It seems like most dogs will nap anywhere, and they certainly can. However, it’s important that your Chi has an actual bed to call their own. Although Chihuahuas aren’t particularly territorial dogs, they do like having a safe, comfortable place to relax. Additionally, Chihuahuas are prone to back and joint issues, particularly as they age, so it’s important to provide them with a bed that will provide both comfort and support. Growing puppies need similar support so that their joints and bones can develop properly.
Chihuahuas in particular come with instincts that tell them to burrow and nest, particularly as they prepare to go to sleep. Therefore, you might find that your Chihuahua prefers a cave-style or sleeping-bag-like bed to a plain cushion. On the other hand, you don’t want to drop a lot of money on a fancy bed your Chi will barely touch. We’ll cover the different types of dog beds available and outline which are the best for Chihuahua dogs.
We’ve gathered a selection of the best dog beds out there with Chihuahuas in mind, everything from the simplest cushion to the most luxurious heated bed.
This simple, no-frills dog bed is as easy on your Chi’s joints as it is on your wallet. If by chance your Chihuahua doesn’t love the MIXJOY Memory Foam Dog Bed, you won’t be out a lot of money. Even though it’s inexpensive, you still get the benefits of comfortable yet supportive memory foam, though some customers reported creases in the cushion. Most of these went away after a few days out of the packaging, but some remained a bit lumpy.
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If all you need is a simple, inexpensive dog bed, the Petmate Pet Bed is a good choice. It’s a one-piece oval-shaped bed with bolstered sides and a cute bone logo on the front. The whole bed is machine washable, though some customers have reported that multiple washes have caused the seams to begin to fail. However, if budget is your primary concern, this may be the best dog bed for you
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Although the “warming” feature in the product name merely refers to the fact that it’s cozy – there is no actual heating element – this Amazon Basics Pet Bed is a solid, simple choice. With a corduroy exterior and a faux sherpa fleece interior, it will help your Chihuahua retain body heat. However, its biggest drawback is that it can only be spot-cleaned; it’s not machine washable, and there’s no removable cover. Despite this, some customers say they have put it in a washing machine and it’s come out fine.
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This cross between a cave and sleeping bad design makes for the best Chihuahua snuggle bed. Even better, the Cuddle Cave is made from 100% pet-safe materials that are never tested on animals, and the company offers a money-back guarantee. It’s one of the coziest beds around, but it is designed for smaller dogs, so it’s best for mini Chis only. Additionally, it’s so well-insulated that it may be too warm for the summer months or for year-round warm climates.
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No need to buy Chihuahua beds and blankets separately – this Chihuahua burrow bed comes with a hooded blanket to make your Chi feel safe and secure. The Cozy Cuddler is a circular shape for Chis who like to curl up to sleep, and when it gets dirty, you can simply throw the whole thing in the wash instead of having to worry about removing a cover. The small size will work well for miniature Chihuahuas, and the medium is perfect for standard Chis, and you have your choice of colors in each size. Some customers have reported that the cushion flattens and the fake fur sheds over time, but others are thoroughly impressed with this bed.
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Like the Cozy Cuddler, the Furhaven Round Hooded Dog Bed has a built-in blanket for extra coziness which is raised over the surface of the bed with a length of the plastic tube. It also offers you numerous options when it comes to color, size, and fabric type. You can choose from beds lined with faux lamb’s wool, faux fur, and micro velvet. Better yet, based on your Chihuahua’s individual needs, you can choose from a base made of orthopedic foam, memory foam, or cooling gel foam. Unfortunately, Chihuahuas that like to chew and dig frequently may tear up the cover.
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The unfortunate drawback to some extremely fluffy, plush beds is that they can be difficult to get into and out of, especially for dogs with short legs and aching joints. If you’ve got a senior Chihuahua, consider the ASPCA Microtech Dog Bed, which has bolstered sides but a low-cut entrance to allow your sausage dog to step into it easily. Unfortunately, the bottom of the bed is less cushioned than other options and seems to wear out faster than the sides.
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If you like the idea of an indoor campout with your pooch, this Chihuahua cave bed is shaped like a tent. Unlike some other cave beds that can collapse, the Best Pet Supplies Pet Tent will stay structurally sound even after you throw it in the washing machine. The body of the tent comes in corduroy (beige), linen (brown, gray, navy, plaid, sand), and coral fleece (dark brown, tan, gray lattice) to match your home’s interior. It’s not as well-cushioned as some other pet beds, but for active adult Chihuahuas, it’s a good choice.
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If you don’t mind spending a bit more on a heated bed, the K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper provides a luxurious sleeping space. This oval-shaped, bolstered bed features a low-watt heater that automatically turns on when it senses your Chihuahua climb on. You won’t need to buy a cooler bed for the summer months, either – you can simply remove the heating element. The heating pad doesn’t cover the entire bottom cushion, instead of concentrating heat in the middle, and it’s less powerful compared to higher-wattage models. However, it’s a safe bed, and you can always add a blanket if your Chi needs more insulation.
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Perhaps your Chihuahua already has a bed that they love, but it’s just not warm enough for the winter. In that case, you can simply add this lightly-cushioned, programmable, and adjustable pet-safe RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad to your pup’s existing nest. Alternatively, this pad is so reasonably priced that you could bring it out for the winter months only. It doesn’t have much in the way of cushioning or support, but its warmth will help soothe aching joints, and you can always add a blanket or put a cushion underneath. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to actively program this heating pad for your Chi to make use of it.
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Perfect for Chihuahuas who like to curl up to sleep, the Best Friends by Sheri Fur Donut is. The firmer outer edges act as bolsters for the softer middle, so your Chi will always have a place to rest its head. This is similar to the Cozy Cuddler, but it lacks the built-in blanket, which you may not need if your Chihuahua is rarely cold. Best Friends by Sheri is a well-respected brand, and you’ll find this bed on many “best of” lists. However, it’s so fluffy that it’s rather tall, so Chihuahuas with joint or back issues may find it a bit of a challenge to climb onto.
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Whether your home gets warm in the summer or you just like to have your Chi with you outdoors on a hot summer day, the Gen7Pets Elevated Dog Bed will ensure that your Chi stays cool in the heat. As a bonus, your Chi will rest comfortably on a clean surface above any mud, grass, and bugs you might find outdoors, and it’s durable enough to resist teeth and claws. Of course, since the bed is designed with cooling in mind, it doesn’t provide much in the way of padding or cushioning and will likely need added blankets in the winter.
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As a Chihuahua owner, you probably know how important it is to support your pup’s back to keep their spine healthy. However, even the most pampered Chis often develop back and joint problems later in life, and climbing into and out of an extremely soft dog bed can become painful. This Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed has an open side to allow your Chihuahua to climb in and extra-supportive foam cushioning to support them when they lay down. Your pup’s head, neck, back, and hips will all be supported.
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The L-shape of this Furhaven Deluxe Chaise Lounge combines the security of a bolstered bed with the ease of entry and exit of a simple cushion. This bed comes in multiple fabrics and fabric combinations: plush/suede, linen/faux fur, chenille, and velvet. As with Furhaven’s Round Hooded Dog Bed, this bed is available with memory foam, orthopedic foam, or cooling gel foam. However, keep in mind that the “orthopedic foam” here is a high-density egg-crate material, not any kind of unusual or high-tech stuffing.
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Some customers report egg-crate foam is low quality
Faux fur fabric is very thin and may not be durable
Related: Best Dog Toys for Chihuahuas
You have quite a few options when it comes to sausage dog beds. There’s nothing wrong with a simple cushion as a dog bed, though you will probably want to make sure anything you choose is long enough for your Chihuahua to stretch out. Also, at least the cover, if not the whole bed, should be machine washable to make your life easier. Your Chihuahua should be able to easily get into and out of the bed without requiring any jumping.
If you want to give your Chi a little more in the way of luxury, however, you can get a bed with one or more of the following features.
This simply refers to beds that have raised edges, making them look more box-like than the typical flatbed. This feature increases the coziness factor of the bed, allowing your Chihuahua to nestle up against a soft surface on all sides. These are also slightly warmer than traditional beds since they help keep your Chi’s body heat contained.
If your Chihuahua is a power chewer, or if they seem to take apart bed after bed with aggressive digging, you might consider a bed made of tougher material. Poly canvas is one popular material, and you can even get a removable cover for your existing bed. This prevents sharp teeth or claws from getting to the filling inside.
Of course, you want any bed to be comfortable, but older Chihuahuas or Chihuahuas with back problems may benefit from an orthopedic bed. This sounds fancy, but it really just refers to a bed with firm padding for support. These are not as plush and squishable as other beds. Keep in mind that just because a bed is marketed as “orthopedic,” that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any different from any other well-padded bed. There’s no medical or veterinary standard that a dog bed has to meet in order to be advertised that way.
If you live in a particularly cold climate or if your home is drafty, you might consider getting your Chihuahua a heated bed. These beds act like heating pads and must be plugged into work. They can also soothe back and joint pain for older Chis. Keep in mind, however, that an unattended heated bed can become a fire hazard. your Chi should never be allowed to chew on the heating element or the cord. Furthermore, the wiring inside also means that these are more expensive than other bed types. Less-expensive models may call themselves “self-heating,” but this means that the cushioning can trap some body heat. There is no additional heat source in these beds.
On the other hand, if you live in a warm climate or you don’t have air conditioning, a cot-style bed may be the best choice. These beds consist of a piece of breathable material suspended on a metal frame several inches above the ground, allowing air to circulate underneath the dog lying on top. The only word of caution here is that your Chihuahua should be able to get into and out of these raised beds without needing to jump.
Chihuahuas are natural burrowers, so your Chi might enjoy getting to sleep in an enclosed space. This can take the form of a bed shaped like a cave or a bed with a blanket built-in that looks a bit like a sleeping bag. Your Chihuahua can burrow to its heart’s content and end up in a cozy sleeping space.
Some dog beds are made to look like human furniture. Others may be in the shape of food or animals. There’s nothing wrong with picking a dog bed because it looks cute, but make sure it has sufficient padding for your Chihuahua’s comfort.
You’ll see many, many pet beds advertised as “calming” or “soothing” or “anti-anxiety.” Most of the time, this doesn’t actually mean much, and these beds are no different from other pet beds. They might be very soft, but other than that, just like with “orthopedic” beds, it’s all marketing language. You might run across a few that have, for example, lavender-scented cushions, and that might help a bit. However, the best calming bed for Chihuahuas is simply whatever bed they’re most comfortable in.
Believe it or not, the Chihuahua’s short legs and long body have a purpose – they were bred to chase tunneling animals like badgers and rabbits down into their burrows. Even if your Chihuahua has never chased a single badger, they still have the instinct to tunnel and dig, which often shows up when they burrow into beds, blankets, or even your clothes. Dogs, in general, like to have a safe, warm den in which to sleep, and Chihuahuas are no exception.
The answer to this question is very similar to the question about burrowing – it’s in a Chihuahua’s nature to dig. When it comes to digging in a bed, Chihuahuas have the urge to create a safe space to sleep by digging a hole. Instead of dirt, however, this indoor “hole” consists of blankets and pillows. Just like you, your Chihuahua might prefer to fluff up blankets and pillows to create a more comfortable sleeping space.
If the digging becomes a problem – if it’s too frequent or destructive – this might mean your Chihuahua is bored or unable to spend enough of their energy during the day. Consider adding more exercise to their daily routine, or get a few puzzle toys for your Chihuahua to play with.
All Chihuahuas are different, of course, but in general, Chihuahuas are cuddly affectionate pooches. They like to burrow, and they like to sleep in enclosed spaces, so that may mean your Chi loves cuddling up with you under a blanket. Additionally, Chihuahuas tend to bond strongly to one person, so that person may get a great deal of affection.
As long as it’s a safe, warm space, Chihuahuas can (and do) sleep most anywhere. Pet beds and blankets are popular choices. Additionally, you can create a cozy nest in your Chi’s kennel or crate, giving them an enclosed space that’s all their own. If you like, you can even bring your Chihuahua into your own bed to snuggle. The only place or position Chihuahuas shouldn’t sleep in is one that puts undue stress or pressure on their spines.
In the past, canine behaviorists have suggested that it wasn’t a good idea to let your Chi sleep in bed with you. Nowadays, however, it’s believed to be fine to share your bed with your sausage dog. Of course, if you have allergies, it might make them worse, and you may find your Chihuahua interrupts your sleep. For your health and safety and that of your Chi, it’s a good idea to follow a few rules:
As wonderful as Chihuahuas are, they are sensitive little pups who may be prone to anxiety. Naturally, many owners do their best to calm their sausage dogs, even trying to hunt down an anti-anxiety bed for Chihuahuas. And they will certainly find plenty of options online. However, there’s no real difference between an “anti-anxiety” or “calming” bed and a regular bed. There’s no particular feature any of these beds have that makes them actively combat anxiety – though that doesn’t stop dog bed manufacturers from claiming that they will.
That’s not to say that a good dog bed can’t help soothe your Chihuahua’s anxiety, at least a little bit. Chihuahuas are natural burrowers, so you may find that a bed with a built-in blanket or an enclosed bed provides them more comfort. Natural snugglers may like the feel of a memory foam cushion that hugs them more closely than other kinds of cushions. However, there’s no single solution for canine anxiety. If your Chihuahua is very anxious, you’re better off consulting with your vet or a behaviorist to see if training or medication can help.
There is no one perfect dog bed for Chihuahuas that your sausage dog is guaranteed to love. Some Chis are finicky, as their owners already know, and you can sometimes buy what you think is the perfect bed, only to have your Chihuahua prefer a cheap couch cushion. For that reason, you may want to consider starting with a less expensive bed or starting with a brand that offers a money-back guarantee.
Also, keep in mind what you already know your Chihuahua likes, and think about how you’re going to use the bed. Do you travel often and need something portable? Do you want something that can also be used outdoors? The good news is that there’s a bed out there for just about every dog in every situation, so even if you don’t immediately find something you like – or something your Chihuahua likes – keep looking.