Last updated: May 2026 | By ThriftyPaw
Small dogs are picky about where they sleep. And honestly? They should be. A 10-pound Chihuahua feels every lump, bump, and cold draft that a 70-pound Lab would sleep right through. Small dogs lose body heat faster, have more fragile joints than most people realize, and spend more time in their beds than larger breeds.
The good news: you don’t need to spend 80 dollars on a designer dog bed to give your small dog a comfortable place to sleep. We found five beds under 30 dollars that small dogs actually like — plus one that’s worth stretching your budget for.
(Already budgeting for your dog’s full setup? Our monthly cost breakdown by breed covers beds and everything else.)
What Small Dogs Need in a Bed
Before you buy, know what matters for dogs under 25 pounds:
Warmth retention. Small dogs get cold easily. Look for beds with plush or fleece surfaces, raised sides that block drafts, or self-warming thermal layers. Cooling beds exist too — but for most small dogs, warmth is the priority.
Support without bulk. Small dogs need cushioning, but they also need to be able to get in and out easily. A bed with 3–4 inches of support is ideal — enough to be comfortable, not so much that your dog struggles to climb in.
Machine-washable covers. This is non-negotiable. Small dogs are more likely to have accidents, track in dirt, and shed on their beds. If the cover doesn’t come off and go in the washing machine, you’ll regret buying it within a month.
The right size. Measure your dog from nose to tail while they’re sleeping in a curled position, then add 4–6 inches. That’s your ideal bed diameter or length. A bed that’s too big wastes space and doesn’t provide the enclosed feeling small dogs like. A bed that’s too small means your dog hangs off the edge.
The 5 Best Dog Beds for Small Dogs Under 30 Dollars
1. Best Friends by Sheri Original Bolster Dog Bed — Best Overall
Price: 18–28 dollars | Sizes: S, M | Colors: 8 options | ASIN: B0045F7W74
This is the most popular small dog bed on Amazon for a reason. The Sheri bolster bed has a round shape with raised edges on all sides — giving small dogs the enclosed, den-like feeling they naturally seek. The base is 1.5 inches of airLOOM polyfiber fill over a waterproof layer, and the bolsters are stuffed firm enough to serve as a headrest.
What works:
• Deep bolster on all sides — dogs can rest their head on any edge and still feel enclosed
• Machine-washable cover with hidden zipper (no exposed zipper teeth for your dog to chew)
• Waterproof base layer protects your floors from accidents
• Non-skid bottom keeps the bed from sliding on hardwood
• Available in 8 colors to match your decor
What doesn’t:
• The fill flattens over 3–6 months of daily use — not a longevity champion, but unbeatable for the price
• Small size (17 inches) is best for dogs up to 10 lbs — if your small dog is 15–25 lbs, get the medium (23 inches)
• Not orthopedic — dogs with severe joint issues need more support than this provides
Bottom line: If you’re buying one bed for one small dog, start here. It’s the best combination of comfort, washability, and price in this range.
2. FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Ergonomic Dog Bed — Best for Joint Support
Price: 20–28 dollars | Sizes: S, M | Colors: 10+ options | ASIN: B01LZ1XRLP
The FurHaven NAP uses an ergonomic “quilted” sleep surface over 2 inches of medical-grade orthopedic foam. For small dogs with early arthritis, luxating patellas, or just stiff joints from sleeping on hard floors, the foam support makes a real difference that the polyfill in cheaper beds can’t match.
What works:
• 2 inches of orthopedic foam — actual support, not just squishy fill
• Quilted sleep surface distributes weight evenly
• Three-sided bolster (open front) — easy for small dogs to get in and out
• Machine-washable cover
• Multiple color options
What doesn’t:
• The open-front design means less draft protection than fully enclosed bolster beds
• The foam is firm — some dogs prefer a squishier feel and may resist it initially
• Cover zipper is on the outside (some dogs will find and chew it)
Bottom line: Best orthopedic option under 30 dollars for small dogs. If your dog has any joint issues — even mild ones — the foam support here is worth more than the plush feel of cheaper beds. For large dogs with joint problems, see our orthopedic dog beds under 50 dollars guide.
3. MidWest Homes for Pets Bolster Pet Bed — Best for Crate Use
Price: 14–22 dollars | Sizes: Fits 18–30 inch crates | Colors: 3 options | ASIN: B0036DP3NK
If your small dog sleeps in a crate (and many should — it’s their safe space), this bed is designed to fit standard crate dimensions perfectly. It has a low-profile bolster on three sides that stays inside the crate without bunching, and a flat front that doesn’t block the crate door.
What works:
• Sized specifically to fit standard crate dimensions — no bunching, no wasted space
• Low-profile bolsters don’t interfere with crate doors
• Polyfill is soft without being too thick (thick beds in crates can reduce airflow)
• Machine-washable (entire bed, not just the cover)
• Fits the MidWest iCrate, which is our top pick for large breed crates and works great for small dogs too
What doesn’t:
• No separate cover — you wash the whole bed, which means downtime while it dries
• The polyfill compresses faster than foam or orthopedic options
• Only 3 color options (gray, blue, tan) — style isn’t this bed’s strength
Bottom line: The best crate bed under 30 dollars, period. Buy two so you always have a clean one while the other is in the wash.
4. Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Bed — Best for Cold Sleepers
Price: 16–25 dollars | Sizes: S, M, L | Colors: 4 options | ASIN: B07G9D3C8S
Small dogs get cold — it’s a fact of their physiology. The Aspen Pet self-warming bed has a reflective thermal layer (like a space blanket) sandwiched between the cushion and the cover. It reflects your dog’s body heat back to them without any electricity, cords, or fire risk.
What works:
• Self-warming thermal layer — no electricity needed, no cords to chew
• Plush faux-sherpa sleep surface that small dogs love
• Three-sided bolster for draft protection
• Machine-washable cover
• Seriously affordable — often the cheapest bed on this list
What doesn’t:
• The thermal layer is thin — it makes a noticeable difference but won’t replace a heated bed in genuinely cold environments
• The polyfill base compresses relatively quickly
• Only the cover is machine-washable — the insert isn’t
Bottom line: If your small dog curls into a ball and shivers, or if you keep your home cool, this bed is a no-brainer at 16–25 dollars. It’s warmer than any non-heated bed at this price point.
5. Brindle Waterproof Designer Dog Bed — Best for Messy Dogs
Price: 22–30 dollars | Sizes: S, M | Colors: 12 options | ASIN: B0775W1V3G
If your small dog is a digger, a drooler, or still working on house training, this is your bed. The Brindle has a fully waterproof liner beneath a soft microfiber cover. Accidents, drool, and muddy paws stay on the surface and wipe clean — they don’t soak into the filling.
What works:
• 100% waterproof liner — the entire interior stays dry even if the cover gets soaked
• Soft microfiber cover that wipes clean for spot-cleaning between washes
• Removable cover with hidden zipper (machine-washable)
• Non-slip bottom
• 12 color options — the most style choices in this price range
What doesn’t:
• No bolster — flat design means no headrest or draft protection
• The waterproof liner makes a crinkly sound when your dog first steps on it (most dogs get used to it within a day)
• Polyfill interior isn’t as supportive as foam
Bottom line: Best bed for dogs who have accidents, drool, or track mud inside. The waterproof liner is a lifesaver for puppy training and senior dogs with incontinence.
Honorable Mention: K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Heated Bed
Price: 30–40 dollars | Sizes: S, M, L
Not technically under 30 (the small size is 30, medium jumps to 38), but worth mentioning because it’s the only genuinely heated dog bed at this price point. If your small dog is elderly, arthritic, or always cold, the gentle radiant heat makes a noticeable difference in comfort and joint stiffness. The small size (17 x 22 inches) is appropriate for dogs up to 15 lbs.
Check current price on Amazon →
How to Choose the Right Size
| Dog Weight | Bed Size | Interior Dimensions | Best Breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 10 lbs | Small (17″) | 13 inch diameter | Chihuahua, Yorkie, Maltese, Pomeranian |
| 10–25 lbs | Medium (23–25″) | 17–19 inch diameter | Shih Tzu, Pug, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier |
| 25–35 lbs | Large (30″) | 24 inch diameter | Corgi, Beagle, Mini Aussie |
Rule of thumb: When in doubt, size up. A bed that’s slightly too big is much better than one that’s too small. Your dog can always curl up tighter, but they can’t stretch out beyond the edges.
Quick Comparison
| Bed | Price | Best For | Washable? | Warmth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheri Original Bolster | 18–28 | Most small dogs | Cover only | Moderate |
| FurHaven NAP Ultra | 20–28 | Joint support | Cover only | Low |
| MidWest Crate Bed | 14–22 | Crate sleeping | Entire bed | Low |
| Aspen Self-Warming | 16–25 | Cold sleepers | Cover only | High |
| Brindle Waterproof | 22–30 | Messy dogs/accidents | Cover only | Low |
| K&H Lectro-Soft | 30–40 | Senior/arthritic dogs | Cover only | Very High |
Bed Care Tips That Extend Lifespan
A 25-dollar bed should last 6–12 months with proper care. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Wash the cover weekly. Oils, dirt, and dander break down fabric and fill faster than anything else. Weekly washes keep the bed cleaner and the fill from compressing prematurely.
Fluff the fill daily. Give the bed a quick shake and punch to redistribute the fill. This prevents permanent compression in the spot your dog sleeps on most.
Use a waterproof liner under the cover. Even if the bed doesn’t come with one, a 5-dollar waterproof pet liner between the cover and the fill protects the interior from accidents. This alone can double the bed’s lifespan.
Rotate the bed. If it’s not in a crate, rotate it 180 degrees every week. Your dog probably sleeps on the same spot, and rotating distributes the wear.
Buy two. When one is in the wash, your dog needs somewhere to sleep. Two 20-dollar beds are better than one 40-dollar bed — and your dog always has a clean spot.
Small dogs spend 12–14 hours a day in their beds. A 20-dollar bed that’s washed weekly and replaced every 8 months is a better investment than an 80-dollar bed that’s never washed and falls apart in a year. Buy clean, wash often, and replace when the fill goes flat.
Your dog doesn’t need the most expensive bed. They need a clean, supportive, warm place that smells like home.
More budget guides from ThriftyPaw:
• How Much Does a Dog Really Cost Per Month? — The full breakdown
• Best Dog Crates for Large Breeds Under 60 Dollars — Crate guide for bigger dogs
• Best Dog Toys Under 10 Dollars — Budget toys that last
Affiliate Disclosure: ThriftyPaw may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through Amazon links above. We only recommend products we’d buy ourselves. Full disclosure →
