We spent a small fortune on orthopedic dog beds. Memory foam. Bolstered sides. Temperature-regulating fabric. The works.
Buster’s favourite sleeping spot? The doormat. Jago’s? On top of my Crocs.
This is what it’s like buying beds for French Bulldogs. You research, you invest, you lovingly arrange the perfect sleeping setup — and they choose the cold kitchen floor because it “feels nice on my belly, thanks.”
But here’s the thing: they do use their proper beds. It just took some learning on our part about when they want which bed, and where it needs to be. French Bulldogs don’t just have sleeping preferences — they have an entire sleeping schedule. And woe betide anyone who disrupts it.
In our house, the daily routine goes like this: during the day, you’ll find them on the doormat or (in Jago’s case) wherever your shoes are. In the evening, they migrate to the chairs and sofa. Overnight, they finally settle into their donut beds inside their crates. That’s the rhythm, and it’s non-negotiable.
After testing multiple bed types over three years, we’ve found clear winners — and some expensive lessons. This guide shares everything we’ve learned.
Why French Bulldogs Need the Right Bed
Joint Support Is Preventive Care
French Bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and general joint wear. Their compact, muscular build puts significant pressure on joints, especially after those dramatic leaps onto furniture they probably shouldn’t be leaping onto.
Buster doesn’t have joint issues — he’s a healthy lad — but proper support from a young age is about prevention, not just treatment. Think of it as a pension for his hips: boring now, essential later.
Temperature Regulation
Frenchies overheat easily thanks to their flat faces and compromised breathing. A bed that retains heat is the last thing they need in summer. Conversely, they feel the cold in winter (despite pretending they don’t).
The ideal bed situation? A cooling option for summer and a cosy donut for winter. Or, if you’re like us, you just rotate and hope for the best.
The Bolster Factor
Most French Bulldogs are absolute suckers for bolsters — those raised edges around beds. They rest their chins on them, curl against them, burrow into them, and generally treat them as essential architectural features. It’s a security thing. Frenchies want to feel enclosed, nestled, safe.
Jago in particular loves the “nest” feeling of a full-surround bolster. He circles twice, drops in, and curls up so tight he looks like a brindle cinnamon roll.
Washability Is Non-Negotiable
Frenchies shed. They drool. They have the occasional accident. And they track in whatever they’ve been investigating in the garden, which in Jago’s case often involves things that used to be alive.
A bed with a removable, machine-washable cover isn’t a luxury — it’s survival.
What to Look for in a French Bulldog Bed
Memory Foam Quality
Not all memory foam is created equal:
- High-density memory foam (4+ pounds per cubic foot) — holds shape, supports joints
- Solid base layer — not shredded foam, which goes lumpy within weeks
- Minimum 4-inch thickness for proper joint support
We bought a budget memory foam bed early on. Within a month it had compressed into something with the support properties of a wet flannel. Lesson learned.
Size and Shape
A bed around 30" x 20" works for most adult Frenchies. They need room to:
- Stretch out (the classic Frenchie sploot with legs fully extended behind)
- Curl into a ball (the “I’m cold” or “I’m napping seriously” position)
- Sprawl sideways (the “I own everything” pose)
Too small and they’ll spill over the edges. Too large and they lose the cosy, enclosed feeling they love.
Bolster Design Options
- Full surround (donut style) — maximum security, excellent for anxious dogs and dogs who love nesting. Both our boys prefer this for nighttime.
- Three-sided bolsters — good for dogs who like backing into corners but want a clear exit route.
- Flat/no bolsters — best for older dogs with mobility issues who struggle to step over raised edges.
Low Entry Point
This one’s crucial. Frenchies have short legs and some develop joint stiffness. Beds with high walls all the way around can be difficult to get in and out of, especially for puppies and seniors. Look for a dipped front or one lower section.
Cooling Features
For summer months, these help:
- Gel-infused memory foam — disperses heat
- Breathable mesh covers — allows airflow
- Raised/cot-style beds — air circulates underneath
- Cooling mats — we keep a PawPride cooling mat near the door for after walks; they work on beds too
Best Beds for French Bulldogs: Our Recommendations
1. Best Overall (Our Pick): ANWA Donut Calming Bed
Why it won: Both Buster and Jago took to these immediately — no coaxing, no treats-on-the-bed strategy, just instant acceptance. They curl up in them every single night in their crates, and we’ve bought multiples so there’s one in every room that matters.
ANWA Donut Calming & Cooling Dog Bed
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Key features:
- Raised donut rim for head and chin support
- Soft, plush material that Frenchies gravitate toward
- Machine washable (essential — we wash ours fortnightly)
- Available in cooling and warming versions
- Affordable enough to buy multiples for different rooms
Real-world testing: Buster circles twice, collapses into his donut, and is snoring within minutes. That snoring, by the way, sounds like a motorbike idling in a cave. Jago curls up tight against the rim and tucks his nose under the edge. Both have used these every night for over a year now.
Why multiples: We have three of these. Crate beds, living room, office. When you find something your Frenchie loves, don’t overthink it — just buy more.
2. Best Orthopedic: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
Why we recommend it: If your Frenchie has joint issues or you want serious orthopaedic support, this is a step up from the donut. Proper egg-crate foam base with a memory foam top layer. It’s the one we’d buy if Buster ever develops hip issues.
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed — Bolster Dog Sofa
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Key features:
- Egg-crate + memory foam dual layer
- Three-sided bolster with low front entry
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Non-slip bottom
- Multiple sizes available
Best for: Older Frenchies, dogs with diagnosed joint issues, or owners who want maximum orthopaedic support.
3. Best for Summer: Elevated Cooling Cot Bed
Why it’s here: In summer, our boys gravitate away from plush beds toward cooler surfaces (hence the doormat obsession). An elevated cot bed lets air circulate underneath, keeping them cooler than any ground-level option.
Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed
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Key features:
- Raised mesh design for airflow
- Breathable fabric stays cool
- Sturdy steel frame
- Easy to clean — just hose it down
- Indoor or outdoor use
Caveat: Not all Frenchies take to elevated beds. Some find them unstable or struggle to get on. Jago loves ours. Buster looked at it once, sighed, and went back to the doormat. Classic Buster.
4. Best Budget: Amazon Basics Round Bolster Bed
Why it’s here: Sometimes you just need a decent bed at a decent price. This won’t win awards for orthopaedic support, but it’s warm, washable, and well-made enough for a secondary bed in a spare room or as a starter option.
Amazon Basics Round Bolster Dog Bed
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Key features:
- Full bolster surround
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Soft sherpa lining
- Affordable enough to replace regularly
Honest note: The padding compresses faster than premium options. Expect to replace annually. But at this price, that’s still reasonable.
Quick Comparison
| Bed | Type | Price | Best For | Washable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANWA Donut | Calming/donut | ~£35 | Everyday use, crates | ✅ Machine |
| Bedsure Ortho | Orthopedic bolster | ~£40 | Joint support, older dogs | ✅ Cover only |
| Veehoo Elevated | Cooling cot | ~£25 | Summer, overheating | ✅ Hose down |
| Amazon Basics | Budget bolster | ~£18 | Secondary bed, starter | ✅ Machine |
Beds to Avoid
From experience (some of it expensive), stay away from:
- Thin, flat cushions — zero joint support, compress to nothing within weeks
- Beds with loose polyfill stuffing — goes lumpy, and if your Frenchie’s a destroyer (looking at you, Buster), you’ll be vacuuming stuffing for weeks
- Non-washable covers — Frenchies are messy. This is non-negotiable.
- High-sided beds with no entry dip — older Frenchies and puppies will struggle
- “Luxury” beds that cost £100+ without quality foam — some are just expensive fabric over cheap filling. Check the foam specs, not the marketing.
Getting Your Frenchie to Actually Use Their Bed
You’ve invested in the perfect bed. Your Frenchie has chosen the floor. This is normal. Here’s what works:
Location, Location, Location
Put the bed where they naturally want to be. Near your desk if you work from home. Next to the sofa in the evening. In their crate at night. Frenchies want proximity to their humans above all else — the world’s best bed in an empty room will be ignored in favour of a cold floor near you.
Make It Smell Like Home
Put an old t-shirt or blanket that smells like you on it initially. Both boys were hesitant about new beds until we put their old blankets on top. Familiarity trumps comfort every time.
Positive Association
Treats on the bed. Praise when they use it. A calm “good boy, bed” when they settle. Jago learned “go to your bed” through shameless treat bribery. Buster already knew — he just waited until he decided he wanted to.
Be Patient
Some Frenchies take to new beds immediately. Others need weeks. Jago accepted his donut bed on night one. Buster ignored his for a fortnight, then one evening just… got in. No fanfare. No explanation. That’s Buster.
Seasonal Bed Strategy
This might sound excessive, but it genuinely helps:
Summer: Elevated cot bed or cooling mat as the primary option. The donut beds get too warm. Both boys naturally migrate to cooler surfaces in hot weather — the doormat, the kitchen tiles, the bathroom floor. Give them a cooler proper bed and they’re more likely to use it.
Winter: Donut beds with plush covers. The bolster rim retains warmth, and the enclosed feeling is perfect for cold evenings. This is when our boys use their donuts most enthusiastically.
Year-round: Keep the crate bed consistent. Crate = sleep. Don’t change this one.
How Many Beds Does a French Bulldog Need?
Realistically? At least two:
- A proper crate/nighttime bed — quality orthopaedic or donut
- A daytime lounging bed — wherever you spend most of your time
We have three donut beds plus a cooling cot. Is that excessive? Probably. Do the boys use all of them? Yes. Are we the kind of people who buy dog beds in bulk? Apparently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French Bulldogs really need orthopedic beds?
Ideally, yes — especially as they age. They’re prone to joint issues and IVDD, and proper support from a young age is preventive care. Even if your Frenchie is young and healthy (like Buster), good support now can prevent problems later.
How often should I replace a dog bed?
Quality beds last 2-4 years. Budget ones might need replacing annually. Replace when the foam stays compressed and doesn’t spring back, or when the cover is beyond washing redemption.
Why won’t my Frenchie use their new bed?
Location (too far from you), smell (too new), or style (some dogs genuinely prefer different shapes). Try moving it, adding a familiar-smelling blanket, and giving it time. If they still won’t use it after 3-4 weeks, try a different style.
Should I let my Frenchie sleep on my bed?
That’s entirely your choice. We use crates with donut beds overnight, which works well for routine and independence. During the day, they’re on the sofa, the chairs, and anywhere else they fancy. Your house, your rules.
Donut bed or flat bed?
For most Frenchies: donut. They love the enclosed, secure feeling. The bolster gives them something to rest their chin on and creates that “nest” sensation. Flat beds work better for older dogs with mobility issues who can’t step over bolsters easily.
We don’t really own our boys. They are a part of our family and come everywhere with us in Cornwall. Making sure they sleep well is the least we can do — even if they sometimes choose the doormat anyway.
Affiliate Disclosure: The Frenchie Guide participates in affiliate programmes including Amazon Associates. Every bed recommendation is based on genuine testing with Buster and Jago. Full disclosure
Related guides:
- Best Cooling Vest for French Bulldogs — Keeping cool in summer
- French Bulldog Puppy Checklist — Everything you need from day one
- Best Harness for French Bulldogs — Another gear essential