The Balmoral Herringbone Calming Donut Dog Bed is a round, high-sided bed upholstered in grey herringbone fabric and lined with plush faux fur, designed for small and medium dogs who like to curl up, nest and burrow. If you are looking for a calming donut dog bed in the UK that looks at home in a country-style living room and is easy to keep clean, it is built for exactly that: raised walls for head support, a removable machine-washable cover and a non-slip base for hard floors.
Below we cover what makes a donut bed different, which dogs it suits, how to pick the right size, and how to keep it looking good for years.
What makes a calming donut dog bed different?
A donut bed is simply a circular bed with a soft, raised rim all the way round. Instead of a flat mattress, your dog gets a shallow, cushioned bowl to settle into. Many dogs instinctively turn a few circles and curl into a tight ball before sleeping, and a round bed follows that shape rather than fighting it.
The word "calming" refers to that enclosed, den-like feeling. With walls on every side, a dog can tuck their back against the rim and rest their chin on the edge, which many owners find their dogs prefer to an open cushion. It is not a treatment for anxiety, and if your dog shows signs of real distress it is always worth speaking to your vet or a qualified behaviourist. But as a comfortable, secure-feeling place to sleep, a donut shape makes a lot of sense.
On The Balmoral, the walls are soft and raised, and the inside is lined with deep faux fur. The description from the maker, Ralph & Co, describes it as a "protective, den-like space" intended to help dogs settle and rest more deeply.
Key features of The Balmoral donut dog bed
Here is what the bed actually offers, taken from the product details:
- Grey herringbone upholstery: a classic British country pattern that sits comfortably alongside tweed, wool throws and neutral interiors.
- Faux fur lining: a deep fleece interior that holds your dog's body heat, which makes it a particularly cosy spot through a British winter.
- Raised outer walls: soft walls wrap around your dog and give them somewhere to rest their head.
- High-density virgin fibre fill: designed to keep its bounce and shape rather than flattening over time.
- Removable, machine-washable outer cover: zip it off and put it through the wash when it needs it.
- Non-slip base: helps the bed stay put on wooden, laminate or tiled floors.
- 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Designed in Great Britain and handcrafted in Europe.
Which dogs suit a round, faux fur dog bed?
A donut bed is a great match for dogs who:
- Sleep curled up. If your dog naturally tucks nose to tail, a round bed gives them exactly the shape they want.
- Like to burrow or nest. The faux fur lining gives them something soft to push into and rearrange.
- Feel the cold. Smaller and short-coated breeds often appreciate a warm, enclosed bed in colder months.
- Like a pillow. Plenty of dogs sleep with their chin propped up on the edge of a bed or sofa, and the raised wall gives them that.
It is less suited to dogs who prefer to sprawl flat on their side with legs fully stretched out. Those dogs usually do better on a flat pillow-style bed such as The Balmoral Herringbone Flat Pillow Dog Bed, which uses the same grey herringbone but gives a wide, open sleeping surface. If your dog likes a mix of both, a rectangular bolster bed such as The Balmoral Herringbone Bolster Dog Bed sits between the two.
If your dog is older or has joint problems, talk to your vet about what kind of support they need. The Balmoral donut bed uses virgin fibre filling rather than memory foam, so it is about softness and cosiness first.
How to choose the right size small dog bed
The Balmoral donut comes in three sizes. Each one lists both the external diameter and the internal sleeping space, and it is the internal measurement that matters most.
- Small: 55cm external diameter, 35cm internal sleeping space. Suggested for Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua and Pomeranian. £59.99.
- Medium: 70cm external diameter, 50cm internal sleeping space. Suggested for Miniature Dachshund, Cavalier King Charles, Pug and French Bulldog. £66.99.
- Large: 85cm external diameter, 65cm internal sleeping space. Suggested for Springer Spaniel, Cockapoo, Beagle and Cocker Spaniel. £87.99.
Breed suggestions are a helpful starting point, but individual dogs vary a lot. A simple way to check is to measure your dog while they are curled up asleep, from the outside of the curve on one side to the other. Compare that with the internal sleeping space and add a little room so they can turn around and settle without hanging over the edge.
If your dog is between sizes, or likes to stretch out occasionally as well as curl up, the larger size is usually the safer choice. A dog that can just about fit is unlikely to use the bed as happily as one with a bit of space to spare.
Think about where it will go, too. The external diameter tells you how much floor space you will lose, which matters in a small kitchen or next to a radiator.
Using a washable dog bed day to day
A few practical tips to help your dog take to their new bed:
- Put it where your dog already likes to rest. Many dogs like to be near their people but out of the main walkway, such as a corner of the living room or kitchen.
- Keep it away from direct heat. A faux fur lining is already warm, so it does not need to sit right against a radiator or log burner.
- Add a familiar smell. Placing an old blanket or one of your worn T-shirts in the bed for the first few nights can help it feel like theirs.
- Use the non-slip base. On hard floors, the base helps stop the bed skating about when your dog jumps in. On rugs and carpet it will naturally stay put.
Care tips to keep the herringbone looking smart
The outer cover is fully removable and machine-washable, which is the single most useful feature for any dog bed in a British household with muddy walks. Some simple habits will help it last:
- Shake and vacuum weekly. A quick shake outside and a pass with a vacuum or lint roller keeps hair and grit from building up in the fabric.
- Wash the cover when needed. Follow the care label on the cover. A gentle cycle and a pet-safe, non-biological detergent is a sensible default for most fabric covers.
- Dry thoroughly. Make sure the cover is fully dry before putting it back, so the bed stays fresh.
- Plump the filling. Giving the walls a squeeze and a shake now and then helps the virgin fibre keep its loft.
- Protect after muddy walks. Towelling your dog off before bed, or using a reversible blanket on top on wet days, cuts down on washing. The Balmoral Herringbone & Faux Fur Dog Blanket matches this bed if you want a coordinated look.
The Balmoral at a glance
- Type: round calming donut dog bed
- Brand: Ralph & Co
- Outer: grey herringbone fabric
- Lining: plush faux fur
- Filling: high-density virgin fibre
- Cover: fully removable, machine-washable
- Base: non-slip
- Sizes: Small (55cm / 35cm internal), Medium (70cm / 50cm internal), Large (85cm / 65cm internal)
- Price: from £59.99 (Small), £66.99 (Medium), £87.99 (Large)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Made: designed in Great Britain, handcrafted in Europe
Frequently asked questions
Is a calming donut dog bed good for anxious dogs?
A donut bed gives dogs an enclosed, den-like spot with walls to lean against, which many dogs find comforting. It is a comfortable bed rather than a treatment, so if your dog has significant anxiety, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist as well.
Can I wash The Balmoral donut dog bed?
Yes. The outer cover is fully removable and machine-washable. Follow the care label and let it dry completely before refitting.
What size donut bed does my dog need?
Measure your dog while they are curled up and compare it with the internal sleeping space: 35cm (Small), 50cm (Medium) or 65cm (Large). If in doubt, or if your dog sometimes stretches out, size up.
Will it slide on wooden or tiled floors?
The bed has a non-slip base designed to keep it anchored on hard floors such as wood, laminate and tile.
Is it suitable for large breeds like Labradors?
The largest size has a 65cm internal sleeping space and is suggested for dogs such as Springer Spaniels, Cockapoos, Beagles and Cocker Spaniels. For bigger breeds, look at the XL sizes in our bolster and pillow beds instead.
Give your dog a cosy place to curl up
If your dog is a curler, a nester or a burrower, The Balmoral gives them a warm, enclosed bed with grey herringbone style that suits a British home, plus a washable cover for real life. Shop The Balmoral Herringbone Calming Donut Dog Bed and choose the right size for your dog.