The Best Outdoor Dog Kennels

From the Great Dane to the regal Chihuahua, every dog needs some time outside. But canines are sometimes too adventurous for their own good, so you can’t just open the door and expect them to resist the call of the wild. With an outdoor dog kennel, you can give your pooch that much-needed open sky without worrying that they will wander off.

What to Look For

Of course, not all dogs are made the same, and neither are dog kennels. That’s why we considered a few differentiating factors — including size, portability, and durability — while studying the best dog kennels on the market. Our favorite, the Smonter Outdoor kennel, is extremely heavy-duty and will look beautiful in any yard. For owners interested in a more temporary containment option, we also loved Horing’s pop up tent kennel. Read on to discover all of our top picks and find a kennel that’s right for you and your pup.

Smonter Heavy Duty Outdoor Kennel

Protect your pup

Though not the roomiest, this durable kennel is the perfect solution for dogs prone to breaking out of their quarters.
Best Overall

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Some dogs require a few extra measures to ensure their safety (as well as the safety of those tasty-looking couch cushions). If your pooch suffers from separation anxiety, sees containment as a challenge for escape, or is prone to aggressive behavior, Smonter created a kennel designed for her. Its walls are made of steel and shaped in a way that prevents chewing on the bars, so this tough metal kennel is virtually inescapable. As an added protection, the door sports collision-proof locks, and the paint is nontoxic should Lady try giving it a taste. Great for both indoor and outdoor use, this one has lockable wheels to move it in and out of the house with ease.

Pros:

  • This crate comes with floor liner trays that catch any mess and make clean-up a breeze.
  • We love that the whole top opens up, so we can say hello to our furry baby without letting them out of the cage.
  • The anti-collision lock seems to be far more secure than other kennels on the market, giving us extra peace of mind.

Cons:

  • While we personally love the way this kennel looks, not everyone may. 

Horing Pop Up Tent Kennel

Portable pups

Stylish and ready to go in a snap, this portable kennel lets your canine companion travel with you.
Best For Travel

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Parting from your shaggy best friend can be difficult, so why do it? This portable kennel from Horing is a lightweight, portable option for dog owners that just can’t bear to leave their canine behind. Ideal for smaller to mid-sized dogs, the soft walls and mesh windows won’t withstand determined chewers, but they will provide a quick pop-up habitat for your next trip to the beach. When it’s time to go home, the pop-up tent collapses down and folds up into a convenient little bundle. Owners of puppies will be relieved (ahem) to discover that the floor material is easy to clean should any accidents occur.

Pros:

  • Small dog owners are likely to appreciate the size of this kennel since it’s big enough to also fit a small bed and food bowl.
  • The two-door design means you can position it in multiple ways and still leave your pup an extry/exit point.
  • We can imagine this working as a shelter for cats, too.

Cons:

  • This isn’t great for large dogs, nor for aggressive chewers who are likely to bite their way out. 

ProSelect Empire Cage

Strong and sturdy

Even the toughest canine out there is no match for this formidable kennel.
Best Heavy Duty

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Though some may see this heavy-duty 20-gauge stainless steel kennel as something akin to a pooch prison, they’d be missing the bigger picture. Though brutalist in design, there’s nothing brutal about the idea behind this kennel. Dogs who are prone to breaking out of their cages are a liability — not to you, although that’s true too, but more so to themselves. If your dog breaks out of his kennel when you’re not home, there’s a chance he could get into trouble or hurt himself. This is especially true if he’s suffering from separation anxiety, as his anguish will drive him to frantic behavior. With this one, rest assured that there is virtually no way your Herculean pup is going to break out.

Pros:

  • Between the cleaning tray and the heavy-duty construction, we would have no qualms about leaving bigger dogs unattended in this crate.
  • Despite its weight, the large casters make this surprisingly easy to move.
  • We really like the look of the straightforward, powder-coated steel design.

Cons:

  • The bottom seems uncomfortable, so you’ll want to lay some blankets down for your pal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my dog unattended in an outdoor dog kennel?

This depends less on the kennel and more on the dog. Owners should certainly learn the habits and personalities of their dogs before leaving them unattended in the confines of a kennel. A great way to do this is to place the kennel inside and leave them alone for a while. See if your pooch tries to escape and see if the kennel holds up. A kennel escapee is safer inside than outside, as most dogs will take the opportunity for an impromptu jaunt around town.

What should I do if my dog has separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety can result in property damage and is a major cause of distress for dogs. Do not indulge your dog’s excessive attachment, as he must learn to be comfortable on his own. This means making sure your dog is happy and occupied in your absence. For mild cases, outdoor kennels are a great way to ensure your dog thrives by himself. Give him some good food, a couple of chew toys, and plenty of water and space, and he may become accustomed to periods of separation. For moderate to severe separation anxiety, professional behavioral therapy is usually recommended.

About the Author

Chelsia is the proud owner of two long-coat Chihuahuas and an 11-year-old pit mix. She and her five kids enjoy roaming the rivers and forests surrounding her North Carolina home — and so do her dogs. Taking care of multiple pets can be a challenge, which is why Chelsia seeks to help fellow dog owners find the right products for their furry family members.

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