After 40 hours spent researching the best dog houses, we think PawHut Wooden Cabin Style Elevated Dog House is the best for most people.
This choice is based on several criteria: brand, type, color, dimensions, material, capacity, floor design, entry, entry dimensions, window, weather proof, durable, easy to assemble, weight, and warranty, among other things.
| Product | Price | Overall Rating | Quality | Durability | Appearance | Maintenance | Value for Money | brand | type | color | dimensions | material | capacity | floor design | entry | entry dimensions | window | weather proof | durable | easy to assemble | weight | warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PawHut Wooden Cabin Style Elevated Dog House | Check Price | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | PawHut | Cabin style | Brown, black trim | 63.5 x 59 x 39.25 in | Fir wood | 176 lbs (house), 110 lbs (deck) | Raised floor | 2 doors (vinyl curtain) | 12.75 x 18.5 in | Side window | Yes | Yes | Yes | 93.5 lbs | 1 year |
| Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Dog House | Check Price | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Petsfit | Slanted style | Grey / Red / Yellow, white trim | 45.7 x 31.9 x 30.7 in | Cedar wood, plastic | Up to 75 lbs | Raised floor | Open door | 15 x 21.7 in | None | Yes | Yes | Yes | 59.5 lbs | 1 year |
| Rockever Weatherproof Insulated Wood Dog House | Check Price | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Rockever | Slanted style | Brown | 45.5 x 26.5 x 32.8 in | Cedar wood | Up to 80 lbs | Raised floor | Open door | 13 x 20 in | Side window | Yes | Yes | Yes | 60 lbs | 1 year |
 | ASL Solutions Palace Insulated Dog House | Check Price | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | ASL Solutions | Barn style | Grey | 47.5 x 38.5 x 31.5 in | Plastic, foam | Not specified | Raised & sloped floor | Self-closing door | 15.5 x 18 in | None | Yes | Yes | Yes | 25 lbs | 10 years |
 | Petmate Aspen Pet Ruff Hauz Dog House | Check Price | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Petmate | Cabin style | Brown | 38.5 x 31 x 34 in | Wood, plastic | Up to 90 lbs | Raised floor | Open door | Not specified | None | Yes | Yes | Yes | 19.23 lbs | 1 year |
As long as it’s the best dog house, being in the “dog house” isn’t so bad; for your dog at least.
Man’s best friend deserves the same sense of safety and security from their house that you get from yours.
You love your dog. You bought them an automatic dog ball launcher to keep them entertained, a dog bed and dog blanket to keep them cozy, and a dog anxiety jacket to calm them during thunder storms. You and your puppy pal even use that dog bike trailer every weekend when you go bike riding.
Being a good dog owner is just as much about having fun as it is taking care of your canine. This includes regular grooming and cleaning using special dog shampoo and dog conditioner. And to make both your lives that much easier, that dog nail grinder was a great purchase.
Clearly, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for your dog, even if that means the hard stuff, such as having to spray dog repellent around the garden so they won’t dig, using a dog cone or dog muzzle, or worse, that time you had to give Fido a dog laxative. However, even during these hard times, your dog still loves you. Next to their dog bowl and dog water bottle, surely you’re their favorite.
Your dog shares your heart and your home, but getting them their own house is a step up from a dog crate.
For all the things you already do for your dog, try adding a dog house to the list.
Selection Of The Best Dog Houses
Here are the best dog houses for most people according to Outlinist:
Best Dog House Buying Guide
Size
The first thing you’ll want to determine when purchasing a house for your dog is size. This will immediately narrow down your options. The best dog house for small dogs will differ from the best ones for large dogs.
Your dog should be able to lie down and turn around comfortably in their house. You don’t want to leave too much extra room, though. Remember that less confident and anxious dogs only require just enough space; too much will make them nervous.
Shape
The best dog house designs are classic, igloo, and canopy shaped. While picking the “cutest” design is an option, it’s most likely not what your dog wants or needs.
Consider the climate: classic shapes are durable and meant for any season. Igloo shaped models are also ideal during the winter months and can withstand high winds. Lastly, the canopy is one of the best dog houses for hot weather. It provides a shaded area for your dog to enjoy outside the house as well.
Wood vs. Plastic
It’s difficult to determine the best dog house design when wood and plastic both come with their own pros and cons. When choosing a wood house for your dog, consider that it will be better insulated, and more heavy duty, meaning it won’t blow over during a simple storm.
On the other hand, plastic can be very durable, just much more lightweight. There are more choices for different shapes with plastic houses, they are easy to clean, and plastic won’t absorb odors the way wood does.
Door
Not all dog houses come with a door. Many just have a large opening. Consider what your pup needs for their house.
A door can complete the look of a house, but its primary function is to keep the elements out and the warmth in. Depending on where you place it, you may want a door on the side versus the center. If you decide on a door, be sure your dog can get in and out with ease.
Ventilation
Whether you’re looking for the best dog house for snow or the best dog house for summer, the house needs ventilation. Ventilation keeps your dog cool when it’s hot out and warm when it’s cool, so that you don’t have to install a dog cooling pad or heater.
A dog house with good ventilation will have small slots or a window near the top for airflow. A house without a door can also provide ventilation, but lacks protection from bad weather.
Indoor / Outdoor Use
A dog house that is suitable for indoors can be a step up from a dog crate. These are typically used for small to medium sized dogs and would not be the best dog house for large dogs.
For indoors, consider using a dog house for your small to medium sized dog which has 4 solid walls, opposed to the open wire of a crate. The privacy and enclosed space can help your dog feel less anxious and more secure while you’re away.
Roof
The dog house roof can be an important determining factor when purchasing a dog house, because in some ways the right dog house may even double as a dog playpen – or at least a play structure.
For a dog house with more play space, choose one with a flat roof so that your dog may also lie on top of the house as well as inside. For the best dog houses for big dogs, choose one with a slanted “V” shaped roof for more space inside.
Assembly
Your dog house shouldn’t be the most difficult thing you ever assemble. Some will include straightforward instructions and can be put together with only a few simple tools.
If you’re not handy at all, or you don’t own many tools, you might want to consider purchasing a dog house with pre-drilled holes or pieces that snap into place. This will truly save you time on the construction side of things. Just be sure you’re not jeopardizing the durability.
Collapsible
When shopping around, you might also consider a dog house that is collapsible. A collapsible dog house can provide a little extra, make-shift shade in the summer. On the other hand, if you’re surrounded by snow for half the year, a collapsible dog house allows you to take it down and store it for the winter.
A collapsible dog house is also convenient for camping trips. Like your tent, this can provide your dog with safety and security even in the great outdoors.
Insulation
If you’re looking for the best dog house for winter, think insulation. The thickness of all 4 walls is important to heat retention, but the floor/bottom of the dog house actually plays a large role as well.
A dog house with good insulation, that will keep your dog warm in cold weather, will have a thicker floor or raised floor. Look for this feature in a dog house to keep them up off the cold ground.
Bedding Included
It is important to make your dog house as comfortable as possible for your pup. This starts by making sure they have bedding.
A comfy house begins with the right bedding. Some houses might include bedding, which is beneficial to have a little extra safety, security, comfort, and warmth for your pup. For those that do not come with bedding, make sure the house that you choose is big enough to accommodate a bed inside.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning up after your dog is a process, but if you thought a dog pooper scooper was as easy as it gets for cleaning up their “business”, your dog house should be even easier.
There’s no doubt your dog house will get messy. So, when it comes time for cleaning, keep in mind that a dog house of plastic can be easily sprayed down with a hose and left to dry. Wooden dog houses don’t clean as easily and may absorb water if not sealed properly.
Power Capabilities
What would a house be without a little electricity? Sometimes your dog house needs a little more. The best dog house design for cold weather is one that is ready to be attached to a power source so you can install a fan, heater, or other dog house accessories.
Look for houses with adapters and other indicators that it is equipped and designed to utilize power. Be sure that the wires are safely hidden, especially if the dog is a chewer. You don’t want to have to rely on dog anti-chew spray to prevent disaster.
Number of Dogs
Your dog house doesn’t have to be for just one dog, there are models suitable for multiple dogs. It might be challenging to find a dog house suitable for multiple large dogs, but for multiple small to medium-sized dogs, an X-large dog house should do the trick.
These dog houses for two are available, while there are also add-ons, such as a dog gate that you could add to make a single dog house compatible for two.
Covered Area
If there’s one thing your outdoor dog needs, its shade – especially in the summer. For a little extra shade and space to stay cool, choose a dog house with a covered porch area or canopy.
An external feature on the house for shade allows dogs to relax outside their house, but still near enough to it. For dogs that live outside, the best dog house will have a porch to nap on in the summer and a warm, well-insulated inside for cold winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need a dog house?
Your dog needs food. They also need water, and an occasional bath. Do all dogs need a dog house? Not necessarily, but they do like a space to call their own.
For outside dogs, yes, your pup needs a dog house. They must have an adequate shelter to protect them from the elements and provide them safety and security. For mostly indoor dogs, a dog house is optional; you know what your dog needs.
My dog won’t sleep in their dog house, what should I do?
The first time you assemble your dog’s new house, they might not be the most excited to try it out. Like anything novel, a new house is foreign to them, so it might take some encouraging before they choose to sleep in it.
After you’ve made sure the house is the right fit, stay close by. Your dog likes to be reassured that you’re near at all times. You may also try some positive reinforcement with treats. Sooner or later they’ll be sleeping cozily in their new house.
Will my dog use their house when it rains?
Dogs typically will prefer not use their dog house outside when it rains, which is no surprise – would you like to sleep outside when it’s wet and rainy?
For outside dogs, however, the whole point of having a house is to provide shelter, particularly in bad weather. It’s best to introduce a dog to a new house when it’s young. Older dogs accustomed to sleeping indoors may view a house as punishment, while younger pups will adopt it as their den.
How do I get my dog to share the dog house?
Even dogs don’t always know how to share naturally. Sharing toys, sharing food, sharing you, is no easy task to learn, and sharing their dog house is no different.
If you have two or more dogs that need to share the same dog house, it might take some getting used to. Use treats to encourage and reward sharing, while also keeping a close eye on your pets at all times. If over-guarding behavior is exhibited by one dog, seek professional positive reinforcement training.
Is a dog house safe?
In short, yes; a dog house is designed to be safe for your dog. The important part is that you play your role in ensuring that it’s safe.
Part of the safety of a dog house comes from how well it was assembled, thanks to you; the safety and security of its location, thanks to you; and how well it protects your dog from the outside environment; also thanks to you. Be sure to follow assembly instructions carefully and be mindful when setting up your dog’s new home.
Sources
- 15 Solar-Powered Doghouses Inspired by the Solar Decathlon, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Sep 26, 2017
- Dog house, Library of Congress, Dec 13, 1957
- 5 Great Tips On Building A Dog House, Academia
- Doghouse, Wikipedia
- Building the Ideal Dog House, Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine, Aug 4, 2015
- How to Build a Doghouse - YouTube, YouTube, Apr 12, 2011
- 17 Free DIY Dog House Plans Anyone Can Build, The Spruce Pets, Nov 25, 2018
- How to Build a Simple Gabled-Roof Doghouse, DIY Network
- Build a Dog House, Lowe's
- Dog Houses: Large to Small Dog Houses & Igloos, Petco
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