Best bed for a Dalmatian upgrading from puppy size

Sounds like the puppy bed has well and truly been outgrown — Dalmatians look medium-sized but they're long-bodied and tend to sprawl, so a bed bought for a small pup rarely keeps up. The right bed depends a lot on how your dog actually sleeps and whether there are any joint concerns starting to show at two years old. Quick question: does your Dalmatian still curl up against the bolster sides, or have they started stretching out and hanging over the edges? And any stiffness or joint issues to factor in?

That's really useful — he wants the bolster comfort but needs the full length to stretch into. That's a specific combination and it rules out a lot of beds. What's his current weight roughly, and do you know his length when he's fully stretched out? That'll help me make sure the size I suggest is actually going to work.

Perfect — that's exactly what I needed. For a Dalmatian who stretches fully and likes a head rest, I'd go with the Danish Design Snuggle Deluxe Dog Bed in XL. It's a proper large bolster bed with raised sides on three edges, which gives him something to lean into, but the open front and generous flat sleeping area means he can stretch his full length without hanging off. The XL measures around 107cm x 71cm, so he'll have real room. The filling is supportive without being too firm — good for a young dog who's active. It's well-made, washes easily, and holds its shape after repeated washing, which matters with a big dog. It's available on Amazon UK and consistently well-reviewed for larger breeds.

It holds up well — the bolster has enough density to stay raised under a Dalmatian-sized head. It's not rock hard, more like a firm cushion, which most dogs prefer for resting their chin. The main thing that causes bolsters to flatten is poor stitching at the seams, and this one is double-stitched around the edges. If it ever does compress over time, it washes and re-lofts well. For a 27kg dog who just wants a comfortable headrest rather than full structural support, it'll do the job properly.

You're welcome — the XL will be a proper upgrade for him. Just search 'Danish Design Snuggle Deluxe Dog Bed XL' on Amazon UK and it comes straight up. He'll have no excuse for falling off now.