What Size Squishmallow Pet Bed Does My Dog or Cat Need?

How Squishmallow Pet Bed Sizes Are Measured and What the Diameter Number Means

The size number printed on every Squishmallow pet bed — 16, 20, 24, or 30 — refers to the diameter in inches measured across the widest point of the circular bed when it is lying flat and fully unfolded. Unlike rectangular dog beds, where manufacturers specify length by width, Squishmallow beds are round, so the single diameter figure is the only measurement that matters for fit.

Understanding what that number represents in practice is important. A 24-inch diameter means the internal sleeping surface runs 24 inches from one edge to the opposite edge in a straight line through the centre. When a dog or cat is curled into a sleeping position — nose tucked toward tail — their body occupies a roughly circular footprint. That footprint needs to fit within the bed’s diameter with a small margin of comfort space on each side.

For rectangular beds, pet owners typically measure their animal’s nose-to-tail stretched length and match it to the bed’s longest dimension. For Squishmallow round beds, the rule is different: measure your pet’s body length from nose to base of tail while they are curled in their natural sleeping position, then compare that measurement to the bed diameter. As a general principle, that curled-body diameter should be at least 2 to 4 inches smaller than the bed diameter to leave comfortable edge clearance.

If you are between sizes, always size up. A pet that fills the full 20 inches of a 20-inch bed will be more comfortable in a 24-inch design. Sizing down is never advisable — a bed that is undersized cannot be corrected, while a slightly oversized bed simply gives the pet more room to spread out.

Which Squishmallow Pet Bed Sizes Fit Small Breeds and Toy Dogs Under 15 Pounds

The 16-inch diameter is the smallest size in the Squishmallow pet bed lineup and is available in two cave-style designs: the Cam cat cave bed and the Fifi fox cave. Both feature a hooded dome structure over part of the sleeping surface, creating an enclosed environment that suits pets with a natural preference for sheltered, den-like sleeping spots.

Dog breeds that fit comfortably in a 16-inch Squishmallow bed include the Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Miniature Dachshund, and Papillon. These are all breeds that typically weigh under 10 pounds at maturity and have compact body frames. The 16-inch cave format is also well-suited to standard domestic cats regardless of breed, as most adult cats have a curled body diameter of 12 to 14 inches.

The cave design of both 16-inch models adds an important functional consideration beyond size. The hooded dome partially covers the sleeping area, creating a microclimate inside the bed that is noticeably warmer and more enclosed than an open round design. Pets that burrow under blankets, seek out cardboard boxes or closet corners, or press themselves against walls when resting will typically prefer a cave-style bed. Pets that prefer to stretch out in the open or sleep on their backs will find the hood restrictive and will be better served by one of the open round designs at 20 inches or larger.

A small cat or toy breed dog that is at the upper end of the 16-inch fit range — for example, a larger-framed Toy Poodle or a Dachshund with a longer-than-average torso — may find more comfort in the 20-inch open round designs (Wendy, Beula, or Cici), even if they technically fit the 16-inch cave.

Which 20-Inch Squishmallow Bed Designs Fit Small to Medium Dogs and Most Cats

The 20-inch diameter is the most versatile size in the Squishmallow pet bed lineup. Three open-round designs are available at this diameter: the Wendy frog bed, the Beula octopus bed, and the Cici red panda. All three share identical dimensions, fill specification (EF polyester), and construction — the only difference is the character design and colour scheme.

The 20-inch beds are designed for small to medium dog breeds in the 15 to 30 pound range. Well-matched breeds include the Shih Tzu, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, small Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer (smaller individuals), and Toy Poodle at the upper size range. Most domestic cats — including moderately large breeds such as the British Shorthair — also fit the 20-inch design comfortably, since even large domestic cats rarely exceed a curled diameter of 15 to 16 inches.

Unlike the 16-inch cave designs, the 20-inch beds are fully open round platforms. There is no hood or enclosure. This suits pets that prefer to sleep stretched out on their side, sprawled with legs extended, or with their head elevated on the padded rim. The raised edge of the 20-inch open designs still provides a slight sense of enclosure around the perimeter while leaving the entire top surface open to the air.

Dogs above 30 pounds, or dogs that are longer than 16 inches from nose to tail when curled, should be stepped up to the 24-inch designs (Gordon, Maui, or Tatiana) to ensure adequate coverage and comfort.

Which 24-Inch Squishmallow Bed Designs Fit Medium Dogs Between 30 and 55 Pounds

The 24-inch diameter is the most popular size for medium dog breeds and is available across three character designs: Gordon shark bed (gray shark), Maui pineapple bed (yellow-green pineapple), and Tatiana (purple dragon). As with the 20-inch group, all three are functionally identical — same diameter, same EF polyester fill, same open-round construction, same non-slip base.

The 24-inch size comfortably fits medium dog breeds in the 30 to 55 pound range. Well-matched breeds include the Beagle (22–24 lbs), French Bulldog (20–28 lbs), standard Cocker Spaniel (20–30 lbs), Miniature Schnauzer (11–20 lbs), Pembroke Welsh Corgi (22–30 lbs), Brittany Spaniel (30–40 lbs), Border Terrier (12–16 lbs), and English Bulldog (40–50 lbs in the lower weight range). Larger domestic cat breeds that may feel cramped in a 20-inch bed — such as the Maine Coon (12–18 lbs) and Ragdoll (8–20 lbs) — also fit the 24-inch designs well.

Dogs at the upper end of the 24-inch range — those approaching 50 to 55 pounds — will fit if they are compact and tend to curl when sleeping. Long-bodied dogs of 50-plus pounds, or dogs that prefer to stretch fully flat, may benefit from the upgrade to the 30-inch Archie. For breed-specific borderline cases, the general rule applies: if in doubt, size up.

The 24-inch beds are also the right choice for households with both a medium dog and one or more cats that share sleeping spaces, since the surface area accommodates a cat curled next to a small-to-medium dog.

Which Squishmallow Bed Fits Large Dog Breeds Over 55 Pounds

The 30-inch Archie axolotl is the largest Squishmallow pet bed currently available and the only design at this diameter. It is the right choice for large dog breeds weighing between 55 and approximately 80 pounds, including the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Siberian Husky, Standard Poodle, and smaller Bernese Mountain Dogs.

The Archie axolotl 30-inch provides a 30-inch sleeping platform — 6 inches wider than the 24-inch group — which is enough for most large breeds to curl comfortably with a few inches of clearance on each side. Dogs that prefer to sleep stretched out rather than curled will feel the limits of this size at the upper weight range.

It is important to state explicitly: giant dog breeds will not fit any Squishmallow pet bed, including the 30-inch Archie. Great Danes (100–175 lbs), Saint Bernards (130–180 lbs), Mastiffs (150–230 lbs), Irish Wolfhounds, and similar giant breeds exceed the capacity of this format. These breeds require purpose-built extra-large dog beds with dimensions of 40 inches or more. The Squishmallow pet bed lineup does not currently offer a size above 30 inches.

Dogs between 55 and 65 pounds should be evaluated on body length and sleeping style. A compact, curling-type dog of 60 pounds (such as a well-muscled American Staffordshire Terrier) may fit the 24-inch design, while a long-bodied 60-pound dog (such as a Doberman Pinscher or Weimaraner) will be more comfortable in the 30-inch Archie.

How to Measure Your Dog or Cat Before Choosing a Squishmallow Bed Size

The most reliable way to choose the right Squishmallow pet bed size is to measure your pet directly rather than relying on breed averages. Breed weight ranges cover a wide spectrum, and individual pets within a breed vary significantly in body length, frame size, and preferred sleeping posture.

To measure your dog or cat for a round bed: observe your pet when they are naturally asleep in their preferred curled position. Using a flexible tape measure or a length of string, measure across the widest point of their curled body — this is the diameter of the footprint they occupy on the surface. Add 2 to 4 inches to that measurement to give a comfortable clearance margin, and match the result to the nearest Squishmallow bed diameter at or above that figure.

If you cannot measure your pet while they sleep, use the nose-to-base-of-tail length as a proxy. A curled pet typically occupies a circular footprint roughly equal to half their stretched body length. So a dog that is 24 inches from nose to tail when stretched will curl into approximately a 12-inch diameter footprint — well within a 20-inch bed. Cats are usually easiest to measure — almost any domestic cat fits a 20-inch or larger Squishmallow bed with comfortable clearance.

When your pet falls exactly between two sizes, always size up. The how to clean a Squishmallow pet bed guide also notes that a slightly larger bed is easier to spot-clean without reaching into tight corners around the pet’s sleeping position.

For households with multiple pets, choose the size appropriate for the largest animal, not an average between them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squishmallow Pet Bed Sizing

Q1: What is the biggest Squishmallow pet bed available?
The largest Squishmallow pet bed currently available is the 30-inch Archie axolotl. It is the only design offered at 30 inches in diameter and is designed for large dog breeds weighing up to approximately 80 pounds. There is no 36-inch or 40-inch option in the current Jazwares Squishmallow pet bed lineup.

Q2: Can two cats share a Squishmallow bed?
Two average-sized domestic cats can comfortably share a 24-inch or 30-inch Squishmallow bed. A 20-inch bed may feel tight for two cats sleeping simultaneously, though many cats naturally compress together when sharing. A 16-inch cave design is intended for a single small pet only.

Q3: Is the 20-inch Squishmallow bed big enough for a Beagle?
A Beagle typically weighs between 20 and 30 pounds and has a nose-to-tail length of 22 to 26 inches when stretched. A compact, curling Beagle may fit a 20-inch Squishmallow bed, but the 24-inch designs (Gordon, Maui, or Tatiana) are the more comfortable and recommended choice for most Beagles.

Q4: Do Squishmallow pet beds come in rectangular shapes?
No. All nine Squishmallow pet bed designs in the current Jazwares lineup are circular (round) in shape. The 16-inch cave designs (Cam, Fifi) are circular with an added hood structure, and the 20, 24, and 30-inch beds are open round platforms. There are no rectangular Squishmallow pet beds currently available.

Q5: What size Squishmallow bed fits a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs typically weigh 20 to 28 pounds and have compact, broad bodies. The 24-inch designs — Gordon (shark), Maui (pineapple), or Tatiana (dragon) — are the correct size for most French Bulldogs. The 20-inch beds may technically fit smaller French Bulldogs but offer less room for the breed’s characteristically wide chest.

Q6: Is the 30-inch Archie bed good for large dogs?
Yes. The 30-inch Archie axolotl Squishmallow pet bed is specifically designed for large dog breeds between 55 and 80 pounds, including Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Australian Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies. It is the largest size in the Squishmallow lineup and the recommended choice for any breed above the 55-pound threshold.

Q7: Which Squishmallow bed works best for cats that like to curl up?
Cats that curl tightly when sleeping are well-served by any of the 20-inch designs (Wendy, Beula, Cici) or the 16-inch cave designs (Cam, Fifi). Cave designs are particularly suited to cats that prefer enclosed, den-like spaces. The 20-inch open-round beds suit cats that curl but like open air above them. The 24-inch and 30-inch beds also work for cats that curl but provide more surface than most single cats need.