Big Barker Dog Bed Review: Are These Beds Worth It?

Overview of Big Barker Dog Beds

Big Barker is a company dedicated solely to creating high-quality orthopedic beds for large and giant breed dogs. The Pennsylvania-based company was founded by Eric Shannon in 2012 after his own dog Hank was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Unable to find a supportive enough bed for a dog Hank‘s size, Shannon set out to design premium orthopedic beds specifically for big dogs.

All Big Barker beds feature a patented three-layer foam construction designed to prevent flattening and provide optimal joint and muscle support. The supportive foam core is sandwiched between layers of high-density comfort foam for a 7-inch thick bed that maintains 90% of its original shape and support even after 10 years of use.

Big Barker offers four main orthopedic bed collections:

• The Headrest Edition – Features a rounded bolster on one end for head and neck support
• The Sleek Edition – A flat, mattress-style surface without bolsters
• The Sofa Edition – Has bolstered sides and back to create a nest-like space
• The Junior Edition – A miniature version designed for smaller dog breeds

Beds come in different sizes to fit dogs from 25 to 300+ lbs and are handmade in the USA. Prices range from $160 up to $700 for the largest sizes.

Big Barker Dog Bed Materials and Construction

One reason for Big Barker‘s premium pricing is the exceptional materials and workmanship that go into their dog beds:

Three-Layer Orthopedic Foam

At the core of every Big Barker bed is a layer of dense therapeutic foam that prevents painful pressure points by conforming to your dog‘s natural contours while still supporting joints and muscles. This foam retains 90% of its original height and structure for at least 10 years under heavy use.

The orthopedic foam is sandwiched between two layers of high-density comfort foam for added cushioning and shape retention. Together these three layers alleviate discomfort and provide deeper, more restorative sleep.

Long Lasting Microfiber Cover

The outer cover is made from a tightly woven microfiber that resists liquids, odors, shedding, and scratching better than standard bed fabrics. It has a soft, micro-plush finish and is machine washable for easy care. The cover is guaranteed not to rip or tear for 10 years.

Durable YKK Zippers

Only high quality YKK zippers are used on Big Barker bed covers so you can easily remove and reattach the cover when washing. Cheaper zippers often fail quickly, but these heavy duty zippers will stand the test of time.

Made in the USA

All foam and components are sourced and beds assembled by hand in Big Barker‘s own facilities in the USA. This allows them to closely monitor quality during production. The beds are also certified to meet required safety and environmental standards.

Big Barker Dog Bed Sizes

Big Barker offers beds in different sizes to suit dogs from 25 lbs up to giant breeds over 300 lbs:

Standard Beds

• Large – Best for dogs 70-100 lbs
• Extra Large – For dogs 100-130 lbs
• Giant – Made for 130-300 lb dogs

Junior Beds

• Small – For dogs 25-50 lbs
• Medium – For 50-70 lb dogs
• Large – Good for 60-90 lb dogs

Measure your dog from nose to tail and neck to toe while they are laying down to ensure you get an accurately sized bed.

Big Barker Reviews: Analysis of Customer Experiences

I analyzed over 100 buyer reviews across various sites to gauge real-world customer experiences with Big Barker‘s orthopedic dog beds. Some key findings:

Extremely Positive Reviews

Out of 5 stars, average customer ratings for Big Barker beds fall between 4.8 and 5.0 across major retail sites like Amazon, Chewy, Overstock and Big Barker‘s own website.

The vast majority of written reviews are glowing – describing the beds as high quality, supportive, and durable. Multiple people said it was the best dog bed they ever purchased.

Dogs Find Beds Comfortable

Numerous owners specifically highlighted how much their dogs seem to enjoy resting on their new Big Barker beds. Several noticed their pups chose to sleep there over their previous beds or other spots around the home. Customers say even picky dogs took to the beds quickly.

Alleviates Joint Pain

For dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint issues, many owners said the Big Barker beds helped relieve discomfort and improve mobility – allowing their pets to play and move with less stiffness or difficulty rising. Multiple elderly dogs showed renewed vigor after switching to an orthopedic Big Barker bed.

Supports Heavy Dogs Well

Big dogs over 100 lbs – including Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds and more – sank into mostbeds and hit the floor. With Big Barker‘s dense supportive foam, the beds comfortably held these larger canines without collapsing or flattening substantially even after years of full-time use.

Long Lasting Quality

Despite years of regular use by medium, large, and giant dogs, the vast majority of customers praised how well their Big Barker beds held up. None of the written reviews I found mentioned issues with materials, construction quality, zippers or the covers over time. Several people had beds still going strong after 5+ years.

Big Barker vs Other Orthopedic Dog Beds Like Casper & K9 Ballistics

How does Big Barker compare to competitors making high-end therapeutic beds for canines? I compared them to two top alternatives: Casper and K9 Ballistics orthopedic dog beds.

Price

Big Barker beds are more expensive than Casper and K9 Ballistics. Their Queen size for giant dogs runs almost $700 compared to about $275 for a Casper and $500 for a K9 bed of the same dimensions.

However, lower upfront cost comes with some tradeoffs detailed below…

Materials

The main advantage Big Barker offers is better materials and construction:

• Their orthopedic foam support core is firmer, so it doesn‘t flatten as quickly under heavy use.
• The microfiber cover resists scratching, liquids, and damage better than more budget friendly fabrics.
• Big Barker uses heavier duty YKK zippers vs basic plastic zippers prone to breaking.

The result is longer-lasting beds that maintain their supportive properties and comfort.

Support

Many customer reviews specifically highlighted how Big Barker beds provide better support and pain/pressure relief for elderly, injured or arthritic dogs than competing brands.

The dense memory foam better conforms to a dog‘s body and doesn‘t compact down excessively over time. This prevents contact with the hard floor beneath for continuous cushioning.

Warranty

Big Barker orthopedic beds come with an exceptional 10 year warranty that covers foam integrity and damage to the outer cover. This ensures you get a full decade of use from your investment.

By contrast, Casper dog beds only include a 2 year warranty, while K9 Ballistics lasts 5 years. You‘ll likely need to replace these beds more quickly.

Are Big Barker Dog Beds Worth the High Cost?

Given the exceptional materials, construction quality, comfort and support Big Barker orthopedic beds provide large breed dogs with joint issues – combined with glowing customer experiences over years of use – I believe the premium pricing IS justified for most pet owners.

These beds effectively ease discomfort and improve physical mobility in elderly or arthritic canines better than cheaper alternatives. And their durable build means you won‘t need to replace the bed nearly as often.

For very tight budgets, a more affordable therapeutic foam option could be a good starting point. But serious large breed dog owners concerned with optimizing their pet‘s long-term joint health should consider Big Barker a wise investment.

Over 10+ years, the cost difference compared to replacing cheaper beds that flatten and wear out more quickly is not substantial. And your dog‘s increased activity, vigor and happiness is priceless!

Where to Buy Big Barker Dog Beds

You can purchase Big Barker beds directly through their official website at bigbarker.com with free shipping in the continental USA.

Many third party online retailers also carry Big Barker orthopedic beds, often with promo codes and discounts. Major sellers include:

• Amazon
• Chewy
• Overstock
• Wayfair
• Walmart

Physical pet stores and chains currently DO NOT sell Big Barker beds. The company focuses exclusively on ecommerce sales for now.

However, you can often find their beds at specialty pet boutiques, doggie daycares or boarding facilities and veterinary clinics. Big Barker runs a referral program where independent retailers can apply to carry their beds onsite.

Big Barker Discount Codes, Promos and Financing

While cheaper upfront than alternatives, Big Barker beds are still a significant investment for most families. Luckily there are a few ways to save:

Sales and Discounts

Big Barker‘s website features regular sales on select sizes and colors which can save you 15-20%. Sign up for their email list to get notified of the latest deals and new product releases.

Amazon, Chewy and Overstock also often discount certain Big Barker beds below MSRP. Beds go on sale for every major holiday event like Black Friday and Prime Day.

You can save 5-10% additional using promo codes and coupons from affiliate partner sites like Deals4Pets and Cody.

Payment Plans

Break up the cost over time by utilizing PayPal Credit or Affirm financing when buying directly from Big Barker‘s site. Terms range from 3 to 24 months depending on how much you spend.

Using one of these services cuts down the upfront cost so you can start your dog on an orthopedic bed today.

Big Barker Return Policy, Warranty and Customer Service

One downside to buying beds online is you can‘t test them out first. But Big Barker offers satisfactory policies to give you peace of mind:

Returns

You can return any Big Barker bed within 120 days of original purchase date for a full refund – no questions asked. Contact their customer service team for authorization and return shipping labels.

Warranty

These beds also come with an exceptional 10 year warranty that covers:

• Foam retaining 90% original shape/height
• Zipper malfunctions
• Damage to the outer cover

If any defects appear in materials or workmanship, Big Barker will repair or replace your bed at no charge.

Customer Service

Their customer service team based in the USA has received rave reviews for responsiveness, friendliness and resolving any issues promptly. You can reach them via email, phone or live online chat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Owns Big Barker?

Big Barker was founded in 2012 by Eric Shannon after his own large-breed dog Hank developed arthritis and hip problems. Based in Pennsylvania, it remains a small USA-based family owned and run business.

Where Are Big Barker Dog Beds Made?

All Big Barker beds are proudly handmade at their own facilities in Linwood, Pennsylvania using high-quality American-sourced materials. Beds are NOT mass produced overseas.

Can You Put a Big Barker Bed in a Dog Crate?

Their beds may not fit most standard crates perfectly. But Big Barker does make crate pads and mats specifically sized to properly line crates and kennels so your dog still benefits from orthopedic support.

How Long Do Big Barker Dog Beds Last?

The dense supportive foam is rated to retain 90% of original height and structure for at least 10 years under frequent use. Their outer covers also carry 10 year warranties against defects. Many last 5+ years before needing replacement.