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Don’t find yourself in the dog house because you’re not giving your dog adequate shelter. If your pup spends a lot of time outside, he needs protection from rain, wind, snow, and sun. A sturdy, high-quality dog house can offer a place to stay safe from all the elements. Learn about the best dog houses, including luxury and budget options.
| Winner | Runner-Up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Petsfit Wooden Dog House | Petmate Precision Extreme | Petmate Indigo |
Top 3 Dog Houses
I’ve chosen these top picks based on several factors: quality of construction, protective features, customer reviews, pricing, and more. Note that the size of a dog house depends on your dog’s measurements. There should be enough room for your dog to comfortably stand up and turn around without hitting their head or bumping into the sides. Finding the best dog house will depend on your dog’s needs, the space you have, and your budget.
Winner: Petsfit Outdoor Wooden Dog House Review
Petsfit Dog House is our top choice for the best dog house overall and the best dog house for hot weather. You can quickly remove the floor for easy cleaning and open the roof for ventilation during warm months. It’s also an excellent option for many types of weather — when the roof is on and you have the door flap installed, it protects your dog from rain, snow, and sun.
Petsfit’s house is made of solid wood and stainless steel hardware, so it’s sturdy for the harshest elements. Most customers say it’s easy to set up with pre-drilled holes. It’s available in three colors and two sizes to meet many pet parents’ needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made of high-quality wood and stainless steel | Largest size may be too snug for dogs over 90 lbs |
| Easy assembly | Some users said they needed to apply a coating to the wood (especially in high-humidity locations) |
| Can open roof for ventilation | |
| Removable floor for easy cleaning | |
| Raised floor off the ground | |
| Optional door flap for added protection from elements | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
Runner-Up: Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Review
This solid wood dog house is an attractive option to complement any yard. The materials are high-quality and stand up to the elements. We like that it already comes with a sealed coating on the wood (unlike our top pick). The offset door can give your dog room to shelter from wind and rain. However, it doesn’t come with a door flap. The spacious interior also makes this our top pick for large dogs. But it comes in four sizes in case you have a small dog who doesn’t need as much space.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with solid wood with a sealed protective coating | It doesn’t have a removable floor and can’t open the roof, so it’s harder to clean than the Petsfit dog house |
| Easy assembly | |
| Attractive, modern design | |
| Weather, pest, rot, and rust-resistant | |
| The roof is rain-resistant, asphalt-shingled, and slanted | |
| Raised floor off the ground | |
| Has an insulation add-on kit | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
- Small (33.5″ x 24.6″ x 22″): Check Amazon for availability
- Medium (45.5″ x 26.5″ x 27.5″): $135.65
- Large (44.7″ x 32″ x 32.5″): $154.32
- X-Large (45.5″ x 48.5″ x 40″): Check Amazon for availability
Third Place: Petmate Precision Extreme Dog House Review
This igloo dog house has a unique dome design that keeps the house stable in high winds and sheds snow and debris from the top. The insulated dog house features heavy-duty construction that keeps pets warm in the winter and roof air vents that help keep pets cool in the summer. It also has an extended offset doorway to help protect your pup from wind and rain. This “dog-gloo” is our pick for the best dog house for winter.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty plastic construction | No small sizes (only one size) |
| Tool-free snap assembly | Must purchase door separately |
| Raised floor with side moats to drain off rain | The doorway may be too small for huge dogs to fit through |
| Roof ventilation for airflow | |
| Microban antimicrobial protection to help prevent the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria | |
| Can accommodate dogs up to 125 lbs | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
- Dog House (43.8″ x 34″ x 25.8″): Check Amazon for availability
- Door: $38.44
- Large Nylon Pad: Check Amazon for availability
Personal Experience With “Dog-Gloo” Style Dog Houses
My family used a “dog-gloo” style dog house for many years. This house was incredibly sturdy, warm, and held up to years of weather and natural elements. We lived in a hot desert climate, with very cold winters, with moderate snow. The “dog-gloo” was purchased as a place to give our pup some shade in the summer and a cozy place to get out of the elements when it was cooler. This was mainly for daytime use, as the dogs sleep inside at night. We bought the house for one dog but ended up using it for three different dogs over the years. All the dogs were larger breeds, Australian Cattle Dog, Rottweiler, and Golden Retrievers. It fits all three well (not at the same time though) and suffered only minor wear and tear over many years. Definitely worth the investment.
–Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent, Canine Journal Research & Writing
Best Dog Houses By Category
Here are some other options that didn’t make our top three but may fit your dog’s needs.
Best Insulated Dog House: ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace Review
ASL Solutions is our pick for the best insulated dog house for cold weather. It has 4″ of real foam (Styro/EPS) insulation in each panel, an insulated, self-closing door, and a floor heating pad — features that are hard to find in a dog house. It also has an electrical cord portal in the rear so your dog won’t trip on the cord. The insulation also helps keep it cooler in the summer. This dog house is also available without a heating pad.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty plastic construction | It might be too cramped for dogs over 75 lbs |
| 4″ of foam insulation in every panel | Several complaints that the panels aren’t completely filled with insulation |
| Easy assembly | Some customers said the heating pad quit working after a few weeks |
| Easy pass-through, self-closing door (can remove the bottom part of the door) | |
| Raised and sloped floor with a drainage hole for easy cleaning with a hose | |
| In-door window panels and rear can open for cross-ventilation | |
| Sits on top of a riser to prevent ground contact | |
| 10-year warranty |
Price
- $299.98
- Size: 38.5″H x 31.5″W x 47.5″L
Best Smart Dog House: PawHut Wooden Cabin Style Elevated House With Porch Review
This cute dog house has a large porch deck for your pup to relax inside and out on the patio. Its attractive design is made of solid fir and cedar wood with dark trim accents. The A-frame roof is durable, with shingles to keep your pet protected in the weather. The raised platform also helps keep rodents and insects out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid wood construction | Pricey |
| Easy assembly | Only one size (suitable for small to medium-sized dogs) |
| Attractive design with an attached porch | |
| The floor is raised off the ground | |
| Side window for ventilation | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
- $143.99
- Exterior Dimensions: 67″ L x 39.5″ W x 32.75″ H
- Interior House Dimensions: 33.75″ L x 38.5″ W x 32.75″ H
Best Budget Dog House: Petmate Barnhome III Review
Petmate scores again in our reviews with our pick for the best budget dog house. It’s a fairly cheap dog house compared to the others we review here, but it’s not cheaply made. This heavy-duty plastic barn house features rear air ventilation, an extended roof guard, and a raised floor for weather protection. The two pieces snap together easily in just seconds, and it’s easy to clean with a hose.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget buy | The largest size only accommodates dogs up to 90 lbs |
| Durable plastic construction | Some complaints that the top and bottom don’t stay snapped together well |
| Easy snap-together assembly with no tools | |
| Raised floor and extended roof guard for better rain protection | |
| Most customers say it’s leak-proof | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
The color varies based on what size you get:
- X-Small (up to 15 lbs): $42.99
- Small (15-25 lbs): Check Amazon for availability
- Medium (25-50 lbs): $101.29
- Large (50-90 lbs): Check Amazon for availability
Cold Weather Accessories For A Dog House
What’s the best way to heat a dog house? It depends on the type of dog house you have, the temps outside, and how long your pup will be spending in his home during cold weather.
Are you wondering what to put in the outside dog house for warmth? Here are some options for you to consider. While they are not insulated dog houses, they do offer heat to existing canine structures. Also, see our article, “How Cold Is Too Cold For A Dog?” for some temperature safety tips.
Akoma Hound Heater Dog House Furnace Review
This heater is a safe option you can mount to a wall in your dog’s house. It has no sharp edges, won’t burn your dog, and has a protective, chew-resistant, heavy-duty stainless steel spring covering the entire cord. The Hound Heater heats up to a 75 cubic foot dog house but is effective for smaller dog houses too. It adjusts from 30°-100°F.
Be sure to inspect it regularly to make sure there are no concerns. You might also consider adding a smoke detector to the structure.
Price: $129.95 ($129.95 / Count)
K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed Review
This outdoor heated pet bed is thermostatically controlled to automatically respond to temperature changes to warm to your pet’s normal body temperature. It’s made of soft orthopedic foam and comes with a fleece cover. It has a 5-1/2 foot steel-wrapped cord, is only 60 watts, and has been tested and certified to exceed USA/CA electrical safety standards. It is wise to inspect this device regularly to make sure it is holding up and remains safe. It is available in various sizes.
Price: $75.64
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Pet Crate Pad Review
This self-warming pad provides warmth without the cords and related safety concerns. The material captures your pet’s body heat and radiates the warmth back to your pet. It has a soft microfleece top for comfort and a non-slip bottom for stability. It’s machine-washable and comes in six sizes.
Price: Check Amazon for availability
Are You Seeking a Smart Dog House?
While Samsung introduced the Dream Doghouse in 2015 at the Crufts dog show in the UK, we have yet to find a smart dog house that is actually for sale. However, it is likely only a matter of time. But then again, wouldn’t any smart dog want to live in their human’s smart home?!?
How To Build A Dog House
Are you handy and have wood saws? Here are the basic steps involved in building your own dog house.
- Cut the wood
- Frame the base and build a foundation floor
- Frame the house sidewalls
- Frame the front and back walls
- Cut the siding
- Create a roof
If you want an inexpensive dog house and don’t mind a little work, this DIY video shows you how to build a sturdy pallet dog house. You can find used pallets, either for free or for a minimal fee, from many different businesses like grocery, pet, and home improvement stores, just to name a few.
Please use caution with building your own dog house and wear protective gloves and eyewear. If you think making your own is too much work and prefer something a bit more upscale, then you have plenty of options we recommend above. Especially if you don’t have the tools already, the materials alone could cost more than buying a pre-made house.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are quite a few questions about dog houses that I’ve come across. I’ve answered a few of the most common below, but let me know in the comments if I missed yours and I’ll find the answer.
What’s The Difference Between A Dog House And A Dog Kennel?
Both dog houses and kennels are outside structures for dogs. A dog kennel usually includes a small structure, shade, and an area for a dog to run. A dog house often refers to a structure that looks like a small house designed for dogs. Many people use these two terms interchangeably, and they essentially mean the same thing. In some settings, metal crates can be referred to as kennels. A kennel also often refers to a dog boarding or training facility.
Do Dogs Prefer Dog Houses?
Dogs enjoy having their own space, and dog houses are a necessity for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors. Dogs need respite from the heat, as well as a place to stay warm. Many dogs enjoy dog houses set up inside; if you have the room, they can create a cozy, safe spot for your pup to retire.
What Do I Put Inside A Dog House?
What you put inside depends on your dog’s needs. Food and water bowls and a few toys to keep them entertained are on the list. Bedding is also important. For outdoor dog houses, fresh hay on the bottom creates a soft, dry spot for them to lie down. Avoid blankets and linens, as they offer hiding spots for outdoor critters. Try a raised dog bed or an outdoor rug instead. You may also want to put down a water-resistant tarp on the ground before any bedding to keep moisture out. Blankets and linens are okay for indoor dog houses as long as they are kept clean.
Need Apparel Too? Best Dog Coat And Boots
It’s also important to protect your pup from inclement weather and harsh elements when you’re out for a walk or just hanging out in the yard. When temperatures plummet, your dog needs an added layer of protection. You must also protect his feet with booties or snow boots from snow, ice, and harsh chemicals used on roadways and sidewalks. See our best dog boots and coats for winter reviews for our top picks.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy. Sally has reviewed and tested hundreds of canine foods, toys, and supplements firsthand.
