Sheepskins for dog and cat

A sheepskin is perhaps the coziest spot you can give your dog or cat. Below, I’ll explain why, which sheepskin is the best fit, and why it’s often more affordably priced.

Why get a sheepskin for your dog or cat?

A sheepskin does exactly what it does for us—and more—for your pet:

• Warm in winter, cool in summer. Wool adapts to your pet’s body temperature and provides natural insulation, so your dog or cat is always comfortable: never too cold on a bare floor, never too hot in the summer.
• Relief for older pets. As your dog or cat gets older, their joints tend to act up more often, especially in cold weather. The soft wool provides cushioning and keeps the muscles warm, making both lying down and getting up more comfortable.
• Naturally clean. Wool contains lanolin (wool grease), which makes the fleece naturally dirt- and moisture-repellent and less likely to retain odors.
• Looks great in your home. In addition to being a wonderful bed, it’s also a cozy, warm addition to your room.

Which sheepskin is best for your dog or cat?

For a dog or cat, a sheepskin with short or medium-length hair is often the best choice: that wool is nice and dense and retains heat well, so your pet is always comfortable.

Same quality, more affordable

A big advantage: most sheepskins for dogs and cats are more affordable than my regular sheepskins. How is that possible? All my sheepskins come from the same tanneries, where they all receive exactly the same treatment. Sometimes a skin just isn’t quite suitable for home decor—think of a small hole on the back, a minor repair, a dye mark from the farmer, or a slightly less symmetrical shape. You might not want that for a decorative piece, but for your dog’s or cat’s bed, it doesn’t matter: the same softness and warmth, just with a minor imperfection—and therefore much more affordable.

How to use the sheepskin

There are all kinds of ways to use a sheepskin for your pet:

• As a bed: the most popular choice—a soft, warm spot to rest and sleep.
• As a mat: place it in the spots where your dog or cat likes to lie down.
• About your existing bed: instantly makes your pet’s current sleeping spot more comfortable.
• To protect your couch or chair: it shields the upholstery from hair, scratches, and chewing, while still letting your pet snuggle up next to you.

Which color should you choose?

For your dog or cat, the color doesn’t matter—we’ve never heard of any barking or hissing over a shade. What is helpful, though, is to match the color to your pet’s coat, so loose hairs are less noticeable. If you have a brown dog or cat, a brown sheepskin is practical; for a white pet, a white sheepskin blends in beautifully. Beyond that, it’s really all about your personal taste.

Care: very low maintenance

A sheepskin is low-maintenance. If your dog or cat tends to bring sand or dirt inside, just give it a quick shake outside once a week. If your pet spends a lot of time lying on it, the wool may flatten a bit; use a special wool comb to make it light and fluffy again in no time—and your dog or cat usually enjoys being combed, too. Never wash the fleece in the washing machine: that washes out the lanolin. You can find detailed tips in the blog post “Cleaning and Caring for a Sheepskin.”

Need some inspiration?

Curious about how other pet owners use sheepskins? Get inspired by photos from our customers, or check out more in the inspiration room.

Read more

Want to learn more about sheepskins for your pet? Read all about it in our blog post “A Sheepskin for Your Dog and Cat.”

Need help choosing?

You have a 30-day return window, and for orders over €100, I offer free shipping within the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. In the Netherlands, you’ll usually receive your order within 1–2 business days. Delivery to other countries may take a little longer, but barring any delays, your order will typically arrive at your home within a maximum of 7 business days. Customers rate us a 9.7. Not sure which bed is best for your dog or cat? Feel free to call or email me, or make an appointment to visit our showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.

Safely tanned, for both people and animals

All my sheepskins are sustainably tanned according to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100: a tanning process free of harmful or chemical substances such as chromium or heavy metals. They don’t carry the official certification mark, but they do meet that standard—so they’re safe for both you and your pet. The skins are deodorized and brushed, making them soft and odor-neutral, without any goat or farm odors. And just like all my hides, they’re a byproduct of the meat industry, from sheep that have lived a good life: by tanning them, nothing goes to waste. My hides come from Europe, where the finest hides are sourced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sheepskin is best for my dog or cat?

We often carry the Texelaar with medium-length hair: dense wool that retains heat well and can withstand daily use. Short, long, or curly wool is also available, but long and curly wool requires a bit more maintenance if your pet spends a lot of time lying on it.

Why are these sheepskins often more affordable?

Because these are usually skins with a minor imperfection—for example, a small hole on the back, a repair, or a dye mark from the farmer. They receive exactly the same treatment as my regular skins and are just as soft and warm, though slightly less suitable for use as interior decor. That doesn’t matter at all for your pet’s bed.

Is a sheepskin safe for my pet?

Yes. The skins are tanned in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, without harmful substances, so they’re safe for both people and animals. Thanks to its natural lanolin, wool is also inherently dirt- and moisture-repellent.

Which color should I choose?

It doesn’t matter which pet you have. From a practical standpoint, loose hairs are least noticeable if you match the color to your pet: a brown sheepskin for a brown pet, a white sheepskin for a white pet.

Will I receive the exact skin shown in the photo?

Almost always. I photograph most skins individually and assign them a unique number, so you’ll receive exactly that skin. Some I sell “off the stack”; in that case, you’ll receive a sheepskin similar to the one in the photo, in the same color and size. The listing will specify which option applies.

How do I care for the sheepskin when my dog or cat lies on it?

Low maintenance. Shake it out outdoors every now and then and comb it with a wool comb if the wool starts to flatten. For stains, use a slightly damp cloth; never put it in the washing machine. You can find detailed tips in the blog post on cleaning and caring for sheepskins.