Dogs are not only our best companions, but they are also important members of our family. Owning a dog means that their livelihood and well-being become our responsibility. And it’s only normal that we should fulfill these responsibilities to the best of our abilities. Giving the dog a good quality dog house can make a huge difference in their lifestyle.
Once you have gotten your canine friend a suitable dog house, it won’t take that much time until the dog becomes attached to it. The house will become its home, a very special place. So you have to make sure that this special place is also sufficiently comfortable for the dog as well. It should be a shelter for the dog while providing a real sense of security.
You have to choose the right dog house that will suit your furry friend as a responsible dog owner. However, it’s a fact that choosing the right dog house can be very difficult. You have to consider whether it can withstand the harshness of the outdoors or is it suitable for indoors. Additionally, you also have to consider the size of your dog as well.
But, fear not! We are here, so you won’t have to experience all that hassle. We have gone through various kinds of dog houses available in the market and created a list of the 5 best dog houses you may find suitable for your dog.
The 5 Best Dog Houses of 2023
1. Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin
The first dog house on our list is Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin. This one is a big log cabin dog house accommodating large dog breeds. However, it is also available in four other sizes, including small, medium, and giant.
This extra-large dog house is designed to endure all the ravaging of the outdoors while providing maximum protection to your dog all year round. It features a sealed protective coating, a slanted asphalt roof, and raised floor to protect the dog from the sun, wind, and rain.
Moreover, the Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin is manufactured with solid wood and stainless steel hardware which makes it durable enough to last for a long time. Not only that, but you can easily assemble it in not more than three quick steps.
Furthermore, it also comes with adjustable feet providing stability on uneven surfaces. As a result, the placement process becomes simple and stress-free.
Besides, the classic cabin-style design looks good on your lawn and fits well with the surrounding scenery. All these benefits make the Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin an ideal choice for your four-legged friend. In short, it is, undoubtedly, the best outdoor heated dog house for your loving pal.
Pros:
- Protections against rain and snow runoff
- Adjustable feet for balance
- Weather-resistant and durable
- Unique cabin design
Cons:
- There are many complaints about poor packaging
- Some buyers complained about the material quality
Product Details:
- Material: Wood
- Product Dimensions: 45.5 x 26.5 x 32.8 inches
- Shipping Weight: 61.8 pounds
- Product Color: Brown/Natural Wood
2. Aspen Pet PetBarn 3
Next on the list is the Aspen Pet Petbarn 3, which is another great product from Petmate. This product is manufactured using high-quality plastic, which ensures durability and protection. What’s more, the Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 costs a lot less compared to other products of the same category. Even so, it does not compromise when it comes to quality.
This all-plastic deluxe dog house is designed to shelter and protect your dog from the elements. The Aspen Pet Petbarn provides excellent insulation in winter, making it the best dog house for winter.
Plus, It features rear air ventilation, which helps to keep away the summer heat and allows proper airflow. This blows away any kind of odor and keeps the interior cool. In addition, the extended guard rim and raised floor keep the pet dry in snow or rain.
Moreover, it’s naturally rotting and mold resistant due to the plastic construction. Also, this dog house has quick-snap latches providing easy assembly; no tools are required.
All things considered, the Aspen Pet PetBarn is definitely a good choice for those looking for a great dog house at a low price.
Pros:
- Durable all-plastic construction
- Weather protection
- Easy and quick no-tools assembly
- Unique rustic barn design
Cons:
- The two parts don’t always fit together
Product Details:
- Material: Plastic
- Product Dimensions: 26.5 x 18 x 16.5 inches
- Shipping Weight: 9.8 pounds
- Product Color: Brown/Black/White
3. MidWest Homes for Pets Eilio Outdoor Dog House
This dog house features a unique no-tools design. You can just fold it and then place it in your desired location. It can be the perfect shelter for your dog.
Each Eilio Outdoor Dog House is manufactured from water-resistant stained wood. It is equipped with stainless steel hardware and also has an ultra-tough asphalt shingle roof for protection and durability. Additionally, the house comes fully assembled upon purchase.
Moreover, this outdoor dog house comes with a wide, arched doorway that provides extra airflow under the dog house and sufficient air circulation inside. This helps keep your dog dry.
It also has a spacious interior with plenty of room, which ensures extra comfort. The Eilio Outdoor Dog House features an elevated floor and four adjustable legs. The adjustable legs ensure a comfortable and level platform on uneven surfaces.
Considering all the benefits, the MidWest Homes for Pets Eilio Outdoor Dog House is definitely a great buy.
Pros:
- Great ventilation and air circulation
- Has a spacious interior
- Manufactured from water-resistant wood
Cons:
- Doesn’t have anything to easily grab
Product Details:
- Material: Wood
- Product Dimensions: 21.7 x 33.6 x 25.3 inches
- Shipping Weight: 34.2 pounds
- Product Color: White
4. Suncast Outdoor Dog House with Door
Another deluxe dog house that can fit your dog’s needs is the Suncast Outdoor Dog House. This outdoor dog house is suitable for both large and small dogs. It is designed to provide your dog shelter from the elements all year round.
Apart from that It is manufactured from heavy-duty resin, which makes it really strong and sturdy. It can provide maximum protection for your dog all year round, in any kind of weather. The resin also provides resistance against rotting, fading, and rust.
So, it will last for a long time. Furthermore, all the components easily snap together without the need for any tools.
This dog house features a modern design that fits in well with its surroundings. It also has a crowned floor that keeps the pets dry, and the roof can be removed for easy cleaning.
Additionally, the vinyl door provides protection from the elements. Overall, the Suncast Outdoor Dog House is certainly a great choice for your best buddy.
Pros:
- Manufactured heavy-duty resin
- Vinyl door included
Cons:
- Some buyers complained that the walls and roofs are thin and flimsy
- Some buyers found that it easily falls apart
Product Details:
- Material: Plastic (Heavy-duty resin)
- Product Dimensions: 38.5 x 33 x 32 inches
- Shipping Weight: 27.9 pounds
5. Portable Indoor Pet House
If you want a dog house that is designed to provide your dog with maximum comfort inside the house, then The Portable Indoor Pet House is the product you are looking for. These pet houses are mainly suitable for those adorable dogs who are small in size.
Manufactured from high-quality fabric on the outside and super soft poly-foam inside, the engineers walk another mile to make it durable and will last for a long time.
Furthermore, they also come in three beautiful colors to match the décor of your house. The ultra-comfy pillow fitted in the house gives it a cozy feeling which is perfect for any dog that likes to burrow and snuggle.
Moreover, as its name suggests, this one of the best indoor dog houses is portable in style. It features a quick and easy zip. So, you can quickly assemble or disassemble and take it anywhere.
These pet houses are also machine washable, so you can easily clean off any dirt and stains by placing them into the washing machine. However, keep in mind that it should be washed on a gentle cycle and then air-dried.
This Portable Indoor Pet House is definitely the best dog house for large dogs when it comes to comfort and privacy.
Pros:
- Manufactured with Polyfoam and Polyfill.
- Included a cuddle-Inducing pillow.
- Machine washable.
Cons:
- Some buyers thought it was too small.
- The zipper may break.
Product Details:
- Material: Soft Coral Fleece/Soft Denier Nylon
- Product Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 14 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Product Color: Classic/ Silver/ Brown
Things to Look into While Buying the Quality Dog House
What Are Dog Houses Made of?
There are many types of dog houses available in the market, each made out of different materials. The type and quality of these materials have a direct effect on the product itself.
This, in turn, also affects the comfort of the ones living in them. Therefore, as a buyer, you have to judge and consider what you will be buying.
Dog houses are usually manufactured with wood, plastic, or metal. However, there are some indoor dog houses that are made of fabrics as well.
Now, let us consider the advantages and disadvantages of each material:
- Wooden Dog Houses
Wood is the most common material for manufacturing dog houses. It is less costly, and it can be crafted into almost any design. It can shelter your dog from rain, sun, and snow. In addition, wood also provides better insulation compared to other materials.
However, the woods have some disadvantages. It can easily become the residence of bugs such as ticks or fleas. Although, his problem can be avoided by using woods similar to cedar.
- Plastic Dog Houses
Another popular material for dog houses is plastic. Dog houses manufactured with plastic are comparatively lighter than those made of other materials. This means that they are easy to carry and cost less to ship. Furthermore, you also won’t have to worry about rotting or varnishing. Plastic dog houses aren’t coveted by insects, and they are easy to clean as well.
As for the negative side, unless they are double-walled, most plastic dog houses won’t provide any insulation. It’s also difficult to fix once damaged.
- Metal Dog Houses
Metal dog houses are also known as crates. They are usually manufactured using stainless steel or aluminum. These houses are to be used indoors for potty training or just as a place for your dog to sleep.
Metal dog houses are only for indoor use and will not protect your pet from the elements since they are not usually enclosed.
- Fabric Dog Houses
Dog houses made out of fabrics are strictly only for indoor use. These dog houses are usually manufactured using high-quality fabric; they are flexible and very comfortable.
As you can already guess, cleaning these houses can be a chore since not all of them are machine washable. They can also be damaged very easily.
More Things to Consider
As I’ve mentioned before, a dog house is a very special place for your furry friend. Especially in case, you are buying a dog house, you may need to consider several important factors.
- The Size or Breed of Your Dog
Obviously, you must buy a dog house that is capable of accommodating your dog perfectly. You definitely don’t want a dog house that is so small that your dog has to squeeze itself in it, just because it was cheap. Also, it may affect the dog’s growth as well.
- Materials & Durability
As I’ve stated before, the material of the dog house is important. A good dog house must have the capability to survive the harshness of the elements as well as the many playfulness of the dogs.
- Portability
Another must-have quality for a dog house is portability. Especially so for people who move or travel a lot and they like to take their dogs with them. If you fall under this category, then a portable dog house would be a great choice for you.
- Weather Conditions & Placement
Of course, you must keep in mind where you want to keep the dog house. If you want to buy one for outdoor usage, then it must be weatherproof, or it won’t last long under the ravages of the elements. You should pick a dog house suitable for your climate.
On the other hand, if you want one for indoor use, then it also must be of good quality. You should choose a dog house that doesn’t clash with the style of your room.
- Style
Choose a dog house with a design that matches its surroundings. There are lots of dog houses in the market that come in various kinds of designs. The most common design would be the ‘gable roof’ and ‘cabin-style’ design, but there are several other dog houses in the market that are fairly unique as well.
The portable dog houses and the foldable dog houses fall under this unique style category. Also, if you want a dog house with a porch, you can get that too.
Ultimately, it all depends on you and your dog. But do keep in mind that you should buy a style that goes well with your house, or it will stick out like a sore thumb.
- Ventilation & Lighting
A dog house should have access to proper wind and light. This is directly connected to the dog’s health and hygiene. It also helps keep away fleas and prevent any odor.
- Insulation
A good dog house must provide proper insulation for your dog. Although dogs have fur on their buddy, it doesn’t mean that they won’t feel cold. They, too, require the right amount of insulation when it is cold outside. Otherwise, they might fall sick, and that is never a good thing.
There are many dog houses in the market that don’t provide insulation. So, you should check the thickness of the material and search for any gaps in the roof. In the case of a wooden dog house, it should have an asphalt shingle roof for proper insulation.
- Easy to Clean
You must look for a dog house that is easy to clean. It will save you a lot of hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dog House
Question: Do these really stay cooler inside in the summer heat?
Answer: It will obviously heat up if placed under the open sun. I recommend placing the dog house where it would be shaded in the summer, at least for the most part of the day.
Question: What should be done to keep the dog’s house warm in the winter?
Answer: A good quality dog house is generally well-insulated. But, for extra heating, you may consider a heating unit.
Question: What is the right temperature for a dog to be outdoors?
Answer: The right temperature can differ based on the age, breed, and general health of the dog. But usually, you should not keep it outside in temperatures lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit or higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Words
Getting your dog a good dog house can be an important bonding process for you both. So, you have to be careful and buy a dog house that suits your dog the best.
Remember to check all your options and buy the best dog house for your furry friend taking into consideration the review we have come up with after in-depth analysis. Thanks for reading!
Leave a Reply