Best 10 Dog Houses
As Of June 2022
We did the
Best Overall Dog House
- Keep your pup safe rain or shine with the weatherproof design
- Assemble it in minutes without any tools
- Save money and don’t buy another when your pet grows, fits small and large-sized dogs
- Hassle-free cleaning of your dog mess due to non-absorbent plastic
Ideal For Environmental Footprint
- Drain any fluids from inside with the grooved interior
- Your pet feels comfortable thanks to the side ventilation grids
- Eco-friendly build for the conscious pet owner with 100% recyclable materials
- Stays dry even during heavy rain as it has a gabled roof
Top Choice for Indoor Dog House
- Make your pet’s sleep more relaxed and soft with the included dog bed
- Throw the removable tent fabric in the washer when it gets dirty
- Place it anywhere indoors or outdoors for your dog to nap in it
- Customise by writing your dog’s name on the chalkboard
Minimal Assembly Needed
- Have the inside insulated through the raised floor
- Shade your pet from the sun thanks to its UV-resistant design
- No need to replace it for years as it is a heavy-duty resin build
- Don’t choose between smells and your dog with this odourless pet house
Ideal Choice For Waterproof Design
- No leaking thanks to the sloped roof that is covered with green mineral felt
- Your dog stays away from drafts year-round as it has an offset door
- Help your pup stay warm and cosy thanks to a raised base
- Clean up the interior with ease by removing the roof
Ideal for Both Indoor and Outdoor Use
- Protect your dog from heat strokes thanks to side and back vents
- Rinse with no effort thanks to the washable plastic design
- From puppy to old, one house for all of your dog’s different sizes
- No extra heating needed with the insulated raised floor
Ideal For Large Dogs
- Keep your dog dry due to raised floors and side moats
- Eliminate odours and stains with the microban antimicrobial protection
- Let fresh air in through the roof’s vents for better circulation
- Protect your pet from winds and rain as it has offset doors
Made from Quality Materials
- Help your pup from slipping with the anti-slip cushion
- Your doggie will enjoy playing and sleeping in the tent
- Move around without trouble thanks to its lightweight design
- Decorate the rest of the room creatively as it has a neutral coloured fabric
Best Option For All Weather Conditions
- Cut heat loss in half thanks to the double walls lined with styrofoam
- Protect your door flap from all seasons by using the transparent curtain blinds
- Block out the cold with this heat-insulated dog house
- Keep your dog warm as it has height-adjustable fee
Ideal Indoor Choice for Small Dogs
- Keep your pooch closeby when you’re working in your office
- Take it along with you on your next trip as it’s super portable
- Install in 5 minutes without any tools
- Give your pet more security with its enclosed zippered entrance
The Perfect Puppy Paradise For Your Four-Legged Family Member
Owning a dog is like being a parent to a child. You have to buy them toys and gifts and practical things to feed, shelter and clothe them. Dog owners pride themselves on how they treat their best friends. What good is it, though, if your four-legged pup is sleeping outside unsheltered? Or if you don’t have a cushioned bed for it? Well, dog houses can add comfort and shelter to your puppy. You can spoil it to the max and let it enjoy the outside world without fear of changing weather.
Our buying guide shares with you the best dog houses that are high-quality enough to be a mansion for your pet. If you consider your dog as part of the family, you will buy the best for it.
Think of yourself too after a busy day at work. What’s the first thing that you want to do when you walk inside your house? To get more comfortable and laze around! Your pup wants the same thing after a full day of running around the house or the garden!
Why Does Your Dog Need A Dog House?
Buying your dog an outdoor dog house can keep them safe from shifting weather conditions. A kennel (alternative name) is a weather-resistant house that your dog can spend a lot of time in, especially during the colder months.
But a dog house is not only used outdoors. You can have one indoors, too, as a place for your pup to have some privacy to sleep. You can put a food tray inside for your dog to eat without intrusive eyes looking over it. Some dogs feel secure enough to wander around the house and not return to their own space. But some dogs like the smaller chihuahuas often hide away under your desk or sofa. That’s because they don’t have anywhere else to go. Their pet bed solves that problem!
Dogs enjoy a space that holds their body heat close to them but is also big enough for them to adjust in. They like to wag their tail and stand up after a while of laying around, so you should make sure you buy the right choice for them. Take some time and measure your dog so that you can find the best dog house for it. We put together the top features to look out for before buying, so keep reading below!
1. Size
Picking the right size for your furry friend is the most important thing. The dimensions of the dog house should be large enough to fit your puppy when it’s small-sized but also when it’s reached full growth. That way, you won’t have to spend extra money to buy another one when you realise that it doesn’t fit anymore in the smaller one.
Even if you can’t picture it now, your little pup will grow eventually. You don’t want it to have to bend its head to go through the door. You want it to be as relaxed and as comfortable as possible in its own home. A large dog house might sound like a splurge, but it will be a great long-term buy. Each breed has its growth potential so keep that in mind. A Saint Bernand can’t fit in the same home as a Bichon Frise. It’s better to know that ahead of time than to learn it the hard way.
You should also remember that a dog kennel should be large enough to allow turning, standing up and possibly have enough space for bedding, toys and a food tray.
2. Material
The material can make or break (literally!) your pet’s home. It’s one of those top items to look out for when buying one. Each different material type has its pros and cons. The options to pick from are wood, plastic, metal or cotton fabric.
Looking for a cheap option that doesn’t have high maintenance? Go for plastic. Want reliable weather protection and a real log cabin feel? Wood is for you! Don’t plan on using it outdoors? A metal dog house could be your pet companion’s dog bed. Want a combined play area? Buy a pet teepee! There is a summary of each material’s positives and negatives below, so if you’re interested in learning more, scroll further down.
3. Roof Type
The roof of your dog home keeps your furry friend dry and protected from cold weather. It also helps contain the heat inside. A solid roof over your head is something any breathing organism wants. Different kinds of roof types have functionality and durability in mind.
Flat roofs are usually slanted a bit from the front to the back to drain without pooling at the top. Gabled roofs are quite common and form by having two sides meet in the middle. The joined two sides create a top, and water trickles down much faster instead of staying on the roof. Gabled roofs are a more traditional type of roof found on wood dog houses.
No matter what roof type you pick, you should look at what protective coating is on it. Most have asphalt or wood shingles. Some have textured mineral felt, which is standard on garden roofing as a water-resistant finish. A nice added feature to look for in roofing is the ability to detach it. Detachable roofs make cleaning the interior much easier.
4. Floor Type
A raised floor can improve the overall insulation of the dog house. That means that your furry friend will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s best to have an elevated floor for your pet’s home to prevent dampening. Another reason is to protect your pup from ticks and other insects that are crawling on the grass. Some have height-adjustable feet that also make it easier for smaller dogs to climb inside.
Wood flooring is the most popular type, but one of its biggest limitations is it’s not anti-slip. This could lead to potential slips because of your dog’s paws. Another thing to remember with wood is that it can lead to rotting when exposed to humid temperatures. You could avoid this by lifting the base on top of some stone or brick blocks.
A removable floor is another bonus to look for because it makes maintenance and cleaning hassle-free! Removable flooring helps clean any built-up dog mess that you would otherwise have a hard time reaching.
5. Bedding
Proper bedding is a necessity for your pet’s cosy sleep. Not only does bedding keep your dog warm, but it also keeps it safe from insects crawling directly on its skin. You can use pretty much anything as bedding, but some dog houses even come with a removable and washable cushion. Ticks can’t stick through a thick piece of cushion easily, which makes them an excellent option. Want to find out more? Read more about bedding in the sections below!
6. Ventilation
Ventilation is key when your buddy is taking a nap in their kennel. Good ventilation improves overall airflow. Side, front and back vents are great features to improve air circulation. This makes it better for your dog to stay inside for long hours. It’s the same thing as keeping your furry friend stuck inside a car with no window open when it’s burning hot outside. It can be very dangerous. A dog’s thick coat of hair makes it sweat a lot.
7. Cost
The cost can add up if you want your four-legged companion to be living the luxury life. If you want to have a mega-mansion of a dog house for your dog, you should know that it could cost up to £2000. But don’t worry! There are much cheaper options out there.
A budget-friendly outdoor option doesn’t have to be more than £30-50. You can find more expensive ones with better heating and ventilation for over £100-300. Indoor kennels that are tent-shaped are usually inexpensive and cost up to £40 and come in many colours.
What material should you choose for your dog house?
The type of material you choose for your dog house makes a difference in the longevity of your dog bed. Some materials can rot fast, others break if mishandled and some even rust. Take some time to look at the options available that will have your puppy jumping up and down in joy!
Wooden Dog House
A wooden dog house is the most popular type of material. It has better insulation and weather protection. Your doggie will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also has a real log cabin feel. Not to mention it’s also a very low budget choice!
If you didn’t know, wood holds very well against humid weather. There are three types of wood available: cedar, pine or fir wood. Wooden dog houses have a non-toxic finish. It’s a better choice for your pup because it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals. The one negative is that wood attracts bugs and fleas. Picking the right kind of wood (cedar) will stop that.
Plastic Dog House
Plastic dog houses are easy to lift because they don’t weigh as much. They are low maintenance and cheap and don’t need a protective coating. Plastic doesn’t rot and is very easy to clean. All you need is a cloth and a hose!
The one downside is that plastic dog houses don’t have enough insulation, usually. You would have to buy some heating or add bedding to keep your pup comfortable and warm.
Metal Dog House
A metal dog kennel is a small see-through crate. These are best for indoor spaces because they are open all around. Your doggie would not feel warm if you put this type outdoors. They don’t offer protection from the sun or rain, so you should use this as a napping bed. They are not that expensive because of their size. One negative to these is that their frame is either aluminium or steel, which rusts over time.
Teepee Tent
A teepee tent is an indoor pet tent that your dog can use for fun or sleep. These are unique because they have the shape of an Indian tent. Teepee tents have a canvas covering and tie up at the top with three wooden poles. These are water-resistant but not waterproof. They are used indoors and are not ideal for the outdoors. You could place them outdoors but only for a short period and under a covered roof.
What’s nice about these is that they are low budget and come in many colours to match the rest of your home. They are also not heavy, so that you can move them around. A con to these is that they are not ideal for large dogs because they don’t come in too big sizes.
How To Choose The Right Size For Your Dog house?
Size matters. A big dog can’t fit in a dog bed designed for a chihuahua. Check your dog’s dimensions to pick the right size for it. For height, go for a minimum of 22cm taller than your dog’s height. For length, a reasonable threshold is your dog’s length plus 45cm. For width, 30cm wider than your pup is enough space for it to move around in.
But remember! The bigger is not always, the better. Your pet wants to feel safe and secure in their own home. A small and cosy space will make them feel at ease. A space that is too large might be hard to sell to your best friend.
Before you buy your pet’s kennel, you can always practice by building a cardboard model to see if your dog fits. And one more thing to remember? Animals, like people, grow in size. Buy not just for today, but also for tomorrow.
Where Should You Place a Dog House?
Don’t know what the best location is for your outdoor or indoor dog kennel? Location is key and you should first decide if you will place it inside or outside. We’ve added up some tips to help you understand the difference between an indoor and outdoor dog house.
Indoor Dog House
If you plan on putting your dog bed indoors, you are lucky that most indoor ones are very light and portable. Their lightweight helps you place them anywhere in the house. You don’t have to worry about where your pup is when you’re working in the office anymore!
Some dog houses have tent shapes with removable cushions to take off and put wherever you want. That way, you can store the rest of the tent in a permanent place and bring your pup with you to other rooms.
Outdoor Dog House
If you buy an outdoor dog house, there are some tips you should keep in mind about where you should place it. Here are some do’s and don’ts to remember.
- You should place the house in a shaded area that stays cool all year round.
- A shaded kennel lasts longer because it’s not out, rain or shine.
- Keep the door of the dog house away from the direction of the wind to protect your pup.
- Place it at the back of the garden so that your dog can run around with enough space.
- Keep it away from surfaces that aren’t heat-resistant in the summer.
- Keep it away from muddy areas in the winter. Nobody wants muddy paws on the new carpet!
What Can You Use For Bedding In Your Dog House?
Bedding is essential for your dog to snuggle in and be cosy. You can use many things as bedding, and you won’t have to spend a lot of money. We recommend buying a dog bed that is thick enough to warm your pup up. If you don’t want to pay extra on bedding, you can always pick up an old blanket, towel or bedsheets to use. This type of bedding is environmentally-friendly, too, because you’re recycling and repurposing household items.
Another excellent option is a rug you no longer want to use because it stays in place and doesn’t make your dog slip. Wood chips are a great cheap alternative that also protects your pup from fleas and bugs. They’re also well insulated. Wood shavings are much better than wood chunks because they are better to lay on when sleeping. One thing to know about wood chips is that they are scented, which promotes odourless dog houses. But your pup might not like that, so check up on it regularly.
As a last resort, a newspaper is an okay option to lay on the floor. It’s not as sturdy as the rest and will probably come apart after one use. One positive? Newspapers are very absorbent. You can clean up any dog mess with them and then throw them out.
How Can You Keep Your Dog House Warm In Winter?
There are many tips for keeping your dog house warm in the winter. You don’t want your puppy freezing in the colder months. Shelter the house as much as possible. If you have a garage, you can even place it there.
A height-adjustable base can improve insulation that keeps your doggie warm. A vinyl door is a great way to keep the heat in and support the door from wind and rain. Finally, a warm and fuzzy blanket or bedding type can add more heat to the floor. If you are a proud pup parent going that extra mile and adding heating would keep your dog toasty.
How Can You Keep Your Dog House Cool In Summer?
Keep your dog bed in a shaded area over the summertime for the most cooling experience. Outdoor dog houses are out in the sun at all times, so if you have some shade in your garden, put it there. Picking a model that has air vents will prevent your dog from getting a heat stroke. If you want to give your pup some luxury, a portable air conditioner would be a fancy investment.
Looking for a fun idea that is new to you? Dog cooling beds! These dog beds let you place ice packs inside the bed to keep your pet’s thick fur cool even on high heat days. If you can’t afford one, you could always elevate your regular dog bedding to let air through underneath.
Final Thoughts
Dog owners can bring a deluxe experience for any breed of furry friend they have. A new dog house is your pup’s weather-resistant own home. Perfect for indoor and outdoor lounging, your small dog or large one will love it.
A pet house is your doggie’s best option to sleep comfortably inside or outside. We’re sure you enjoyed reading this buying guide! Find all the answers to your questions and make your pooch wag his tail!