Hello! You must be a dog parent looking for a suitable dog house for your sweet pet. You’re in the absolute right place, as I’m going to let you know all about the best dog houses you can possibly find. I’m also going to discuss how to find which of these is the best for your and your dog’s specific needs, so sit tight!
Why does your dog need a house? There are obvious benefits to getting him an outdoor house. You might want to just buy a cheap one and go, but don’t do that! Dogs are very outdoorsy creatures, they need ample space to exercise and play around and they would definitely want to run around outside. So even if you want to keep your dog indoors, get him a good dog house for outdoors, this is important!
While you need to keep your dog’s comfort and safety in mind while picking his house, you should also think about longevity, budget, portability, etc. If the thought of making such a decision tends to give you a headache, fret not! With my help, you can make this decision in no time!
Top Rated Dog Houses: A Comprehensive List
I’m going to walk you through some of the best choices you can make when picking your dog’s dwelling based on the leading dog house reviews. My list of 12 has it all.
Top 3 – Best Dog Houses
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
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Suncast Outdoor Dog House |
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Petsfit Outdoor Dog House |
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Petmate Barnhome III Dog House |
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Here Are the Best Dog Houses Review 2022
- Suncast Outdoor Dog House
- Petsfit Outdoor Dog House
- Petmate Barnhome III Dog House
- Indigo Dog Houses with Microban
- Furhaven Collapsible Pet House
- Merry Pet Wood Pet House
- Starplast Large Dog House
- Confidence Pet XXL Dog House
- MidWest Eilio Outdoor Dog House
- Our Pets Tuff-N-Rugged Dog House
- ROCKEVER Wood Dog Houses
- SenYe Pets Soft Indoor Dog House
1. Suncast Outdoor Dog House
Out of all the best dog houses made from plastic, this house has a nice and subtle look that would not be conspicuous no matter where you leave it. Its material is heavy-duty resin, so despite being lightweight it would not crumble under pressure. It is recommended for pets up to 70 pounds.
An attractive aspect of the Suncast dog house is that it can be staked down using the holes on the four inner corners, so you don’t need to worry about it blowing away during a storm. This aspect makes it very suitable for the outdoors. Cleaning is also easy, take off the roof and just hose down everything.
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The downside to this house is that it isn’t weather-proof enough. Some leaks might occur when the rain is heavy. But since it’s lightweight you can just take it indoors. And there’s no insulation, so you’ll need to add that later. Considering everything, I think it’s one of the top best affordable dog houses around.
Also Read: The Best Magnetic Screen Door – Top Reviews to Buy
2. Petsfit Outdoor Dog House
In case you’re fond of a cute little wooden Petsfit dog house, this is one of the best dog houses you can bargain for. Solid wood make and stainless steel hardware make it a popular choice. The wood is cedar, so an additional plus is that it keeps pests away. Your dog would certainly be comfortable outdoors.
The most attractive aspect of this dog house is that the lid is hinged and can be opened as needed. This offers great accessibility and ease of cleanup. The roof is also waterproof.
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Aside from the solid build, additionally, there are crossbars to support the floor and adjustable feet to make it more stable outdoors. Even if your doggy is rowdy and likes to jump around, I daresay this house would hold against such enthusiasm. All in all, I found this could be one of the best outside dog houses on my list.
3. Petmate Barnhome III Dog House
You might want to turn your nose up at this dog house that looks like a glorified storage box, but hear me out! It’s one of the best dog houses for multiple reasons even though it might not look like much. Not only that, but it’s also very, very inexpensive for all the useful features!
This Petmate dog house takes literal seconds to assemble. So if you’re a little impatient and want your doghouse yesterday, this is the one for you. Although if you leave it out in the rain, better to add some waterproofing around the joints and some fasteners to strengthen it. In case of wind or storm, weigh it down with some pavement pieces.
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You can also add insulation in case of snow. These modifications would not cost much, considering the house is already so cheap. This is such a handy dog house for the price. It also has four weight ranges. I’ll tell you in a minute which one to pick for your dog. All in all, this is a really good outdoor dog house.
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4. Indigo Dog Houses with Microban
Some people really like the traditional peaked roof, wooden dog house design. That’s certainly not how this dog house looks. In fact, it looks like an aesthetically pleasing igloo for your backyard. It’s undoubtedly one of the best dog houses that came up on my search. I actually have a lot to say about this dog house, so buckle up, folks!
First off, this Indigo house is made to ward off rain and wind. The extended, offset doorway keeps the inside warm and dry. The raised floors have actual moats to drain off moisture. There’s also a roof-vent that allows airflow. You can buy a specially made pad to cushion the floor and a door, to maximize comfort.
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Although the door is a bit flimsy and won’t survive a chewer. Add a heating unit inside and your dog would stay toasty warm even in a snowfall. In my opinion, it’s one of the best-insulated dog houses available. You can choose from three sizes, the biggest is said to accommodate a dog up to 175 lbs. So I’d certainly recommend this if you have a big dog.
It also has Microban protection, which means your dog would be living in a hygienic space. There are a couple of downsides to the unique design. It gets too hot in the summer especially if left under direct sunlight. I would suggest keeping the door off or it’ll get extremely stuffy inside. It’s also dark, so claustrophobic dogs might not use it at all.
5. Furhaven Collapsible Pet House
You can probably already tell that this dog house is meant to be indoors. Furhaven is known for its plush and comfortable pet products, and this is no exception. It is one of the best dog houses for small dogs and to be used indoors. While your dog is taking a toasty nap in it, you can use it as an ottoman. Isn’t that handy?
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This enclosed space is made of durable polyester canvas, while the interior sleep surface is lined with insulating sherpa fleece. Add a dog bed or cushion on the bottom and your dog would not want to sleep anywhere else. It’s also collapsible so easy to store and transport. All in all, it’s one of the affordable dog houses I managed to find.
6. Merry Pet Wood Pet House
This looks less like a dog house and more like a fancy cottage for your pup, doesn’t it? This is such a cute little house for smaller dogs. The house is made of kiln-dried cedar so it’s able to keep pests away. Your pet can sleep in the snug lower chamber of the Merry house and can enjoy plenty of sunlight and air from the upper level. It’s weatherproof, so you need not worry about it deteriorating soon.
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It’s also good as an indoor house when you place it next to a window so your dog can sight-see from the perch. The one downside I can think of is that the stairs, as pretty as they are, could be a bit narrow and steep for your dog. You may need to employ some DIY skills to modify the stairs, or leave it off altogether and add something else so your dog can climb.
Also Read: Best Hamster Cage for Your First Pets
7. Starplast Large Dog House
Despite being another plastic house, this Starplast has such a neutral, earthy look that it doesn’t become just another eyesore. It’s very easy to assemble. Everything just snaps together quickly. Since the roof can be snapped off, it offers a trouble-free cleanup as well. Like any other plastic house, it only needs to be hosed down. Its simplicity makes it one of the best dog houses in my eyes.
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Another thing about this house is its dimensions. It doesn’t look too big or sturdy but if you buy the right size, even your large dog can fit in. The interior is reportedly very roomy. It’s very lightweight and quite an affordable choice. If you’re living in a moderate climate and looking for an inexpensive outdoor house for your fur baby, I’d like to advise you to get this.
8. Confidence Pet XXL Dog House
Plastic-made dog houses really look like dollhouses, don’t they? They might look adorable, but often they are quite flimsy and cannot offer your dog enough protection from the elements. However, that is not the case with this Confidence Pet dog house.
This XXL-sized dog house will already reduce your headache if you’re the parent of a hefty dog and can’t find large dog houses easily. Moreover, this waterproof dog house really is waterproof.
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Although, the manufacturer does advise that you should bring it indoors during a downpour. This dog house is big, so big in fact that a customer claimed a four-year-old child can hold a tea-party in it. That’s some impressive dimensions, I tell you! However, before you buy, do make sure your dog would fit, as the manufacturer did not set a weight limit.
Also Read: Best Cat Tree for Large Cats – Affordable Pet Products
9. MidWest Eilio Outdoor Dog House
I’ve left off the best for the last! Midwest is a known name for quality pet products and it’s no wonder the Eilio is one of the best-rated dog houses. In fact, I’m tempted to name it the winner out of the best outdoor dog houses. Let me explain why. First of all, it’s a folding wooden dog house. Yes, you’re not seeing things.
This MidWest wooden dog house folds like an accordion, making it amazingly easy to store. It’s made of wood, so yes it’s heavy. But it’s still easier to move around than any other wooden dog house. Not only that, if you hate assembling dog houses, you’re going to love this.
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Aside from that attractive feature, it also has all the characteristics of a good outdoor dog house. It’s made from water-resistant wood, so you can keep it outside without any worries. The slanted roof is covered in asphalt, so water just slides away. The Eilio’s elevated base and adjustable foot also make it perfect to put outside.
All in all, it looks and feels very reliable, the best out of the best dog houses in the market. The only thing you might complain about is perhaps the wood’s warping, which tends to happen if you leave it out indefinitely. Fashion a shade over it and that’s no longer a problem. You might also need to insulate it better.
10. Our Pets Tuff-N-Rugged Dog House
This sneaked into my list of the best dog houses not only because it looks like a gingerbread house (cute!) but also because it’s sturdier than most plastic dog houses. Our Pets dog house is a double-wall design that offers a significant amount of insulation. While the insulation isn’t as good as a wood house, it’s not something to scoff at, either.
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This also has a detachable roof so you can easily clean it. Despite the double walls, it’s still pretty lightweight. It comes with a flap that you’re recommended to use during colder months so it’s not drafty. It also doesn’t leak, so your pup stays dry even during rain. Even though it’s plastic, I’d like to recommend this as a pretty good dog house for outdoor use.
Also Read: The Best Couch for Dogs – Pretty Good for Indoor Use
11. ROCKEVER Wood Dog Houses
This ROCKEVER certainly falls under the category of best quality dog houses in the market. It’s especially good for larger dogs. If you’re frustrated with all the cute dog houses for smaller breeds coming up on your search, this is the Best Dog Houses for your hefty doggie.
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I didn’t pick this just because it’s a big dog house, you know. It comes in different sizes, too. But it’s a good choice no matter how big or small your pet is. It’s got a hinged roof that I’m quite partial to. It’s water-resistant and also makes cleanup easy. The door to this house is off-center. While it might seem unnecessary, it actually helps your dog stretch out more.
12. SenYe Pets Soft Indoor Dog House
Unlike an outdoor dog house, an indoor dog house does not need to be so tough. It doesn’t need to be weather resistant or insulating or even very durable. It just needs to offer enough comfort, privacy, and aesthetic value and this SenYe house provide them all.
This soft, cozy, and plush indoor dog house comes in 3 different colors, and they’re all extremely adorable! It’s absolutely perfect for your puppy who needs a private place to catch up on his snooze.
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The inside is warm and provides a soft sleep surface. This dog house is really great for the owner as well as the dog, as it is so easy to put together and maintain. The pieces of this dog house are held together using magic tape, also known as hook and loop tape or velcro tape, so there are less hassle and risk of breakage.
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Which Dog House Does Your Pup Need?
To start off, let’s talk about why you’re prowling the internet for a dog house. Yes, the best dog houses need to have some basic characteristics. Nevertheless, you need to think of what specifications this dog house needs to fit, as we really don’t want to buy a dog house and then find out your dog doesn’t fit in, doesn’t like it, or it’s completely useless for the purpose you bought it for.
Age
Is it going to be the first house for a cuddly little pup? Or did fido grow out of his old house and you want to give him something much better? It is much more cost-effective to buy a large house so your puppy can grow into it. On the other hand, if your dog is old, he probably has health issues and needs a comfortable, insulated house that’s easy to get in and out of.
Price
If you’re looking for something on the cheaper side, I’ve included a couple of such inexpensive choices in my list. These will give your dog basic comfort without breaking the bank. If money isn’t an issue, try to buy something that gives your dog maximum comfort. Just because he’s a dog doesn’t mean he needs to suffer.
Weather
Consider the weather of your locality. Is it too windy? Get a house that’s heavy and sturdy or at least one that can be anchored down with pegs so the wind doesn’t blow it away. If it rains a lot, consider a house that doesn’t leak at all. Does it snow?
Make sure it is well insulated or at least you can install some insulation later. If you get a lot of sunshine, then get a dog house that stays cool inside, although I’d still advise putting it under some sort of shade. In case your state is hurricane-prone, it’s best to get a house that can be taken indoors quickly.
Also Read: How to Train a Pitbull for the Best Manners!
Accessibility
To clean out a traditional dog house, you usually have to take your cleaning supplies and crawl halfway in. Thankfully, modern dog house manufacturers try to make this easier. Some have a roof that can be opened, so you can just reach in and clean. Some roofs can be taken off entirely. Plastic houses are easier to clean as you can just hose them down at the same time you’re hosing down your doggy.
Functionality
Depending on what you’re using it for, the house type would differ. An indoor house would fall apart if you leave it outdoors for a few days. An outdoor house would stick out like a sore thumb inside and will take up too much space.
Some indoor dog houses can also double as other furniture, so get those if you have limited floor space. If you want a dog house you can take along on your travels or one that can double as a crate, choose a sturdy but lightweight plastic house that can withstand some assembly and reassembly.
Assembly
If you’re a busy dog mom like me, you’ll need a dog house that’s quick to assemble so you can get back to your chores. Those are also the best for people who are handicapped, aged, or have health issues, or even for those who only have one set of hands while assembling. In my opinion, you should still take time to put together the house with care, to minimize the risk of an accident.
Plastic dog houses take a short while to snap together and sometimes need screws, but mishandling could lead to cracks easily. Usually, wooden dog houses take a bit more time and care to assemble, but they are usually more sturdy. Scroll up and take another look at my list for easy to assemble pieces.
Aesthetic Appeal
This is less important, but you might still want to consider it. I personally prefer beautiful wooden dog houses. These go so well with the outdoors. You can pick one that matches your house’s coloring or put on a coat of non-toxic color later. Some of these dog houses even go with your interior.
On the other hand, plastic houses tend to lack that appeal and sometimes look garish with their bright and shiny colors. If you want a plastic dog house for your indoors, make sure to pick one with a nice color palette. However, some people prefer dog houses that don’t look obvious. In those cases, you could pick one of those dog houses that can multitask as other indoor furniture.
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What to Expect After Buying a Dog House
Even the best dog houses are not always perfect. In my list, I’ve mostly talked about two types of dog houses, wood-based and plastic-based. They each have pros and cons. To make sure you don’t drown in despair after receiving your purchase, always expect to do some minimal adjustments and prepare accordingly. Here are the things I think you should expect:
One
Always get one size larger than the one mentioned for your pup’s weight. Most negative reviews are about how they didn’t expect that specific dog house to be so small. Unless you’re absolutely confident that this is the dimension your dog will be comfortable in, pick one size bigger.
Then there’s less of a chance of your dog not fitting in. Trust me, this will save you so much hassle, as there’ll be less risk that you’ll have to return the house and pay a hefty fee for it. In case your fur baby is a growing pup, this is even more important!
Two
Expect some amount of imperfection from the material. If you’re buying wood, prepare for a woody smell, some splinters, and chips. If you’re buying plastic, then be prepared for a lightweight package to arrive and even some cracks on the parts. Don’t go crying about how your plastic dog house is flimsy and not too sturdy. Come on! It’s a plastic dog house. Don’t expect it to be sturdy like wood.
Three
Be prepared to troubleshoot. Have some hardware at hand in case there are screws missing or you need to drill some holes to fit these screws. You might need to fasten the parts with extra ties, add some insulation, caulking, duct tape, etc. Arm yourself accordingly.
Four
Do not leave your outdoor dog house under direct sunlight. If it’s plastic, the inside will definitely turn into an oven, mark my words! I’m exaggerating, but your dog would certainly be uncomfortable. During rain, some leaks might occur. Putting this house under a shady tree, your porch awning, a gazebo, or even a pool umbrella will make it much more livable.
You might think your wooden dog house would fare better, but even that would survive much longer under some sort of shade. If you leave it out in the open, even if the product is supposed to be weatherproof, some warping of the wood might occur that affects functionality.
Five
Considering the weather, make necessary adjustments to make sure your dog is comfy. Aside from adding some insulation, you might also need to add a heating pad or lamp inside to make sure your pup is toasty warm when there’s snow outside. If your outdoor dog house gets too hot, maybe a dog cooling mat would be useful.
Lastly
What to do if your dog doesn’t want to go inside the dog house? You need to be prepared for a doggy reluctant to move into his new mansion. The easiest fix is to throw some treats inside during playtime and to put his old bed in it. If that fails, try to lift up the roof if the design of the dog house allows this. Once the inside isn’t dark, maybe your dog will like it better.
Sometimes the house would smell too much like wood or chemicals, in that case, air it out for a while before introducing it to your pooch. One thing I feel like you should know is to never leave your dog unattended for a long time even though they have a luxurious house. Especially if your dog is young, then make sure to give the puppy enough time and attention, otherwise, it will definitely cause stress.
Also Read: How to Stop Dog Barking at Night – Tips for Dog Lovers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Dog Houses Good for Dogs?
A: Yes, they are. You can’t keep a dog indoors all the time and they need to be out. While out of the house, a dog house provides a place of safety and comfort. It protects them from direct sunlight, chills, rain, and snow.
Q: Can Two Dogs Share a Dog House?
A: Yes, they can. While providing one dog house to each dog is a good idea, dogs from the same litter can easily share a crate or a doghouse. However, you shouldn’t make more than two dogs share one dog house.
Q: Do Dog Houses Need Ventilation?
A: Yes, all dog houses need ample ventilation. It doesn’t matter what the dog house is made of, you should make sure that there are air vents, slats, or some other sort of ventilation near the top.
Q: Should a Dog House Be Off the Ground?
A: Yes, it should. To make sure during extreme weather your dog does not suffer, placing the dog house a little off the ground has some benefits. On one hand, during summer there will be airflow below the dog house, which will keep your dog cool. On the other hand during rain or snow, the inside of the dog house will stay dry and also warm.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know which are the best dog houses, go ahead and make your choice. Now you know why your dog needs the best house you can afford, and also what to expect when you pick dog houses. Which one is your favorite out of all the dog houses? Come say hi in the comments and let me know!
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