20 Best Dog Houses of 2020 (Review)

by DogPages Team January 8, 2021

Looking for the best house for your pooch? With a great variety of products available in the market, you may feel slightly overwhelmed. But don’t worry; we are here to help you make the right choice of the best dog houses.

After reading this review, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the best dog houses, and will easily pick the one your pup will love.

Subsequently, the model of a house for your dog should be chosen primarily taking into account size, breed, and individual preferences. Proper location and a properly chosen house are a prerequisite for the psychological comfort of your pet.

Moreover, having a cozy corner, a dog can feel confident, protected and will be sent to his place at the first request of the owner (and this is necessary if you want to have an educated dog).

Subsequently, a dog, not accustomed to its place, has all chances very soon to turn into a nervous and sometimes uncontrollable “rod”, which will hinder the owners and bother the guests.

Petmate Indigo Pet house

Likewise, an outdoor dog house is indispensable as a shelter for those animals that live outside but an igloo pet house, for example, can also turn into a cozy place for your pup.

Meanwhile, another reason to look for the best doggie house for sale is to get a temporary home for an adult dog on long journeys.

Luckily, today you can find a dog house, which will meet all the needs your dog may have. Meanwhile, you can easily get an extra-large dog house for bigger breeds.

Likewise, an insulated house for pups living outside, a very modern-looking large igloo pet house, and even an air-conditioned dog house.

Do you have two or more dogs? There are special options and for this occasion – buy a double dog house and your little friends will be happy to live together!

Moreover, there are loads of options, and before picking a dog house that you are ready to buy, you will need to fully understand what kind of product you want for your small dog.

Likewise, a quality product can be quite expensive (150$-300$); this is why you first decide what kind of investment you are ready to do.

Excellent options of canine houses

After reviewing dozens of products we have selected the best products we recommend to take a closer look at:

Best Igloo Dog House: Petmate Indigo Dog House

Firstly, this housing is an igloo dog house for your pet, which looks rather unusual, but it has many features you will love.

Secondly, talking about the best house look, you can choose between taupe and black color schemes. Meanwhile, Petmate Indigo House is available in three sizes – medium, large, and extra-large.

Moreover, it is good for dogs weighing up to 125 pounds. Our version is the XL one, being 51.5 inch X 39.3 inch X 30 inch big and 56.67 pounds.

So this is a good option for people in search of large houses for dogs. Subsequently, you can find on amazon a large dog house list including small igloo pet houses, but we recommend other pet houses for small dogs.

Subsequently, this Indigo dog house has been skillfully made to resist any adverse weather conditions. Moreover, it has also been constructed from Microban material for suppression of any spots and smells spreading.

Thanks to these features, Petmate Indigo Dog House can be used both as an indoor and outdoor dog kennel for all sizes of dogs. Despite it seeming like an awkward option, this iglo is fun and very cozy for your dog.

Petmate dog house door and top-hole are big enough to circulate air. Its construction and material make it very easy to disassemble, clean, disinfect, and reassemble. The perfect, cozy, sturdy, and fresh solution for the best pet house.

Best Elevated Dog Houses

Wooden Dog House: Pet Squeak ArtFrame

Firstly, if you are in search of a traditional dog house, then this Pet Squeak outdoor dog house can suit you. Secondly, Pet Squeak ArtFrame has excellent qualities and is very resistant to any climate influences.

Moreover, it was specially designed for use outside. Still, you can also use it as an indoor dog house. It should be remembered that this product does not have a door.

Also, Art Frame Woodhouse for dogs is made of expensive white cedar and has many additional functions that guarantee increased accessibility and complete safety for your favorite pet in any harsh weather.

More importantly, this wood is also treated with a special compound, which protects it from decay. Certainly, whether you are looking for a small dog house or need an extra-large house for your pooch.

ArtFrame solution will work for you, as it comes in all sizes. In this assembly, its dimensions are 27.5 x 33.2 x 32 inches and it weighs 30 pounds. Assembly takes a little time, and you will only need a conventional screwdriver.

Above all, give this option a chance, and it will become the cutest and most comfy house for dogs. Likewise, do mind the paint odor, so it may require some time to weather; check in with the seller for these details.

Otherwise, it is wood; it is insulated, it is spacious, it is gracious –Pet Squeak ArtFrame is a real wooden dog house.

Elevated Outdoor Dog House: Pets Imperial

Firstly, that is a great wood house for dogs made of animal-friendly timber that will last for decades. Secondly, the floor is lifted from the ground by two inches by support rails that can handle weight up to 154 pounds.

Therefore, the floor remains dry and very well ventilated. And if the Imperial Dog House is placed on uneven ground, you can adjust the legs on the rails to make the construction stand properly.

Likewise, this large outdoor dog house is easy to clean because you can open the roof.  Moreso, all panels are insulated to protect the dog from the heat and cold.

Therefore, you can be sure your pet feels comfortable in its house. Also, in the winter, if you want to provide your dog with more warmth, you can put something under the dog house to protect it from cold. 

Dimensions

The internal dimensions of this model are 3ft 3″ x 2ft 1″ x 2 ft 3″. Also, the dog must be able to turn around in your best dog dwelling place.

That’s why we think that Imperial Extra Large Dog House is suitable for medium breeds like Staffordshire terrier, Spaniel, or Collie. Large breeds like Labrador Retriever might feel cramped in it.

However, reviews suggest that some buyers got this house for a large dog and it feels fine in it. For instance, for small dogs like Jack Russell or Yorkshire terrier, it will be too roomy.

Some owners claim that the construction is not reliable. But consider that it can handle a maximum of 154 pounds including the kennel itself.

Imperial Doggy House weighs around 50 pounds. Thus, your dog must be a maximum of 100 pounds to stay comfortable inside this dog house.

Elevated Dog House: Tangkula Wooden Dog House

Firstly, the wooden house for dogs by Lovupet is probably one of the most attractive yet simple options. Secondly, it comes in two colors – red and gray. So you can choose the one that fits the design of your house better.

In addition, the Lovupet house for small dogs is not very large and will be suitable for smaller breeds like Australian shepherds, Cocker spaniels, Pugs, and other similar-sized dogs.

However, thanks to the compact size, you can place the best dog house by Lovupet indoors if you have enough room. Then your pet will have its own cozy space where it will feel safe and quiet.

Also, the waterproof roof and raised bottom make Lovupet house suitable for outdoors as well. Likewise, it can protect the dog from rain, snow, and direct sunlight.

And the raised bottom will keep the pet dry. Also, the legs are adjustable, which is helpful with uneven ground. Then again, the door flaps will prevent rain and snow from falling inside.

But the fir wood made of this Lovupet dog house is not quite thick. It’s unlikely that your dog will be protected from low temperatures.

The dog house by Lovupet is easy to assemble because the design is very simple. While all the parts are attached, the top and the bottom can be removed for easy cleaning.

Elevated Dog House with Slanted Roof: Medium Dog House

Firstly, this adorable Medium dog house is great for indoors and outdoors if you live in a warm climate. Although the name of the products states that it is a “large house,” it can accommodate smaller dogs that weigh less than 44 lbs and medium breeds also.

Therefore, it will be great for fox terriers, Italian greyhounds, corgis, and other breeds of similar size or smaller. Secondly, a wooden dog house is suitable for the outdoors, but the lack of doors suggests otherwise.

If it snows or rains, the interior will get wet and cold. So even though this two-store house is weatherproof, the insulation won’t help with snow and rain falling inside.

Also, the seller states that this absence of doors makes this house unsafe in locations where wild animals roam around. If you don’t have a solid fence, leaving your dog overnight outside in a large house is dangerous.

The second floor will become great entertainment for your dog if it is not scared to climb up the stairs. And since there is a roof over it, your pet will remain protected from direct sunlight and rain.

When it comes to assembling, Cute large pet house is very simple to put together. Importantly, it comes with all the necessary screws and parts well-organized in the box.

So it is easy to understand what to do with them. The instructions are also clear. Reviews suggest that it will take you around 30 minutes to assemble this house.

Self-Heated Extra Large Dog House: Pets Imperial

Firstly, if you’re a proud owner of a large hound, you might like this option. Secondly, the Imperial house is just as luxurious as it sounds.

And it is truly large – the height is 42 inches. It means that even great Danes and mastiffs will feel comfortable in this extra-large house.

However, the walk-in opening is enhanced with aluminum strips that will protect walls from your dog’s teeth, which is highly important if you remember about the strong jaws of the mastiff mentioned before.

Likewise, there is no solid door, but the entrance features plastic flaps that will offer additional protection from wind. Overall, the Imperial house for all large dogs is rather sturdy and great for the outdoors.

Meanwhile, it will protect your pet from rain, wind, and sun.  Moreover, it is suitable even for cold days. And if the temperature gets too low, you always can add some heaters.

Even though there mustn’t be anything complicated in assembling this wooden dog house, the instructions that come in the package are not very clear.

However, most customers could figure out the process themselves and put the Imperial pet house together.

Outdoor Self-Heated Dog House with All Equipment: A-Frame House

Firstly, if you need an all-in-one solution, the house by StarSun Depot dog habitation might be a suitable option. Secondly, it offers a room for your pet, two stainless steel bowls, and even a compartment for toys, leashes, and other stuff.

But even though this section has a lid, we wouldn’t recommend storing treats there. The dog will be able to figure out how to open it for sure.

Likewise, the inside height of this wood A-frame house is 11,8 inches. Therefore, it will be suitable for breeds like Maltese, Miniature pinscher, Chihuahua, or even Shih Tzu.

As you can see, this house by StarSun Depot is meant for small dogs. But thanks to the compact size, you can place it indoors if you want to create a personal corner for your pet in your home.

However, the elevated floor, sturdy fir wood, and waterproof finish make this A-frame house suitable for the outdoors as well. It will protect your dog from bad weather and the sun.

Importantly, the inside will remain dry and comfy. However, when it’s too cold, you might want to add heaters. Due to the additional storage department and bowl stand this dog house by StarSun Depot will take longer to put together.

But the process is not too difficult, and it’s just time-consuming. You will need to spend around an hour to assemble this wooden house.

Elevated Summer Outdoor Dog House for Large Breeds

Firstly, if you have two dogs, this wooden house for dogs by Godyluck will be a great option for you. Secondly, the dimensions of both cabins together are the following: 59 inches for length, 29.5 inches for width, and 39.25 inches for height.

So it will easily accommodate two large dogs like labradors, german shepherds -or even great Danes. And the large porch will be a nice place for your pets to enjoy the summer sun.

On one side there is a large window, and the cabin has two entrances. To be fair, we’d love to see another ventilation opening on the other side to ensure better airflow.

Considering that there is a window, this dog house by Godyluck is not suitable for winter days. But the waterproof roof and walls will protect pets from rain, sun, and even snow when it’s not too cold.

Moreover, the cabin is separated into two parts with a wall that has a walk-through opening. And the roof opens so that the owner can clean the interior.

Likewise, the Godyluck house comes with detailed instructions that will make it easy to put the parts together.

Best Insulated Dog Houses

Best Insulated Dog House 2020: ASL Solution

Firstly, if you want your dog to live in a palace, ASL Solutions is an excellent option for you. It looks quite impressive and will be an excellent choice for those who like unusual things. 

Secondly, Insulated Dog Palace is made of plastic that is used for outdoor playground equipment. Panels are hollow and filled with expanded polystyrene foam which is often found in drinking cups.

Thus, it is safe for your dog. The foam serves as an insulation material and protects the pet from heat and cold.

Thirdly, the house has removable panels. It allows for creating a nice flow of air, which will be great for hot summer days. And the heater will keep the dog warm during cold winter days.

However, it is not built into the floor. It looks like a pad that the dog can chew easily. For instance, the inside dimensions of Insulated Dog Palace are 47.5 x 31.5 x 38.5 inches.

Therefore, ASL Dog House is suitable for dogs with a height of up to 43 inches.  Likewise, bigger dogs will feel uncomfortable in it, as well as smaller ones – there is too much room for them.

Therefore, it should be suitable even for large dogs like Great Pyrenees that can weigh up to 100 lb. Labradors and German shepherds will feel comfortable in it.

Best Extra Large Dog Houses

Best Extra Large Dog House: Solid Wood

Firstly, double door large house for few dogs by Merry Products is a much-needed solution for families with large breeds or several dogs.

Secondly, it is made of wood and insulated to protect the animal from heat and cold. Also, the floor is raised a bit so that it doesn’t become moist while contacting with the ground.

Both the roof and floor are easily removable so that you can clean the rooms with no effort. This is a real dog mansion for sale on Amazon!

Likewise, an extra-large double doggie house comes with a removable partition that divides the space into two rooms.  Each room will have an entrance, so if you have two dogs, they will have their very own rooms in this house.

Moreover, the downside is that there are no real doors – only plastic flaps hanging on the entrance.  Therefore, if you have only one dog, you can’t close one of the doors to create a more cozy space for the pet.

Further, the size of this wood house is 73x39x42 inches.  In this dog house for large dogs, you can fit two large dogs in it like German shepherds or Labradors easily, and there will be some free space left.

Even such a massive dog like an Irish Wolfhound or a St. Bernard that can weigh over 120 pounds will feel comfortable in this great house for a few breeds.

Outdoor Extra Large Wooden Dog House: Dog Houses

Firstly, this enormous wooden dog house by Fenghuang will become a comfortable and safe home for your dog. Secondly, the internal room is quite large and will be suitable for big breeds.

Such as Mastiffs, Dobermans, and German Shepherds. More so, the pet can stay inside of the waterproof house or rest on the porch.

Further, if you want to set boundaries for your dog, you can add a fence that comes with this wooden dog house. The fence closes with a fastening mechanism. Therefore, you can leave your pet there without any worries.

The door in the house itself also can be closed with the fastening mechanism. Likewise, there are two windows in sidewalls and one window in the door. Thus, the air will flow freely.

All windows are reinforced with bars, and side windows have additional internal and external mesh linings to keep bugs away. Further, the external mesh can be opened to allow more air to flow.

In addition, if you want to wash the house, you can remove either the roof or the floor. It might be tricky to assemble this wooden house with a fence because, as the manufacturer states, it’s handmade, and there can be certain errors.

Best Underground Dog Houses

Best Underground Dog House 2020: DogEden 60A

Firstly, in the description of the Homefami dog house, it’s stated that it will be ideal for medium and large breeds. Thus, that’s the detail we want to talk about right away.

Meanwhile, the measurements of the house by Homefami are as follows: 32.3 inches for length, 26.4 inches for width, and 24.4 inches for height.

Considering that the dog should be able to stand and turn around freely in its house, we don’t agree with the statement that the Homefami dog house is suitable for large breeds.

Even for a labrador that is not that huge, this plastic house will be quite tight. But for spaniels, standard schnauzers, Staffordshire bull terriers, and similar sized breeds this house by Homefami will be just right.

They will feel cozy there and have enough space. Further, the dog house by Homefami is great for summer – vents in walls allow the airflow through, and the roof will protect your pet from the sun.

Similarly, a slightly elevated floor will prevent moisture from getting inside. But for winter you should look for other options because the Homefami house will not protect your dog from cold.

Cheap Portable Dog House For Small Dogs: Gumdung Tent House

Firstly, if you want an in-house dog crate for a small dog, Gumdung dog house might be just the right choice for you.

Secondly, this cute dog house will become your dog’s very own home. Similarly, it is easy to assemble and fold back if needed. While folded the tent takes little to no space.

“OneTouch Tent House” is made of cotton and polyester blend fabric. It is quite thick and durable yet soft and pleasant to the touch. It also has a bit of a warming effect.

Likewise, the tent comes with a cushion so that your dog can sleep comfortably in it. Moreover, you can roll the door up and fix it. But you can live it closed if your pet likes that.

Even with the closed door, there will be enough air for the dog in the tent. Likewise, the walls have sheer mesh windows that allow better ventilation.

This house is not very big: 19.69×19.69×17.72 inches. Therefore, it will be suitable for medium breeds like spaniels or beagles, and small dogs like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers.

Moreso, big dogs like labradors will not fit this tent. Also, this house will not be suitable for very active pups that tend to tear things apart – the kennel will not survive chewing and digging.

Budget Wooden Dog House With Stairs: Aivituvim

Firstly, the dog house by Aivituvin will be great for small dogs below 18 pounds. So if you have a Portuguese Podengo Pequenos or some smaller toy breed like Yorkshire terrier, this option will fit you well.

And since the Aivituvin dog house is very compact, you can easily find a stop for it indoors. Secondly, the Aivituvin house comes with a wire door you can close from the outside.

Thus, it can serve as a crate if you need to keep your dog within boundaries for a while. And if the pet is comfortable with the doors closed, the Aivituvin dog house will protect it from wild animals as well.

Extra Information

Firstly, the house by Aivituvin itself is not quite warm because the wood it’s made of is rather thin. But you can add heaters if you want to keep your dog outside in winter.

Similarly, the roof and walls are waterproof, and the floor is raised a bit to keep the house dry. Moreover, this two-floor house with a ladder will be great fun for your dog if it is not afraid to climb up.

Also, if you have a couple of pets, they can sleep on different levels. Thanks to the two-floor design, the Aivituvin house offers more space for playing.

Reviews suggest that the dog house by Aivituvin takes around 30 minutes to assemble. Therefore, you will not waste a lot of time and effort putting it together.

Budget Wooden Outdoor Dog House With Stairs: PetsJoy

Firstly, this dog house by PETSJOY is perfect for small dogs. Secondly, its internal height is 15 inches which will be suitable for breeds like pugs or Yorkshire terriers.

And since the overall size of this wooden dog house is quite small, it can be placed indoors as well as outdoors if you want your pet to have its own space in your yard.

Similarly, the dog house by PETSJOY is raised from the ground to keep the floor dry. Nonetheless, there is no insulation, so if you want your dog to stay warm on colder days, you might want to add heaters.

However, this wooden house will protect your pet from rain and wind. Further, once you assemble the PETSJOY dog house, you can’t remove any parts easily to clean it inside.

Although the walk-in opening is rather large for you to be able to reach inside. But it is less convenient than models with removable roofs and floors.

Nonetheless, the greatest thing about the PETSJOY dog house is that the manufacturer is ready to replace parts if they arrive broken.

Often the delivery service is not quite caring, so packages get stacked over each other and thrown. Therefore, customers receive their new items already broken.

Likewise, it’s good to know that if something like this happens to you, the manufacturer will come to the rescue.

Cheap Plastic Dog House For Outdoor Using: Pet Zone Cottage

Firstly, Pet Zone plastic house for dogs is quite large and can accommodate breeds like border collies, golden retrievers, and even german shepherds that are on a smaller side.

Likewise, this plastic house is well-ventilated and will keep your fluffy friend cool in the summer. Secondly, while the dog house by Jeeke is great for warm and hot days, it is not suitable for winter.

Moreover, it can protect the dog from the sun and rain, but it doesn’t have any insulation to protect the pet from cold. And even though the plastic seems to be quite durable, it’s unlikely that it will be able to handle additional heaters.

Therefore, this Jeeke dog house is suitable only for those who live in a warm climate or only for summer use. In other words, this plastic dog house comes with some fence-like door that we feel is more decorative than truly useful.

Hence, the dog will most likely break it if it wants to get outside. Consequently, that’s why this house by Jeeke can’t be used to keep the dog within the boundaries.

However, by assembling this plastic house, you will not spend much time. Since you don’t need any tools to put it up. Just attach the parts as shown in simple yet detailed instructions, and you’re good to go.

Cheap Dog House For Small and Medium Dogs: PetsJoy

Firstly, this wooden dog house comes in three sizes-small, medium, and large. Although the difference between them is insignificant.

Similarly, the measurements of small size are 28.5 inches for length, 30 for width, and 31 inches for height. Therefore, it will be suitable for labradors, german shepherds, and even Dobermans.

Likewise, the medium size’s measurements are 30.5 inches for length, 34.5 for width, and 34 inches for height. For instance, Dogs like mastiffs, Bernese mountain dogs, and rottweilers will feel comfy in the medium PETSJOY house.

Nonetheless, if your dog is even larger, check out the large size. Likewise, its measurements are 33 inches for length, 40 for width, and 34.5 inches for height.

Similarly, it’s not much larger, but sometimes even a half an inch can save the day. However, the floor of the PETSJOY dog house is raised from the floor, and both the roof and walls are waterproof.

Therefore, it will protect the pet from wind, rain, and cold. However, on colder days you might want to add heaters. Nonetheless, this wooden dog house is a bit tricky to assemble because sometimes pre-drilled holes don’t fit. So be ready to equip yourself with a drill and some patience.

Budget Wooden Indoor Dog House: Giantex

Firstly, the Giantex dog house is very cute and good-looking. Although it will be suitable only for small breeds like Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians.

Moreover, this wooden house is great for indoor use. Also, you can put it outside in the summer days if you like. However, consider that it is not waterproof – the wood will warp from moisture.

In other words, when it comes to assembling, the Giantex dog house is a hit or miss. Nonetheless, some customers have no issues with it. And some buyers receive the product with pre-drilled holes that are not aligned properly.

Therefore, they have to spend way more time trying to put the house by Giantex together, and there is no guarantee they will succeed.

Similarly, a lot of customers claim that both side planks and bars on the top balcony are not sturdy enough. Hence, an active dog can break them easily.

Also, the wood has splinters on it. Therefore, the dog can get harmed. So if you want to opt for this house by Giantex, get ready to put some extra work into removing the splinters and figuring out how to make the structure more sturdy.

Do You Need a Dog House?

Firstly, be mindful while opting for a dog house. Likewise, its dimensions and qualities will all matter. Consequently, it depends on the conditions where it’s going to be stationed and on your dog’s size, weight, and personal preferences.

Moreover, a puppy won’t feel comfortable and happy in a grown-sized- house for dogs. Secondly, choosing the right dog house is essential since your doggie will spend quite a lot of time just resting there, being lazy, or bored.

Likewise, it also matters if you are traveling, but we’ll talk about this below.

How does the right best dog houses look like?

Firstly, your dog should be able to change its position, sit, or turn around inside the dog house. Also, it should be able to do so without hitting its head anywhere.

Likewise, inside an apartment, a dog house can be a problem, especially if you have a big dog. In addition, a large kennel or dog house can be even dangerous during transportation with your dog inside it. 

Meanwhile, let’s try and decide on the dimensions now. So how long should it be? Thus, if you’ve got a big dog, like a Saint-Bernard, then the comfortable dimension will be as follows.

Firstly, the length is somewhere around 56 inches, secondly, the height around 28 inches, and lastly, the width around 24 inches. Such a large dog will be comfortable within such a space. Check the big dog house from Amazon.

On the other hand, if you’ve got a dog similar in size to a German shepherd, then the dog house length would be around 47 inches, the height around 19 inches, and the width around 19 inches.

Moreso, a dog house similar in dimensions will be suitable for a Dobermann, Dalmatian, and similar dogs. A bull-terrier, on the other hand, will require a dog house with a length of around 35.5 inches, a height of around 19 inches, and a width of around 19 inches.

A chow-chow or a bulldog will feel nice within such a space as well. Dog house dimensions for other dogs are determined in a similar fashion.

What to Consider Before the Purchase Dog House?

Firstly, Now there are a lot of different product variants on the market and therefore, in order not to get lost and make a mistake, you have to clearly understand which model you really want to have.

Similarly, the way a house for your pups looks will probably matter to you. Secondly, you can choose more traditional-looking options made of wood.

Moreover, you can choose a modern-looking plastic dog house or tent dog house products, or even get an igloo dog house.  Anyway, you would want it to be a good fit for your interior design or the architecture of your home in case you need an outdoor dog house.

While your pup probably wouldn’t care about the way his dwelling looks, the material does matter. Subsequently, here are the main things to consider to make sure your purchase will serve you well and make your four-legged friend happy:

• Firstly, Pay attention to the quality of materials from which the place is made for the dog – it should provide comfort, durability, and ease of care.
• Secondly, a dog house is quickly greased and soiled, so when choosing, give preference to models from which you can easily remove the covers to wash and dry them.
• Thirdly, choose a house with a coating of natural materials – it does not cause allergies and excludes electrification.
• Lastly, consider getting an insulated dog house for better durability.

Important Features To Consider

Size

Firstly, the bigger the dog house isn’t always better. Moreover, owners frequently don’t understand the idea behind the dog house, which is not to create fancy conditions for your dog to live in.

This is projecting your desires onto an animal. However, the idea behind the dog house is to create a recluse corner for the dog where it’ll cool down, warm up, and chill.

Secondly, bigger isn’t always better in this case. Moreso, outdoor dog houses are meant to keep the dog warm during cold weather, chilled during hotter times, and dry when it’s humid.

For example, having a big dog house, in winter, will force the dog’s body to give up more of their calories to heat the space as the dog is the only source of heat there.

Likewise, the dog will treat it as its exclusive point of territory and as a safe space. The only thing dogs need is to feel cozy and be able to rummage inside, turn around easily.

Meanwhile, measure your dog from the tail to the beginning of its nose, its height from the top of their shoulder blades to the ground; imagine the dog’s house dimensions.

Quality materials

Firstly, like with anything, quality matters here since you’re choosing a house for a living creature to reside in.

Secondly, depending on whether the dog house will be inside or outside, you’ll need to consider what kind of materials will constitute the house and its insulation characteristics. 

In addition, everything is a sight specific and depends on your needs. Further, the most common materials for dog houses are wood and plastic; sometimes, iron is used, but it’s less practical.

Similarly, the wood has to be water-resistant and not smell of any glue and such. Moreover, the roof has to be insulated to avoid leaking and rotting. The indoor house can be without insulation.

Nonetheless, do not opt for concrete blocks as they are a hassle to deal with. They will always be damp and impossible to clean or disinfect. Metal houses will be very cold in winter.

Fiberglass ones are easy to deal with but are very expensive. Don’t overdo it; just opt for materials that already work fine.

Since you don’t want to be buying or constructing the dog house every other year, plus your dog will want to feel reassured in their ‘point of control’, do invest in qualitative materials.

Natural Materials

Most importantly, natural doesn’t equal practical. The main focus points when choosing or evaluating dog house materials are their longevity, practicality, and comfort-inducing characteristics.

Indoor/outdoor location impacts the choice a lot but, either way, the materials have to be sturdy, durable, and non-toxic. Remember that ordinary, non-prepared, natural materials may crumble away quickly during freezing weather.

On the other hand, if they are soaked with too much-constructing liquids, they can excrete toxins during very hot weather. The dog house material has to be proofed but suitable for living inside its walls.

Air ventilation

Is the key feature that is directly linked to your dog’s feeling of comfort inside its dog house. The air will circulate depending on how it enters the house.

You will need to consider several options for ensuring proper ventilation in the doggie house. Remember that hot air always aims up while cool air remains closer to the ground.

The dog house door has to be just enough for the dog to comfortably enter its house. Don’t overdo with windows and holes. Create nickel-sized at the top of the dog house sides for air to circulate better but don’t get excited to avoid drafts.

Quickly greased and soiled

As we’ve mentioned above: go for regular materials. Plastic is the easiest to clean, although the wood is easy to maintain, too.

See if the dog house has options of opening one of its sections fully up to ease the cleaning process. Either way, there should be a comfortable way for you to do it so mind the schematics. 

The cleaning process is a no-brainer, so don’t worry about it. Just take the hose, dampen the house, sprinkle with baking soda.

Scrub all of the corners and sides with a toilet bowl brush and rinse it with the hose. You can buy a disinfectant or use a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar: water, rinse the insides, dry them clean, and viola!

Insulation

Of course, insulation matters when it comes to keeping the dog house dry and durable for a long period. It is also necessary to keep the dog house properly ventilated and the doggie comfortable.

However, depending on how naughty or sociable your doggie is, insulation may help with soundproofing, too. Meanwhile, the dog house can be fully insulated, as long as it has enough openings for decent air circulation.

Insulating liquids, VET, waterproof sound panels, sound barriers, and such may be used to both insulate and enhance soundproofing if your dog tends to get noisy. Mind these nuances while checking or building a dog house.

Better durability

We’re are not set on talking you out of building your DIY dog house. If you’re set on doing it out of principle, then go for it.

However, building a decent house for your dog in its DIY version will not save you that much. Meanwhile, it will require much effort and time to assemble correctly, which you could have spent on work or some other activity.

Ready-made dog houses save you time, money, and health because choosing a proper schematic, proper materials, and proper assembly is a lot of stress.

Dog housing brands are specialists in what they do; their options have been created with the dogs’ interests in mind and tested. They are safer and more thought-through, so just let it go and let the pros do their job.

Portability

Depending on the needs and the size of your dog, keep in mind that transporting a dog house can become an issue. Notably, a medium-sized dog house simply won’t fit into an average passenger car.

Mind the size and weight and the necessity to transport the dog house to choose the right option.

Remember that the dog house has to keep the dog from being thrown around inside during transportation, too, so space has to be optimal and safe.

Assembly required

If you’re not good at crafts and visualizing, you may need help from a specialist to assemble the dog house for you.

If you opt for a DIY version and the hardware store is not close by, then you will spend additional costs on gas just getting there. Be mindful and rational about such moments. 

Porches, windows, doors

There are no boundaries to perfection. If you want to, you may buy or create a real ‘house’ for your dog with different architectural decisions.

Just remember that any additional space or openings will impact ventilation and heat conditions, you want any drafts or your dog being cold.

We hope that you’ve found our friendly guides for choosing a dog house useful. Be sure to leave us a comment and share your stories or tips and tricks about choosing the right house for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to place a house for a dog house

A house for a dog is a place where a pet should feel safe. To place a dog’s place is necessary so that on the one hand it is at a secluded corner of the apartment. Moreover, it has to be away from the ways of frequent movement of household members.

At the same time, most dogs feel uncomfortable if they cant observe what is happening in the apartment. So arrange the house so that the pet provides the necessary overview.

Moreover, do not put the dog’s place near the batteries of electrical appliances at the entrance door and next to the balcony.

To protect your pet even more – give preference to the igloo dog house. This product is almost completely closed which allows you to feel the pet secure its place.”

How to accustom a dog to a house

Say you have just brought a puppy to your house, found a nice dog house for sale, and now need to teach the pup it would be his place in your house. Immediately, the puppy eats, plays enough, and starts to sleep in the corner he likes, takes it to the house, and say- “place”.

He will try to escape but you will repeat your actions again. Stroke it when the puppy calms down. Remember that the place for a dog is its inviolable zone.

An adult dog as a rule should be easy to accustom to this item. Do not drag the pet to the house forcibly – the dog needs time to get used to the new place.

In case the dog categorically refuses to settle in the house think – perhaps it is in the wrong place, has an uncomfortable design or irritating the dog’s skin material.”

Where to buy a house for your little friend

You can buy it at a pet store but the choice there is usually limited. Online stores offer a richer assortment of dog houses for sale.

You can also order the item you liked on the manufacturer’s website. Those who want to have an exclusive thing can buy a house made to order.

There is another option – to buy a used house but keep in mind that this house must be thoroughly disinfected and treated from parasites before inviting a dog to it.

If you are a happy owner of this product for your small friend then you have a number of advantages.

Especially, in comparison with those dog owners who keep their animals in an open space. You will feel much better knowing that your dog has a reliable warm place for winter.