As a dog parent to my 120-pound Great Dane, Max, I’ve spent countless hours searching for a bed that can handle his size, support his joints, and survive his occasional chewing frenzies. My mission led me to two heavyweights in the dog bed world: Bully Beds and Big Barker. In this article, I’ll share my analytical journey comparing these brands, weighing their pros and cons, and helping you decide which bed suits your furry friend best. Let’s get started with a side-by-side comparison to set the stage.
Comparison Table: Bully Beds vs. Big Barker
| Feature | Bully Beds | Big Barker |
| Sizes Available | Medium, Large, XL, XXL | Large, XL, Giant |
| Foam Thickness | 7 inches | 7 inches |
| Warranty | 20-year no-flat guarantee | 10-year warranty (90% shape retention) |
| Chew Resistance | 200-day chew warranty | Not chew-proof |
| Waterproof Liner | Included | Optional (extra cost) |
| Cover Material | BullyTuf, microfiber, faux fur | Microsuede |
| Price Range | $199–$349 | $239–$399 |
| Made In | USA | USA |
| Trial Period | 30 days | 180 days |
| Special Features | Infrared option, chew-resistant focus | Clinical study backing joint health |
My Journey Begins: Why These Beds?
Max is no ordinary dog. At five years old, he’s starting to show signs of joint stiffness, especially after long walks. I needed a bed that could support his massive frame, ease his aches, and stand up to his habit of “redecorating” with his teeth.
After scouring reviews and forums, Bully Beds and Big Barker kept popping up as top contenders for large breeds. Both are American-made, focus on orthopedic support, and cater to big dogs, but they differ in ways that matter. Let’s break it down.
Bully Beds: Built for Tough Dogs
When I first unboxed Max’s Bully Bed, I was struck by its heft. This thing is solid, designed for dogs like Max who don’t exactly tread lightly. Bully Beds markets itself as the go-to for large breeds and heavy chewers, and I could see why.
Key Features of Bully Beds
The 7-inch memory foam is the heart of this bed. It’s dense, supportive, and cradles Max’s joints without letting him sink to the floor. The bed comes in four sizes—Medium (36×24 inches) to XXL (54×36 inches)—perfect for dogs from 50 to 200 pounds. Max’s XL fits him like a glove, with room to sprawl.
The BullyTuf cover is a game-changer. It’s tough, resisting Max’s attempts to dig and chew, and comes with a 200-day chew warranty.
If your dog destroys it within that period, Bully Beds offers a one-time replacement.
The cover’s also removable and machine-washable, a blessing for drool-prone pups like mine.
Every Bully Bed includes a waterproof liner, which I tested with a spilled glass of water.
Not a drop reached the foam. This is a huge plus for senior dogs or those with incontinence issues. They also offer a 20-year no-flat guarantee, promising the foam won’t lose more than two inches of thickness. That’s confidence in durability.
Bully Beds recently introduced an infrared dog bed, certified as an FDA medical device. It claims to improve circulation and reduce pain, though I haven’t tried it. For owners of dogs with chronic conditions, this could be a unique selling point.
Pros of Bully Beds
- Chew Resistance: The BullyTuf cover and 200-day warranty give peace of mind for destructive dogs.
- Waterproof Liner Included: No extra cost for protection against accidents.
- Long Warranty: 20 years is double Big Barker’s guarantee.
- Variety of Covers: Options like microfiber, faux fur, and Sherpa add style and comfort.
- Infrared Option: A cutting-edge feature for dogs with health issues.
Cons of Bully Beds
- Pricey: Starting at $199, it’s not budget-friendly, especially for larger sizes.
- Short Trial Period: Only 30 days to test, which feels stingy compared to competitors.
- Customer Service Issues: Some users report slow responses or issues with returns.
- Heavy: Moving the XL bed (around 40 pounds) is a workout.
- Limited Sizes for Giants: The XXL might be too small for dogs over 200 pounds.
My Experience with Bully Beds
Max took to his Bully Bed instantly. He loves sprawling across it, using the bolstered headrest as a backrest rather than a pillow. The bed’s non-slip base keeps it in place, even when he launches onto it after a zoomie session. Cleaning is a breeze—pop the cover in the washer, and it’s good as new.
However, I noticed a faint chemical smell when I first unpacked it, which faded after a day. Also, flipping the bed to change covers is a two-person job due to its weight.
Big Barker: Engineered for Joint Health
Big Barker’s reputation precedes it, backed by a clinical study from the University of Pennsylvania showing improved mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis. As Max’s joints are a concern, this caught my attention. Unboxing their XL bed, I felt the same sturdy quality as Bully Beds but with a different vibe—less about chew-proofing, more about therapeutic comfort.
Key Features of Big Barker
Like Bully Beds, Big Barker uses 7-inch orthopedic foam, but it’s a three-layer design: two inches of comfort foam, four inches of support foam, and one inch of base foam. This combo is calibrated for dogs over 50 pounds, with sizes from Large (48×30 inches) to Giant (60×48 inches). Max’s XL fits him perfectly, with extra room for his gangly legs.
The microsuede cover is soft and luxurious, though not as tough as BullyTuf.
It’s machine-washable and comes in four colors—khaki, burgundy, charcoal, and chocolate. The bed’s optional waterproof liner is a must for accident-prone dogs, but it costs extra ($79–$99).
Big Barker’s 10-year warranty guarantees the foam retains 90% of its shape, and their 180-day trial period is generous.
If it’s not a fit, return it for a full refund (though you cover shipping). They also donate beds to K9 officers and injured dogs, which warms my heart.
Pros of Big Barker
- Clinical Backing: The only dog bed with a study proving joint health benefits.
- Long Trial Period: 180 days to test it risk-free.
- Large Sizes: The Giant size is ideal for massive breeds like Mastiffs.
- High-Quality Foam: Three-layer design feels tailored for big dogs.
- Social Good: Donations to police dogs and shelters add feel-good value.
Cons of Big Barker
- Not Chew-Proof: Max’s nibbling left minor marks on the cover.
- Extra Cost for Liner: Waterproofing should be standard at this price.
- Shorter Warranty: 10 years vs. Bully Beds’ 20.
- Pricey: Starts at $239, with larger sizes pushing $399.
- Fewer Cover Options: Microsuede only, which may not suit all tastes.
My Experience with Big Barker
Max adores his Big Barker, stretching out like a king. The foam feels slightly firmer than Bully Beds, which I think helps his joints. The cover’s soft texture is a hit, but I noticed pilling after a few weeks of heavy use. Without the waterproof liner, I’d be nervous about spills, so I ordered one separately.
The bed’s low profile makes it easy for Max to climb on, even on stiff days. Like Bully Beds, it’s heavy, but the sleek design blends better with my living room decor.
Head-to-Head: Breaking Down the Differences
Both beds are fantastic, but they cater to slightly different needs. Here’s how they stack up across key factors.
Durability and Chew Resistance
Bully Beds wins for destructive dogs. The BullyTuf cover and 200-day chew warranty make it a fortress against Max’s teeth. Big Barker’s microsuede is durable for normal use but shows wear from chewing. If your dog’s a shredder, Bully Beds is the safer bet.
Orthopedic Support
Big Barker edges out here, thanks to its clinical study and three-layer foam. Both beds use 7-inch foam, but Big Barker’s design feels more precise for joint relief. Max seems less stiff after sleeping on it, though Bully Beds’ infrared option might tip the scales for dogs with severe pain.
Waterproofing and Cleaning
Bully Beds takes the lead with its included waterproof liner. Big Barker’s optional liner is effective but feels like an upcharge. Both covers are washable, but Bully Beds’ variety (microfiber, faux fur) gives more style options.
Warranty and Trial Period
Bully Beds’ 20-year warranty is unmatched, but Big Barker’s 180-day trial is a huge plus for hesitant buyers. If you’re unsure, Big Barker’s longer trial lets you test without commitment. Bully’s 30-day trial feels short for such a big purchase.
Price and Value
Both are investments. Bully Beds starts lower ($199 vs. $239), but Big Barker’s Giant size is unique for massive dogs. Factor in Big Barker’s extra liner cost, and Bully Beds often comes out cheaper for similar quality.
Size and Fit
Big Barker’s Giant size (60×48 inches) is a godsend for dogs over 200 pounds, while Bully Beds’ XXL (48×36 inches) is slightly smaller. For Max, both XL sizes work, but Great Danes or Mastiffs might need Big Barker’s extra length.
Aesthetics and Extras
Big Barker’s sleek, low-profile design looks modern, while Bully Beds’ bolstered headrest gives a cozier feel. Bully’s cover options (Sherpa, faux fur) add flair, and their infrared bed is a unique health-focused feature. Big Barker’s charitable efforts add emotional appeal but don’t affect performance.
My Verdict: Which Bed Wins?
After weeks of testing, I’m torn. Bully Beds is my pick for Max’s chewing habits and budget-friendly waterproofing. The 20-year warranty and infrared option make it a long-term investment for health-conscious owners. But Big Barker’s clinical study and 180-day trial give me confidence in its joint support, especially for aging dogs. If your pup’s a gentle giant, Big Barker’s therapeutic edge shines. For chewers or accident-prone dogs, Bully Beds is tougher.
Ultimately, I keep both in rotation—Bully Beds in the living room for durability, Big Barker in the bedroom for joint relief. Your choice depends on your dog’s size, habits, and health needs. A Great Pyrenees with arthritis might thrive on Big Barker, while a chew-happy Rottweiler needs Bully Beds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, if you have a large or heavy-chewer dog. They’re durable, supportive, and backed by a 20-year warranty, providing good value for their quality.
Big Barker often ranks highest due to its clinical study proving joint health improvements, though Bully Beds scores high for durability.
Yes, Bully Beds has a 200-day chew warranty and a one-time replacement if damaged. Big Barker isn’t chew-proof.
Both Bully Beds and Big Barker beds are made in the USA.
Also Read: Dogtopia vs. Camp Bow Wow
Final Thoughts: Your Dog Deserves the Best
You love your dog, and I know you want a bed that keeps them comfy and healthy. My journey with Max showed me that Bully Beds and Big Barker are both top-notch, each excelling in different ways. Whether you choose Bully Beds for its chew-proof grit or Big Barker for its joint-soothing science, you’re investing in your pup’s happiness. Consider your dog’s size, habits, and your budget, and you’ll find the perfect fit. Here’s to many cozy naps for your furry friend!