Beds for two Dachshunds with different needs

Two Dachshunds of different ages in the same house — that's a fun combo but it does mean you're balancing different needs. The right bed depends a lot on how each dog sleeps, their sizes, and whether your older one has any back or joint issues, which are very common in Dachshunds by age seven. The most common mistake people make is buying one bed that's too small, or assuming both dogs will happily share. So tell me — are these standard or miniature Dachshunds, how does each one tend to sleep (curled up, stretched out, or pressed against something), and has your older dog shown any signs of back trouble or stiffness?

That's really helpful — and honestly the slipped disc history is the most important detail here. For your older girl, you want something with raised, cushioned sides she can curl into, good orthopaedic support underneath, and — crucially — low or no step to get in, so she's not jumping up or down and putting stress on her spine. A deep donut or bolster style with a memory foam or thick foam base is ideal for her. Your younger one would probably use whatever bed is available, but he'd do best with something he can fully stretch out on too.

Separate beds, without question. The older dog needs a specific type for her back, and sharing rarely works long-term — the younger one will inevitably take over the good spot. I'd get your older Dachshund her own orthopaedic donut bed and give the younger one a simpler flat mat or a second donut if budget allows. For your older girl specifically, I'd recommend the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Donut Cuddler — it's available in small, has deep cushioned bolster sides for curling into, a water-resistant base so it sits flat and stable, and the filling gives real joint support without being so firm it's uncomfortable. It's also machine washable, which matters. For miniatures it's a well-proven fit.

At two years old with no joint issues, he doesn't need anything fancy. A flat, generously sized cushion or a simple pillow-style dog bed works well for a sprawler — something around 60–70cm so he can fully stretch. The Rosewood Snuggle Paws Luxury Mattress in medium is a decent, affordable option that washes easily and holds up to a younger dog who moves around a lot. The priority is really your older girl's bed — get that right first and the younger one will be happy with something straightforward.

Great — you're making the right call keeping them separate. One small tip: place your older girl's bed somewhere she won't be tempted to jump off the sofa to reach it, since that's often where Dachshunds with back histories get into trouble. Hope they both settle in well.