A dog spends 12–14 hours a day sleeping. For a Norwegian Elkhound, the quality of that surface directly affects joint health, sleep quality, and behaviour. Thin padding on a hard floor is a slow-developing health problem for medium breeds.
Norwegian Elkhounds can develop hip and joint problems as they age. Starting with a quality orthopedic bed in middle age (around 7 years) prevents rather than reacts to joint issues.
We selected the best beds for Norwegian Elkhounds across four categories — orthopedic, calming, elevated, and travel — based on size match, washability, durability, and long-term value.
Disclosure: We earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. This doesn’t affect our rankings.
Quick Comparison: Best Beds for Norwegian Elkhounds
| Bed | Price | Type | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge | $79.99 | orthopedic | 🥇 Top pick |
| K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed | $49.99 | elevated | |
| FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger | $44.99 | plush | |
| Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed | $42.99 | elevated | |
| K&H Self-Warming Dog Bed | $34.99 | heated |
What Norwegian Elkhounds Need in a Dog Bed
Size
Norwegian Elkhounds fit most medium-large bed sizes (30–42 inches). Measure nose to tail while sleeping and add 8 inches for comfort.
Joint support
Norwegian Elkhounds benefit from at least 2–3 inches of supportive foam. Memory foam conforms to body shape; orthopedic foam provides more resistance and support.
Washability
Wash every 2–3 weeks, increasing to weekly during spring and autumn shedding seasons.
Waterproofing
An inner waterproof liner (under the removable cover) protects the foam from accidents, spills, and wet paws. Non-negotiable for medium breeds who spend time outdoors.
Our Top Picks
1. Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge — Best Orthopedic for Norwegian Elkhounds
$79.99 | ★★★★★ 4.5/5
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Best mid-range orthopedic — great for dogs who don’t need clinical-grade support
Why it’s right for Norwegian Elkhounds:
- Best value orthopedic
- Waterproof protection
- Easy to clean
Watch out for:
- Memory foam less supportive than Big Barker
- Cover zipper can fail
Long-term value: A quality orthopedic bed lasts 3–5 years and directly reduces vet bills associated with joint deterioration. The cost per day is typically under $0.20.
2. K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed — Best for Anxious Norwegian Elkhounds
$49.99 | ★★★★★ 4.5/5
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Best cooling bed — essential for flat-faced breeds and dogs in warm climates
Features:
- Raised off ground for air circulation
- Mesh center for cooling
- Indoor/outdoor use
Signs your Norwegian Elkhound needs a calming bed: Circling before lying down, sleeping pressed against walls, panting at night, whining, or refusing to settle in their current sleeping area.
3. K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed — Best Elevated/Outdoor Option
$49.99 | ★★★★★ 4.5/5
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Best cooling bed — essential for flat-faced breeds and dogs in warm climates
- Raised off ground for air circulation
- Mesh center for cooling
When to choose elevated: Warm climates, dogs who overheat, outdoor use, or dogs with joint problems who find it easier to rise from an elevated surface.
4. Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed — Best Travel Bed
$42.99 | ★★★★☆ 4.4/5
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Best outdoor elevated bed — extremely durable for outdoor use
- Breathable HDPE knitted fabric
- Steel frame
Norwegian Elkhound Bed Sizing Guide
| Your Norwegian Elkhound’s Length | Bed Size Needed |
|---|---|
| Up to 24” | Medium (32”) |
| Up to 30” | Large (38”) |
Measure nose-to-tail while your Norwegian Elkhound is fully stretched out, then add 8 inches.
Joint Health & Sleep: What the Research Says
Dogs with adequate sleeping surface support show measurably lower signs of joint pain. For medium breeds like the Norwegian Elkhound:
- Hard floors increase joint inflammation over time — concrete is the worst
- Orthopaedic foam 4”+ thick reduces peak pressure on hips and shoulders
- Memory foam conforms to body shape but may provide insufficient resistance for heavy medium breeds — thicker orthopedic foam is often better
- Elevated beds reduce floor-level temperature and improve air circulation — beneficial in warmer climates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How big should my Norwegian Elkhound’s bed be? A: Measure your Norwegian Elkhound from nose to tail while sleeping, then add 8 inches. For Norwegian Elkhounds that curl, consider a calming or donut-style bed sized to their body.
Q: At what age should I switch to an orthopedic bed? A: Ideally from adulthood (12 months). Don’t wait for arthritis to appear — prevention is significantly more effective than treatment.
Q: How often should I wash my Norwegian Elkhound’s bed? A: Wash every 2–3 weeks, increasing to weekly during spring and autumn shedding seasons.
Q: Do dogs actually prefer orthopedic beds? A: Most dogs actively choose orthopedic beds over thin padding once they experience the difference. You’ll notice more restful sleeping, less position-changing overnight, and easier rising.
Q: Where should I put my Norwegian Elkhound’s bed? A: Away from drafts and direct heat vents. Norwegian Elkhounds prefer sleeping where they can see the main room entrance — place the bed against a wall with a sightline to the door.
Q: Is a cheap bed better than no dedicated bed? A: Barely. A $15 polyester-fill bed that compresses within weeks is only marginally better than a blanket on the floor. If budget is a constraint, look for mid-range foam options (FurHaven, Friends Forever) rather than budget-tier polyester.
Q: My Norwegian Elkhound destroys beds. What survives? A: Elevated mesh beds (Coolaroo, K&H) are the most destruction-resistant. Alternatively, line a crate with a thick orthopedic mat that can’t be pulled out.
Our Verdict
For most Norwegian Elkhound owners, the orthopedic option — Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge — is the highest-value bed investment. The joint health benefit alone justifies the cost over cheap alternatives.
Add a calming bed (K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed) if your Norwegian Elkhound shows any anxiety signs, or an elevated option (K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed) for warm climates or outdoor setups.
More Norwegian Elkhound guides:
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- Norwegian Elkhound grooming guide →
- Norwegian Elkhound care hub →