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Any dog who spends time outdoors needs a dedicated kennel that offers weather protection and a safe, comfortable place to relax.
Kennels not only protect your dog from the sun and heavy rain, but also provide him with a safe space to shelter in.
Regardless of the weather, all dogs should have a sheltered outdoor spot.
Not all kennels are suitable for all climates or all situations, however, if you are in the market for a kennel, choose one that meets all of your dog's needs.
Keep reading to learn what to look for in a great dog kennel, and to find out why the following products are best for most pet owners.
With these key features and shopping tips in mind, we spent hours narrowing down the market to find top-rated kennels for various homes and settings.
Any of these products should fit your dog's needs.
dog house prices
1. Petsfit Wooden Dog Houses for Small Dog Medium Dog and Large Dogs Weatherproof Outdoor Dog Kennel
Made of wood, this outdoor dog house blends aesthetically with most yards, and can be painted to match your home or left as is.
It comes in three colors, silver gray and white, red and white, or yellow and white, and is available in three sizes, small, medium and large, to accommodate almost any size.
Featuring a door that allows dogs to protect them from the wind, the Petsfit comes with an optional clear plastic door to provide extra protection against the elements while still allowing the dog to see outside.
Its sloping roof features removable asphalt shingles for cleaning, and the house is pre-drilled for quick assembly - a screwdriver or drill is required.
A bulky style buffer kit is also available, making this an overall better choice for most dogs.
2. Petmate Aspen Pet Outdoor Dog House, Extra Small, For Pets Up to 15 Pounds
With its durable plastic construction, the Petmate Aspen PetBarn provides shelter from the elements as well as providing a barrier against fleas and ground insects.
This kennel also comes in two sections—top and bottom—that snap together easily, and features a sloping gable roof with an overhead extension to help keep out rain and block out harsh sunlight.
The Petmate Kennel is easy to clean. Simply spray it with a hose when necessary and is available in three sizes, up to 15lbs, 25 to 50lbs and 50 to 90lbs, making it suitable for small housing, medium and large dogs.
The molded floor is slightly raised, creating an air pocket that provides an insulating effect.
This dog house is more affordable than many, which makes it the best choice for pet owners on a budget.
3. Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House, Large, Natural Wood (7027013)
Big dogs will love the large version of the Petmate Outback Log Cabin. With a detachable door, even the largest dog can shelter from rain or snow.
The house is also available in small, medium and extra large sizes. Constructed of solid wood with a protective, air-tight coating and stainless steel, the Petmate Log Cabin is designed to provide years of safe protection for your dog.
The kennel features a pitched roof for optimal drainage and assembles in three easy steps (screwdriver or drill required).
Petmate Log Cabin can be supplied with the Precision Pet Insulation Kit (sold separately) to provide additional protection in cold weather.
4. Petsfit Wooden Dog Houses for Small Dog Medium Dog and Large Dogs Weatherproof Outdoor Dog Kennel
Small dogs will love lounging in the shade on the Petsfit Outdoor Dog House's screened porch which features an extended roof (over the porch) that serves as protection from the sun and rain.
It's also available in medium and large sizes, although only the smaller model comes with a covered porch.
The Pets Fit roof is easy to clean, and the extended roof design will keep your little dog out of the wind and weather.
The front of the dog house has a window that allows the dog to contemplate outside the house without leaving its house.
Made of kiln-dried cedar, which naturally resists water damage and insects, the Petsfit Kennel is a great choice for small dogs that want to feel safe.
5. Furhaven Pet Dog Bed Indoor Furhaven Pet Dog Bed
The Furhaven Pet Condo is the perfect choice for pet owners who want to give their furry friend a place of their own while keeping them safely indoors.
The Furhaven Pet Condo is available in 'footrest' or 'ottoman' options and is suitable for small to small to medium dogs and is also available in a few cat options.
The Condo is covered in fabric in a variety of colors and patterns, including "Beach House Stripe" and "Solid Coconut Brown" to complement any interior.
Flat top is removable for easy cleaning, no assembly required.
6. Petsfit Indoor Dog House Insulated Wood Cat Houses for Indoor Cats
Moving your dog's house has never been easier! With the Petsfit Portable Dog House, simply fold it up and store it in your trunk or garage.
The Fit Fit Kennel is made of wood and has hinges along its sides and top to fold flat for transport or when not in use.
It's a great choice for pet owners traveling with their dogs or for accommodating visiting guests who bring their dogs with them.
This portable dog house is designed for dogs up to 30 pounds and, when installed, features a raised floor to keep the dog off the ground.
Its offset door adds a bit of extra protection from the elements, and can be fitted with a soft cushion or rug (not included) for added comfort.
Benefits of owning a dog house
In nature, wild dogs instinctively seek shelter in the shade of a tree if the sun is too warm, or they will curl up under a bush or in a cave to protect themselves from rain and scorching sun.
While pet dogs are often confined to fenced back yards, they still naturally seek (and need) the same protection from the elements.
Not only will the kennel protect your pup from anything, but it will also give him a place where he can feel safe.
Once a dog gets to know their home, they will naturally look for it as their "special place", a place they can go to whenever they are outside for a little privacy and security.
Dog house features
- Provides a warm cozy place in winter, away from strong wind, stormy snow and cold
- Provides shade from the harsh summer sun
- It also gives the dog a sense of privacy and security
How to choose a kennel that meets your dog's needs?
When shopping for a new kennel for your dog, you will find a variety of designs, sizes, shapes and prices, but the most important factor to consider is the suitability of the kennel for your dog or dogs.
Keep the following key considerations in mind when shopping.
Dog house sizes
Unlike humans, dogs do not crave large dog houses with large floor areas.
So a proper kennel is one that he can get in and out of easily, one that has enough space for him to stand in without having to bend over, and one that allows him to stretch out a bit.
A dog house that is too large will not help your dog retain body heat in cold weather and will not give him that cozy feeling. Or those that are so small that they can make him feel uncomfortable.
The following steps show you how to measure your dog to help determine the right sized house.
Be aware that many kennels are generally categorized as "small," "medium," or "large," while others are defined by the weight of the dog.
In either case, the individual dimensions can usually be found in the product description.
Measure your dog (while standing) from the top of his head to the floor. Multiply this number by 1.25 to determine the optimal height for the dog's house.
For example, if your dog is 20 inches tall, you would multiply 20 inches by 1.25 for a total of 25 inches. The dog house you buy should be as close to 25 inches in height as possible.
While your dog is still standing, measure from his nose to his back. Multiply this measurement by 1.25 to get the optimal width and depth for the dog house.
If the measurement is 22 inches, find a dog house that is approximately 27.5 inches wide and deep.
Take another measurement while your dog is standing from the floor to the top of his shoulder blades. Multiply this measurement by 0.75 to determine the ideal height for the door. You won't need a door higher than this because your dog will bow its head as it passes.
The final measurement is done from side to side on the widest part of your dog's body. The width of the door should be about 2 inches wider than this measurement.
ventilation
Most kennels offer plenty of ventilation through an open door, but if you plan to keep your dog indoors during hot weather, additional air vents are helpful.
If the dog house is equipped with additional ventilation, it is often in the form of open hatches under the roof or a decorative window.
Ventilation is less desirable if the dog will be in the kennel during cold winters, and if this is the case, find a window that can be closed to prevent snow from passing through, and consider placing the dog's flap over the door to help close it.
insulation
Just like in a human's home, a kennel will be more comfortable if it is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
However, due to the open nature of dog houses, it is difficult to keep the temperature inside from getting cold.
Rather than trying to seal off all entrances, a kennel designed for cold climates would benefit from double-wall assembly, which creates an air space between the inner wall and the outer wall that reduces heat transfer.
Additionally, some kennels come with insulation kits that help the dog maintain its body heat when outdoor temperatures drop.
assembly required
Setting up a new home for dogs is usually fairly simple.
Many molded plastic kennels come in two pieces and stick together while some more elaborate wooden kennels with additions such as a porch or stairs to the upper deck may require more assembly.
This type of house will come with assembly instructions and will usually require a screwdriver - screws will be provided. Most of the time, a pet owner can put together a dog house in less than an hour.
Optional structural features
If you are looking for a modern dog house, you will find some cute dogs with unique architecture.
Many kennels still follow the "Snoopy" style - a boxy house with a pointed gable roof - but a molded plastic dome - or igloo style kennels are also popular.
It might be worth looking into some of the optional features.
Cleaning door: This is not the door the dog enters, it is a door that opens either from the top or from the back of the kennel to allow the pet owner to clean it. Usually, the larger the house, the more likely it is to have a clean door.
Windows: Either for decoration or for ventilation, windows can decorate your dog's kennel with a plain look, but you should be able to close them when necessary to protect your pup from the harsh natural elements.
Roof: All kennels have roofs of some type, but in hot climates it is helpful to have a roof with an extended protrusion that blocks the door and sides of the house from sunlight.
Terrace: Sheds are popular with kennels in kennels because they give the dog a place to lie off the ground when he doesn't want to stay in his house. You can always add this feature later on a separate batch installation installation.
Frequently asked questions about kennels
If you are new to the world of kennels, you will naturally have a few questions. Below, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about dog owners.
What should a kennel have for protection in hot weather?
Dogs need special protection in hot weather, so look for a dog house that has an extended roof to block out harsh sunlight and a raised floor to allow air to circulate underneath.
Additionally, place the kennel in a shaded location and make sure your dog always has an ample source of fresh water.
How do I make my dog sleep in his house?
Most dogs will naturally enter their kennels and stretch out, but if your dog is transitioning from sleeping indoors to outdoors, he may experience a temporary feeling of separation anxiety and refuse to sleep in his house.
You can encourage him to enter his new home by placing treats and dog toys inside, or you can start by placing the dog house on your porch, where your dog may feel safe at first. When your dog gets used to his house, you can move him away.
Do two dogs share the same house?
Often more than one dog will share a dog house as long as it is large enough to sleep comfortably, but this also depends on the way the dogs interact with each other.
Some dogs love companionship while others feel like they "own" the kennel. If you have a dog that does not share its home, it is a good idea to buy another home for another dog.
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