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Being delegated to the dog house is never fun when you’ve done something to upset your spouse, but for dogs, a dog house is a safe place for them to relax indoors or outdoors.
Every dog needs a space that is just theirs, and most enjoy a closed-in space since it is safe and cozy. There are dog houses for outdoor and indoor use so your pup can take shelter from the elements or have a cozy place to nap inside where they won’t be bothered by other pets or kids.
If you’re buying a dog house for the first time, you’re probably not sure where to start, but that’s where we come in.
Dog houses come in every type imaginable, with many different sizes, materials, shapes, weatherproofing, and prices to choose from.
We’re here to help you find the perfect dog house by providing all the information you’ll need to make an educated decision on which dog house will best fit your needs.
We’ve developed a list of the best dog houses in Canada after 26 hours of research looking at 20 different options and considering 726 reviews to determine the quality, ease of assembly, value, and durability of the dog houses we’ve chosen.
Following our last update, we recommend the Petsfit No Assembly Indoor Wooden Dog House for its stylish design, ease of setup, and quality.
Our Top Dog House in 2023
The overall quality and value of this Petsfit indoor wooden dog house is a perfect match for all cats and small dogs. Pet parents will appreciate the well thought-out design elements of this dog house, and we couldn’t find a better indoor option at this price.
Pros
- Works for small dogs and cats
- Hinge lid for easy cleaning of the inside
- Off-center entrance offers more privacy and security
- Rubber feet won’t scratch bare floors
Cons
- Low weight limit
The New Age pet feral cat house is a top choice if you want a dog house sized for your tiny dog, or for community cats who need shelter from the weather. The build quality, ease of setup, and overall value make this a top pick for anyone with a miniature dog.
Pros
- Two exits make cats more comfortable
- Slanted roof diverts rain
- High build quality
- Requires no tools for assembly
Cons
- Fits cats and tiny breeds only
Our selection of the best models available right now:
- Petsfit No Assembly Indoor Wooden Dog House
- New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
- Petsfit Solid Wood Outdoor Dog House for Large Dogs
- BestPet Dog House for Medium/Large Dogs
- Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin Small Dog House
- MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House
- Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Portable Dog House
Dog House Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Indoor Pick
|
Petsfit No Assembly Indoor Wooden Dog House
|
9.6
|
See price on Amazon |
|
Top Outdoor Pick
|
New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
|
9.1
|
See price on Amazon |
|
Upgrade Pick
|
Petsfit Solid Wood Outdoor Dog House for large Dogs
|
9.6
|
See price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick
|
BestPet Dog House for Medium/Large Dogs
|
9.1
|
See price on Amazon |
Top Indoor Pick
Presentation of the Petsfit No Assembly Indoor Wooden Dog House
The Best Indoor Choice.
If you’re looking to add a dog house for your pet inside the home, the Petsfit no assembly indoor wooden dog house is the best choice since it is made of a high-quality wood, is aesthetically pleasing, easy to put together, and offers a great balance of quality and value.
What We Think of the Petsfit No Assembly Indoor Wooden Dog House
The Petsfit no assembly indoor wooden dog house is a well-rounded option. It is made entirely of wood and remains in its natural colour, so it can be stained any colour you want to match your décor or personalize it for your pup.
It holds only 30 lbs, so only small dogs will be able to use it comfortably. setting up this dog house is quite simple since it assembles in a single step. The feet are rubber and non-skid to protect your floors and add some stability.
I love this thing. It is not too heavy to move and is the perfect cat litter enclosure. It was the easiest thing in the world to assemble – you just unfold it. The top lifts up for cleaning/scooping litter, and the doorway is plenty wide enough for my bigger cats. It is large enough that they don’t feel trapped or cramped inside. I will probably stain it to match my espresso walls since it is a bit boring though.
Tabitha K
You will need a mat or blanket to make it comfortable for sleeping since it is a hard wooden surface without. The lid opens right up with a hinge for cleaning the inside or checking on your pup.
The door is a great size at over 13 inches tall, meaning your dog can enter comfortably without hunching or hitting their head. The off-centre entrance provides more privacy for your dog but is also convenient if you’re using it for something like a cat litter hideaway.
Petsfit No Assembly Indoor Wooden Dog House Specifications
- Dimensions: 31” x 21” x 24”
- Interior Dimensions: 5” x 19.5” x 18.5”
- Door Size: 5” x 13.4”
- Material: Wood
- Colour: Wood
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Recommended Weight Limit: 30 lbs
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Petsfit No Assembly Indoor Wooden Dog House Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works for small dogs and cats
- Hinge lid for easy cleaning of the inside
- Off-center entrance offers more privacy and security
- Rubber feet won’t scratch bare floors
Cons
- Low weight limit
Our Final Opinion About the Petsfit No Assembly Indoor Wooden Dog House
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The overall quality and value of this Petsfit indoor wooden dog house is a perfect match for all cats and small dogs. Pet parents will appreciate the well thought-out design elements of this dog house, and we couldn’t find a better indoor option at this price.
Top Outdoor Pick
Presentation of the New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
The Best Outdoor Choice.
To keep your small dogs warm and cozy when they’re hanging out in the backyard, this New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany outdoor feral cat house is a top option. This high-quality shelter is packed with all the features you could ask for to keep your miniature pup comfy in an outdoor setting.
New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House Video Review
What We Think of the New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
Though designed for cats, this New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany outdoor shelter is a great outdoor pick for people who want to provide shelter for outdoor cats or for their tiny dogs.
It has two entrances, both 6.5” by 6.5”, and both are covered with a plastic cover to protect from wind and rain. The shelter assembles without any tools in just a few minutes, making it super convenient to set up.
I am thrilled with this shelter! I have two chihuahuas and this is the perfect size for them to curl up in together. It was very easy to put together and is heavy enough that the wind won’t send it blowing away. I have a thick blanket on the bottom since the wood is hard and rough and cold. I do like the thick but flexible door flaps, though it took a couple weeks of training to get the pups used to it.
Gayle C
It is made of an EcoFLEX plastic-wood polymer composite that is both lightweight and highly durable. It is waterproof, so your pet is protected from rain at all times.
The roof is also slanted to divert rainwater away from the entrances. The floor is raised off the ground to add warmth when it starts getting colder, as well as to extend the life expectancy of the shelter.
It is quite small, so it won’t be useful for many breeds of dogs, but if you’re interested in purchasing a dog house for the community cats in your neighborhood, why not choose one designed for just such a purpose?
New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House Specifications
- Dimensions: 8” x 19.1” x 20.2”
- Door Size: 5” x 6.5”
- Material: EcoFLEX plastic-wood polymer composite
- Colour: Beige and brown
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Recommended Weight Limit: 20 lbs
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House Pros and Cons
Pros
- Two exits make cats more comfortable
- Slanted roof diverts rain
- High build quality
- Requires no tools for assembly
Cons
- Fits cats and tiny breeds only
Our Final Opinion About the New Age Pet EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
The New Age pet feral cat house is a top choice if you want a dog house sized for your tiny dog, or for community cats who need shelter from the weather. The build quality, ease of setup, and overall value make this a top pick for anyone with a miniature dog.
Upgrade Pick
Presentation of the Petsfit Solid Wood Outdoor Dog House for Large Dogs
The Advanced Choice.
If you have a large-breed dog like a German shepherd or golden retriever, you’ll need an upgraded version of the smaller dog houses. The Petsfit solid wood outdoor dog house for large dogs is the best choice if your dog requires a little extra space.
What We Think of the Petsfit Solid Wood Outdoor Dog House for Large Dogs
The Petsfit solid wood outdoor dog house for large dogs is our top choice for larger breeds. It holds dogs weighing up to 80 lbs and is specious enough that your pup can curl up or lay stretched out for their comfort.
The roof is an ultra-tough weatherproof asphalt that can be used during most months of the year without leaking water onto your pet inside. The entrance is also off-centre so that your dog is more protected from rain and wind.
Nice looking dog house. My son put it together for me and had trouble with a couple for screws that stripped really easily, but otherwise assembly was simple and straightforward. Wish the walls and floor were a little thicker. We have a couple husky crosses that will grow to be 50-60 lbs, so hopefully it will remain sturdy. I like that it’s off the ground since the mildew, cold, and rot will stay away.
Jocelyn B
This is an all-wooden house, so it is quite heavy. You won’t want to choose this option if you plan on moving the house at all.
The floor is raised off the ground with adjustable feet that twist independently, allowing you to set custom heights that afford the house maximum stability when the terrain isn’t perfectly even.
Assembly is fairly simple with this dog house since it has pre-drilled holes and goes together in just a few steps.
Petsfit Solid Wood Outdoor Dog House for Large Dogs Specifications
- Dimensions: 6” x 30.9” x 32.1”
- Interior Dimensions: 8” x 23.2” x 27.4”
- Door Size: 15” x 21.5”
- Material: Wood
- Colour: Red
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Recommended Weight Limit: 80 lbs
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Petsfit Solid Wood Outdoor Dog House for Large Dogs Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great for large dogs or multiple pets
- Adjustable feet for total stability on uneven ground
- Roof opens for cleaning the interior
- Slanted asphalt roof
Cons
- More expensive
- Heavy
Our Final Opinion About the Petsfit Solid Wood Outdoor Dog House for Large Dogs
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.5 out of 5.0 stars
The Petsfit solid wood outdoor dog house is the best choice for bigger breeds or multiple pets thanks to its roomy interior, durable design, and advanced feature for added convenience, stability, and functionality. Your large dogs will immediately feel right at home inside this dog house.
Budget Pick
Presentation of the BestPet Dog House for Medium/Large Dogs
The Affordable Choice.
Are you wanting to get your pup a dog house of their very own but can’t afford the standard prices? That’s no problem when you choose the BestPet dog house for medium/large dogs since it offers durability, ease of setup, and overall quality at a more affordable price.
What We Think of the BestPet Dog House for Medium/Large Dogs
The BestPet dog house for medium/large dogs is an affordable, convenient option for pet parents. Though it is rated for up to 100 lbs, any dog weighing that much most likely won’t fit inside the house given its smaller dimensions and square shape.
Though the square shape makes it easier for dogs to heat in cooler weather, it also means they must stay curled up to sleep rather than stretch out.
The entrance is as tall as the roof, so the airflow that is perfect for summer weather means it won’t keep your pet warm during the colder months.
I use this for my outdoor cats since they insist on being outside in all kinds of weather. It was incredibly easy to put together and the walls are quite thick which keeps it warm with a blanket added inside. The cats love it and curl up together to stay toasty. I wish it wasn’t flat on the ground as rainy days make it slippery, but I am happy with the size and quality.
Susanne V
This dog house is made of plastic, so it is lightweight, but it is also more likely to break down faster than wood and composite alternatives.
That being said, this plastic house is durable against all types of weather. The house sits flat on the ground, which is not ideal, but it does make it more stable on softer ground than a raised dog house would be.
There are two air vents for improved airflow during warm days as well.
BestPet Dog House for Medium/Large Dogs Specifications
- Dimensions: 5” x 30.5” x 32”
- Interior Dimensions: 5” x 27.5” x 27.5”
- Door Size: 5” x 20.5”
- Material: Plastic
- Colour: Blue and white
- Weight: 2
- Recommended Weight Limit: 100 lbs
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
BestPet Dog House for Medium/Large Dogs Pros and Cons
Pros
- Tall entrance
- Cute house design
- Double air vents for airflow in the warmer months
- Assembly is fast and easy
Cons
- Square shape means dogs must curl up to be inside
- Floor rests on the ground
Our Final Opinion About the BestPet Dog House for Medium/Large Dogs
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the BestPet dog house is a good product for medium sized dogs. Though there are certainly a few areas for improvement, it is a good value for money and will keep your pet happy and safe when hanging out outside.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin Small Dog House
The Weather-Proof Alternative.
If you’re looking for an outdoor dog house that can withstand rain, wind, sun, and all types of weather 9 months out of the year, the Precision Pet Extreme log cabin small dog house is our top recommendation since it is designed to for use in more extreme conditions.
What We Think of the Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin Small Dog House
The Precision Pet Extreme log cabin small dog house is one of the most stylish on the market with natural wood and black metal accents.
These material choices mean it weighs a hefty 37 lbs in its small size, and though not portable by any stretch of the imagination, it is stable and secure in the toughest weather conditions.
It is further weatherproof thanks to an off-centre entrance, raised floor, durable seams, and slanted shingle roof that is wind and water proof.
This is a good dog house overall, but I had a few issues with it. The top corner is cracked after only 2 months. It had a very strong smell when it arrived that my dog wouldn’t go near it for over a week. The quality isn’t that great, not what I expected at least. It was fine to put together and has lots of room for my 40lb dog. I wish it was sturdier, but it’s fine for now.
Lesley G
The entrance is quite tall at nearly the same height as the roof, so it will allow plenty of airflow for your sleeping pup during the warm months.
We don’t recommend using this dog house when it starts to snow, however, since it will be difficult to insulate properly. This dog house is available in small, medium, large, and extra-large to meet the needs of any breed.
Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin Small Dog House Specifications
- Dimensions: 3” x 24.6” x 22.2”
- Material: Wood
- Colour: Natural wood
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin Small Dog House Pros and Cons
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Off-center entrance offers more protection
- Raised floor is warmer
- Slanted shingled roof is weather-proof for no leaks
Cons
- Overall quality isn’t that great
Our Final Opinion About the Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin Small Dog House
Quality 3.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Despite some overall quality issues, the design, effectiveness, and overall value of this small dog house is ideal. It can withstand all types of weather to keep your pet safe and dry when they refuse to come inside even in the pouring rain or crazy windy days.
Presentation of the MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House
The Instant Setup Alternative.
If you don’t want to spend more than 30 seconds putting together a dog house but still want to spoil your pet, the MidWest Homes for pets Eillo folding outdoor wood dog house is the best choice since it takes zero effort to set up and can be packed away with just as much ease and convenience.
What We Think of the MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House
The MidWest Homes for pets folding outdoor wood dog house is the most convenient on the market. It sets up in seconds right from the box thanks to its folding design.
All you have to do is cut the ties securing it together, unfold it, drop down the floor to lay flat inside, and use the very convenient hinges on the roof to close the lid.
The design of the dog house is very summery with a sun shining out of the front top corner.
Warning: this dog house is not made for winter. I insulated it with a roll of Reflectix roll insulation from Lowe’s to make it usable in the colder months, though not through heavy winter. It unfolds and sets up easily, couldn’t be easier actually. The floor has slats instead of one solid piece of wood, so there is a lot of air circulation that you may not want unless it’s summer.
Diane J
The floor is raised off the ground with adjustable feet for stability on grass and other uneven ground.
The entrance is off-centre and just large enough to allow pets inside comfortably while maintaining maximum protection from wind and rain. The roof is slanted and made of asphalt for waterproofing.
While the folding design makes it super quick to unfold and pack up, its heavier weight due its wood construction means it isn’t so portable.
MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House Specifications
- Dimensions: 7” x 33.6” x 25.3”
- Interior Dimensions: 5” x 18.5”
- Door Size: 5” x 13”
- Material: Wood
- Colour: Light grey
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Recommended Weight Limit: 25 lbs
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unfolds in two seconds
- Cute design
- Raised floor with adjustable non-slip feet
- Asphalt roof protects your pup from the weather
Cons
- Heavy for its size
- Not good for use in colder months
Our Final Opinion About the MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The MidWest Homes for pets Eillo folding dog house is an all-around excellent pick. Though it is a bit heavy which limits the overall portability factor even with its incredible folding design, there are no flaws or quality issues to watch out for when choosing this dog house for your pup.
Presentation of the Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Portable Dog House
The Portable Alternative.
If you’re looking for a dog house that you can easily pack to take with you when camping, going to the beach, or any other destination where your dog can benefit from a dedicated space to nap and hang out, the Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ portable dog house is the best option.
What We Think of the Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Portable Dog House
The Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ portable dog house is the most unique on our list since its body is made of nylon fabric rather than a solid material.
This makes it incredibly lightweight for carrying. Plus, it packs down to fit into a carry bag so that you can easily bring it along on your travels or store it out of the way when the weather turns colder.
This house is not as durable as the others on our list and may blow away if the wind is particularly gusty unless your dog is inside it adding the necessary weight.
I bought this medium size for my min pin. He likes to shred any soft fabrics in a frenzy on his normal dog beds, but so far, he’s not having any impact on the started fabric no much he digs at it. It assembles very easily and is lightweight enough to move it in and out of the house or bring it along when we go camping or to the beach. I think the price is fair for the quality too.
Dana R
The metal frame is sturdy but lightweight, with a raised floor to protect it from the ground.
You should expect the legs to sink into the ground if it is soft since they are much smaller than most other dog houses.
This is one of the comfiest dog houses since it has a soft pad inside and isn’t a hard wood surface, so we also recommend this dog house for older dogs who need something comfier and softer to sleep on.
Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Portable Dog House Specifications
- Dimensions: 24” x 23” x 25”
- Material: Metal and nylon
- Colour: Grey
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Recommended Weight Limit: 30 lbs
- Indoor/Outdoor: Either
Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Portable Dog House Pros and Cons
Pros
- Packs down to carry in a storage bag
- Water resistant fabric protects dog in the rain
- Elevated off the ground
- Comes with a soft pad for your dog to curl up on
Cons
- Square shape limits how your dog can position itself
- Not very durable
Our Final Opinion About the Floppy Dawg Just Chillin’ Portable Dog House
Quality 3.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
This affordable, highly portable dog house is a perfect choice for pet parents who travel with small dogs since it offers comfort, convenience, and water resistance for use just about anywhere. Your dog will thank you for bringing this lightweight dog house with you on all your adventures.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews, and, if necessary, expert feedback.
The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability, and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Dog House
Why Have a Dog House?
There are several reasons why your dog will benefit from having a dog house, including protection from the weather, having a dedicated space to rest, and providing a safe place for anxious or nervous dogs to feel safe.
A dog house can be used for other purposes as well, such as providing shelter for community cats or a cat litter space for your indoor cats.
However, a dog house should never be used as permanent shelter for a dog – it is not safe to have a dog outside 24/7 in the heat of summer or cold of winter. Outdoor dog houses are meant to be used for short periods at a time.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Dog House
The general rule of thumb for sizing a dog house for your pup is that the width and length of the dog house should be roughly 25 perfect larger than the length of your dog’s total length minus their tail.
To do this, get the measurement from your dog’s nose to the base of their tail, then multiply that measurement by 1.25. The height of the dog house entrance should be at least 75% of the length of your dog to the shoulder.
Generally, small dog houses are good for breeds weighing less than 25 lbs that are 10-15 inches tall to the shoulder and 16-24 inches long.
Medium dog houses are sized for breeds weighing between 26 and 75 lbs measuring 15-25 inches at the shoulder and 25-35 inches long. Large dog houses are designed for dogs weighing 75-100 lbs measuring 25-30 inches at the shoulder and 35-40 inches long.
If you have an extra-large dog like a Great Dane or Saint Bernard, you’ll need an extra-large dog house that holds 100+ lbs.
Which Way Should The Dog House Face?
Most dog houses should face east so that they avoid most of the cold air. In the summer, facing north will provide the most shade.
You may need to adjust the dog house direction depending on where your storms and wind tend to come from to provide your pet the most protection possible as the weather changes.
How to Winterproof a Dog House
Most outdoor dog houses are not designed to keep your pet safe from winter weather and temperatures since they’re usually made of wood, plastic, or a composite material that doesn’t insulate very well.
To winterize your dog house, clean it thoroughly, make sure it is elevated off the ground, minimize the wind’s effect by adding a doggy door over the entrance, add insulation like Styrofoam, and make sure it is waterproof.
Though no dog house will be safe for a dog in the coldest winter months in Canada, these are several ways to help keep your pet warmer in early winter and early spring.
How to Properly Choose Your Dog House
Price
Though we agree that every dog deserves the absolute best, price is still an important consideration when purchasing a dog house.
Indoor dog houses are often more affordable since they don’t require the same waterproofing and additional features of an outdoor dog house, but they can be pricier if they use higher-end materials, have a more intricate design, or have advanced features.
The main difference between prices will be the size of the dog house and the material it is made of.
For example, a small wooden dog house will probably be more expensive than a large plastic one, but a medium wooden dog house will be more affordable than a large wooden dog house.
Indoor/Outdoor
The main consideration you’ll make when choosing a dog house is whether it will be for indoor or outdoor use.
There are some significant differences between outdoor and indoor dog houses, so you’ll need to make this decision before you begin shopping.
Indoor dog houses are often more stylish and are not weatherproof in any way. In contrast, an outdoor dog house will have water resistant materials, a slanted asphalt or shingle roof, adjustable feet for stability on terrain, and extra durability to withstand the elements.
Though you could certainly use an outdoor dog house inside if you wanted, we don’t recommend using an indoor dog house outside unless it is a nice day and it won’t be left out to be rained on.
Size
Sizing your dog house properly is essential. A dog house should be large enough that your dog can enter, stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not too large for your dog’s size that they can’t effectively keep the space warm.
You must be sure to note the interior dimensions of the dog house as well since it is usually at least a few inches smaller all the way around compared to the exterior size.
When buying an indoor dog house, you should make sure you measure where you’ll be placing it to make sure it isn’t too bulky for the space you have.
Material
There are three popular materials that dog houses are commonly made out of: wood, plastic, and composite. Wood is the sturdiest option, but many wooden dog houses have slats that let in quite a lot of airflow.
This is great in the summer, but not so great when the weather turns cooler. Plastic dog houses are best for portability, but they won’t last as long as the other two options.
Composite is a balance between the two and is durable, affordable, and waterproof.
Weatherproofing
If your dog house will be placed outside, it’s important that it is weatherproof enough to withstand elements like rain, wind, and sun.
Most outdoor dog houses will have slanted roofs to divert rain away from the entrance. There should be some significant airflow for hot summer months, which is why many dog houses have slatted floors.
Not many dog houses have insulation for the cold, but there are usually DIY methods if you want the dog house to last a bit longer as the weather turns cooler.
Weight
The weight of the dog house you choose really only matters if you plan on bringing it with you when you travel, such as to the beach or going camping.
Since most dog houses are made of wood, they can get quite heavy, especially in the medium to large sizes.
Even small wooden dog houses can weigh more than 30 lbs, so we recommend choosing a plastic or fabric dog house specifically for travel since they will weigh much less than wood or composite dog houses.
Weight Limit
Though the dimensions of your dog house will largely determine if your dog will fit inside comfortably or not, you must also pay attention to the weight limit of the house to prevent damage from a too-heavy dog.
In most cases, small dog houses can support up to 25-30lbs, medium dog houses can support up to 50 lbs, and large dog houses can support up to 80 lbs. however, every house is different, and the material can make a big impact on how much weight can be safely supported.
Ease of Assembly
Even though the most complicated dog house will never be as difficult to set up as Ikea furniture, it is still important to consider how much effort it will take to get set up properly.
There are many dog houses that require no assembly, while others will require toolless assembly or tooled assembly.
A foldable dog house is the most convenient since it requires absolutely no effort, but those that require toolless assembly usually only take a handful of minutes anyway.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of dog houses, allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
