As one of the basic necessities of life shelter plays an important role in the lives of humans as well as animals, especially the ones we care about. One of the ways you can show commitment and love as a pet owner is by proving a “home” for the pet and not just a house.
As man’s best friend, dogs are very intelligent and can feel the love of their owners, and providing the security of a good shelter where the dog can call home is not only making a statement, it shows that you are a responsible, caring, loving and committed person who can be trusted.
If you are looking to get your dog a good comfy shelter, well we have gone through hours of research and testing to bring you our top list of the best dog houses you can choose from.
TOP 10 Best Dog Houses 2021
1. Tangkula Pet Dog House
As a loving pet owner, you should be able to provide your dog with a warm and cozy home that can shelter the dog from all kinds of weather. The Tangkula wooden dog house is a sturdy pet house with amazing craftsmanship that has a chimney built with it.
This pet house has an open-air front porch and it is very spacious to house a medium-sized dog or smaller dogs. It is stylishly designed to offer both beauty and comfort for your pet. The latticework that surrounds the dog house provides a secure environment for your pets to relax.
This pet house can integrate with your garden and add beauty instead of distorting the view, it is also built to be stable and durable made from quality fir wood. The Tangkula pet house is easy to assemble with little or no technical knowledge, the open door designed with an extra side window allows enough ventilation for your dog.
Pros
- Well ventilated
- Beautiful durable design
Cons
- Too small for larger pets
2. PawHut Large Wooden Cabin Style Dog House
If you are looking for a large dog house that packs a lot of space, then the PawHut Large Wooden dog house will fit that need. It has a front deck porch designed like a log cabin with two individual parts or separate rooms to make a large living space inside.
Besides housing your pet from bad weather and making a home out of the pet house it also has enough room for your dog to use as a playground and be comfortable.
This dog house can fit both your indoor or outdoor spaces making it fun for you and your pet, and it is perfect for both small and medium-sized pets.
The design features a side window that keeps the pet house well ventilated, while the two front doors are covered with vinyl curtains which will protect the dog from bad weather. The front deck can serve as a nice lounge for your dog to nap, or take in the sunlight while relaxing.
Pros
- Elevated and ventilated
- Removable floor for easy cleaning
- Easily assembled according to detailed instructions
Cons
- Can’t fit small and medium-sized pets
3. Precision Pet Petmate Log Cabin Dog House
When it comes to dog house space, the Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin offers one of the best spaces for your pet to move and play around comfortably. The off-center entrance design is for bad weather protection, making it easy to shield the dog from wind and rain. In addition, the floor of this dog house is raised from the ground to prevent water from entering and flowing inside during the rainy season.
The Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin is built to combat outdoor weather and a comfy shelter for your dog through all seasons. The pet house is made from quality solid wood combined with stainless steel materials to make it highly durable and sturdy.
This pet house is rust, pest, rot, and weather resistant covered with an asphalt shingled roof for better protection and with the traditional cabin, design shape gives it a rustic feel to it. The feet are adjustable and self-leveling to allow the construction to maintain an even balance on rough or uneven surfaces.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- It is very sturdy
Cons
- Can be damaged by dogs that are very playful
- When it is too rainy, it ends up leaking water in a bit
4. Suncast Outdoor Dog House
If you are looking to get a good house without overblowing your budget, then the Suncast DH350 will be a good choice to make. The sturdy construct can house a dog of up to a hundred pounds and can withstand playful and rowdy dogs.
The bulky Suncast DH350 will hold put during bad weather and will provide good protection for your dog through the seasons. The structure also has a rear vent that will keep the circulation of air fresh.
The Suncast DH350 offers you the option of personalizing your dog house by using the provided letters to write your dog’s name, they send letters to the house for you to add up the name. This will you feel like you have given your dog a home belonging the dog alone.
The Suncast DH350 has quite a large entrance, so it comes with plastic door flaps which you can easily attach to protect the porch and shield your dog from elements during the rainy, windy, snowy, or cold weather.
Pros
- Removable roof for easy cleaning
- Comes with letters to personalize the house
- Large opening great for large breeds
- Weather-resistant plastic
- Comes with a plastic flap to cover the door
Cons
- Not great for destructive dogs
- Slightly frustrating assembly
5. Pet Squeak Arf Frame Dog House
The Pet Squeak Arf Frame dog house has a classic design, sturdy build, and a really good looking finish. It is made from white Cedarwood that naturally eliminates odors, although it comes with a strong smell when you receive the structure, however, the smell fades away really fast.
It features a raised floor putting space between your dog and the ground to keep your dog dry from flowing water, snow, or wind. It also has a sheet lining added inside the roof as an additional waterproof layer to help protect the dog house from the water and allow your pet to rest in the comfort of their home.
Although The Pet Squeak Arf Frame is classified among those pet houses that are quite expensive, however, the construct is really worth the price as it can handle playful dogs without giving way.
Pros
- High-quality wood
- Raised floor for extra warmth
- Weatherproof
- The inner roof has added weather lining
- Lightweight
Cons
- Thin floor
- Strong odor upon receiving
6. JSY Natural Pine Dog House
Built with a unique design, the JSY kennel dog house can be assembled or disassembled with the use of any hardware and relevant devices, you only need four simple steps to set it up and it will be ready to use. The foldable unique design makes The JSY kennel easy to move and clean, as you can easily disassemble and reassemble the construct in no time.
Made from good quality pine and to quality hardware, this dog house is quite durable and not easily damaged, as it is able to withstand all kinds of weather. The roof is sealed and sloping to better protect your pet against bad weather and will be a good home for your dog for many years.
The JSY kennel pet house built from pine wood has a unique smell with the effect of being able to calm the nerves, and this effect can aid your dog to sleep better.
The designs are in small (Indoor size: 29.0” by 20.0”) and large (Indoor size: 41.0” by 22.0”). Your dog will have enough space to play around and rest properly while enjoying good air flow.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Large space inside
- Sturdy build
Cons
- When it is too rainy, it might end up leaking water in a bit
7. Boomer & George Darker Stain Duplex Dog House
Elegantly built with a sleek design, if you are looking for a pet house that can add beauty to your yard then the Boomer & George Darker Stain Duplex Dog House will be a good choice.
The good looks are not the only interesting quality about this pet house, it is really spacious and it can actually house multiple small dogs or a one really large one. The dog house duplex also comes with a removable partition to accommodate one or two dogs. With dimensions of 73W x 39D x 42H inch, this Boomer & George Darker Stain Duplex Dog House will surely be a place for your dog to exercise and play as much as it wants.
The solid build can accommodate more than one dog without having issues, it is constructed to keep your dog warm and comfortable from all elements. The roof and the floor panel are removable to ease your cleaning.
Pros
- Good fit for larger dogs
- Pleasing to the eyes and can hold more than a dog
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- The added door flaps are not detachable for better airflow during the warmer months
- The center divider is not removable unless you disassemble the roof
8. Giantex Pet Dog House
This product is specifically designed to house and shelter smaller breeds of dogs, so if you have the smaller breeds of dog and you are looking to get a nice home for your pet, then you should really consider this Giantex Pet Dog House.
The design and the build make it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, your dog can explore the versatile design and crouch under during bad weather or relax on the top to get some sunlight. With a raised bottom, the dog house is kept from the ground, and the top has a sleek and well-groomed framework that will blend with your yard perfectly.
The Giantex Pet Dog House is made from Firwood which is treated with natural colors, the paints are water and weather-resistant to last long during usage. This 2-story dog house is equipped with a lounge area, a rooftop balcony with railing, and climbable stairs for your dog to explore.
Pros
- Good for both indoor and outdoor use
- Raised lower floor
- Gives dog option to be covered or lounge above
- Light enough for one person to carry
- Removable rooftop for easy cleaning
Cons
- Most pets ignore the shallowly built stairs
- The flat top doesn’t make it drain water as effectively
9. ASL Solutions Dog Palace
This dog palace is right for you when you want to spoil your little pooch and make it happy. Although it may be tight for larger breeds, it is an awesome dog palace for medium and smaller breeds of dogs.
The ASL Solutions Dog Palace will protect your dog from all-weather elements and is equipped with foam-insulated walls and a port where you can pass through a heater giving your pet to a warm comfortable home to sleep in.
The heated floor and foam-insulated walls are designed to retain heat and keep the palace warm during winter while it is also meant to retain cold during the hot summers.
The ASL Solutions Dog Palace is built with a self-closing swinging door which is meant to guard and protect your dog against rain, sun, and wind, while still keeping the dog house well ventilated. Another unique part is ASL offers a lifetime warranty against breaking or cracking.
Pros
- Truly weatherproof
- Insulated walls great for any temperature
- Can purchase a separate heater
- Raised and sloped floor
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Can make some dogs claustrophobic
- Expensive
10. Petmate Indigo Dog House
The Petmate Indigo has a peculiar design that will help keep and retain heat while keeping out wind, water, sun, and cold, in order to keep the dog warm and dry. This dog house would give many pet owners a run for their money due to the uniqueness of the design and build.
It has a vent built at the top with a micro band coating which helps keep bacteria out while allowing fresh air to enter the house. The Petmate Indigo comes in two parts and it is easy to assemble or disassemble when you want to clean or move it.
The design is well suited for medium-sized and smaller dog breeds, as the entrance specification may not be wide enough to fit extra-large breeds.
The Petmate Indigo is quite expensive, but the sleek design and solid build are meant to withstand all weather and last for a really long time.
Pros
- Can be taken apart for easy cleaning
- Great shape to protect from bad weather
- No assembly needed
- Light enough for one person to move
- Vent on top provides airflow
Cons
- Dogs can chew up plastic construction
- The smaller opening can be too small for some very large breeds
Dog House Buyer’s Guide
When choosing a house for your dog, you should have it in mind that you are helping them choose a home, a place that they will be spending lots of time playing and sleeping. With that said, you should consider what will be suitable for the dog and what you feel is right or okay with you.
While your budget might play a key role as a deciding factor, you should also consider other factors like the size of your pet, the weather condition in your area, and if the house will be comfortable enough during bad and good weather.
As a man’s best friend, we mostly have a special spot for our dogs and as such we would want them to have a good shelter and a place to be called their own home, where they can relax and play as much as they like.
We have done extensive research before concluding on our top picks, the selected dog houses are based on some criteria such as the ones below. When on the lookout for a home for your pet, here are the criteria you need for evaluating a good dog house
The Quality of Dog House
One of the most important points for an outdoor dog house is the quality level. Low quality or poorly built dog houses can easily get broken and deteriorate at a quicker rate. It would not be able to withstand the wet, snowy, or windy weather and will not last long.
In that case, the dog owner will be spending more money in order to replace the broken dog house making the dog owner waste resources. A low-quality dog house can even harm the pet living inside, although we hope that it never happens that way.
We see quality as a very important determinant. However, how do you tell what has good quality and how would you determine that? Quality is generally subjective, but you can get good pointers when you see individual reviews of a product.
Users from different locations share their experiences with a product and give their respective ratings and opinions, that is why our top pick shared are the once that are made of high-quality materials with several good feedbacks from consumers.
The quality of materials used for the production of a dog house will determine if the dog house can last long and stand the test of time. Some materials are best suited for particular weather than others and we shall be talking about that later in the guide.
Easy Assembly
When choosing a dog house you would surely want one that is easy to assemble and disassemble. You should consider a dog house that you won’t need to spend too much time and energy on when assembling. Therefore, the ease of assembling a dog house is an important criterion that you need to really consider.
There are a lot of product brands out there and they are making the process of assembling and cleaning as easy and effortless as possible. It might even seem they are competing with each other to see who can make the process easier.
Dog House Durability Against Elements
The next thing you should consider is the durability of the dog house against the elements especially the outdoor dog house. You need to know if the dog house can withstand rain, sun heat, snow, or wind. As a loving pet owner, you need the assurance that the dog house can stand the hot, wet, and cold weathers, for the safety and comfort of your dog.
Some products are made of high-quality wood that can withstand years of rainfall, sun-heat, and cold weather. However, you need to know if they would rot or crack if they are exposed to these elements for too long. Some products are made out of highly durable and strong plastic, but some circumstances could make them crack. Therefore, you should consider a dog house that is compatible with your environment.
The Dog House Design and Aesthetic Appeal
One thing most people don’t want is to see is an ugly built dog house in their yard or home. Nobody would want to distort their beautiful yard with an eye-sore dog house. Therefore, as a buyer, you should consider the aesthetic appeal and the design of the dog house before buying. When you have a dog house that blends seamlessly with your yard, it will make it feel like a home to both you and the dog.
When considering the beauty, aesthetic appeal, and the design, you should take note of the following things:
- The color and if it fades easily or not.
- If it is made of wood and if it is well polished or not.
- If the dog house is a one-piece or two-piece type.
- If it has a smell that you can stand or not.
When you have the above sorted out you will be able to cover the design and aesthetic appeal part as someone who loves dogs.
Size and Comfort
This particular criteria is important and should be clearly stated when choosing the best dog house for your pet. It is one of the extremely important factors for the dog itself because the wrong size of a dog house can cause great discomfort for the dog leading to pain and aches.
While placing the size of the dog house as a priority criterion, you should also consider if a bed can fit inside the structure, should want one for the comfort of your pet. However, the main thing is if the structure has enough room for your dog to play around and relax as well.
Ease of Cleaning
There is always the issue of cleaning and tidying up the dog house, you would want to consider how easy the construct is when you want to clean it. You would agree that dogs are agile and playful creatures, they love to play rough and create a mess. They can roll on mud, chase things all around and busy creating dirt. You can never tell what mess they have gathered in their house.
All these and other factors combined, you know that cleaning of the dog house is an important aspect of caring for your pet. Our top picks are all durable and made of high-quality materials, therefore, cleaning wouldn’t break them. Some have big doors, while others would need you to detach the rooftop and get on with the cleaning.
Good Ventilation
You should seriously double-check the ventilation of the dog house when aiming to select the best dog houses. Without having good ventilation for proper air circulation, your dog can be in danger when it hot and there is heat. It can also lead to the buildup of moisture during winter and may lead to mold and mildew.
The entry door usually allows ventilation, but having additional holes for ventilation are necessary especially when the doors are closed. The vent holes that are located at the top or close to the top of the roof are good to dispense hot air as it rises. However, vent holes should not be too big to avoid too much heat loss in the winter season.
The Roof
You should consider a slanted roof the can let debris, snow, and rain runoff by itself. It’s even better to also be insulated, you should also keep in mind roof that doesn’t leak easily.
Cost and Value
Often times we tend to not take into consideration the cost and value of an item. We basically get lost in finding and choosing the best products, especially so if we want the ones that have a lot of features. The thing is, if a product does not have value, you shouldn’t spend your money on it as it is not worth it.
Evaluating the cost and value is an important aspect of making a good choice for any item. The cost and value of a product should be considered by matching the price of the product when compared to what other similar brands and competition are offering.
However, our top picks have gone through many rounds of selection to ensure you are choosing one of the best dog houses on the market.
Materials
Earlier we said materials are one of the factors that determine the quality of a dog house. With poor materials, the product value will be worthless. Quality materials can range from being coated to withstand and endure elements, durable and corrosion-proof, made to be extremely strong for performance and of incredible strength.
So, when you go for the best dog house, remember that the materials used for the design is an important criterion. You wouldn’t want to select a construct made of low-quality materials over the one made of high-quality durable materials.
Conclusion
There are so many dog breeds out there and as such their characters and behaviors are different. You should make a comparison between the dog house and the dog you are choosing a house for, using all the available features, which includes the materials, style, size, space, and durability.
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