1 Aug 2026 · Gauchitto · 3 min read

Golden Retrievers: why it pays to choose a larger bed

A thick coat, long hours of sleep and a habit of hanging over the edge. Why a Golden Retriever needs more space than measurements alone suggest.

A Golden Retriever is not simply a slightly smaller Labrador. The breed has a longer coat, retains more heat and has a distinct tendency to spread out across all the available space.

Heat A dense undercoat means Golden Retrievers can easily overheat. Avoid plush covers and do not place the bed beside a radiator. In summer, a thinner mat on a cooler floor can provide welcome relief.

Coat and care This breed sheds throughout the year, with heavier moulting twice a year. A smooth, tightly woven cover is considerably easier to vacuum than plush fabric. Wash the cover once a month, or more often during moulting season.

The core An adult Golden Retriever weighs between 27 and 34 kg. A foam core measuring 8 to 10 cm is ideal — it supports their weight without making it difficult for older dogs to get up.

Looking ahead The breed is prone to arthritis and pressure sores on the elbows. Providing a sufficiently thick mat in every favourite resting spot is a worthwhile investment from the very beginning.

Sizing up For a Golden Retriever, we recommend adding 20 cm to the measured length rather than the usual 15. The breed often sleeps with its front paws stretched out and its head beyond the sleeping surface — a larger bed will prevent the elbows from resting on the floor.

Heat A dense undercoat means Golden Retrievers can easily overheat. Avoid plush covers and do not place the bed beside a radiator. In summer, a thinner mat on a cooler floor can provide welcome relief.

Coat and care This breed sheds throughout the year, with heavier moulting twice a year. A smooth, tightly woven cover is considerably easier to vacuum than plush fabric. Wash the cover once a month, or more often during moulting season.

The core An adult Golden Retriever weighs between 27 and 34 kg. A foam core measuring 8 to 10 cm is ideal — it supports their weight without making it difficult for older dogs to get up.

Looking ahead The breed is prone to arthritis and pressure sores on the elbows. Providing a sufficiently thick mat in every favourite resting spot is a worthwhile investment from the very beginning.