Nick Hagen

Dogs love to be outside. Simply put, they’re born to be outdoors, enjoying all the nature has to offer. For them to stay safe, though, they also need shelter from the heat and the rain. That’s why it’s so important for dogs who live outside to have the right kind of dog house.

There are enough decent dog houses out there. It takes effort to evaluate available options. Let us help you to save time with our research and reviews.

7 Best dog house

Here are our top-rated outdoor dog houses in the market today – sorted by style, material and durability. We hope our best choices aid you to find the perfect one for your doggy best friend.

Best weather-resistant log cabin dog house: Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin.

If your goal is to find an outdoor home for your dog that looks safe and sturdy, this might be your best bet.

The solid construction lends itself to a great rustic look, one that’s perfect for those who want a dog house that fits into a modern outdoor space. Well-made and spacious, this is a great fit for dogs of all sizes.

Key Features:

Weather-resistant Roof. This slanted asphalt roof helps to keep the inside of the kennel dry even during the rain and snow. A great fit for those areas with frequent precipitation, the design also helps to keep away rot and mildew.

Adjustable Feet. This feature is amazingly helpful for anyone with an uneven yard. The adjustable feet allow you to place the dog house virtually anywhere in your yard without having to worry about the stability of the unit.

Stainless Steel Hardware. The stainless steel hardware on this dog house helps to prevent rusting and ensures that the unit will look great for years to come.

Off-center Entrance. The off-center entrance of this dog house isn’t just an aesthetic choice – it helps to ensure that your dog has plenty of room to stay out of the rain even when it’s pouring.

Rustic Design. This dog house doesn’t just keep your dog safe – it also helps to tie together a great outdoor living design. If you’re looking for a dog cabin that won’t be an eyesore, this might be a great fit for you.

Summary:

This Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin is a great fit for any dog owner who is concerned about his or her dog being outside in inclement weather.

A lovely piece of engineering that will keep your dog both safe and warm. This great looking dog house is a good fit for virtually any yard. Definitely give this one a shot if your dog needs a place to stay dry in the rain or in the snow.

Best raised-design dog house with a porch and window: PawHut Wooden Large Dog House with deck.

This PawHut designer cabin has all the premium features for a dog house. It has two separate living rooms, a window, two doors and a spacious deck!

The solid construction lends itself to a great rustic look, one that’s perfect for those who want a dog house that fits into a modern outdoor space. Well-made and spacious, this is a great fit for dogs of all sizes.

It’s made with your pet’s comfort in mind, with everything from curtains to block the weather to a porch for enjoying the sun. This is a great example of a dog house that’s meant for serious outdoor use.

Key Features:

Deck. Perhaps the most unique feature is the deck. A perfect spot for your pet to lounge, it’s a great little addition that goes a long way towards making this dog house feel like a home.

Asphalt Roof. The asphalt roof is not only designed to keep the inside of the dog house dry, but to keep moisture from causing problems. It’s also possible to open up this roof, allowing you to get access to your dogs with ease.

Vinyl Curtains. The vinyl curtains are a nice addition for those who live in cold weather. These curtains keep out the rain and the cold, allowing your dog to snuggle up in comfort when he or she is inside the dog house.

Removable Base. The removable base is an excellent feature that helps to keep the inside of the house clean. You can remove the base, hose it off, and re-attach it without having to disassemble the entire structure.

Raised Floor. The raised floor keeps your dog away from the dirt and bugs, and it also helps to keep the floor dry. An excellent feature for those worried about fleas and ticks.

Summary:

This PawHut dog house definitely feels like a luxurious choice for those who want to spoil their dogs.

Not only does it look great, but it provides plenty of extra features to keep your canine companion happy. Definitely one of the better choices for those who have plenty of room in their yards for a bigger dog house.

Best budget friendly dog house: Suncast Outdoor Dog House with Door.

There’s something to be said for simplicity and durability in dog house design.

While this Suncast might not be the most stylish unit out there, it’s one of the better choices for those who just want to protect their dogs from the elements. With a solid design and an easy-access roof, this is the kind of dog house you can use for years.

Key features we love:

Removable Roof. If you’ve ever tried to clean the inside of a dog house, you know that these structures just aren’t made for people. Fortunately, the removable roof on this unit makes it easy for you to get inside and clean things out.

Hardened Plastic Resin. This dog house is constructed with long-term use in mind. Hardened plastic resin is able to not only keep out the rain and snow, but also to resist water damage. This is one kennel that really is weather proof.

Lightweight. The lightweight plastic design is great for those who know they’ll need to move the unit around. Though it’s still sturdy enough to stand up to real-world use, it’s not impossible to move once you set it down.

Vinyl Door. Unfortunately, even the best dog houses can’t keep weather from coming through the door. This dog house makes up for that fact by including an optional vinyl door, which is great for keeping out the wind and rain.

Personalization Kit. A small touch, this  personalization kit comes with everything you need to put your dog’s name on the home. It’s a nice little extra that helps your dog’s dog house feel more like an important part of his or her life.

Summary:

If you’re looking for something that can keep your dog safe from the weather and that won’t require constant maintenance, this Suncast dog house might be the crate for you.

It might not have many extra features, but it’s engineered well enough that your dog will be able to enjoy it for years to come.

Best weather-proof dog house for dogs under 50 lbs: ROCKEVER Wood Insulated dog house.

This small cabin is a good example of what most owners look for in a modern dog house.

It’s simple, easy to assemble, and it looks great – all things you’ll want out of a dog house in your yard. With room for a small dog and plenty of comfort features, this is a great choice for most small dog owners.

Key features we love:

Easy Clean Design. Cleaning a dog house is much easier with the right design elements. Not only can you remove the bottom tray from this one, but you can open up the roof so you can clean inside.

Adjustable Feet. If you have a yard that slopes, you’ll love this feature. The adjustable feet allow you to set this dog house down virtually anywhere in your yard.

Raised Floor. This raised floor is a simple solution to heat loss. Not only does it keep your dog off the cold ground in the winter, but it stops pests from getting inside the dog house all year round.

Removable Door Flap. This removable vinyl door flap is perfect for those areas that have a lot of rain. The vinyl keeps out the moisture and the cold, allowing your dog to feel more comfortable in his or her house.

Removable Window. One major feature with classic dog houses is that they don’t have great ventilation. This unit has a removable window that allows for more fresh air during the summer months.

Summary:

If you have a small dog who is going to spend time outside during the summer or the rainy season, this might be the best dog house for you.

Simple to set up and easy to clean, it’s the kind of dog house that’s ideal for keeping a small dog comfortable all year round.

Best insulated dog house for hot or cold weather: Petmate’s INDIGO Igloo with microban.

The igloo design is one of the more popular choices for a simple dog house.

It makes a lot of sense – it’s a design with plenty of floor space that doesn’t restrict your dog’s ability to stand or stretch. This plastic dog house has excellent construction and clever features to stand out from the pack.

Key features we love:

Vented Design. Many pet owners worry about their dogs getting too hot in igloos. Fortunately, this one includes a vent at the top of the unit that ensures proper airflow no matter what the temperature.

Microban Protection. The Microban coating on this dog house helps to slow down the growth of mold and bacteria. This not only means a cleaner, better-smelling dog house but also a dog house that’s better for your dog’s health.

Raised Floors. It’s always a good idea to keep your dog off the wet ground. The raised floors and side moats in this dog house ensure that your dog won’t get muddy when it starts to rain.

Heavy-Duty Construction. This igloo is definitely meant to stand up to the elements. Not only will it not crack due to heat or cold, but it’s solid enough to stand up to a rambunctious dog.

Insulated. This dog crate is also insulated for your dog’s comfort. A great choice for those in colder areas, the design ensures that your dog will never feel too cold or warm in his or her home.

Summary:

This igloo is an ideal choice for any dog owner who just wants to keep their dog safe and protected while outside.

While it might lack some of the amenities of cabin-style dog houses, this igloo is a perfect place for your pet to rest when the weather gets rough or when he or she needs to feel safe.

Best water-proof and easy-to-assemble dog house: Petsfit Outdoor Dog House with pre-drilled holes..

If you’re looking at wooden dog houses, you’ve got to consider this model. Not only does it look great, but it’s incredibly well made.

This excellent pad will keep your dog happy while still adding a bit of aesthetic appeal to your yard.

Key features we love:

Adjustable, Elevated Feet. The floor of a dog house is more important for making the unit weather resistant than some might realize. This unit has adjustable feet that help to ensure that the dog house can stay elevated above the wet ground.

Grooved waterproof roof. The roof also goes a long way towards making this dog house weather resistant. Able to keep rainfall from pooling on top of the roof, the design really helps to ensure the longevity of the dog house.

Vinyl Door Flap. If you want to protect your dog, you need to make sure that he or she can stay dry in the rain. Fortunately, the included vinyl door flap does just that by ensuring that precipitation won’t follow your dog into his or her house.

Easy Access Design. This dog house is not only easy to put together, but it’s also easy to access. With a hinged roof and a simple overall design, you can access the inside of the dog house without taking it back apart.

Excellent Aesthetics. Simply put, this dog house looks great. The wood design really helps the dog house to fit into well-maintained yards. This is an excellent fit for those who don’t want a dog house that will be an eyesore.

Summary:

If you’re looking for a stylish dog house that can stand up to adverse weather conditions, this is a beautiful choice.

Not only is it big enough for most dogs, but it looks great in most yards. This is one of the better wooden dog houses out there.

Most beautiful dog house for two dogs with two doors: Extra Large Solid Wood Dog Houses for two dogs.

For some dog owners, space is all that matters. While it’s good to have something that looks great, what is more important is that you have something that is big enough for your dog.

This is one of the few units that’s really made to house two dogs and to do so comfortably.

Product specification:

• Dimensions: 73″ x 39″ x 42″
• Material: Solid Wood
• Style: Cabin with two doors

Key features we love:

Two Doors. Unlike most dog houses, this one comes with two doors. That makes it easier for multiple dogs to get in and out without having to sacrifice space.

Easy to Clean. Even big dog houses need to be cleaned, so this one comes with a removable floor and hinged roof. This drastically cuts down on the amount of time it takes to tidy up the house.

Big Dog Friendly. If you have a large dog, you know that it’s tough to find things that first their size. Luckily, this well-built dog house is big enough for even the biggest breeds.

Excellent Look. This charming dog house really looks like a home for your dog. The simple design makes the entire unit look friendlier than many of the other dog houses on the market.

Solid Construction. This dog house isn’t just about looks, though. The heavy duty wood construction makes it one of the most durable on the market.

Summary:

If you have a bigger dog or multiple dogs, you definitely need to look at this dog house.

It’s a lovely bit of design work that really does make life easier on bigger breeds. Yes, it is one of the most expensive dog houses in the market. And, yes, it is totally worth it – check it out to keep your dogs with plenty of room to roam.

What to look for when choosing an outdoor dog house for your dog?

A doghouse, as the name implies, is a structure that provides protection from the weather and security for your pet. This is a buying guide for outdoor dog houses, although the same buying tips may fit structures for other pets such as rabbits.

• Location: first it is important to decide on the location for your doghouse. This will help you determine an appropriate size, materials, insulation needs, etc. What kind of environment is the locale – is it under a tree? Is it protected from the weather elements?
• Dimensions: how big do you want your dog house to be? Our first thought might be to give the dog as big a house as possible, but this may not always be advisable. First, if the doghouse is located in an environment with extreme weather conditions, a smaller house may provide your dog better temperature regulation than a dog mansion. Tip: dogs like the security and protective feeling of being in an enclosure that is appropriate for their size.
• Materials: doghouses can be made from many materials. The most common materials used are wood, plastic, resin, and hardboard. Key considerations for materials are weather protection and ease of construction. Some doghouses are constructed out of multi-layer panels that include a layer of insulation bonded between two layers of plastic or wood. These materials can provide additional protection against heat and cold. The materials you choose should be rodent resistant.
• Ventilation: air ventilation is a two-edged sword. In one hand, you want to make sure that the doghouse has adequate ventilation for your pet. On the other hand, if you are depending on your pet’s body heat to keep your pet warm and comfortable. So, a smaller structure and smaller opening may be most beneficial.
• Style and design: this is an important consideration for both functionality and sense of style. You want the style to match with your surrounding and theme. You also want to consider the functionality requirement for the location. For example, a raised-design to sit above a wet lawn.



• Weather elements. In warmer climates, locating your doghouse in a shady area can protect your pet from overheating. Similarly, if it gets quite cold in your climate, it may be desirable to locate your doghouse against another building to provide additional protection from wind.

  In any case, a weather-resistant house is an excellent choice for protecting your pet against both heat and cold.

   Tip:  If you use additional insulation material, take care that it cannot be eaten or destroyed by your pet!

• Assembly effort: the time and effort to build and install your dog house is an important consideration. Be realistic about your time available to work on building a dog house. For many of us, buying a dog house with easy assembly requirements and durable material is the winning solution.
• Roof: a slanted asphalt roof helps to keep the inside of your dog house dry.
• Window and door: help better air ventilation inside the house.
• Door Flaps: helps to keep rain, wind and dust getting inside the house.
• Removable Roof: helps you to clean the inside of the house.

In summary, you want to choose a dog house that is well-built, handsome, durable, and easy to maintain (to stay dry and clean). If you want to provide bedding for your pet, you want washable materials. Ultimately you want your dog to be comfortable and secure in his or her house.

Recap: 7 Best dog houses for hot & cold weather

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