A dog house should be a secure, comfortable place for our dogs to sleep, or to simply get a little peace away from the rest of the household. There are lots of brands out there trying to create the very best dog house that meets the needs of both dog and owner. This means a spacious interior with enough room to move, a secure construction, good weatherproofing and easy assembly. It also doesn’t hurt if the house is easy on the eyes.
Shelter For Your Pets Outside
The following products showcase the range of designs and styles in top outdoor dog houses. There are different materials – from plastic and wood panels to wire cages – as well as different shapes and features. Some are fairly basic, with little more than a raised floor, sloped roof and a door. Others have a few extra features for comfort or style.
1. Suncast DH350 Dog House
The first thing that stands out about this Suncast house is the design. There are sure to be many dog owner that buy this for the look, before considering the other features. This is a cute little resin house that almost has the feel of a playhouse. This comes from the use of the fake slate effect on the roof and detailing where the windows would be. There are also letters in the box to help dog owners personalize the plate above the door. This is the sort of detail that draws dog owners in, rather than practical details.
Still, there are some positive practical elements here. The pieces snap together for easy assembly to save a little time. The plastic resin is a little thinner than some had anticipated, so may not be the most durable option, but is it proven to be weatherproof in stormy conditions. The roof is also ventilated to aid with temperature control in the summer. This isn’t the largest dog house, at 33 inches wide, 38.5 inches deep and 32 inches high, and only has a 100 pound weight capacity. This means it is well-suited to small breeds that want their own space.
2. Confidence Pet Waterproof Outdoor Winter House
This model has a similar approach to the Suncast product above. There is a nice look with the plastic panels with the fake slats and blue roof. It doesn’t have quite as much detailing, and there are no cute letters this time. But, it does promise to be an all-weather design. Most users are happy with the weather proofing on this dog house, especially with the raised floor. Any water that does get into the home should run off easily enough and not bother the pets too much. Unfortunately, there are some assembly issues with warped panels and alignments on the holes. It seems that this is a risk of choosing plastic over other materials.
One of the most important differences here is that this option comes in a lot more sizes. There is a medium, large or extra large available, and most seem to have a tall entryway. This door is 24.6 inches high on the largest model, so there are options for bigger breeds. This extra large house measures 41.3 by 38 by 38.7 cm. Some may argue that this isn’t that big, so make sure to measure your dog before choosing a home.
3. Petsfit Dog House Outdoors
The next two models take a different approach with the design. These houses are less like the stereotypical design of the dog house and more like an over-sized hutch. This wooden box has a lid on a hinge at the back. This means that owners can have easier access to the inside of the dog house for cleaning. The floor is also removable as required. This set-up may also suit breeders looking after a litter of puppies. Others will find that this dog house works with other animals too. This shape isn’t as pretty, but there is a nice color scheme with the treatment of the wood.
This home has interior measurements of 36.6 x 22.3 x 22, so really is best for small to medium sized animals. The shape, materials and added door flap should protect pets from the worst of the weather. Rain and snow should run off the sloped roof with ease. Yet, the angle isn’t so strong that it affects the interior dimensions too much. The final benefit here is the off center entrance, which is preferable for many pets looking for a little more security in their den.
4. Petsfit Outdoor Doghouse
This second option from Petsfit is a larger model for larger animals. The interior dimensions are 41.3 by 25.8, with a much larger door. There are pros and cons to this approach. The benefit here is that the extra width offers more room to move. This means that this could be a better fit for medium sized breeds. The downside of the larger door is that it takes up most of the right hand side of the front panel. Therefore, there isn’t the same level of security for more anxious dogs. Even so, there are comments from users about pairs of dogs sharing this cosy space with ease.
Otherwise, many of the features are the same. There is the same sloping, weatherproof roof that is hinged on the back. The house is raised off the ground on strong legs. The materials are weatherproofed, with the same door flap to keep the water out. This at least shows a sense of consistency with these Petsfit models.
5. Pet Squeak Arf Frame Dog House
Wooden dog houses, like those above, are often more popular with dog owners because of the look and strength of the materials. This option from Pet Squeak has a cute look, which is more like those traditional models above. There is a nice sloping roof, a raised floor, a dark trim around the sides and door and subtle branding. The treatment of the wood and embossed logo imply care and attention to detail. Immediate impressions suggest that this is quite a small house. However, there are 4 sizes on offer here, from extra small to large. This means that you can make sure to choose the right dimensions for your pet.
The right wooden home should be easy to assemble and offer protection for a while. The specification of this home suggests that this should be the case. The company is proud of the natural materials and finishes on offer with this house, with talk of a “naturally weather resistant” result. There are also reports that suggest that it is far easier to assemble than other models above.
6. Boomer & George Penthouse Dog House
This wooden dog house has a few of the best features from the models above, a great capacity and a couple of extra features. The stand out feature with this product has to be the balcony/porch area of the home. This little extra piece of decking has enough room for dogs to lie down and just enough shade from the roof over the top. This shelter has the same look and weatherproof materials as the main home, so it really is a practical extension rather than an afterthought.
The house itself is quite roomy, with space for two dogs or one larger breed. It measures 51 x 43 x 43, so is quite a grand statement out in the yard. The house shares the cute roof and wooden slats of other models, as well as that helpful side door for security and easy access. As with some other dog houses here, some users would have liked a sturdy wood panel. Still, there are many that are happy with the look and construction of this model.
7. Petmate Indigo Igloo Dog House
This option is something a little different. It may seem small and closed in compared to some of the bigger houses on the market. However, there are medium, large and extra large models available. Also, this enclosed feel is great for dogs that prefer to get cozy in a den, rather than something roomier. Buyers will also appreciate the ease of assembly the two sections simply snap together for a quick result and a secure home.
This igloo is built to offer warmth and protection in the worst weather conditions. There is the weatherproof material on the main structure and the addition of the moats and drains in the elevated floor. The vents on the roof also help with the heat in the summer. One of the added selling points her is the use of microban protection. This is an antimicrobial layer to the home that helps with hygiene standards. This may not look like the prettiest dog house, but it may be one of the most secure.
8. Advantek Pet Gazebo Kennel
The final two products to consider here are more like outdoor cage kennels than dog houses. The appeal here depends on your needs as dog owners. Some people will prefer this no fuss approach. The kennels are often easy to set up, there is plenty of space for the dogs to sleep and they offer great visibility. You can’t tell what your dog is up to in the enclosed dog house. Others won’t like the sterile, cage feel and the lack of features. Those that do approve of wire kennels will appreciate the shape, space and protection on this one.
This gazebo is an octagon with varying sizes on offer. The octagon shape has little purpose other than to look more pleasing than a more angular box. The sizes range from 3ft for the mini up to 8ft for the large. This means that smaller breeds can benefit from a kennel too, not just large breeds. It has a cover for the top made from weather resistant polyurethane. This comes in different colors to match the décor of the garden. Other benefits include the tool-less assembly and secure latch.
9. Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel
Then there is the taller, longer rectangle cage of the this Lucky Dog wire kennel. The largest model in the range is 6 foot high and 8 foot long. This means that there is more than enough room for a few larger breeders. But, there is also the added benefit that owners can walk right in to feed and play with pets with no problem at all. Again, this kennel comes with a weatherproof cover for the roof to keep the rain off. This is a pitched roof, so rain and snow should run off with ease.
One aspect of interest with this kennel is the strength of the wire. This cage is made from heavy duty welded steel and constructed from pre-assembled modular panels. This should provide plenty of durability for owners of tougher dogs, and those in professional situations. The wire is tough enough to handle chewers. However, there are user comments that suggest that large dogs might be able to move this with some determination. That is probably why the company recommends ground anchoring the kennel for extra security.
Choosing the right outdoor shelter for your pets
There is clearly a lot to consider here. The first aspect should be the dimensions, so make sure that you know whether you need a small, medium, large or extra large house. From there, consider the construction and use of materials. Are traditional houses more appealing than those hutches with the hinged lids? Is it better to choose a natural wood or a treated resin/plastic, such as the igloo? Would a cage be more practical for the number of animals you have?
The products above are some of the best in each category. Wire kennels won’t appeal to everyone, but these two are strong and reliable. The resin houses may have some durability issues, but are weatherproof and come in different sizes. The wooden homes are nice to look at, but be careful of the shapes and capacities. Compare the options carefully and find a model that suits your dog’s size, taste and needs. They need to have the casting vote here. If they aren’t happy to sleep in the house, try something else.
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