What Is the Best Dog House? Top Picks and Buying Guide
Quick Answer
The best dog house is sized snugly to your dog, raised off the ground, insulated or well ventilated for your climate, and made from treated wood or thick, durable plastic with an offset or flap-covered door to keep wind and rain out. Inside, there should be room for your dog to stand, turn and lie stretched out, but not so much space that their body heat can't keep it warm in winter.
Key Takeaways
- A shelter that's too big is colder, because your dog's body heat has more air to warm.
- A raised floor keeps out damp and lets air circulate underneath.
- A door placed to one side, not centred, gives your dog a sheltered corner away from the wind.
- A removable or hinged roof makes cleaning far easier.
- An outdoor house is shelter for part of the day, not a replacement for living indoors in extreme weather.
Getting the Size Right
Size matters more than the material when choosing a dog house. Measure your dog standing, from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, and from the floor to the top of the head, then use these rough guides.
- Interior length and width: about 25% more than your dog's nose-to-tail length.
- Interior height: about 25% taller than your dog's standing height.
- Door height: roughly three-quarters of your dog's shoulder height, so they duck slightly to enter and heat stays in.
- Door width: just wider than your dog's chest.
Materials Compared
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated wood | Natural insulation, sturdy, classic look | Heavier, needs sealing | Year-round outdoor use |
| Thick plastic or resin | Light, easy to clean, won't rot | Less insulating unless lined | Mild climates, easy cleaning |
| Insulated panels | Holds warmth in winter, cooler in summer | Higher cost | Cold or hot regions |
| Fabric or soft indoor houses | Cosy, portable, washable | Not weatherproof | Indoor dens and small dogs |
What the Best Dog House Has
- A floor raised at least 5 to 10 cm off the ground.
- A sloped or overhanging roof to shed rain.
- Vents near the top for airflow in summer.
- An offset door or a flexible door flap for winter.
- Non-toxic paints and finishes, with no exposed nails or sharp edges.
Bedding makes a big difference to comfort, so our guide to the best dog beds and the pet bed buying guide are worth reading alongside this one.
Where to Put It
Place the dog house on level, well-drained ground, in partial shade, with the door facing away from the prevailing wind. In hot weather it should sit in full shade, and in winter a spot sheltered by a wall or fence helps. Keep fresh water nearby, and lift the house onto pavers or a pallet if the ground gets soggy.
What to Expect at Each Price
| Price (USD) | What you usually get | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50 | Soft indoor houses, pop-up tents, small plastic shelters | Indoor dens and small dogs |
| $50 to $150 | Plastic or basic wooden houses, raised floors | Small to medium dogs in mild climates |
| $150 to $400 | Insulated wood or resin, door flaps, removable roofs | Medium to large dogs, colder areas |
| $400 and up | Large insulated or heated houses, porches | Large breeds and harsh winters |
For most dogs in a mild climate, a dog house between $50 and $150 is enough, while colder regions justify spending more on insulation and a door flap.
Safety and Welfare
Any outdoor shelter is for part of the day, not the whole day and night, and dogs shouldn't be left outside in extreme heat or cold. In hot weather, check that the inside doesn't trap heat and always leave shade and water. In winter, use dry bedding such as straw or a washable blanket, and avoid electric heaters unless they're designed specifically for pets. Elderly, very young, small and short-coated dogs feel the cold much more, and if your dog seems lethargic, shivers or pants heavily, bring them indoors and contact your vet, as this guide isn't veterinary advice.
Our Picks From the Global Swanky Store
We don't currently stock outdoor kennels, so these are the closest useful items in our range, for indoor dens and for making any kennel cosier.
The Buy Premium Cat Tent Cooling Mat Dog Bed – Portable Cozy Pet House is $19.10, for small dogs that like an indoor den.
A covered tent gives nervous small dogs a hideaway inside the home, and it's the one I'd pick for flats.
The Waterproof Pet Blanket with Soft Flannel and Sherpa Fleece is $26.22, suited to lining a kennel floor.
A waterproof layer stops damp from below reaching your dog, and the sherpa side adds warmth.
The Pet Quilt Blanket Fall Winter Thick Flannel Warm Sleeping is $19.47, for extra warmth on cold nights.
Thick flannel is easy to shake out and wash, which matters for bedding that sees muddy paws.
The Cat Air Box Large Dog Cage Small & Medium Dog Carrying Bag is $42.59, made for small dogs that need a secure den on the move.
It works as a familiar sleeping spot for small dogs when travelling or visiting, though it isn't designed for outdoor use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dog actually use it?
Many do once it's comfortable and familiar, especially with their own bedding and some treats inside.
What bedding works best outdoors?
Straw stays drier than blankets outdoors in winter, while washable blankets suit drier, milder weather.
Which way should the door face?
Point the door away from the prevailing wind and towards some morning sun if possible.
How often should I clean it?
Change bedding weekly and scrub the inside every month or two, more often in wet weather.
Can I build my own?
Yes, using untreated or pet-safe timber and non-toxic finishes, with no exposed nails inside.
Our Recommendation
Choose a dog house sized just big enough for your dog, with a raised floor, an offset door and insulation if your winters are cold, then add a waterproof base and a warm, washable blanket. Bring your dog indoors whenever the weather turns extreme, whatever house you choose.