It can be tricky to choose the best dog house for your dog. Afterall, our dogs are really just like us – they crave affection and certainly, a comfortable place of lodging or sleeping! Every consideration should be taken in regards to your dog’s breed and characteristics, the part of the world you live in, climate, environment and convenience. Some dog owners even have air purifiers for their pet. Here is some information for you if you’re looking for the best dog house for your canine!

Overview of the Top Dog Houses available

Image	Product Name	Dimensions	Size	Price	Rating
	Suncast DH250 Dog House	27 in. W x 35 in. D x 29-1/2 in. H	For dogs up to 70 pounds	$
	Animal Favorite Comfy Dog House	32.3” (82cm) x 22” (56cm) x 28” (71cm) (WxDxH)	Pets up to 55 lbs	$
	Arf Frame Dog House with Dark Frame	22.25W x 22D x 22.75H inches	Extra Smaill	$$
	PetMate INDIGO	43.8 x 34 x 25.8 inches	Extra Large	$$$
	Giantex Wooden Puppy Pet Dog House	29’’ x 21’’ x 26’’ (L x W x H)	For Small Dogs	$
	Petsfit Dog House, Dog House Outdoor	29.5″LX18.9″WX17.3″H	For Small Dogs	$
	SENYEPETS Plastic dog house	35″	For Medium Dogs	$$
	​ PETMATE BARNHOME 3	29 x 22 x 21 inches	15-25 lbs	$$
	Precision Pet Outback Log Exterior Dog House	45.5″(Length).L x 33″(Width) x 33″(Height)	For Large Dogs	$$$
	Petsfit Indoor Wooden Dog House	31″Lx21″Wx21″H	For Small Dogs	$$

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SunCast DH250 Dog House

SunCast has the classic snoop dog design with a pitched roof and an arched entrance with a window – it can accommodate dogs of up to 70 pounds and below. Made from durable resin and has crowned floors, it has a very good vinyl finish for the door, which a big dog can fit through comfortably. Its interesting design almost looks like a miniature human house!

Assembling it will not be a problem because of its easy-snap features and the plastic of which it is made of is quite sturdy and strong – it can bear the weight of your curious 10-year old’s and below. It is also not hot on the inside during the summer, just the right temperature for your dog to be able to sleep in comfortably even when the sun is high in the sky.Read the reviews on Amazon

Animal Favorite Comfy Dog House, Superior Quality Waterproof Resin Construction

With a five-star rating, this dog house from Animal Favorite is a favorite, indeed. The sturdy plastic kennel is the perfect home for your dogs. It can be used both outdoors and indoors and it is leak proof, as well, so your dog will not need to fear the rain if it is placed outside.

It is designed with a tough resin construction that creates an ideal temperature, regardless of the season. You don’t have to worry about cleaning, as that is made super easy. It is very quick to assemble, with simple pieces that can snap in place easily. Furthermore, it can accommodate any breed of dogs weighing up to 70 pounds.Read the reviews on Amazon

Arf Frame Dog House with Dark Frame by Pet Squeak

This is a comfortable, durable and affordable dog house made from real wood, in particular white cedar with a fir construction. It features different sizes that ranges from extra small to large.

If you have a Chihuahua or any other very small dog that requires a close-fit kind of shelter, then go for the extra small size, which can keep it gratefully warm in winter. We love the fact that the wood also gives off a fresh scent and it is pest-resistant as well as non-toxic, so you can save up on fumigation.

It has a raised floor and a sheet-lined roof that prevents leakages, so your dog is sure to be safe from that. What’s more, it comes in the form of panels, therefore, it easy to assemble.Read the reviews on Amazon

Petmate Indigo Dog House with Microban

This indigo dog house from Petmate has Microban to help fight bacteria that causes stains, odor, mildew and mold, keeping the dog house odorless and clean. It helps reduce or eliminate the need for weekly disinfection of the dog house, which saves you a lot of time in the long run.

It is durable and comfortable with a protruding doorway to create an overhang to prevent rain, wind or snow from going in, leaving your dog tight and safe from external elements of the weather.

This dog house even has a roof ventilation which allows for continual airflow to make up for its absence of windows. The doorway is wide enough to accommodate a very tall dog from 21 inches to 28 inches in height.

Don’t worry if you have either a medium-sized dog or a very large dog as It comes in medium, large and extra-large sizes in colors taupe and black. It has an unusual shape for a dog house, but it is not as complicated to assemble as it may appear – you don’t even require any tools for installation.Read the reviews on Amazon

Giantex Wooden Puppy Pet Dog House Wood Room In/outdoor Raised Roof Balcony Bed Shelter

Beautiful light fir wood is used for this dog house, with a roof balcony in the pattern of the loft roof. It is designed for small dogs and puppies and is made with strong, sturdy wooden construction with a side ladder for easy access to the balcony.

The bottom is raised to ensure that the lower panels are dry from moisture or rain and it is fitted with a detachable roof and bottom, making it easy to clean. The balcony can serve as a sun deck, or double as a second space for a second puppy; this will save you money as you no longer have to buy another dog house.

Additionally, we love the fact that it can be used both indoors and outdoors, so it definitely gives good value for money. Lastly, the steps can be accessorized with twigs, toys or anything that holds an attraction for your pet.Read the reviews on Amazon

Petsfit Dog House, Dog House Outdoor

This is designed for the outdoors with an open roof that can be opened halfway – similar to an open roof of a car – in case your dog needs that. This feature also makes it easy to change the beddings without needing to crawl through the doorway, as well as helps in cleaning and total aeration.

It features a removable bottom with raised panels and it is easily assembled with pre-drilled holes. It is made with natural cedar wood treated to bear under any weather and a water-based paint, which is safer for the dogs.

It has an asphalt roof that is slanted to throw off rain, snow or silt and the door is off center, therefore creating more room. You also have a choice when it comes to color – It comes in either red or grey and has white trims. It can fit two dogs – a big and small one – and it can take the boisterous activities without any damage.Read the reviews on Amazon

SENYEPETS Plastic dog houses for medium dogs – 35” Waterproof luxurious roof skylight

It is designed with rounded edges that will not hurt your pets, making it a beautiful and fashionable plastic dog house. Furthermore, you won’t have any trouble with this dog house as it is light to carry, can be placed in the living room, balcony, bedroom or aisle. What’s more, it is easy to assemble and is suitable for all seasons.

It has a roof skylight that allows in light and air and it creates a private space for your dogs to sleep and have some doggy time. This is a 35-inch kennel that comes in colors blue and white, with intricate detailed lines on the exterior and bottom to aerate the kennel, keeping it comfy. It has a 12 x 18-inch entrance, as well, which is designed for medium-sized dogs.Read the reviews on Amazon

Petmate Pet Barn

This dog house is shaped like a barn house, which means it’s sturdy and strong. It has a rain diverting rim that runs around the center on the exterior where the top half that serves as the roof is joined to the bottom.

Made of tough, durable plastic with rear air ventilation and raised interior floor, it is designed to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, always the right temperature for your favorite canine.

It comes in different sizes that can bear the weight of any dog, ranging from 15-pound dogs, to a 90-pound dog. It does not require any maintenance, just simply cleaning and spraying it with water will do the job. In addition, the top half can be taken off conveniently, if needed.Read the reviews on Amazon

Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin Large

This dog house is a weather resistant dog house made of solid wood sealed with weather-resistant coating. It features adjustable plastic legs to keep your animals dry during the rain and it has a slanted asphalt roof that will repel water and prevent any leaks.

It comes with a three-step assembling instructions and can accommodate two dogs or more as it has varying sizes, ranging from small to extra-large.

If you want to place it outside your house, its cedar finish makes it right at home in any outdoor landscape. The off-center doorway creates more room for your dogs, while keeping them sheltered from the harsh elements. If you want, it can be purchased with an insulated liner for the dogs to keep warm in winter.Read the reviews on Amazon

Petsfit 31″Lx21″Wx21″H Indoor Dog House Wooden With Door for Small Dog

It comes with pre-drilled holes that allow for easy fitting and assembling, designed for small dogs of up to 20 pounds. What’s more, it is made of kiln dried cedar and it is naturally stained. This dog house has a beautiful structural design with water-based paint and is portable and easy to move around, so you don’t have to exert too much effort.

This rectangular dog house features a wire door, so it may be more suited to a dog with a gentle nature who won’t try to do a housebreak. It is important to note that it is preferable for indoors and it can fit two small dogs comfortably. It comes in the color grey with white trims and a white wire door and in addition, it has a flat roof that serves as a platform to put their food or toys.Read the reviews on Amazon

History of Dog Houses

Dog houses have existed since dogs existed – as far back as 4500 BC in Egypt, where dogs were kept as pets and hunting partners. They were sheltered and treasured, although, their dog houses back then were made in a more primitive form. The elite, rich and noble Egyptians used mud brick kennels – this dog house material was abundant back then.

However, in ancient Rome, China and Greece – because of the status of companion given to dogs – they lived with their masters or owners under the same roof. The story was not the same for all the canine members, though, as many were homeless and hungry, doing their best to survive the laws of the jungle.

In the Middle Ages, hunting became a sport – an outdoor activity that nobles used to entertain their guests with; and for this, the services of a dog were indispensable. Dog kennels were constructed to accommodate the pack of dogs each owner had.

Although common in the elite compounds to keep their hunting dogs, dog kennels were hard to find among peasants, who used their dogs for farm chores and companionship. The place of shelter for the not-so-fortunate canines were barn houses, front porches and yards.

In the 1800s, dog houses were designed with pitched roofs and at that time was the era of dog shows. The dogs were moved from one show to another using wooden crates on rail cars in between locations and since they were show-dogs, the wooden crates became their homes.

Dogs played an important role in security, as well – by sniffing, tracking and sending messages during World War II, breeds like the Doberman, Belgian Sheepdogs and Farm Collies were used for these assignments and were housed in vented wooden crates on-the-go and at the different outpost stations.

In 1960, plastic dog houses and portable kennels took over the market with Doskocil championing the movement. The dog houses were later made up of structural foam plastic and shaped like an igloo.

In recent times, dog houses are mass produced and any available materials of plywood, framing timber and various roofing materials are used to cut down on cost. Other materials like aluminum and steel have also been used for dog boxes.

Wood has continually been preferred until date with companies both local and international carving a niche for themselves in the production of wood dog houses. Many dog houses these days are handcrafted with all types of materials made easy by access to free dog plans online.

Statistics show that in the United States alone, 63% of all households own a dog, a cat, or both and it is still on the increase. Advances in technology have also included the use of weather-resistant plastics, wood finishes and foam sheet insulation, but you can still find dog houses with some of the historic materials that have been used around the world.

Types of Dog Houses

With the various materials of plastic, wood, steel and aluminum used for dog houses these days, it allows for different styles, shapes and even multi-functions and uses. Dog houses can be classified into two main categories of stationary and portable dog houses.

Stationary dog house

Stationary dog houses – like the name implies – refer to dog houses that are constructed to stay in one place and not designed to be moved. Stationary dog houses can be classified based on the material used to make them.

Wood dog houses

This is very commonly handcrafted because of the availability and easy access to wood. Men interested in woodwork or those who are very handy around the house can easily design one for their household. It can be further classified into the roof design which includes:

• Single panel flat roof: this has a gentle slant from front to the back in one slab or panel. It can serve as a sun-bed for some dogs.

• Pitched roof: This is the classical, usually-imagined dog house roof. It consists of two equally angled slab or panels with the highest point at the center. This design is also common in real life buildings, as well.

• Loft roof: This is more elaborate and fancy – not as common, but the roof is usually used for another purpose other than sheltering a dog.

Plastic dog houses

Dog houses made of plastic are lightweight and are easy to set up and clean. Shaped with a gambrel roof or the usual pitched style roof, a favorite is the igloo-shaped plastic dog house.

Metal dog houses

Made of steel or aluminum, the rectangular-shaped dog houses are very rare. It is undoubtedly not for everybody, but it is preferred by people who keep hunting dogs, probably because the dog cannot chew any part of the house. Additionally, it is different from the dog box made of metal used to move the animal in transit.

Barrel dog houses

This is a unique dog house, although it can be made with any material such as wood, plastic, wine barrels or metal barrels. The most important distinction is the shape of the dog house which is a barrel, to cater to the psychology of dogs who love to be sheltered in curved holes with wood chips.

Fiberglass Cave dog house

It is a canine cave made of only fiberglass that can accommodate two big dogs. So, if you are looking for a dog house that reflects the materials some part of your house is made with, go for this.

Portable or Temporary Dog Houses

These are used for short periods, usually to move the dogs from one point to another. It includes dog tents, dog boxes, inflatable dog houses, dog crates, hard plastic pet carriers or kennels and soft-sided pet carriers. The difference between the hard and the soft is the material from which it is made.

Buying Guidelines

The type of material that the dog house is to be made from is your first decision. This could be based on preference, durability, previous experience or recommendations.

Secondly, you want to decide on your price point, then the size and afterwards, the type or design you like. You may also need to consider other accessories available like heating pads, beddings and other special features.

Whichever you choose, they all have more pros than cons. Plastic houses have the advantage of being light, easy to carry, cheaper and definitely not prone to rot. Wood, on the other hand, allows more flexibility and creativity in design – they are more weather-faring, natural and substantial. As for cedar wood houses, they are not infected with ticks or fleas, which is an important consideration, as well.

Metal dog houses are indestructible and solid and since they are usually made of steel or aluminum, they make very good transport boxes which are what most of them are used for.

Other considerations in buying a dog house are:Roof typeFor the wooden dog houses, the three-roof options are the single slant roof, the pitched roof or the sundeck roof, mostly called the loft roof. It can come with different roof coverings of asphalt, shingles and metal and/or tar paper.

Floor typeYou have to choose if you want a raised floor, which is the most recommended because of the protection it gives your pet and the dog house itself from moisture. You can either opt for a detachable floor for ease of cleaning, or one that you can hose down.

VentilationVentilation is key as heat and bad odor will make any living thing sick. So, make sure that your dog house has very good ventilation.

Door sizeIt is important that the doorway is big enough to let your dog in and out easily, but not too big to allow harsh weather elements in the dog house. Then, consider the pros of having the doorway centered or off-center, it all depends on your environment; colder areas will be better off with a doorway off center to preserve heat.

Heating and beddingsThere are so many options out there for heating and beddings – pads, insulated beddings, heated kennel mats, moisture proof foam pads, cedar shavings and so many more.

Choosing the Right Size

Just as it is important to wear the right size of clothing, it is also important to choose the right size of doghouse for your canine friends. Not getting the size right might result in a waste of resources in purchasing the doghouse because if it is too small, it will most definitely not be inhabited by your dog.

However, don’t worry your head about dimensions and measurement – all you need is to ensure that your dog can stand up, turn around and lie down without any discomfort. The only problem with this standard is that you may not have your dog with you at the point of purchase.

There are a lot of sizing formulas used by different dog vendors, one example is the Blythe wood works A-B-C method which states that:

• Door opening height should be an inch taller than the shoulder to chest measurement
• The depth of the dog house should be at least the measurement from dog nose to end of its flank, excluding the tail
• The height of the dog house should be 1.25 x the length from dog’s head to the toes

The formula of all the different vendors are all similar with just a few varying details, we recommend you go to the websites of different vendors to pick whichever suits you.

However, in summary, the height of the house should be a bit more than the dog’s standing height, the width and length a bit more than the dog’s length and the doorway height should be a bit less than the dog’s shoulder height.

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Conclusion

You knowing your dog more than any other person, so you need to choose the right dog house size, the right design, material and style that will perfectly suit its personality, your lifestyle and environment.

Your dog is worth the trouble, attention, love and most importantly, investing in a perfect dog house suited for it. A happy dog will reward you in many more ways than you can imagine. If you have any comments, suggestions or comments, please don’t hesitate to comment down below. We’d love to hear your thoughts.