Our favorite cartoon pooch Snoopy is known to lie on top of his dog house. But for many dogs, a house is a retreat, a place to enjoy quiet and shelter away from the outside world. That’s why it’s important to consider the best dog houses on the market to keep your best friend feeling safe and comfortable.
To create this type of space, you will need a dog house that opens from only one side and is the right size for your dog. A house that is too big won’t provide the security that your dog craves. Also, it could leave your dog feeling too cold in the winter months. On the other hand, a house that’s too small might be too tight for comfort.
Does My Dog Need a House?
The need for a dog house is dependent on how your dog lives. If your dog spends most of its time indoors, you aren’t likely to have much of a need for one. However, outdoor dogs will need shelter from the weather and elements, and they are perfect candidates for a doggy home. Continue reading to learn our top picks for dog houses!
What Are the Best Dog Houses?
Like all dog-related products, there are many different options to choose from when you start your search for a dog house. However, the best dog houses are a little harder to determine. For that reason, we have done some research and testing to determine the best one available. Here are our top 5 choices!
If you are looking for the best all-around dog house, look no further than the Petsfit Wooden Dog House. This house offers both indoor shelter and a covered outdoor space for your dog to lounge outside without being in direct sunlight. In addition, we love that this house has a removable floor, which makes clean-up a breeze, and a lift-up top that allows you access to your pet from above.
The Petsfit Wooden Dog House is both cute and functional. It features a window in the front that lets your dog look outside and feel a breeze without rain coming into the house. With a flap over the door, your dog is further protected from the elements. You can also purchase an optional insulation kit if you live in a cold climate.
Made from naturally insect-repellant cedar planks, this house comes in three different colors: light grey, red, and yellow and white. And with five different sizes to choose from, there is a version for every dog (and owner!).
The Good
- Easy to clean
- Insect-repelling cedar construction
- Available in 5 sizes
The Bad
- Insulation kit sold separately
If you are looking for a beautiful dog house inspired by a log cabin, look no further than the Arf Frame Dog House. This house looks like a rustic cabin, and while we love the natural wood, it can also be purchased in pink. As far as set-up goes, this is one of the easiest dog houses to set up that we have found.
While beautiful, we also like the versatility of this house. It comes in four different sizes. The extra small size is great for dogs up to 15 pounds, small is perfect for up to 30 pounds, medium houses dogs up to 50 pounds, and large fits dogs up to 80 pounds. Unfortunately, extra-large dogs might not fit in even the largest option.
One of the major cons to the Arf Frame Dog House is that the dog opening is rather large and unprotected, meaning that wind and rain could be a problem for your pooch.
The Good
- Easy to construct
- Available in 4 sizes
The Bad
- Dogs must weigh less than 80 pounds
- No covering over the door
If you are looking for a show-stopping house for your favorite pooch, the Boomer & George Large Dog House Lodge might be right up your alley. With a grand porch, your dog will have plenty of space to relax inside and outside its new home.
This house was specifically designed for small- to medium-sized dogs, so it won’t be a viable option for those with larger breeds. In addition, many dog owners have expressed frustration with this due to the product’s name.
This dog house is built out of solid wood and stands 5 inches off the ground with steps. This design is intended to keep snow and rain away from the door of the house. A window also allows for proper ventilation when it is warm outside.
The Good
- Elevated off the ground
- Keeps snow and rain away from entrance
The Bad
- Designed for small and medium dogs
Coming in second, we selected the Indigo Dog House with Microban. The classic igloo shape of this house from Petmate helps keep germs away from your furry friend while still keeping your pet comfortable no matter the weather. The design of this house was explicitly created to keep dogs safe from wind, rain, and snow.
The Indigo Dog House comes in three different sizes to accommodate a wider variety of dogs, and the raised floor is sure to keep your pet safe and dry. In addition, we loved that this dog home was super easy to assemble.
We rated the Petmate Indigo Dog House with Microban one of the best dog houses for winter due to its igloo design. It is sure to keep your pooch warm.
The Good
- Protection from the elements
- Available in 3 sizes
- Microban coating prevents bacterial growth
The Bad
- Entrance isn't covered
Large breed dogs need a house that is built to accommodate their large frames. The Suncast DH350 Dog House is the perfect option for dogs up to 100 pounds. Its resin frame is incredibly durable, and the floor features a crowned design that adds additional structural support while keeping your pooch off the ground for added warmth.
This dog house has vents that provide adequate airflow for your pooch, while the vinyl doors prevent water and wind from being a problem when the weather is bad. However, this is our favorite choice for the best dog house for the summer. The vinyl door flaps can be removed and the windows left open to keep your dog cool on those hot summer days. So, if you are looking for the best dog house for hot weather, you have found it!
The snap-together design makes it a breeze to construct the Suncast DH350 Dog House, and owners love that the roof can be removed for easy cleaning.
The Good
- Easy to assemble
- No problem to clean
- Plenty of ventilation
The Bad
- Not insulated against the cold
- Dog must weigh less than 100 pounds
Choosing the Best Dog Houses
While we at Bone & Yarn have our favorite dog abodes, which we have already shared with you, it is important to note that there are a few different factors to consider when selecting a house for your dog.
The best dog house for your dog will need to meet certain criteria based on your dog’s size and needs.
First, you need to measure out the proper size. You want a place that your dog can completely fit inside. To find the correct size, measure your dog from head to paw and add between two and four inches to allow your dog to stand up in the house. Then, measure from your dog’s nose to the base of its tail and add another two to four inches. This will tell you the size of the house your pooch will need.
Second, you need a proper level of insulation, and this will depend on the climate in your area. Also, consider the material the house is built from. You need something that will hold up to the elements that your dog could face. This space should be like a den for your dog when it is outdoors.
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