The Balmoral is a flat dog bed for large dogs and stretch-out sleepers, made in grey herringbone tweed with a cosy faux fur sleeping surface. With no bolster walls, it gives dogs such as Labradors, Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds room to sprawl fully, while handcrafted leather handles and a non-slip base make it practical for UK homes and car journeys.
Not every dog wants to curl up in a nest. If yours sleeps flat out on their side, legs stretched in every direction, a flat pillow bed often makes far more sense. Here is what The Balmoral offers and how to decide whether it is right for your dog.
Why a flat dog bed suits large dogs and sprawlers
Bolster beds are lovely for curlers, but the raised walls take up space. For a big dog who likes to stretch, those walls can mean legs hanging over the edge or a dog lying half on the floor. A flat pillow dog bed removes that problem: the whole surface is usable sleeping space.
The Balmoral is described as an open, flat-style bed that provides generous room for dogs who prefer sleeping fully extended rather than curled up against bolster walls. It is also handy in multi-dog homes where two smaller dogs like to share, or where one dog likes to change position several times a night.
Key features of The Balmoral herringbone dog bed
The details below come straight from the product listing:
- Outer fabric: signature grey herringbone tweed
- Sleeping surface: soft faux fur lining that holds body warmth
- Filling: high-density virgin fibre for deep, shape-retaining support
- Design: open mattress style, with no bolster walls
- Handles: handcrafted leather handles for moving room to room or into the car boot
- Covers: fully removable and machine washable
- Base: non-slip, for wooden or tiled floors
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Designed in Great Britain and handcrafted in Europe by Ralph & Co
- Sizes and prices: Medium (100cm x 65cm x 20cm) £79.99; Large (120cm x 80cm x 20cm) £87.99
Who is The Balmoral for?
Large breeds that need space
The Large size, at 120cm x 80cm, is suggested for Labradors, Dalmatians, German Shepherds, Huskies and Great Danes. These are dogs that often struggle to fit comfortably in a standard nest bed once they stretch out. A full-length surface lets them lie however they choose.
Medium dogs who sprawl
The Medium size, 100cm x 65cm, is suggested for Springer Spaniels, Beagles and Staffordshire Terriers. Plenty of medium-sized dogs sleep like much bigger ones, so if your Springer takes up the whole sofa, this is a generous option.
Owners who love a country look
Herringbone tweed is a classic British country fabric, and it suits everything from farmhouse kitchens to boot rooms and city flats with a traditional touch. The grey colourway is easy to style. If you prefer a warmer brown, take a look at The Lincoln Tweed Flat Pillow Dog Bed, which shares the same flat design in brown herringbone.
Dogs that travel
The leather handles are a practical touch. You can carry the bed from the lounge to the bedroom at night, or lift it into the car boot for weekends away, so your dog has a familiar bed wherever you go.
How to choose between a flat bed and a bolster bed
Watch how your dog sleeps for a few evenings. This tells you more than any breed chart.
- Stretches out on their side or back: a flat bed like The Balmoral is usually the better choice.
- Curls into a tight ball: a bolster or nest bed may make them feel more secure.
- Rests their head on something: a bolster bed provides a built-in pillow, though many dogs happily rest their chin on the edge of a deep flat cushion.
- Changes position often: a flat bed gives the most freedom to move.
If you decide your dog is more of a curler, a bolster design such as The Chatsworth Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed may suit them better.
Getting the size right
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail while lying stretched out, then add a little extra so their paws aren't hanging off. Compare that with the bed's length (100cm or 120cm). Also measure the floor space where the bed will go; a 120cm x 80cm bed is a substantial piece, so it is worth checking before it arrives.
Caring for a tweed and faux fur dog bed
Washing
The outer covers are fully removable and machine washable. Close any zips before washing, follow the care label and let covers dry completely before refitting. Washing on a gentle cycle helps keep both the tweed and faux fur looking their best.
Everyday upkeep
Faux fur and tweed both catch dog hair, so a quick vacuum or going over with a rubber glove every few days keeps the bed fresh between washes. Shaking the bed out and turning the cushion occasionally helps the virgin fibre filling stay evenly distributed.
Muddy dogs
After a wet country walk, towel your dog down before they settle. It keeps the bed cleaner for longer and means fewer trips to the washing machine.
Leather handles
Wipe the leather handles with a slightly damp cloth if they get grubby, and keep them out of the washing machine where possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Balmoral suitable for a Labrador?
Yes. The Large size (120cm x 80cm x 20cm) is suggested for Labradors, as well as Dalmatians, German Shepherds, Huskies and Great Danes.
Does The Balmoral have bolster sides?
No. It is a flat, open mattress-style bed designed for dogs who like to sleep stretched out.
Can I machine wash the covers?
Yes, the outer covers are fully removable and machine washable.
Can I take it in the car?
The bed has handcrafted leather handles designed for carrying it between rooms or into the car boot.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, The Balmoral comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Give your big dog room to stretch
If you are looking for a flat dog bed for large dogs in the UK that feels cosy, looks smart and is easy to keep clean, The Balmoral ticks every box. Choose Medium or Large, from £79.99.