Overview

The Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut is the bed that launched a thousand knockoffs. It popularized the round, deep-bolster calming bed concept, and for anxious dogs who need to feel enclosed and safe, it remains one of the most effective options available. The shag fur lining mimics the tactile experience of nestling against another animal, and the deep bolster rim creates a cocoon that genuinely reduces stress-related behaviors in many dogs.

What it is not, however, is an orthopedic bed. The fill is recycled polyester fiber, not memory foam. It compresses under body weight and does not provide the pressure-point relief that foam-based beds deliver. For dogs with joint issues who also happen to be anxious, you will need to choose: calming design (Sheri) or orthopedic support (PetFusion, Big Barker). At $70, the Sheri commands a premium for its calming specialization, but for the right dog, the behavioral benefits make it worth every cent.

Features Deep-Dive

Shag Fur Calming Surface

The deep shag fur is not just aesthetic — it serves a therapeutic purpose. The long fibers create a tactile sensation similar to being nestled against another dog or a parent. For dogs with separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobias, or general nervousness, this texture triggers a calming response that shorter fabrics do not replicate. Behaviorists have noted that the burrowing action dogs perform in shag beds activates self-soothing instincts. The effect is not universal — some dogs are indifferent — but for dogs who respond to it, the transformation in sleep quality and daytime anxiety is noticeable.

Deep Round Bolster Design

The bolster rim runs a full 360 degrees and rises about 8 inches above the sleeping surface. This creates a genuine nest — a walled enclosure that blocks visual stimuli and creates a sense of den-like security. Dogs can rest their head on the bolster, burrow into the center, or wedge themselves against the walls. The circular shape distributes the bolster evenly, unlike three-sided designs where one direction feels exposed. For dogs who seek out small spaces (under tables, behind furniture), this design taps into the same instinct.

Size and Color Range

Sheri offers the Calming Donut in sizes from 23 inches to 45 inches across, covering dogs from small breeds to large dogs up to about 80 pounds. The color palette includes over a dozen options, from neutral tones to bolder choices. This range matters because calming beds work best when placed in the dog's preferred resting area — having a color that fits the room means owners are less likely to relegate it to a back room where the dog will not use it.

Pricing Analysis

At $70, the Sheri Calming Donut is priced above the BarkBox 2-in-1 ($46) and well above basic donut beds available for $20-30. The premium buys you the genuine shag fur (which knockoffs replicate poorly), a deeper bolster, and better construction quality. The comparison against the BarkBox is instructive: you pay $24 more but lose the memory foam base and the 2-in-1 convertibility. The Sheri's value proposition rests entirely on its calming effectiveness. If your dog is anxious and responds to the shag texture and nest design, $70 is a modest investment compared to behavioral medication or constant anxiety management. If your dog sleeps contentedly on any surface, this premium is unnecessary.

Who Is This For?

Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut works best for:

• Anxious dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or general nervousness — the shag fur and deep bolster are specifically designed to trigger calming responses
• Burrowers and nesters who instinctively seek out enclosed spaces, pile into blankets, or wedge themselves into tight spots — this bed channels that behavior productively
• Dogs recovering from rehoming or rescue who need a safe, den-like space to decompress and build confidence in a new environment
• Owners who have tried behavioral aids (thunder shirts, calming supplements) and want to add environmental comfort to their dog's anxiety management toolkit

Who Should NOT Use This

Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut might not be the right choice if:

• Your dog has joint problems — the recycled polyester fill provides zero orthopedic support. Dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia need foam-based beds like the PetFusion or Big Barker, regardless of their anxiety levels.
• Low-maintenance cleaning is essential — the shag fur traps hair, dirt, and debris between washes, requiring regular vacuuming. Machine washing causes the fill to clump unless the bed is dried thoroughly on low heat. Owners wanting easy-care beds should consider the Bedsure or Coolaroo instead.

Bottom Line

The Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut is a specialized product that excels at one thing: making anxious dogs feel safe. The shag fur and deep nest design deliver genuine behavioral benefits for the right dog. For dogs without anxiety issues or those needing orthopedic support, better options exist at this price point.

FAQ

Does the calming effect actually work?

For many dogs, yes. Studies on canine anxiety suggest that enclosed sleeping spaces and tactile stimulation (like burrowing in shag fur) reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation. However, results vary significantly between individual dogs. Some take to it immediately and visibly relax; others show no behavioral change. If possible, test with a return-friendly purchase policy to evaluate your dog's response before committing.

How do you wash the shag fur without ruining it?

Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and tumble dry on the lowest heat setting until completely dry. The critical step is thorough drying — if the polyester fill inside the bolster remains damp, it clumps and does not redistribute evenly. Periodic vacuuming between washes removes trapped hair and debris from the shag fibers. Some owners use a lint roller weekly to maintain the fur between full washes.

How does this compare to the BarkBox Donut Cuddler?

The BarkBox offers a memory foam base (the Sheri does not) and converts between donut and flat configurations. The Sheri offers deeper shag fur, a taller bolster, and larger size options. For orthopedic comfort in a small dog, the BarkBox wins. For maximum calming effect in an anxious dog of any size, the Sheri is the better choice. The BarkBox is $24 cheaper, which matters if calming is not the primary need.