For dog lovers, our furry friends aren’t just pets — they’re family. And like any family member, they deserve a comfortable place to rest, lounge, or cuddle beside us. If you share your home with a large dog, choosing the right couch can be a bit of a challenge. It needs to be sturdy, easy to clean, resistant to scratches, and ideally, spacious enough for both human and canine to stretch out in peace.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding the best couch for large dogs, followed by five top-rated couches that check all the boxes for dog-friendly living.
Why You Need a Dog-Friendly Couch for Large Breeds
Large dogs like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, or Great Danes take up a lot of space, shed frequently, and are more likely to cause wear and tear on furniture. A typical couch might look stylish, but without the right materials and construction, it won’t last long under the daily demands of a 70+ pound pup.
Here’s what you need in a couch if you live with a large dog:
1. Durable Upholstery
Opt for performance fabrics such as:
- Microfiber: Highly durable, easy to clean, and resists fur buildup.
- Leather (or faux leather): Doesn’t attract hair and is easy to wipe clean.
- Performance polyester or canvas: Tightly woven and often water/stain resistant.
2. Removable and Washable Covers
Accidents happen. A couch with machine-washable slipcovers or removable cushion covers makes cleanup simple.
3. Scratch and Tear Resistance
Large dogs can unintentionally scratch or tear through fabric when jumping on/off the couch. Choose tough textiles and avoid delicate materials like silk, linen, or tweed.
4. Size and Depth
A deeper seat (at least 24 inches) and longer length (over 80 inches) ensures both you and your pup have room to relax.
5. Low Maintenance & Easy to Clean
Whether it’s drool, dirt, fur, or dander, a couch for dog owners needs to be easy to clean regularly.
5 Best Couches for Large Dogs
Below are five top-rated couches for pet owners with large dogs. We’ve selected these based on durability, pet-friendliness, comfort, and style.
1. Burrow Nomad Sofa with Performance Fabric
- Upholstery: Stain- and scratch-resistant performance fabric
- Length: 86 inches
- Seat Depth: 22 inches
- Frame: Sturdy hardwood
- Best For: Pet owners in apartments or small spaces
Why It’s Great for Dogs:
Burrow’s Nomad Sofa is known for its clever modular design and pet-proof fabric. Their performance weave resists claw snags, and it’s treated to handle stains and smells. The cushions are firm but comfy, and the wood frame can withstand the daily jumps of a heavy dog. Plus, the couch is modular and ships in boxes — making it easy to move and configure.
Pros:
- Pet-resistant fabric
- Modular and expandable
- Easy to spot clean
- Available in several neutral colors
Cons:
- Not the deepest seat
- Not ideal for sprawling Great Danes
2. Lovesac Sactional with Dog-Friendly Covers
- Upholstery: Repreve recycled performance fabric
- Length: Customizable
- Seat Depth: Standard or deep seat options
- Best For: Large families or homes with multiple pets
Why It’s Great for Dogs:
The Sactional by Lovesac is perhaps the most customizable and durable couch on the market. You can choose wide seats, deep seats, and even change the covers — all of which are machine-washable. Lovesac’s performance fabrics are designed to resist stains, moisture, and even chewing to some degree. It’s the perfect setup for dogs that like to lounge all over the place.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable and modular
- Washable and changeable covers
- Deep and wide seat options
- Pet-specific fabric options available
Cons:
- Expensive
- Setup takes time and effort
3. IKEA KIVIK Sofa
- Upholstery: Durable polyester blend (removable cover)
- Length: 88.5 inches
- Seat Depth: 24.5 inches
- Best For: Budget-conscious pet owners
Why It’s Great for Dogs:
The KIVIK is one of IKEA’s most popular couches for pet owners. It features wide, flat armrests (perfect for your pup’s head) and deep, plush cushions. The covers come off easily and are machine-washable. The fabric isn’t luxurious, but it’s very durable, especially for the price. Plus, it’s large enough for both you and your dog to snuggle up.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Wide and deep seating
- Removable and washable covers
- Flat arms double as dog pillows
Cons:
- Fabric may attract fur
- Cushions soften with time
4. West Elm Harmony Sofa with Performance Velvet
- Upholstery: Performance velvet or tweed
- Length: Custom sizes up to 104 inches
- Seat Depth: 24–36 inches
- Best For: Stylish pet-friendly homes
Why It’s Great for Dogs:
The Harmony Sofa offers luxury-level comfort with the option for performance velvet — a surprisingly pet-proof fabric. It’s soft to the touch, resistant to scratches, and cleans up beautifully with spot cleaning. The extra-deep version provides ample room for big dogs to lounge, and the plush cushions are ideal for naps — yours and theirs.
Pros:
- Soft yet scratch-resistant velvet
- Multiple sizes and depths
- High-end aesthetic
- Comfortable for both pets and humans
Cons:
- Pricey with upgrades
- Velvet may show fur (but easy to vacuum)
5. Joybird Bryant Sofa
- Upholstery: Pet-friendly performance fabric options
- Length: 90 inches
- Seat Depth: 25 inches
- Frame: Kiln-dried hardwood
- Best For: Pet owners who love mid-century style
Why It’s Great for Dogs:
Joybird’s Bryant Sofa brings together form and function with firm cushions, stain-resistant fabric, and a low-profile design that’s perfect for older or arthritic dogs to climb onto easily. The couch comes in a variety of colors and is handcrafted with long-lasting materials. Their pet-friendly upholstery line is made specifically for scratch resistance and moisture control.
Pros:
- Stylish and durable
- Pet-specific fabric options
- Easy to clean
- Great size for big breeds
Cons:
- Lead time for delivery
- Firm cushions may not suit everyone
Tips to Maintain Your Couch with Large Dogs Around
Even with the best couch, wear and tear is inevitable when dogs are in the picture. Here are some tips to keep your furniture looking great:
1. Use a Couch Cover or Blanket
Throw blankets or fitted covers protect the surface while still allowing your dog to be comfortable.
2. Regular Vacuuming
Invest in a good upholstery vacuum or handheld pet hair remover to keep fur under control.
3. Wipe Paws Before Jumping
Have a paw-cleaning station near the door to reduce dirt and mud tracked onto your couch.
4. Trim Your Dog’s Nails
Frequent nail trimming helps prevent accidental rips or scratches in the fabric.
5. Train Your Dog
Teaching “off” and “stay” commands can help preserve your furniture, or train them to stay on a specific part of the couch.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best couch for large dogs, durability and comfort go hand in hand. Your ideal sofa should be tough enough to handle dog nails, easy to clean in case of accidents or shedding, and spacious enough to share with your best friend. Whether you prioritize style, affordability, or functionality, there’s a pet-friendly couch out there that fits your lifestyle.
Top Picks Summary:
| Couch | Best For |
|---|---|
| Burrow Nomad | Modular comfort in small spaces |
| Lovesac Sactional | Maximum customization and durability |
| IKEA KIVIK | Budget-friendly and washable |
| West Elm Harmony | Stylish, deep seating with performance fabric |
| Joybird Bryant | Mid-century charm and pet-safe materials |
By investing in a couch that accommodates your dog’s needs (and yours), you’re creating a space that’s not just pet-friendly — it’s family-friendly.