Not sure whether a raised bed for your dog or a cushioned one is the better choice? In this guide, we compare elevated and cushioned dog beds on comfort, airflow, warmth, support and style, and explain which suits dogs who run hot, sleep outdoors, curl up or love a head rest. Find out how to choose the right dog bed for the way your dog actually sleeps, and why a cushioned bed with a raised edge is the one most indoor dogs keep coming back to.
Is a raised dog bed right for your dog?
Choosing a dog bed used to be simple. Now there's a choice to make before you even think about colour or size: do you go for a raised bed for your dog, or a traditional cushioned one? Both have a place, and the right answer depends on your dog, your climate and where the bed will live. Here's how they compare.
What is a raised dog bed?
A raised dog bed, sometimes called an elevated or cot-style bed, is a taut fabric or mesh surface stretched across a frame that sits several centimetres off the ground. Think of it as a small trampoline without the bounce.
Where a raised bed shines:
- Airflow. Air circulates underneath, so dogs who run hot stay cooler in summer.
- Off the ground. It keeps your dog away from cold tiles, hot decking, damp grass and insects.
- Outdoor use. Most are built for patios, verandahs and backyards, and they hose clean.
- Easy to get up from. The even, firm surface can make standing up easier for some older dogs.
Where it falls short:
- No nesting. There's nothing to curl into or burrow under, which many dogs need to settle.
- Less warmth. The airflow that helps in summer works against you in winter.
- Function over form. Most raised beds are made for the backyard, not the living room.
What is a cushioned dog bed?
A cushioned bed is what most people picture: a padded base, often with raised sides or a bolster, filled and covered in soft fabric. It's designed for comfort first.
Where a cushioned bed shines:
- Security. Raised edges give dogs something to lean against and curl into, which many find calming.
- A place to rest their head. A bolster or raised rim works as a built-in pillow.
- Warmth and softness. Ideal for indoor sleeping, cooler months and dogs who love to snuggle.
- Style. A well-made cushioned bed can look like part of your home, not a piece of pet equipment.
Where it falls short:
- Warmer in summer. Plush fabrics hold heat, so dogs who run hot may leave for the tiles on the hottest nights.
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Needs regular washing. Soft beds collect fur and dirt, so a removable, washable cover is essential.
Which should you choose?
Choose a raised bed if your dog sleeps mostly outdoors, runs hot, lives somewhere humid, or prefers to stretch out on a hard, cool surface.
Choose a cushioned bed if your dog sleeps indoors, curls up to sleep, rests their chin on things, feels the cold, or seems to settle better with something around them.
Plenty of households use both: a raised bed on the verandah and a cushioned bed in the living room.
Our approach: cushioned comfort with a raised edge
Our beds sit firmly in the cushioned camp, with a design detail that gives dogs the best of a bolster bed. Every Hersh Bed has a signature braided surround, a raised edge that circles the bed and gives your dog something to lean into, curl against and rest their head on.
Dog owners notice it straight away. One Queensland customer told us her dog loves resting his paw on the braid, and jumped in and hasn't left since.
Underneath the soft teddy fabric, each bed is built for everyday life:
- Removable, machine washable cover for easy cleaning
- Waterproof liner to protect the cushion from spills and wet fur
- Non-slip base that keeps the bed in place on floorboards and tiles
- Two sizes: Medium (70cm) and Large (100cm)
Choose Oatmeal for a light neutral that suits Scandi, coastal and minimal interiors, or Chestnut for a warmer tone that sits well with timber and earthy palettes.
Staying cool on a cushioned bed
If you love the comfort of a cushioned bed but your dog runs hot, you don't have to choose. Add a cooling mat on top during summer, keep the bed out of direct sun, and make sure your dog always has a cool floor nearby to move to. Swap back to a teddy blanket when the weather turns.
The bottom line
A raised bed is a practical, outdoor-friendly option built for airflow. A cushioned bed is the choice for comfort, security and indoor living. For most dogs who sleep inside, curl up and love a head rest, a cushioned bed with a raised edge is the one they'll keep coming back to.