Just like dogs, dog beds come in all shapes and sizes. Moreover, they come in a wide variety of materials and with a diversity of prices. A dog bed can be as simple as a mat upon the floor or as extravagant as a real piece of furniture. What you buy depends partly on your personal taste, the type of dog that you have, and the age of your dog.

Obviously, the bed has to be large enough to comfortably hold your dog. Plus, it has to be something that your dog is willing to sleep on every day. Older dogs that have acquired new owners may not allow the new owner much choice when it comes to selecting their sleeping location.

Selecting a dog bed should be done carefully considering the fact that your dog will be spending quite a bit of time in it. Do you want the dog to have a hard, sturdy bed such as a basket that you can put blankets inside for softness and comfort? This would make the task of keeping the dog's bed clean relatively easy. All you would have to do is throw the blankets into the washing machine.

However, if your dog is still in the teething stages or simply loves to chew, you may want to consider getting him a bed that he cannot tear to shreds. The best way to figure out what type of bed would be best for your dog is to watch him each night to see how he likes to sleep.

Is your dog the one who looks for a small, cozy, hidden spot to tuck himself away in? If so, then you may want to get him a hooded dog bed. Does he climb up on the furniture and make himself at home? If so, then a sofa dog bed, a donut dog bed, or a shaped dog bed might be the perfect thing for him.

You have so many options to choose from simply because manufacturers have begun to think of dogs as members of the family and the variety of available dog bed styles reflects this. Think about your dog's comfort and about the available space that you have for the bed. Shop around and compare styles as well as prices. First, however, take a glance at the listing below to get a better idea of exactly what is available for you and your dog.

Basket dog beds are generally made from wicker. Due to their rough surface, you will need to provide some blankets or pillows for your dog's comfort.

Donut dog beds resemble donuts in that they have raised sides and a depression or hole in the center. A donut bed allows the dog to feel safe, secure, and snug if the bed is the right size for his body.

Hooded dog beds have an upper portion that arches over to the other side of the bed. This type of bed is excellent for those dogs that like their privacy, are shy, or simply like to hide away from the world around them.

Reversible dog beds have the same premise as reversible comforters for humans. Sometimes you simply get bored with what you have and you need a little change. A reversible dog bed flips over or maybe inside out to expose a different pattern or color fabric.

Round dog beds have one depth for the entire bed. There are no raised edges, indentations, arches, or corners. This type of bed is completely level and obviously, round in shape. Of course, this bed is also soft and comfortable.

Shaped beds are those that have been constructed to resemble some object or animal. For example, the bed may have the appearance of a truck, wagon, or sled. In fact, if you look hard enough, you can probably find almost anything that you wanted the dog bed to look like.

Sofa dog beds are for the dog whose owners truly include him as part of the family. The dog bed is in the shape of a sofa. It looks like a miniature sofa and is available in a variety of colors.

If none of the above seems right for your dog, is it possible that he is happiest the most when he is simply stretched out on the floor. If so, consider purchasing a carpet sample or throw rug all of his own.

By Ian White ©2007