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The Best Dog House To Keep Your Pup Cozy And Covered

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By Amber Rival
Last updated: 15 Nov 2024

One thing all pooches need is a place where they can curl up and rest while they are spending time outside. These dog houses will keep them safe while also giving them a cool and protected place to relax during their time outdoors. There are many sizes, styles, and types to choose from when it comes to these canine abodes, and these great options have been highlighted here for your consideration. Each one is designed to be a safe and durable option for the pooch in your life. Be sure to check them out and see which one will work best for you and your canine family members.

Show contents
Detailing the Best Houses for Dogs in 2024
  • 1 Petmate Dog House
  • 2 Suncast Outdoor Dog House
  • 3 Petsfit Dog House
  • 4 Petmate Outback Log Cabin Dog House

Buyer's Guide: Dog Houses

Whether it’s to keep your pup safe from environmental elements outdoors or to give them their own private space inside your home, dog houses are a great buy for your little pup. Dog houses give dogs a comfortable place to stay where they can feel safe. Even dogs care about privacy sometimes, and dog houses give them just that.

What Is A Dog House?

A dog house is essentially a living space for your dog. Many dog houses are designed to imitate the look of an actual house, albeit much smaller. The entrance of the dog house is large enough for the dog to fit in, and there’s enough space inside for them to tuck themselves in.

Dog houses come in many different colors and designs. Traditional dog houses have an angled roof that runs across the length of the house. Other dog houses, especially custom-made ones, have more elaborate designs – with some even looking like miniature versions of modern homes.

Does Your Pet Need A Dog House?

Dog houses serve quite a few purposes for both the dog and its owner.

It keeps them safe outside

Dog houses serve a practical use. Outside the comfort of your home, your dog will be exposed to environmental elements – be it the weather, dust, and dirt, or other animals and insects. This sort of environment can be difficult for a dog to live in, causing a lot of discomforts. With no shelter to keep them dry during rain or warm during the night, your dog won’t feel comfortable at all.

With a dog house, you can keep them safe outside in style. Of course, you could always have them stay indoors during the evenings, like many other dog owners. But if you want your dog to get some outside air, or if they just want to relax outside during the day, then a dog house will be of great help.

It gives dogs their own space

Dogs are social creatures, and they love playing around with other dogs and humans alike. But every now and then, they also prefer to keep to themselves. In a small house or apartment, however, it may feel like there’s no space for them to spend some alone time.

That’s where a dog house comes in. Serving as their own personal safe space, they can relax and unwind by themselves should they feel the need to. Just like we need time for ourselves, dogs do too, and a dog house can give them the space that they need.

Things To Consider When Buying A Dog House

Size

Dogs can range from tiny chihuahuas to large Great Danes, and so do dog houses. Of course, you’ll want to buy a dog house that matches the size of your pup. Getting a giant dog house for your little pup would be a little too much, and your German Shepherd may not even fit inside some of the smaller dog houses.

But, if you plan on having multiple dogs for long periods of time, then you may also want to consider the size as well as the reusability of your chosen dog house. Dog houses can last long enough for them to be used by more than one dog, so you may want to buy one of decent size just in case a bigger dog comes into your life in the distant future. That way, you’ll save yourself a decent sum of money that can be used for some other goodies for your pet.

Design

The overall design of the dog house may not matter to your dog, but it may matter to you. Because of how varied the designs of dog houses are, you can potentially find one that matches the colors and themes of your own house or living space. It wouldn’t be nice to have your dog house stick out like a sore thumb, now, would it?

If you don’t really want to think too much about it, getting a dog house with the same color as your own house is a safe choice. No matter what patterns or shapes it may have, the uniformity of color will ensure it blends in with the existing aesthetic of your space.

Material

Dog houses come in a few materials. The most common material used for dog houses is a combination of wood and metal. This combination ensures sturdy, cheap, and safe houses for dogs. They’re also great-looking without paint and look great in almost any indoor/outdoor setting.

Plastic is another material used for dog houses, though they’re mostly used in smaller houses. It’s unlikely you’ll come across a plastic dog house that will fit a large dog, mostly due to upper limits on weight.

Finally, there’s concrete. Concrete dog houses are not only expensive but also rare. That’s because you can only get concrete dog houses if you have them custom-built at home. Concrete dog houses aren’t cheap, but they’re also the best if you want to get creative with designs and want something that is phenomenally durable and long-lasting.

Dog House Price Range

These days, you can get yourself a decent dog house for most dogs at a comfortable price of around $40. However, if you want something that can handle harsh weather, then you’ll probably want to invest in something a little more sturdy. Most dog houses are built out of either wood and metal or plastic, and the higher-quality materials will leave you around $100 lighter on the pocket.

Then, there are custom-made or DIY dog houses. The price range on these projects varies greatly, depending on who you hire to do the job, the materials used, the overall design, and more. You can expect to spend at least $100 on these projects if you’re doing them yourself, or more if you’re working with a professional.

Detailing the Best Houses for Dogs in 2024

1

Petmate Dog House

– Best Overall
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Buy on Amazon
THE SCOOP

This dog house is easy to assemble and is a great choice for medium-sized dogs. The durable materials are easy to put together and are made to hold up to long-term use. The house is designed to easily accommodate a dog weighing under 50lbs and has an all-weather construction that provides sufficient protection against rain and strong winds.

Pros
  • Dog house has an easy snap-in-place assembly
  • Durable materials hold up well against environmental elements
  • The spacious interior is great for small or medium size dogs
  • Several color options are available
Cons
  • The plastic material used in construction can get quite hot
  • Might not have enough airflow for hot conditions
2

Suncast Outdoor Dog House

– Runner-Up
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Buy on Amazon
THE SCOOP

This playhouse-style dog house has a simple yet cute design that is perfect for your pooch. It is easy to set up and is made for small to large dogs thanks to a spacious interior and large front door opening. Also, it is made with a long-lasting durable resin material that provides impeccable weather resistance and keeps your pet safe and secure.

Pros
  • Has an easy snap-together assembly process
  • Cute design looks great in the backyard
  • Vinyl doors allow easy entry and exit for the pet
  • Crowned floors provide a dry and comfortable sleeping place for your pet
Cons
  • Interior bedding is needed to cushion the floor
  • The house can get quite hot in the sun on hot days
3

Petsfit Dog House

– Honorable Mention
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Buy on Amazon
THE SCOOP

This wooden dog house is designed to be well-insulated and protected against environmental elements. Ideal for colder climates, it will help keep your dog safe and warm even on the coldest days. It provides sufficient space for a dog weighing up to 80lbs, although you should still measure your dog to ensure they can comfortably fit into it.

Pros
  • The durable design of this dog households up against rain, wind, and snow
  • Comes with pre-drilled holes so requires very little time and effort to assemble
  • Roof can be opened to provide easy access for ventilation and cleaning
  • The slightly raised design keeps your dog off the ground, perfect for placing outdoors
Cons
  • The hinged top can get a bit stiff and difficult to operate
  • The metal feet can get worn and rusted if constantly kept in water
4

Petmate Outback Log Cabin Dog House

– Also Consider
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Buy on Amazon
THE SCOOP

This log cabin-style dog house is spacious and luxuriously designed for your special furry family member. It is elegant and durable, made to be used on a regular basis in all types of conditions. Also, the house has adjustable feet so it can be placed on any type of surface without compromising stability.

Pros
  • Made with a solid combination of wood and stainless steel material that provides long-lasting durability
  • Simple yet elegant design looks great in the yard
  • Spacious interior can accommodate a wider range of breeds
  • Features a weather-resistant asphalt roof that provides protection against rain and snow
Cons
  • The dog house can be a bit tough to clean
  • Does not have enough airflow on hotter days

People Also Asked

Q: Are dog houses good for outdoor use?

A: Many dog houses, especially the larger ones, are designed with outdoor use in mind. They are made with materials that can resist strong weather.

Q: Are dog houses safe?

A: Dog houses are indeed safe for your pet to sleep in. Even wooden dog houses are made so that they don’t have any splinters that could hurt your dog. You can inspect dog houses before buying them to ensure they’re safe for your dog to use.

Contributors

author-image
Amber Rival
Former Dog Kennel General Manager
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