Best Dog Houses - Comparison and Reviews

How to Choose the Best Dog House

When buying a dog house, there are a lot of specifics to consider. You want a price that fits your budget and a size that accommodates your pet. However, you may want a space where you can keep multiple pets together, or perhaps you want insulation or ventilation built-in. Let’s take a look at some key elements that will inform your choice before you purchase.

Wooden vs Metal vs Plastic Dog House

Each material comes with its own advantages. Consider weather-resistant, rust-resistant, durable options, no matter which material you choose.

Wooden dog houses are generally more aesthetically pleasing because they are painted or stained. The natural wood grain goes well in outdoor spaces and fits in with all types of decor. However, if the wood is not treated, it can rot, warp, or fade quickly.

Metal dog houses are sturdy, but if they’re not treated or coated with weather-resistant solutions, they can be prone to rust. Beware of cheap metal or poor quality welding jobs that make it unstable.

Plastic dog houses are typically the most affordable solutions. They don’t rust or rot, and they are effortlessly cleaned with a hose. However, they aren’t always as durable as metal or as beautiful as wood.

All Weather Protection for Outdoors

If you’re keeping your dog house outside in the yard, you may want to consider getting one with some weather-resistant coating. It can ensure that your dog house stays well insulated for your pet, keeps the weather out, and lasts a long time without rusting or rotting.

Door Size that fits the Dog

The dog house may be big enough for your dog, but can your dog fit through the door? Surprisingly, this is something not a lot of people think about, but it’s pretty critical to the dog house’s functionality.

However, you may be surprised by the small spaces your dog can fit through, so you can test this before making a purchase. Set up a makeshift doorway out of old cardboard boxes to see what kind of spaces your dog can fit through comfortably.

Roof Height

Consider getting a dog house that not only has enough square inches on the bottom, but is also tall enough for him or her to stand up. Your dog may want to stand up and walk around or turn a few times before finding a place to lay down. If the dog house isn’t tall enough, your dog won’t be able to do that very comfortably.

Good Flooring

Some dog houses don’t have floors. However, if flooring matters to you, make sure you know what it’s made of. You want the floor of the dog house to be able to support the weight of your dog and be comfortable at the same time.

Pay attention to the material and functionality to make sure it’s easy to clean. A removable floor is often ideal for cleaning purposes. But also keep the design in mind. Ensure that it directs runoff to the outside of the house.

Ventilation

Some dog houses have ventilation, and some don’t. The shape and door placement of the dog house you choose will indicate how much ventilation it has. Extra vents at the back or in the roof can help with the airflow.

If you have a small dog, vents may not be a big deal, but larger dogs that generate more heat may be more comfortable in a dog house with vents. Don’t worry about extra vents making the house too cold. Vents are used for airflow and don’t impact the insulation of a dog house to a significant degree.

Durable Construction

Durability is a feature you’ll have to rank yourself in terms of importance. If you have a large, playful dog, you’ll want a more durable dog house than if you have a small dog. Small dogs, even if they’re playful, aren’t strong enough to do a great deal of damage. However, you know your dog better than anyone.

On the other hand, you may want to consider where you’re going to put the dog house. If you’re keeping it outside where there’s little shelter from the elements, and you live in an area that has particularly harsh winters or extreme summer heat, you’ll want a more durable dog house to withstand the weather.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions about dog houses.

Are dog houses good for dogs?

Dog houses are great places for your dog to retreat when they’re tired, or when they want to spend some time in a personal space. They offer a comfortable place to lie down and rest in an outdoor setting, safe from adverse weather conditions.

However, the benefits of having a dog house depend on the needs of your dog. If your dog is a senior, has health problems, or is very small and fragile, a dog house may not be a good purchase.

It’s up to you as a dog owner to ensure your pet is always safe. While dog houses can be great for some dogs, they’re not great for all dogs.

How do you measure a dog house?

Dog houses are typically measured by length, width, and height. The length and width will give you a good idea of how much floor space your dog has on the inside, and the height will tell you whether or not your dog will be able to stand up.

Look at the dimensions of the dog house you want to buy and measure a space similar in size somewhere in your home first. See if your dog fits comfortably in that space before purchasing the house. Here is a good guide for measuring dog house size.

Do I have to keep the dog house outside?

No, you can put a dog house wherever you or your dog would like one. Generally, kennels are used indoors because your dog doesn’t need protection from the elements inside the house, but you can choose whatever kind of containment you or your dog would prefer. 

We would suggest installing a wireless fence to contain your dog inside the boundaries of your yard if you want to keep the dog house outside.

Be aware of the insulation properties of the dog house first. If the dog house is meant to be an outdoor house, it may have too much insulation for your dog to remain comfortable inside. However, you can also put outdoor dog houses on porches, decks, or patios. They don’t have to be out in the yard.