You will want to take into consideration the comfort of your dog. Your dog will need a space of their own. This bed will be a place that they will retreat to for a nap or just to simply feel at home. You will want to make sure that the bed has lots of cushioning. Your large dog will want to sleep on a very well-cushioned bed and not the hard floor.
Make sure that the bed you purchase is big enough for them. If your dog likes to stretch out, make sure that there is room for them to stretch out when they sleep. The best way is to measure your dog from their nose to their tail.
This will help give you an idea of how big of a bed that you need. For dogs that like to stretch out, consider a flatbed without puffy edges. A dog that likes to sleep curled up will love the cushioned puffy edge to feel cradled.
Temperature is also important. Your dog cannot sleep if they are always hot. Some dog beds come with a gel-cooled layer that helps to regulate their body temperature. If your dog is always panting and hot, a gel-cooled layer would be the best.
Larger dogs are more prone to joint and hip problems. For larger dogs, it is best to consider an orthopedic dog bed. These will help decrease the pain on the joints and fully support your dog's body while they sleep. Orthopedic dog beds are made of memory foam.
These tend to cause your dog to be very warm, so it is best to also have a gel cooled layer to keep your pet cool. Orthopedic dog beds are wonderful for large breed dogs who are suffering from hip dysplasia and joint aches. It is also good for a dog who is a little overweight too.