When you think of man’s best friend, Border Collies often come to mind because of their connection to humans as a working dog. Their bond is so deep that with just the subtle raise of an eyebrow or the blow of a whistle they seem to intuitively understand their master’s intentions. Originally bred by shepherds to herd sheep, Border Collies have been known to run over 50 miles a day and have a reputation for possessing seemingly unlimited energy.
It is important to keep the origins of this wonderful dog in mind when selecting the best dog beds for Border Collies. This dog breed is one of the most active in the world. If you do not give them the stimulating exercise they need, then they will turn their excess energy into destructive behavior such as digging and chewing, and they would tear apart their dog bed in no time.
If the Border Collie doesn’t have anything to herd, it is best to get them involved with dog sports. As long as you give them a job or task to do, you will discover how intelligent and sensitive they are. Border Collies are great at following commands, and can seem to understand what you want based on even the most subtle gestures. Therefore, you can train them to sleep in a crate or to get off the couch and onto the dog bed that you bought for them.
Best Dog Beds for Border Collies – What to Look For
Border Collies are considered to be medium sized dogs. Specifically, males tend to stand 19-22 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh between 35-45 pounds. Females stand roughly 18-21 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh 30-40 pounds. The dog bed you purchase for them should be comfortably spacious, whether they sleep curled up or if they decide to stretch out.
These hard-working dogs aren’t prissy, but you will need to brush their weather-resistant double coat weekly to prevent matting. They also shed seasonally, so it is best to look for a dog bed that is hair-resistant. It also helps if the bed has a fully removable cover which you can throw into the washing machine. A good zipper is recommended so that putting the cover on and taking it off is smooth.
Since Border Collies are so active, their muscles and joints will take a beating. They need a dog bed that is easy on their joints and provides them with therapeutic comfort so that they can be well-rested and ready for another physically active day. We recommend looking for orthopedic dog beds that will soothe their aching body by relieving pressure points and conforming to the shape of their body.
Lastly, some nice features that are always nice to have are things like a waterproof or water-resistant cover, chew toys or pillows that come with the bed, replacement covers, and comprehensive warranties or money-back guarantees. That way you can have peace of mind knowing there is an extra layer of protection against accidents.
Best Dog Beds for Border Collies Review
Dogbed4less Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Dog Bed
With how active a Border Collie is, they put their bodies through a lot of stress and thus they need a comfortable bed for some nice rest and recovery after a long day. The Dogbed4less orthopedic bed has a human grade mattress that provides conforming therapeutic relief to your dog’s aching joints and muscles. It is soft, yet firm enough to provide support and will never flatten.
This bed also comes with an extra cover, so that you have a spare cover to use while washing the first one. Many customer reviews claim their beds have lasted several months, some even had theirs for years, so it appears to be extremely durable. Even the zipper, which is often the weakest link for many dog beds, seems to have held up for a long time. After a long day of running, your Border Collie would enjoy getting a good night’s rest in this bed.
Pros:
- Orthopedic mattress provides pressure point relief, alignment support, and a cool sleeping surface
- Additional spare cover
- Durable machine washable cover
Cons:
- Advertised as waterproof but isn’t
BarkBox Memory Foam Dog Bed
For a versatile dog bed that can fit into a crate or be used outside of one, you can’t go wrong with the BarkBox memory foam dog bed. It is filled with luxurious ergonomic memory foam (the real stuff, not egg crate foam) that provides comfort and support for all dogs, even the elderly. The bed is water-resistant and machine washable for easy clean-up.
This bed comes with a free toy that can keep your Border Collie focused on chewing that instead of at the bed seams. You can get the BarkBox in four neutral colors to match your home furniture. BarkBox is also committed to customer satisfaction, and they claim that they will do whatever they can to address any complaints you have.
Pros:
- Memory foam will reduce any joint pain or arthritis pain
- Actually waterproof, machine washable
- Product is backed by excellent customer service
Cons:
- Some customers report the bed did not expand to the advertised thickness once opened, but that was probably the odd manufacturer defect
K&H Elevated Pet Bed
Border Collies don’t like hot weather and would find a nice, cool place to rest on those blazing hot days. With an elevated bed, your dog will experience maximum airflow from all directions, even beneath the bed. The platform is made from waterproof nylon fabric that is resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew.
It is highly durable and your dog will never feel like the mesh is too stiff, unlike some other beds that are too firm. Assembling the bed is easy, as is disassembling it. The bolsters provide a nice headrest which will relax their head and neck muscles as well as set their spine in proper alignment. For those scorching hot days, this bed is essential for cooling off and relaxing your Border Collie.
Pros:
- Perfect for warmer months of spring and summer
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Elevated design provides joint relief and avoids the pain caused by lying on hard ground
- Mesh center allows air to flow from bottom and prevents hot spots from accumulating
Cons:
- Not recommended for larger dogs, but can easily support a Border Collie