When looking at the variety of dog beds, it's hard to know which one is the perfect fit for your dog. It would be horrible to put a lot of money into a bed only to find out your dog prefers to nap elsewhere. We will take a step by step look at the various dog beds so you can see what kind of benefits they might offer your canine companion.

First, size. You want to be certain that your dog can fit in their new dog bed. If you're buying for a puppy, remember that it won't be a puppy for long. Don't buy a small bed or you may find yourself buying another, larger bed in a few months. Take growth into account so you don't end up spending more money than you need to.

Even with a full grown animal, be sure to get a bed big enough that he or she will have room to stretch and won't feel too crowded. If you get a dog bed that's a bit on the small side, your dog may not use it. Also take note of the height of dog beds. You don't want to select a bed that is too high for your small dog. A raised bed, however, may help keep your dog warm if your house is drafty.

Second, shape. Dog beds come in different shapes: rectangular, circular, oval, squaresome are even oddly shaped or made to look like miniature sofas or beds. Some are simply flat mattresses, while others have raised headrests or pillows attached. You want to select the shape that best fits your dog.

One thing to do is consider your dog's sleeping positions. If they like to sprawl out, then you should probably consider a longer rectangular bed. Some dogs sleep in tight circles, and the round one is generally a match. Once again, if your puppy is under two years old, you should probably consider buying something that will accommodate some growth based on the breed.

Be sure to check the tag before you buy your dog's bed. You want to be sure that at least the main pad can be removed and washed. This is a necessity in dealing both with dirt and with keeping your dog's bed free of fleas. You also want the material to be heavy enough to withstand a little chewing and clawing, especially if the bed is for a puppy.

Sturdy interior material is also a must. Some dog beds are only filled with stuffing, while others include wooden frames. These dog beds are built to take a little more abuse than others. Just remember to check the mattress or padding to make sure it provides enough comfort for you dog.

If your dog has arthritis or has an injury, you may need to purchase a special bed. Orthopedic dog beds, for example, are designed to help ease your dog's joint pain. While you may not want (or need) to invest in a special bed if your dog's injury is minor, if you have an older dog or a permanently disabled one, you might think about it.

So many times people look to color or style when looking at dog beds, but this is only a small part of what makes a good choice. If the bed is going to be placed in a room where there is already an established color pattern you might pick something that matches what is already there.

There are many more options for your dog beds. You can get a dog bed with a built-in heating pad to keep your dog warm, one with special colors or insignias on the fabric, and more. Of course, you may not need any of these options. To decide what you do want in a dog bed, make a list of your dog's needs before heading out to make your buy.