a crate, they’ll most likely need more cushioning than a blanket can give them. Crate mats offer extra support but are often thin enough so that you can easily transport them. Despite the name, they don’t necessarily need to go inside the crate—you can put them anywhere around the house.

Overall Best Dog Beds For Alaskan Malamutes

You may find plenty of dog beds out there that your Mal would use, but your precious pup only deserves the best Alaskan Malamute beds.

Best Overall – Furhaven Orthopedic CertiPUR-US Certified Foam Pet Beds

For a bed that can provide your Mal with all the support they need to get through everyday life, your best option is the Furhaven Sofa Bed. Not only does it allow your Mal to comfortably sleep in any position they want to, but your pup can also rest his head on the bolstered side of the bed if he wants to.

Not only does the shredded foam filling provide extra support, but the flat surface of the sofa will allow older Alaskan Malamutes with joint issues to climb on and off easily.

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5 More Highly Rated Dog Beds For Alaskan Malamutes

What may be right for someone else’s Alaskan Malamute isn’t always right for yours—which is we’ve included five more options that you can check out:

K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Pet Pad

If you’ve got a Alaskan Malamute that’s still a growing puppy, you may want to think about the K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Pet Pad. Although it probably won’t be big enough to fit inside an adult Alaskan Malamute cage, it’s the perfect size for developing puppies.

The microfleece pad works by radiating heat back to your Mal while they sleep. It’s also dual-colored so that you can easily change the color of the pad by flipping it over. If you need to clean the pad, you can use a washing machine but be sure to use cold water on a gentle cycle. While you can put it in the dryer, it’s important that you use the no-heat cycle.

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FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Deluxe Pet Bed

For a bed that will be comfortable enough to fit human standards, the FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Deluxe Memory Foam Bed may be exactly what your Mal needs. With a memory foam core that uses medical-grade polyurethane, older Alaskan Malamutes with achy joints will especially appreciate this bed.

Even better, the step-on design is specifically created for senior dogs that may have issues jumping on and off raised surfaces. Now, your Mal doesn’t need to irritate his sore joints any more than he has to. Since it’s the shape of a rectangle, your Mal will be able to sprawl out or curl up into any position he chooses.

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PetFusion Ultimate Lounge With Solid Memory Foam Dog Bed

Memory foam is often the base that makes so many human mattresses comfortable. Now, with the PetFusion Ultimate Lounge with Solid Memory Foam, your Mal can enjoy that same luxury.

By using four inches of memory foam, the mattress can provide extra cushioning and support that your pup needs while he sleeps. There’s even recycled polyfill bolsters that give your Mal a pillow-like surface to rest his head on while he sleeps.

There’s no need to worry about aggressive chewers either: the outer cover is designed to be anti-tear and water-resistant.

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Keet Fluffly Deluxe Sofa Dog Bed

If you can’t keep your Mal off the couch, the solution may be to buy him his own – like the Keet Fluffly Deluxe Sofa Bed. With upholstered leatherette material and memory foam cushions, your Mal will get the feel of a real sofa, but with even more durability.

If your Mal tracks in a little dirt, the zippered cushion cover on the sofa is removable and can easily be wiped down. Since this product comes in three different sizes, Alaskan Malamutes of all ages—from developing puppy to full-grown adults—can enjoy the sofa.

Once you’ve found the right size, you can try placing this sofa bed right next to a human-sized couch.

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MidWest QuietTime Defender Teflon Geometric Orthopedic Nesting Bed

Although some Alaskan Malamutes might enjoy sprawling out, many of these dogs like to curl up while they sleep. If your Mal likes to stay a little extra cozy, the MidWest QuietTime Defender Teflon Geometric Nesting Bed may be exactly what he needs.

With an egg-crate base that allows your pup to feel like they’re in a “nest”, the thick foam bolster gives your Mal all the orthopedic support they need. For senior dogs, there’s even a lower side that they can use to easily step into the bed.

Since it has a tough Teflon coating, you won’t need to worry as much about stains, water damage, or odors. Another advantage of this nesting bed is portability. Unlike some other options, the nesting bed will easily fit inside most vehicles, RVs, or even the tight spaces inside your home. When you and your Mal travel somewhere new, this bed can come along too.

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 Related: Best Dog Crates For Alaskan Malamutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Does My Alaskan Malamute Need A Bed?

While some dog owners might argue about whether or not you need to buy your Mal a bed, many vets recommend that you do. Like humans, Alaskan Malamutes need somewhere they can rest comfortably during the day or night. Not to mention, many beds are designed to provide orthopedic support that your Mal might not get otherwise. If that isn’t enough reason why, don’t forget that dog beds also keep your Mal from snoozing in places that you’d rather they wouldn’t.

What Are Orthopedic Beds?

Orthopedic beds are dog beds specifically designed to give your Mal extra support while they sleep. Some orthopedic beds may include memory foam while others use polyester filling. While not every Alaskan Malamute may need that extra support, orthopedic beds are usually a good choice for Alaskan Malamutes that have joint issues or arthritis.

Does My Alaskan Malamute Need An Orthopedic Bed?

Although there’s never any harm in purchasing an orthopedic bed, not all Alaskan Malamutes may need one. Typically, senior dogs that have arthritis require the extra support that an orthopedic bed provides. It might not be worth spending the dough if you’ve got a completely healthy Alaskan Malamute in his prime.

How Expensive Are Dog Beds?

The price of a dog bed can fluctuate based on the type of bed you’re trying to purchase. While a standard cushion or pillow bed might only run you $10-20, an orthopedic bed that provides extra support can often be anywhere from $50-200. Keep in mind that some name brands may try and overcharge you. Ultimately, it’s the features and quality of the bed that matter—not the price tag.

What Is A Good Bed For Alaskan Malamutes That Are Aggressive Chewers?

For Alaskan Malamutes that may be aggressive chewers, a dog bed that comes with a removable zipper cover can be beneficial. Instead of chowing down on the foam filling inside the mattress, they’ll only end up tearing apart the cover. In addition to this, any dog bed that includes a poly canvas or durable oxford material tends to be sturdier than those that don’t.

Conclusion

We know how precious your Mal is and we also know your pup deserves the best Alaskan Malamute beds on the market. While finding the right product can often mean weeding through a lot of the wrong ones first, that isn’t the case here. Once you know what your Mal needs, you can try using one of the top-rated beds that we’ve reviewed for you above.