Choosing the right bed for you cat or dog can be a wee bit confusing. Follow these guidelines and you (and your pup) should be pleased with your choice.

1. First Measure Your Dog

The first thing you should do is measure your pet while they are sleeping. We recommend measuring during slumber because this is the most accurate measurement of the real estate required for comfortable slumber. Using a tape, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. If they are slightly curled, measure across directly from base of tail to nose, rather than following the contour of the spine.

2. Observe their sleep patterns

Most dogs do one of two things: sleep stretched out horizontally or curl up into a tight, cosy ball with their nose tucked in. The "stretcher" tends to be larger breeds, often with their head spilling over the edge of the bed. This is also a more typical position for dogs suffering pain or aching from arthritis. "Stretchers" are inclined to prefer cushion-style beds for obvious reasons. Frequently, like our two pups, two dogs will share a larger bed in what we call "the dog pile". If this is a likely case for your dogs, definitely order a size larger so both have ample room on the cushion.

If your pet likes to curl up – or prefers the security of a cushion around them, you would be better suited with our sidewall "snug" style bed. This typically is most preferred by smaller dog breeds like terriers, pugs, etc. as well as short coat breeds that enjoy the cosy warmth from the "snug".

3. Choose The Right Shape:
When it comes to selecting the right shape for your dog, consider they way they sleep. Large breed dogs usually prefer to sleep on their sides - sprawling out as they fall asleep. A cushion-style bed would be the best choice for this sleeping behavior.

Smaller breeds tend to curl up on their beds and they are better suited to smaller, more square shapes. Of course some dogs, like our German Shorthaired Pointer, Maggie, do both. She starts out curled up and then sprawls out as she begins to dream about chasing rabbits or squirrels. A rectangle is still the best choice.

4. Choosing the right size:

Once measured, you can simply add 15-20cm (6-7") to the length and that would be the ideal bed size. If you are not sure, or your pet is still growing, we always recommend to go up in size.

100% Quality Satisfaction Guarantee

Because the internet makes it impossible for us to show you the outstanding quality and workmanship of our Irish-made wool dog beds, you might question just how nice your new Sheepish Dog bed will be. Easy enough to fix. If for any reason, when your dog bed arrives, it does not meet or exceed your quality expectations, return it to us — no questions asked — for a complete refund. Enclosed in your bed's box you will find a provided return label to our return center.

To qualify for a QSG (Quality Satisfaction Guarantee) beds must be returned UNUSED, in the box you received them, along with the a Return Authorization Code you can obtain through customer service here at The Sheepish Dog. The Satisfaction Guaranteed products must also be reported within 5 days of the delivery confirmation date. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

OTHER types of possible returns:
OK. So you slipped up and ordered the wrong bed. That's cool. It happens. Send it back. BUT we only accept beds that have not been used. Here are our return and exchange guidelines:

1. Returns and exchanges will only be accepted within 15 days from the delivery of your bed. Returns and exchanges also require a Return Authorization Number obtained from Customer Service.

2. Bed must be new and in unused condition to receive a full refund. Beds returned for exchange within 14 days are no bother — but require a shipping/handling fee (calculated at time of shipping your exchange). New, unused beds returned after 14 days are subject to a restocking fee of 20% and will only be accepted for 30 days from original delivery.

3. All returns and exchanges require a Return Authorization Number — we will not issue a refund without one.

4. Damaged or used beds will not be refunded.

5. Freight damages must be reported within 5 days of receipt of your order.

6. We 100% guarantee the workmanship of our Sheepish Dog™ dog beds. In the unlikely event your bed is defective in manufacturing, we will replace your bed with a like product. A warranty defect does not qualify from normal wear and tear, chewing or damage caused by your pet. A Return Authorization Code must be obtained. We will not accept beds shipped back without one.

What can I do to avoid a return?
1. Measure your fuzzy friend carefully (but not while he's dreaming — you could be mis-interpreted as a cat or large ham bone). See our dog breed chart for size comparisons and recommendations.

Contact our customer service center with any questions prior to ordering. Contact Us >