Hooded dog beds, also known as cave dog beds or nesting dog beds, feature a covered design that replicates the feeling of being in a cave.
Cave beds are essentially dog beds with roofs, only the roof often drapes down a bit, providing the kind of body contact many pups love.
The tight, enclosed space can often provide a sense of comfort and safety, especially for anxious dogs.
Best Cave Dog Beds: Quick Picks
- Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave [Best For Blanket-Cuddlers] This hooded bed features soft sherpa lining for cuddly comfort. It also has the most size options, fitting dogs up to 55 lbs.
- Milliard Premium Plush Dog Cave Bed [Best For Travel] This half-dome style bed can easily be folded up for traveling.
- Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Bed [Best For Joint Issues] This bed’s orthopedic foam base provides solid support for older dogs or canines suffering from joint issues.
- Shark Cave Bed [Best For a Laugh] This covered cave-style dog bed comes in the shape of a shark! Get a giggle in as you watch your pup snooze between a shark’s jaws.
What Dogs Benefit Most from Cave Dog Beds?
Not all dogs will appreciate a cave-style dog bed, but others will thoroughly enjoy them. It never hurts to try one out with any dog, but some pups will undoubtedly benefit more from them than others.
Generally speaking, cave dog beds are especially good for:
Nervous or Anxious Dogs. As noted above, the narrow, enclosed space of a cave-shaped bed helps stressed-out dogs feel safer. In fact, many of the beds listed here would serve as great calming dog beds.
Dogs Who Like Their Crates. Dogs who already enjoy time in their crate are also likely to enjoy a cave dog bed, as the hooded bed and enclosed crate provide similar sensations of comfort and protection.
Dogs Who Like to Burrow. Cave-style accommodations often help pets exhibit their natural dog nesting behaviors and achieve a level of comfort and security traditional beds fail to provide.
Small Dogs or Toy Breeds. Most cave beds are small and only designed to fit petite pups or tiny toy breeds. Unfortunately, there aren’t many cave beds for large dogs, but we do point out a few options below that may work for dogs in the 50- to 60-pound range.
Chilly Canines. The high walls and narrow spacing of a cave bed retain warmth better than traditional beds, making them great choices for thin-furred dogs that tend to get cold easily (heated dog beds are another option).
Dogs with Separation Anxiety. Dogs who grow anxious when their owner leaves the house may feel more secure if provided with a tight-and-cozy place to sleep.
Things to Consider When Shopping For Hooded Dog Beds
- Size. Purchasing a cave dog bed that is too large for your bed cancels out that comfy sense of enclosure your dog enjoys, so make sure to pick a size that makes sense for your pooch.
- Materials. Hooded dog beds can be made out of various materials, from soft fleece lining to microsuede. Consider what material will work best for your pup.
- Ease Of Cleaning. While some cave dog beds feature removable covers or cushions that can be tossed in the washing machine, others are spot clean only. Spot cleaning may be no big deal for adult house-trained dogs, but for older incontinent canine or young pups, a machine washable bed is probably bed.
- Supported vs. Non-Supported Entry. Some cave-style beds feature a metal or plastic rod that keeps the entrance open, while others allow the entrance to collapse. Neither style is necessarily better than the other — just be sure to think about which style your pup may prefer.
The 10 Best Cave Beds (and Other Cozy Sleeping Quarters)
Now that you understand the reason cave dog beds are awesome for many canines, and you’ve familiarized yourself with some of the most important factors to consider when making your choice, it’s time to consider the different options on the market.
We’ll discuss seven different traditional cave dog beds below, as well as three alternative options, which will also provide your pet with a secure sleeping spot.
1. Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Dog Bed
A hooded dog bed perfect for pups that like to snuggle under blankets
About: The Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave is a hooded dog bed that’s just the right type for those dogs that like to crawl under blankets and tunnel their way through to the other side.
This bed can give them the same effect without the possibility of getting stuck under a blanket!
This cave bed is a solid option for dogs that are 55lbs or less, but won’t fit dogs that are larger than that! This bed also features a removable zippered liner for easy cleaning access.
Main features include:
- Removable washable and dryable cover to keep it smelling fresh
- Sherpa lining for warmth and comfort in cold weather or for homes that like to blast the AC
- A solid brass zipper to hold the cover in place
- Microsuede cover for a stylish look
- Available in 25 different colors choices
- Available in 3 different sizes, including small: 25L x 25W x 8H inches, large: 35L x 35W x 8H inches, and extra large: 45L x 45W x 8H inches. The hood size is 4-inches on all three sizes
PROS
Owners of dogs that like to snuggle, burrow or hide under blankets to sleep really loved this bed. Another plus is that the bed is lightweight enough to move around easily, so your pet can be in the same room with you at all times.
CONS
Owners note that over time the fleece lining can become worn. This cave is not waterproof and will eventually smell if your pet has a urine accident. However, it is washer safe, but can only fit in a front loader due to its size.
The Snoozer hooded dog bed is clearly a fan favorite – in fact, if you have multiple pups, you may find them competing for space in this cozy cave, like in the video below:
2. Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler
Super comfy cave bed with an attached blanket that your dog can borrow under.
About: The Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler is a premium pet bed that comes with an attached blanket to provide a cozy sleeping place for your pet.
Made from high-quality materials, including upholstery-grade corduroy, faux fur lining, and breathable blanket, this bed is designed to be durable and provide maximum comfort.
The bed comes in two different sizes. The 23” (small) bed is perfect for pets up to 25 pounds, while the 26” (medium) bed will accommodate those up to 35. The Cozy Cuddler is available in eight different colors to match a variety of home décor styles.
Main features include:
- You can machine wash and machine dry the entire bed – just toss it in with the rest of your laundry
- Cushioned walls for additional comfort
- Water- and dirt-resistant bottom is built to last
- Perfect for smaller dogs or cats
- Backed by the manufacturer’s money-back guarantee
PROS
The cushioned walls and built-in blanket seem to be a hit. Several owners also reported that the faux lining and corduroy were very soft to the touch.
CONS
Some owners reported that the fill material in the bottom started to lose its loft over time, but this isn’t unusual for most dog beds. Additionally, several owners reported that the faux fur lining shed excessively.
Dogs are not actually den animals, despite it being a common misconception. Wild dogs would occasionally stay in a den — but only when they were sick, injured, or pregnant! Today’s domesticated dogs have no instinctual need to create a den. But, this doesn’t mean that some dogs don’t still benefit from the safety and coziness that comes with a cave bed. Just like how some of us humans love a good pillow fort!
3. Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Pet Bed
A soft sherpa-lined cave bed that's even big enough to accommodate larger dogs!
About: The Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Bed is a feature-packed cave-style bed that can be used in two different ways.
You can keep the included support tubing inside the hood to keep the top propped up and make it easy for your pet to enter, or you can remove the plastic tubing, which will make the top more like a blanket.
This bed boasts an orthopedic foam base, making it a great choice for dogs who need additional support, be in due to joint issues, injuries, or old age.
Main features include:
- Lined with faux lambswool for maximum comfort
- Silken suede exterior is soft to the touch and looks great
- Easy to clean – simply remove the cover and toss it in the washing machine
- Available in four sizes: 18”, 26”, 35”, and 44”
- Orthopedic foam base provides plenty of support for most dogs
- Comes in your choice of eight different colors
PROS
This is one of the larger cave beds on the market! The 35” model will accommodate dogs in the 50-pound range, and the 44-inch model will work for even larger dogs.
CONS
Several owners complained that the plastic tubing was too flimsy to keep the cover upright, but others found that it worked just fine.
4. Lesure Raised Cuddle Bed
This raised cuddly bed for small and toy breeds includes an attached blanket to snuggle into
About: The Lesure Raised Cuddle Cave Bed makes a small dog or puppy feel more secure and comfortable with its soft plush interior and attached blanket.
This hooded dog bed is ideal for smaller-sized dogs. The medium-size claims to hold up to 30lbs, but that’s certainly the maximum dog size you’d want to consider for this bed.
Main features include:
- Made with chopped foam and polyester fiber
- Features OEKO-TEX certified materials
- Zippered cover can be removed for cleaning
- Comes in several colors, include a soft blue, purple, and green
PROS
Many people found that this dog cave bed great for smaller breed dogs, and the color options are quite pretty!
CONS
Some find the stuffing to be on the lumpy side, and complain the foaming feels cheap. But at this lower price point, this is to be expected.
5. Armarkat Dog Burrow Bed
This fully-enclosed cave bed is designed for cats, but works great for toy breed dogs as well.
About: The Armarkat Burrow Bed is another cave-like pet bed you may want to consider. Instead of being designed like a standard bed with an included blanket or canopy, the Armarkat Burrow Bed is more akin to a dog burrow bag for pets who want a private sleeping area.
The Armarkat Pet Bed appears to be designed specifically for cats, but it’ll work for small dogs too (in fact, several dog owners reported that it worked very well for their canine). The Armarkat Dog Burrow Bed is available in both 20- and 22-inch-long models, and you can get it in Sage Green or Brown.
Main features include:
- Extra-thick 100% poly-fill stuffing to provide maximum comfort
- Cover made from a combination of faux fur and faux suede
- The bed can be machine washed
- Backed by the manufacturer’s six-month warranty against defects
PROS
Most small canines appear to love this dog tunnel bed, although some seemed to enjoy sleeping on top of it, rather than going inside. Several owners were surprised to find that it held up to machine washing better than they’d expected.
CONS
The most common complaint about the Armarkat Burrow Bed related to the opening. Apparently, it tends to collapse after a short while, which makes it difficult for some dogs to crawl inside.
6. Best Pet Supplies Indoor Pet House
A poly-foam dog bed that's perfect for pups who like to hide but aren't fans of burrowing under blankets
About: If your pup needs a safe, secure and snuggly place to sleep, but he isn’t crazy about the blankets or covers used with most cave-style beds, the Best Pet Supplies Indoor Pet House may be just what he needs.
The Indoor Pet House is designed like a traditional pet house, except that it’s stuffed with poly-foam and covered with soft fabric. Measuring 16” by 16” by 14”, this house gives your dog an enclosed place to sleep and plenty of body contact to help him feel safe.
The Indoor Pet House is available in three different colors (Brown Stripes, Light Brown, and Silver) to suit your pup’s sense of style.
Main features include:
- Can be machine washed without ruining the bed’s shape (be sure to air dry)
- Comes with a removable pillow-style pad for maximum comfort
- Cover made from a combination of coral fleece and soft denier nylon
- Light Brown and Silver versions feature cute dog bone print
PROS
This bed provides a very safe and secure sleeping spot for dogs, the fabrics are reportedly soft and very pleasant to the touch — plus, the entire thing is too cute for words. It’s important to note that this bed is quite small, and it probably isn’t large enough for dogs over 15 pounds.
CONS
The bulk of the negative comments about the Indoor Pet House centered around its durability. While some owners reported that it held up well over time, many reported that rambunctious dogs quickly inflicted damage on the house. The pillow also received its share of complaints, as it is reportedly stiff and noisy.
7. Amazon Basics Cave Bed
A poly-foam dog bed that's perfect for pups who like to hide but aren't fans of burrowing under blankets
About: The Amazon Basics Pet Cave Bed is another great pick for any dog or cat who love to burrow or snuggle. The cave-style cover can be removed easily, transforming it from a cozy hideaway to a soft, open bed in seconds.
Similar to competitors, this bed offers a soft, suede-like microfiber exterior and an ultra-comfy faux sherpa fleece lining for the interior.
The bed comes in two sizes:
- Medium: 30.0″L x 30.0″W x 12.5″Th
- Large: 35.0″L x 35.0″W x 13.0″Th
Key features include:
- Removable cave cover allows for burrowing or open lounging, catering to your pet’s preference.
- Soft suede-like microfiber on the outside with a plush faux sherpa fleece interior
- Removable cover allows for spot cleaning or full machine washing
PROS
The ability to remove the cover can be a handy feature, as you can always convert this bed into a “normal” dog bed if your dog isn’t a fan of the cover.
CONS
Critics complain that this bed doesn’t hold up to digging, but in that regard it’s probably on equal footing with most other beds listed here.
8. zDen Cozy Pet Bed
This lightweight pop-up cave bed it perfect for nervous pups who travel with their pet parents!
About: The zDen Pets Cozy Bed is designed to offer a calming environment that helps ease anxiety through the use of a convenient, travel-friendly pop-up tent!
Made with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric, the zDen bed is durable enough for outdoor as well as indoor use — it’s also free from harmful chemicals like lead and phthalates. Plus, its easy-to-clean materials make maintenance a breeze, allowing you to quickly refresh the bed with a simple rinse or wipe down.
Ideal for pet owners who are always on the go, this bed’s portability makes it the perfect travel companion. Whether you’re heading to the park, or visiting family across the country, this bed is designed to be your pup’s safe space on the go or at home.
Core features:
- Designed to mimic a natural den with a dark, cozy interior, providing a secure space to reduce pet anxiety.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, making it a flexible retreat for small pets.
- Made with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric, lead and phthalate-free for added safety.
- Simple to maintain with wipeable, hose-friendly fabric that resists dirt and stains.
- Super portable, perfect for travel or on-the-go comfort for your pup.
PROS
Fans of this bed love the pop-up design and how portable this makes it. It can collapse down flat and becomes an absolute breeze to take on your travels.
CONS
This bed is primarily designed for smaller pets, limiting its use to those under 25 pounds, which may not be suitable for medium or larger breeds.
Another Option: DIY Dog Cave Bed
Not interested in buying a cave dog bed? You could always go with a simple DIY option, as seen below in this video:
Have you ever purchase a cave dog bed? How did your dog like it? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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