best Houses for dogs
Updated November 2020
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
- As Good As It Gets
- Best On A Budget
Bottom Line
Wood construction with a classic design that’s sure to compliment any yard.
Easy to assemble and comes with a 1-year warranty. Strong construction with plenty of owner-friendly features.
One of the best outdoor houses on the market. It is elevated so doesn’t get wet when kept outside on the porch or backyard. Made of sturdy wood.
Weatherproof roof that makes it perfect for the outdoors.The outer wall is glazed with protective wood color making it safe for your furry friend.
Only plastic dog houses on the list. Easy to put together. Water-resistant and provides UV protection. Weather-proof floor to keep us safe from hot and cold alike.
Pros
No tools required for assembly. Lid-style roof can be lifted off for easy cleaning.
Additional venting and can be opened/closed depending on weather. Good warranty.
Extremely good looking adds an extra element to your house. The top can be opened which makes cleaning easy and hassle-free.
Quick and easy assembly. Really high quality.The product looks great in the garden or on the porch.Heavy duty material makes it durable.
Comes with a vinyl door that keeps us warm during winters. Removable roof making it easier to clean. Vented to allow air to come into the house for those hot summer days.
Cons
Heavier than most designs thanks to the all-wood construction. Prone to rot and other wood-related issues depending on climate and level of care taken with maintenance.
Too large for smaller dogs. Legs that keep the kennel off the ground can break with heavy usage.
A little bit on the expensive side. Maybe not be the best option for someone trying to spend not too much.
A little bit on the expensive side and can take the dog some time to get used to the house. Difficult to clean like the others on the list.
Not great for the outdoors. As the house is made up of plastic it could be affected due to strong winds or adverse weather conditions.
- As Good As It Gets
MidWest Homes for Pets Eilio Outdoor Dog House
Bottom Line
Wood construction with a classic design that’s sure to compliment any yard.
Pros
No tools required for assembly. Lid-style roof can be lifted off for easy cleaning.
Cons
Heavier than most designs thanks to the all-wood construction. Prone to rot and other wood-related issues depending on climate and level of care taken with maintenance.
- Best On A Budget
Ferplast Dog Kennel
Bottom Line
Easy to assemble and comes with a 1-year warranty. Strong construction with plenty of owner-friendly features.
Pros
Additional venting and can be opened/closed depending on weather. Good warranty.
Cons
Too large for smaller dogs. Legs that keep the kennel off the ground can break with heavy usage.
Petsfit Dog House, Dog House Outdoor
Bottom Line
One of the best outdoor houses on the market. It is elevated so doesn’t get wet when kept outside on the porch or backyard. Made of sturdy wood.
Pros
Extremely good looking adds an extra element to your house. The top can be opened which makes cleaning easy and hassle-free.
Cons
A little bit on the expensive side. Maybe not be the best option for someone trying to spend not too much.
Kerbl Dog House, 100 x 88 x 99 cm
Bottom Line
Weatherproof roof that makes it perfect for the outdoors.The outer wall is glazed with protective wood color making it safe for your furry friend.
Pros
Quick and easy assembly. Really high quality.The product looks great in the garden or on the porch.Heavy duty material makes it durable.
Cons
A little bit on the expensive side and can take the dog some time to get used to the house. Difficult to clean like the others on the list.
Suncast Outdoor Dog House with Door
Bottom Line
Only plastic dog houses on the list. Easy to put together. Water-resistant and provides UV protection. Weather-proof floor to keep us safe from hot and cold alike.
Pros
Comes with a vinyl door that keeps us warm during winters. Removable roof making it easier to clean. Vented to allow air to come into the house for those hot summer days.
Cons
Not great for the outdoors. As the house is made up of plastic it could be affected due to strong winds or adverse weather conditions.
How We Decided
While many owners fully share their homes with their pets, it’s important to consider that maybe your dog would sometimes like their own space to get away from our hectic human lives. We searched the internet to pour over thousands of reviews and sent the best dog houses to our team of dog-testers to see if they truly made the cut. Here’s the breakdown:
23
Models Considered
8
Hours Researched
1
Experts Interviewed
5
Consumer Consulted
Buying Guide For Best Dog Houses
Buying Guide For Best Dog Houses
Key Considerations
Caution
While it may seem like ‘bigger is better’, when it comes to dog houses it’s more about have just enough space to be comfortable. A dog house that is too big won’t provide the necessary feeling of security that will cause your dog to use it often.
Dogs House Features
Expert Tip
When it comes to a dog house, coziness is the name of the game. You want just enough room for your dog to be able to sit upright and turn around, much more than that and your dog might not feel as warm, safe, or secure as you think.
Dog House Prices
Tips
To make sure you get the most out of your dog’s house, here are a few things to consider:
- Get the right size. As mentioned above, a dog house should be big enough for your dog to sit up in, turn around, and little else. You want it cozy enough that they feel safe, and that their own body heat is enough to warm the space through.
- Consider the weather. Insulated dog houses or ones with additional heating are likely essential if you live in cooler climates. If you’re concerned about the summer heat, look for a dog house with adjustable venting to allow excess warmth to dissipate.
other products we Considered
Aside from our picks, there is an abundance of choices that we couldn’t test. But here are other options that you might want to consider for your dog house.
Archie and Oscar Dog House: With a 100% composite construction, this dog house will last a lifetime. It’s also easy to clean out with a removable top.
MAU Lifestyle Felt Doghouse: Meant for indoor use, what this doghouse lacks in ruggedness it makes up for in style points. Ideal for design-minded apartment dwellers that lack a lot of outdoor space.
FAQ's
What size dog house should I get for my dog?
Your dog should have enough room to stand upright and turn around. Ideally, your dog shouldn’t have to crouch too low to enter the dog house, since the repetitive strain of this action can cause issues in the future.
How do I clean my dog house?
When cleaning your outdoor dog house, it’s important to follow manufacturer instructions. Look for biodegradable cleaners like SprayNine, which can remove deep stains and soiling while killing potentially harmful bacteria.
Can I build my own dog house?
If you’re mechanically inclined, you can always build your own dog house with plans found all over the internet. Keep in mind though that many projects can be larger than they seem and you’re unlikely to save any money in the long run.
The Team That WOrked on This Review
Nitin Gupta
Chief Content Officer
JJ Resnick
Director of Growth
Erik Adler
Editorial Director