The Best Dog Houses
Picking the right dog house for your pup will ensure they always have a place to rest and relax when they spend time outdoors. From lightweight plastic houses to heavier wooden structures, there are plenty of dog houses to accommodate furry friends of all sizes. We've rounded up a few of our favorite dog houses to help you pick the perfect one for your pet.
What to Look For
After researching dog houses, we found the best ones are durable, easy to assemble, and weather-resistant. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the Zeny plastic dog house. Small and medium dogs can fit comfortably in this indoor or outdoor kennel. And the raised design ensures it doesn’t flood when the weather turns. The plastic panels are easy to connect and clean to remove dirt or debris. We also love the Trixie dog house because it is made from heavy-duty wood and weatherproof materials that will last. You’ll be happy to know that your dog can use this house outdoors for years without worrying about the materials disintegrating. Keep reading to discover your new favorite dog house.
Zeny Plastic Dog House
Comfortable and dry
Once you set up this lightweight plastic dog house, it doesn’t have to stay in one place forever. This one from Zeny includes everything you need to assemble it indoors or outdoors. The heavy-duty plastic won’t leak in wet conditions. And it is slightly raised off the ground to prevent it from flooding when it rains. Plus, the built-in air vents ensure your pet stays comfortable in it year-round.
Pros:
- Easy to wipe or rinse clean
- Includes stakes to secure it to the ground
- Made from lightweight materials
Cons:
- It is only suitable for small and medium dogs
Suncast Outdoor Dog House with Door
Setting up a dog house for your favorite furry friend doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Suncast’s outdoor dog house is large enough for dogs weighing up to 70 pounds. And it has a tall door for them to move in and out without having to crouch. The durable plastic pieces snap together in minutes, so you won’t need special tools or supplies. But the best part is that there are lightweight screen flaps on the doorway to keep out dirt, bugs, and other debris.
Pros:
- Fade-resistant materials
- Decorative exterior
- Affordable option for all breeds
Cons:
- There is only one color option
Trixie Classic Dog House
Spacious surroundings
Finding a dog house large enough for your pup to make themselves at home can be challenging if you have a large breed, like a golden retriever, German shepherd, or Great Dane. Trixie’s wooden dog house is spacious and has a durable base that can hold up to 70 pounds. The raised house won’t flood when the weather is wet and rainy. And the sloped roof can hinge open for easy cleaning and reorganizing to keep your pup comfortable.
Pros:
- The plastic foot caps are rust and rot-resistant
- Weather-resistant siding and roof
- Floor panels are easy to remove for cleaning
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other options
Albad RYPetmia Wooden Pet House
Miniature mansion
If you’re searching for a dog house to fit your petite pup, this one from Albad will fit the bill. This adorable wooden dog house is designed specifically with small breeds in mind. The basic wood pieces slot together and have cutouts to let in light and provide airflow. There is enough space inside the house to add a blanket or bed. And it can double as a crate since it has a metal door with a durable latch.
Pros:
- Simple to paint or stain
- Nontoxic materials
- It takes five minutes or less to assemble
Cons:
- Not intended for extended outdoor use
Trixie Cottage Dog House
Home sweet home
If you’re looking for a dog house that is durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, you can’t go wrong with this one from Trixie. The wooden structure is raised off the ground to ensure it never floods. And the sloped roof is designed to help water run off quickly instead of pooling. This decorative dog house is available in multiple sizes to fit your precious pooch. Plus, the tongue and groove-style boards keep drafts from entering this cozy dog house.
Pros:
- Adjustable legs
- Roof shingles help wick away excess water to protect the wood
- The glazed pine is weatherproof
Cons:
- Heavy to move once assembled
Can dogs sleep in an outdoor dog house?
Depending on the climate where you live, it can be safe for dogs to sleep outdoors in a dog house. For example, if you experience mild temperatures without rain, your dog may be more comfortable outside. You can set up their dog house in your fenced-in backyard or porch to ensure it’s tucked away in a safe spot. But if you experience extreme hot or cold temperatures, it may not be safe for your dog to sleep outdoors or spend extended periods outside.
Are plastic or wooden dog houses better?
Plastic dog houses are easy to assemble and clean, which makes them ideal for most people. Many designs are slightly raised off the ground, so you can set them up on a solid surface or grass without worrying about flooding. But wooden dog houses are the more decorative option, which is why many people choose them instead. Plus, most wooden dog houses are weather-resistant, meaning they can withstand rain and snow without rotting. But the most important factor is to find a dog house that is large enough to comfortably fit your pet.
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