The Balmoral Herringbone Bolster Dog Bed is a rectangular nest bed made from grey herringbone fabric and lined with soft faux fur, with plush raised bolster walls for dogs who love to rest their head, curl up or nestle in. It comes in five sizes from XS for toy breeds and puppies to XL for Labradors and Golden Retrievers, making it a versatile herringbone dog bed for UK homes that want British country style with easy-care, machine-washable covers.
Below is a full guide to its features, which dogs it suits, sizing and care.
The Balmoral: a herringbone bolster bed with a big reputation
According to its maker, Ralph & Co, The Balmoral was named Best Dog Bed for Large Breeds by The Independent. It combines a classic grey herringbone, a pattern that has long been associated with British country tailoring, with a cosy faux fur lining and cushioned walls.
That pairing makes it a natural fit for country kitchens and boot rooms, but the soft grey tone works equally well in a city flat with modern, neutral furnishings.
Key features of The Balmoral bolster dog bed
From the product details:
- Grey herringbone fabric with a signature British country look.
- Soft faux fur lining for warmth and comfort.
- Supportive bolster walls: a cushioned outer rim to support your dog's head and neck.
- Plush virgin fibre filling: designed to retain its shape and cushioning over time.
- 100% removable, machine-washable zipped covers.
- Non-slip base for hard surfaces, wood and tiles.
- 1-year manufacturing warranty.
- Designed in Great Britain and handcrafted in Europe.
Is it a good dog bed for large breeds?
Big dogs often struggle to find a bed that fits them properly. Many "large" beds still leave a Labrador with their back legs hanging off the end. The Balmoral's X-Large size measures 90 x 70 x 32cm with a sleeping area of 72 x 55cm, and is suggested for Golden Retrievers, Vizslas, German Shepherds and Labradors.
The bolster design helps large dogs too. Bigger breeds often like to sleep with their chin propped up, and a raised wall lets them do that without needing a vast flat surface. They can also lie with their body inside and their legs resting over the wall.
If your large dog is older or has joint issues, talk to your vet about what level of support they need. The Balmoral is filled with virgin fibre; if your vet recommends memory foam, The Highclere Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed is an alternative in a similar bolster style.
Which dogs and owners will love it?
- Head-resters who use the bolster as a pillow.
- Curlers and nesters who like the cosy, enclosed feel.
- Multi-dog households who want matching beds in different sizes for different dogs.
- Owners who like a coordinated look. The Balmoral range also includes a round calming donut bed, a flat pillow bed, a reversible blanket, a lead and a collar in the same herringbone.
Choosing the right size
Compare your dog with the sleeping area for each size (overall dimensions are length x width x height):
- X-Small: 45 x 35 x 20cm, sleeping area 33 x 23cm. Toy breeds and puppies. £61.99.
- Small: 55 x 40 x 22cm, sleeping area 42 x 28cm. Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Pomeranian. £94.99.
- Medium: 65 x 45 x 25cm, sleeping area 48 x 34cm. Miniature Dachshund, Cavalier King Charles, Pug, French Bulldog. £109.99.
- Large: 70 x 55 x 28cm, sleeping area 50 x 42cm. Springer Spaniel, Cockapoo, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Staffie. £133.99.
- X-Large: 90 x 70 x 32cm, sleeping area 72 x 55cm. Golden Retriever, Vizsla, German Shepherd, Labrador. £144.99.
Measure your dog in their normal sleeping position, nose to base of tail, and compare against the sleeping area. With a bolster bed, the head can rest on the wall, but your dog should be able to turn around and lie down comfortably. If they are on the cusp, choose the bigger size.
Care tips for a grey herringbone dog bed
- Vacuum weekly to stop hair working into the weave and faux fur.
- Unzip and wash the covers when needed; they are 100% removable and machine-washable. Follow the care label.
- Dry completely before zipping back on.
- Fluff the bolsters regularly to help the fibre keep its loft.
- Add a topper on muddy days. The matching reversible Balmoral blanket can go on top and be washed separately.
The Balmoral bolster at a glance
- Type: bolster (nest) dog bed
- Brand: Ralph & Co
- Fabric: grey herringbone
- Lining: faux fur
- Filling: virgin fibre
- Covers: 100% removable, machine-washable, zipped
- Base: non-slip
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Price: from £61.99 (XS) to £144.99 (XL)
- Warranty: 1 year
Frequently asked questions
What size Balmoral bed does a Labrador need?
Labradors are listed under X-Large (90 x 70 x 32cm, sleeping area 72 x 55cm). Measure your dog to be sure.
Are the covers removable?
Yes, the zipped covers are 100% removable and machine-washable.
Is The Balmoral bolster bed filled with memory foam?
No, it is filled with plush virgin fibre. If you need memory foam support, ask your vet and consider a memory foam bed.
Will it slip on my kitchen tiles?
It has a non-slip base designed to stay in place on hard surfaces, wood and tiles.
Is there a matching blanket?
Yes, The Balmoral Herringbone & Faux Fur Dog Blanket uses the same grey herringbone and can be layered on top of the bed.
Choose your dog's Balmoral
Classic British style, a cosy faux fur lining and sizes for every dog from a Chihuahua to a Labrador. Shop The Balmoral Herringbone Bolster Dog Bed and pick the perfect size.