Big Barker is better than Orvis unless you have a small-to-medium-sized dog. While both options are great choices, the Big Barker offers a greater thickness of foam for dogs and guarantees longer use.
Big Barker vs Orvis
When you call for a great quality dog bed that benefits your furry friend in big ways, Big Barker delivers. Intended for larger breeds, this bed is a wonderful choice for dogs such as Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, mastiffs, Irish wolfhounds, and breeds of similar size and/or stature. These large and tough beds are available in 3 sizes.
The 7″ 3-layered mattresses Big Barker offers are thick and durable, guaranteeing a more supportive structure for even the heftiest of pets. As they work towards benefiting big pups of all ages with joint supporting properties, Big Barker wants to specify: their bed isn’t just a dog bed. In fact, Big Barker uses mattress-grade foam, meaning these made-in-the-US beds are real beds. They invite you to lay on them when it delivers so you can feel for yourself how quality your purchase is.
The most significant evidence of the Big Barker bed being a reliable choice lies within the scientific proof they can provide. The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine performed a clinical study with Big Barker beds to prove its benefits. They were not disappointed, as their results showed positive changes in the dog’s joint function and quality of life after a mere 4 weeks.
Pros
10-year warranty included
Scientific studies shows it to be beneficial to large dogs
Cons
Big Barker is too stiff (and hard) for smaller dogs
Higher price compared to the cometition
Orvis Toughchew Comfortfill Dog Bed
The Orvis Memory Foam Platform is an orthopedic bed designed for dogs weighing up to 120 pounds. The bed’s design is meant to appeal to those furry friends of ours who like to make themselves comfortable with as much room as physically possible when they are lounging. Your dog is a member of the family, so Orvis not only offers quality comfort, but they create their dog beds with CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam, meaning it is free of dangerous toxins. These ensure your pet isn’t lying on hazardous chemicals that can cause long-term damage. While they are not made for extremely large dogs, they offer a new range of sizes.
- Small – 28″ x 18″ – up to 40 pounds
- Medium – 36″ x 24″ – 40-60 pounds
- Large – 43″ x 29″ – 60-90 pounds
- X-Large – 53″ x 35″ – 90-120 pounds
The Orvis bed has a foam height of 3″ when you purchase a small, medium, or large bed but has a foam height of 4″ when you purchase the extra-large. The design of the Orvis is thinner and smaller than the Big Barker. This is preferred by some dog owners, as not all dogs come in large packages. This thinner design allows for your small-to-medium breed dogs to enjoy the memory foam experience as well. Without as much padding, it can become a cushiony personalized experience for them too.
Orvis Memory Foam mattresses are designed to reduce pressure and offer support for your dog’s joints. These features promote health which can improve the overall quality of life for your pet, which could lead to a longer lifespan. While this is not a choice for everyone, this is an excellent choice for dogs who do not exceed the suggested weight range.
Pros
Is water-resistant and hypoallergenic
Improved circulation
You can have personalized embroidery with a name or initials
Cons
The 120-pound weight cap for the Orvis Memory Foam Platform
Final Decision
Orvis isn’t a “wrong choice” by any means, offering a hypoallergenic choice in an orthopedic dog bed. This is also the better choice for small-to-medium breeds, providing proper support for their weight and joints. The thinner mattress gives more forgivingly to dogs who weigh less than 70 pounds, allowing for the material to contour to their bodies despite their lighter weight.
While neither of these choices are bad, Big Barker is a better choice. With their real bed priority, these beds are scientifically proven to help with your dog’s mobility. Combined with their 10-year “can’t flatten, won’t flatten” warranty, it’s hard to beat them in a match-up.