EDITOR'S CHOICE
IF YOU'RE IN A HURRY, CHECK OUT OUR TOP PICK:
Petsfit Outdoor Dog House
Best for those who’re looking for the best quality
yet the most affordable dog house.
Unlike the wild animals, dogs don't have the capability to cope on their own. They need our input to feed and find shelter. Well, there are those dogs that live in the house with us. However, some may feel that the dogs need to be outside the house, where the can stand guard and prevent trespassers.
Even so, they need the best dog house to provide sufficient shelter from cold, wind and sunshine. Even, sometimes they need their own area when they live inside a house, so they need a house built for them. However, not all dog houses are ideal and may not be comfortable enough for Fido.
In our effort to find which among the various brands of dog houses are the best, we tested a variety of them. It was not an easy job, but someone had to do it. Considering every possible issue, we have been completely convinced to accept the Petsfit Outdoor Dog House as the best choice closely followed by the Petmate Indigo Dog House and Suncast DH350 Dog House.
We will discuss the facts for why we have made this chronological order a while later in this article. Hopefully, our analysis in the following best dog house reviews is comprehensive enough to help you get the best house for your favorite pet. Enjoy the read!
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Best Dog House(Featured Recommendations)
Petmate Indigo Dog House
Petsfit Outdoor Dog House
BEST OF THE BEST
Suncast DH350 Dog House
Our Analyses And Findings
There is a pretty good reason why Petsfit dog house is our top choice. You know that the dog house is top quality from the first time you lay eyes on it. Typically, it has features that will impress even those that do not have a pet. You have to agree that good quality it universal.
But which are these features that make it our best overall?
We particularly loved the simple construction that the best pet warehouse carries. Impressively, it has a removable top and bottom, making it easier to clean. It is in their nature for dogs to make a mess wherever they are. But of course, you shouldn't expect them to be any better and putting that into consideration is always the best thing.
The dog house is easy to assemble that you will enjoy the process, which does not often happen. The predrilled holes save you from the hard work of having to manually drill the holes. Attaching the pieces is another walk in the park. It is something that takes only a few minutes. How fun is that?
The dog house is weatherproof and comfortably withstands different weather elements. The water-based paint used is safe for the dog and makes it quite appealing. It is a nice house to have in your compound and indicates how much you value your dog.
Another thing that we particularly loved is that they are available in a variety of sizes. The extra large dog house is definitely the best dog houses for large dogs. You will find it available in the small to extra small dog house version as well for the puppies and the small breeds like Chihuahua. But if you have such dogs as a golden retriever, then the medium dog house size is perfect.
The dog owners have accepted this insulated dog house very positively. Most of them (approximately 80% of users) stated it to be a great one as their pet house. The insulation capacity, multi-size availability, strength, waterproof technology, ease of setup, pet-friendly design, durability, and a standard price (neither so expensive nor so affordable) are the reasons for its widespread popularity.
Our long-time research experience shows the price is good for the features the services the Petsfit dog house offers. However, it’s not the best-seller. That position is grabbed by our third best option Suncast DH350 Dog House for the affordability. But for quality, we want to keep our top choice one step ahead of the 3rd choice.
Shortcomings - Not The Dealbreaker
Despite the pet owners’ satisfaction, it has some issues addressed as negatively by some of the owners who purchased it. While inspecting, we found them true or partially true. Although these might not be a bar to buy it, you should still take those into consideration as a potential buyer:
- In a few cases, it’s been observed that the PetsFit Wooden Dog House is flimsy. Some house owners have questioned the construction quality and showed disappointment in using thin wood. The wood panels used to make crack sounds sometimes as per few buyers’ complaints. However, while reviewing, we observed nothing like this and most of the house buyers said their units had faced no such problem. But you should be careful as still there is a risk and a few of the house owners had really bad experiences. If it happens to your one, contact with the manufacturer immediately under warranty coverage.
- In a few cases, the house went through stability problem due to the inside flooring and support legs misplacement. You should check if your one is stable before you finally purchase it for your pet.
- Due to the thin and lightweight construction, it may blow over in any stronger breeze, so put it to any sheltered outdoor place.
- Assembly is easy, but the base can be uneven. Try to solve the problem by adjusting the adjustable feet. Inform and get service from the manufacturer if the unevenness still exists.
It was hard to pin down any other significant thing that we didn't like. Obviously, the above shortcomings are not good, but still we don’t tell them dealbreaker. But in a real sense, the quality could be better and the addressed flaws should be resolved by the manufacturer.
Final Decision
If you are looking for large dog houses for sale or the right size for your dog, then this brand has sizes you can choose from. Apart from that, the quality of this dog house is not so bad either. It looks good as well.
The removable top and bottom are great features that anyone would love. The feature makes cleaning such a breeze. Even though wood may not indicate durability, this dog house is a great choice in its types and price.
Our Analyses And Findings
It is often hard to find a dog house that is ideal for all weather conditions. Some are good in chilly weather, with good insulation and strong material body but become hot and stuffy during hot summers. Others are just the opposite.
However, the Igloo large dog house is an all-weather dwelling for your favorite pet. It is something that looks very comfortable, that some of us would not mind having it for ourselves. And like the dogloo dog house, this structure looks well-made.
It can withstand extreme cold and heat to keep Timmy very comfortable. Its design that includes an offset doorway prevents the cold wind from reaching the dog.
It is also an air-conditioned dog house that further makes it more comfortable than others. The roof ventilation system ensures that the house gets enough air. You can as well customize it farther by adding inside padding and door. You can purchase these separately.
The antimicrobial protection is one feature that our team really loved. That means chances of having fungi at other odor and disease-causing microorganisms is minimal. It is one feature that you will not get from many products.
We also must admit that the dog house design is quite unique. It is appealing, to say the least, and it will impress all your guests.
The dog house is also quite versatile. It comes in three different sizes to accommodate a variety of pet sizes. That means any dog breed will fit inside it depending on the size you buy.
You must accept the appreciation about this house coming from the dog owners who purchased it. It’s widely popular and around 80% of owners are satisfied with Petmate Indigo Dog House for its features, performance, specialty, and comfort.
Regarding price, you will have to spend a bit more than our first choice especially when it comes about the larger sizes. But when it comes to buying a medium size unit, then you can save some of your bucks by purchasing the Petmate Indigo than to purchase a similar medium-size Petsfit (our top choice).
Shortcomings - Not The Dealbreaker
After scanning the igloo dog house reviews provided by a good number of owners of this house, we can say that it’s not free from flaws. In fact, it has received around 15% negative remarks or complaints. Few of them are as follows-
- Some dogs did not like it, even some of them didn’t want to go inside or near it. The problem could be the plastic smell which eventually wears off, hopefully.
- The doghouse is also a bit more expensive than others of the similar size.
- No small or smaller size of this house is available.
- It has been advertised as having structural foam as insulation, but in a few cases, the unit came with no such foaming which is completely contrasting to the main characteristic of this winter/igloo house.
- We observed insufficient customer care service from its manufacturer.
Final Decision
When you are in search of the best winter/igloo dog house, then you can rely on the Petmate Indigo Dog House despite a few of its flaws and drawbacks. As said, it can withstand extreme cold and heat to keep your beloved dog very comfortable. It’s well made and quite versatile, overall, a great choice for your dog’s necessity especially in winter.
What first catches your eye is the beautiful design that the doghouse carries. It is a love at first sight for many. The Suncast DH350 Dog House is also quite easy to assemble that you will not need a handyman or any technical skills. Check out the following Suncast DH350 dog house review.
The assembly snaps together quickly and the dog doesn’t have to wait for long. But does this structure last? At first, it doesn't look as if it can last through the years. However, the resin construction can easily withstand the elements of weather to offer Bucky an all-weather protection.
Dog houses need constant cleaning to avoid the development of odor and infections. It is one of the best Suncast dog houses that come with a removable roof for easy access to the farthest corners. There’s no spot that is hard to reach for you.
The plastic made all-weather indoor/outdoor Suncast DH350 Dog House comes with a minimum pricing (one of the lowest prices for any dog house). Moreover, it has been successful to provide a quality service.
As a result, it’s been widely accepted to the dog owners and has faced no challenge to be the best-seller dog house. More than 70% of dog owners who used DH350 for their dogs certified it as a quality dog house.
Shortcomings - Not The Dealbreaker
- You will need to provide additional insulation during winter. Otherwise, the dog may suffer as the material looks thin. Big dogs may have a problem fitting here. You will also notice that the floor is not the best. It could be better.
- A few customers say that the house gets too hot especially if you live in hot areas. That is not what Timmy would want. In such a case, a top paw dog house or an insulated dog house will come in handy.
Final Decision
When you need a quality dog house that is really beautiful and well-built, but you have a budget of less than a hundred bucks, there is no alternative to our 3rd best selection Suncast DH350 Dog House. The plastic-made house is comparatively lightweight and fit for both outdoor and indoor use. Despite a few negative issues mentioned above, you can trust it for your dog.
Petmate Barnhome III Dog House makes it to our top 5 based number on great features such as portability. It is lightweight and you can easily take it inside the house if you need to. Sometimes the weather is so bad that you cannot leave the dog outside. It would just be too inhumane.
The Petmate Dog House is quite popular, managing hundreds of reviews, and you know what that means? Yes! It is one of the most loved pet houses. It becomes even better when you are going for an adventure and you don't want to leave your pet friend behind.
The barn-shaped dog house has an efficient circulation system at the rear to keep Barky from constantly gasping for air, especially during the hot weather.
The tough plastic is easy to assemble and will only take you a few minutes.
Unfortunately, this is not the kind of dog house for big dogs like a German shepherd or the Great Dane.
The highlight feature of this dog house is the perfect insulation. As such, if you are looking for luxury dog houses for sale then, this dog house may be what you are looking for. It definitely is!
Impressively, the product features include a genuine foam insulation to protect the dog from cold and heat. It also pretty much preserves the heat within it, which is actually a good thing during the winter season. It is among the few perfect insulated dog houses for winter.
The house has an easy pass-through the door that self-closes to keep wind and rain away. That makes it an ideal escape for the dog when the weather seems too uncooperative.
It also has a sloped floor and drainage holes for easy cleaning.
You will not need any technical skills to assemble this structure. Everything fits in its place and you don't have to struggle in any way. And if you need to train him, the door is removable for that purpose.
However, some customers feel that it is not the best-insulated dog house on the market. Some say it has a flimsy insulation, that'll do very little to protect the dog from the extremes of weather. But you can always choose any other insulated dog house with a heater if you live in an extremely cold environment.
It is also quite expensive for some people, who would rather choose a large heated dog house for their Great Dane.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the appealing dog houses that you may come across. It reminds you of such quality houses as a duplex dog house. Surprisingly, it also comes with a balcony at the top for the dog to rest and bask in the sun during the morning hours. But apart from the balcony, the lattice work on this dog house is among the best. Most of us fell in love with it from the first instance. It is a work of art, as someone from our team called it.
But apart from the nice design, the structure is also durable. The material is kiln-dried cedar that stands up to the different elements. As such, the dog house is sturdy to give you a good amount of service.
The removable bottom panels make cleaning an effortless exercise. You just need a few minutes of your time, and you are done with it within no time. Of course, not many people fancy the idea of overstaying on a chore. There are other things to do and the wooden dog kennel will not take much of your time. You couldn't ask for more, could you?
And while their dog house underscores great indoor dog room ideas, it has a few shortcomings. For example, this is a small structure that you cannot expect huge dogs to use. It is a little bit tiny. And like all dog bunk beds with stairs, made from wooden materials, you will need to regularly maintain it.
The dog house is another cute structure that is great to look at whether indoors or outdoors. Suncast DH250 Dog House is not only cute but also durable. The plastic dog house is resin construction that stands the test of time. But like all plastic equipment, the dog house may not do well in the hot sunshine. It may eventually need a replacement.
But giving credit where it is due, the dog house is easy to assemble. Everything snaps together effortlessly and you will not need to spend the entire afternoon figuring where to screw the different pieces. Assembly is what we can refer to as fun.
The inclusion of a vinyl door makes this structure a good winter dog kennel. However, additional insulation is necessary. There are numerous dog houses for medium dogs on the market but this structure stands above the rest because of its simplicity in design.
But the cottage dog house may not be the best in places where there are extremes of weather. The construction may not be the most durable and mishandling may lead to cracking.
The simple design of the Arf Frame Dog House makes it better than most. It is easy to assemble, and clean. What more could you ask? It is such a darling.
Pitbull dog houses are pretty much like this one, stable construction and roomy. It is also lightweight and you can move it from one place to the other comfortably. Sometimes, you may need to do this to protect the dog from the extremes of weather such as a hot direct sunlight.
The material on the Pet Squeak dog house is weather-resistant and will comfortably cope with the different moods of weather. You know how it is unpredictable and you can't have different houses for different weather patterns. It is just not possible!
The slanted roof design keeps the snow and water away from the structure. Furthermore, the clean surface makes cleaning an effortless exercise.
A raised floor keeps the structure from the moisture that may come from the ground. Raising it helps with air circulation underneath it.
And even though the material is Cunninghamia Lanceolata, durable and pest resistance, you will still need to frequently treat it.
If you are an outdoorsy person, and you never leave your pet behind, then you are going to need a very portable outdoor pet house. Essentially, Milliard Portable Outdoor Pet House For Puppy is pretty much what we mean. But what makes it ideal for the outdoors?
Well, for starters, the outdoor pet house is sturdy canvas material, which is also lightweight. No plastic or wood can outdo a fabric material in that context. Don’t you agree?
With velcro and zippers, the pet house is a breeze to assemble. No one can say they were unable to use the zipper or velcro in the assembly proces.
The structure has duel exits that allow the pet to escape in case they feel in danger. You will agree that it is an important feature especially if you are going camping or other outdoors.
The removable door flaps allow the bed to have an excellent view of the outside while helping them retain heat inside. The canvas material is not too bad when it comes to retaining heat. It is a poor conductor thus making it one heated pet house to keep the cat warm
Unfortunately, the pet house is not what you can leave outside for long periods. Well, you can use it now and then but not for long periods outside. It is more ideal for the indoors. It may also not be what you can refer to us a heated dog house for winter. For that, you will need an insulated pet house.
The precision pet dog houses are not what you can refer to as having an appealing design. It is quite basic. Not what anyone looking for an aesthetic appeal would choose!
But we are not saying it is not appealing, but rather there are better-looking dog houses.
However, for people are after functionality and this log cabin dog house ticks all the right boxes. For example, the dog house is weatherproof, with an asphalt roof, raised floor, and a protective coating. It will effortlessly keep moisture and hot sun away.
To ensure durability, the dog house blends steel and solid wood in its construction to last long. Other great features include easy assembly. It only takes a few steps to set it up and Bruno doesn't have to suffer anymore.
But like all wooden dog houses, the structure will need regular maintenance. Otherwise, it would struggle to last for long.
What makes this among the best dog kennels is definitely the beautiful construction, and of course, functionality.
It is a good thing to not only get quality but also get the appeal as a package. You may not admit it but, we all need products that look good. Something to make our colleagues envious and this dog kennel is definitely the right one for that purpose.
But you cannot make a purchase decision based on appeal alone. Current marketers are excellent when it comes to making something appealing, and if you are not careful, you may end up with a product that you never needed in the first place.
The plastic material on this dog house is strong and sturdy to endure through it all. Come rain come sunshine, the dog house will stand through it all. But plastics have a way of showing their weak side when exposed to sunlight for long periods. They fade.
The dog house is roomy and will allow the dog to move comfortably inside. They also need to change position as they sleep just like we do. Whether your choice is an extra-large plastic dog kennel or not, this dog house is easy to assemble.
The benefit of having aspen pet plastic dog house is that it is free of fleas. The pests don't like plastic surfaces as they are not sufficiently breathable. But that does not mean your dog will not have sufficient air. Farther from it, the Petmate plastic kennel features a ventilation system that keeps the air flowing in an efficient manner.
And like all aspen dog houses, the barn is available in a variety of sizes, and you only need to choose the right one for you. It can accommodate up to 90 pounds - pretty decent.
The material is long lasting. It will be your pet’s companion for many years that you may forget to purchase another one.
The assembly will only take a few minutes. Everything fits in place and you do not need any tools.
It also has this smooth surface that is easy to clean. If you are going on an outdoor adventure, you only need to wipe it with a damp cloth and it looks as good as new.
Unfortunately, it may not be the best for very large dogs. It may also not withstand long periods in the hot sun.
With Red asphalt and firwood sides, the TANGKULA outdoor dog house is among the best looking dog houses you'd find. It has this unique appeal that makes you proud to have it in your yard. Firwood and asphalt are durable materials and you will not need to worry about it.
Wooden legs are sometimes not strong enough to withstand moisture and pests. However, this outdoor dog house has raised the floor and plastic feet for enhanced durability. In the majority of cases, most wooden dog houses have wooden feet that are prone to termite attacks. Well, it may not be the most waterproof dog house, but it does a nice job.
Apart from the plastic feet, another innovative feature is their adjustability. That means you will not need to get a hoe or spade to come and level the ground. You only need to adjust them and you are all set. No need to keep Barky waiting to have a feel of their new home.
However, if your dog loves to chew on things, definitely this dog house will not last. Pluto will find a way of chewing his way out. You will also need to treat the wood. No way out of this one.
Simplicity in design is what makes this the best indoor dog house. It may not look like some of the top quality houses on the market, but it has its own strong points. For example, the simple design makes it easy to assemble but that's not all.
The soft indoor dog house is portable. It has a unique folding design that makes storage easier. The design also makes it highly portable. That means you can carry it comfortably from one place to the other.
Additionally, the material is natural cedar, durable and strong. Even so, it is still wood and you will need to treat it on a frequent basis.
The good thing about wood is that it is a bad conductor of heat. That means it will not allow any heat to pass through. It also keeps cold at bay.
However, the portable folding dog house is only for indoors. You cannot take it outside. A number of customers have a problem with the space it takes within in the house. it is not for those with limited space.
If you are after a dog house for small dogs, then this is a good choice. It has a number of qualities that you will love including easy assembly. It only takes a screwdriver to assemble - something like the Boomer and George dog house. But don't worry anyone can do it.
The structure has a smooth surface for easier cleaning. You just wipe with a damp cloth and the thing is as good as new. A clean dog house is critical to your pet's health.
An added perk of this dog house is that it is flea-resistant. The pesky little pests don't love plastic.
It has a raised floor to keep your dog dry, and of course, happy. However, this is a medium dog house and may not be appropriate for big dogs. A big German shepherd will need a jumbo dog house.
It may also not quite to be comfortable when it is extremely cold.
The resin-made house is quite charming. It is durable and has a smooth surface that you can quickly keep clean. What you love most about this dog house is the easy assembly where you don't require any tools. It is fun to assemble.
The house has a thick construction that plays an important role in ensuring sufficient insulation. It will keep your dog warm during the winter season and cool when it is hot.
However, it is not quite the best in extremely cold weather. You will need better insulation and maybe clothe the dog
How to Choose the Best Dog House: A Buying Guide
There is a particular criterion that you use to determine which a better product than the other is. Of course, all products are not the same and the quality varies between one product and the other. So which are the factors that you should look out for when buying the best dog house?
The size. Most people wrongly believe that extra-large dog houses are better, but nothing could be further from the truth. In actual sense, an oversized house will prove uncomfortable for the dog. Yes, there is a benefit in having sufficient space for movement. However, it will not help in retaining body heat during the cold seasons, thus proving uncomfortable.
Ideally, you should get the dimensions of the dog to acquire the right house, which is neither too big nor too small.
The best dog house for hot weather is however sufficiently big to allow better circulation of air.
Material. The right material for the doghouse depends on the area and its climate. You will need to determine whether the dog needs better insulation against the extremes of weather. In very cold or hot places, plastic or wooden houses are ideal.
You see, plastic and wood are bad conductors of heat and will keep off the extremes from the house. A metal dog house may be durable but it will not keep your dog from feeling cold or hot. You don't want the dog to suffer.
If you live in wet areas, then plastic dog houses are better than the rest. They are durable and weatherproof and will keep the dog from moisture. On the flip side, plastic may fade and become brittle when exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time.
Plastic is light and may be ideal for indoor dog houses that you need to move from one place to the other.
Wood is a good option if you live in hot places. It offers good insulation against heat. Natural wood is excellent when it comes to wind direction. It has little holes that allow sufficient circulation of air. Furthermore, the smell of wood has a natural calming effect on the dog.
It performs awfully in wet weather and may need constant maintenance. However, they are the best dog houses for hot and cold weather. And if your dog has a habit of biting and scratching, then the wooden dog house will not last that long.
Another shortcoming of having that cedar dog house is that it is a bit heavy. You cannot easily carry it from one place to the other. That makes it a bit permanent and ideal for the outdoors.
Big dog houses that feature wooden materials are the best if you live in hot areas.
There are some pet owners that prefer custom dog house made from metal. Well, it is permanent and strong to restrain a pit-bull that doesn't take it too kindly when strangers are around. As such, the best dog house for a German shepherd, trained to keep guard of your property is metallic. On the flip side, a metallic dog house is not the best in areas that experience the extremes of weather. It gets very cold in cold weather, and very hot in hot weather. As such, it is best to have the best dog house plans that incorporate sufficient insulation.
Metal houses are heavy and more expensive than others. However, they make cool dog houses.
Elevation. The best dog house is a little off the ground. Sufficient elevation ensures that the dog house is free from moisture and heat. Elevation makes the dwelling comfortable for the dog by ensuring sufficient air circulation within it.
If it is not a soft indoor dog house, then ensure that the doghouse is a good distance above the ground. Vents. Extra large dog house plans may not need many ventilation spaces. Regardless, make sure that there are vents in your ideal dog house. It would be hard for you to live in small spaces without sufficient air circulation. Don't let your dog live in such inhospitable spaces. Be humane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is An Insulated Dog House?
An insulated dog house is a pet dwelling designed with sufficient insulation to ensure the dog is comfortable. Some materials such as metal and plastic may sometimes be quite inhospitable when it is too hot or too cold. In such a case, insulation helps keep the heat or cold out.
As such, you will find such products as an extra-large insulated dog house on the market. And if you prefer a custom dog house then you should consider insulated dog house plans to make it as comfortable as possible. The idea is to make the dog love the house.
How Much Does A Dog House Cost?
A typical dog house will cost between a few dollars and thousands of dollars, depending on a number of factors. For example, you cannot expect a top quality, durable and aesthetically appealing product to be cheap. It is an Expensive Dog House. However, the ideal dog house fulfills your needs and is comfortable for the dog.
You will still find a Cheap Dog House on the market and which is also comfortable. There are local carpenters that make decent dog houses using cheap materials.
What is the best dog house for outdoors?
An ideal dog house for the outdoors is durable, strong, elevated, and with sufficient vents to ensure good ventilation. They must be durable enough to withstand the elements. See, these houses have to deal with scorching sunlight days and freezing months. And if they are not quality, then they may not last.
How to Keep Dog Houses Cool In Summer?
You should not leave the dog to suffer through the heat of the summer. Remember that man's best friend is not any different from us. They love the same things that we do, including ventilation.
To make the doghouse cool, make sure that it has sufficient insulation and ventilation. The extra-large dog houses for great Danes may have good spaces to allow air circulation, but they still need a little intervention to ensure they are cool.
For example, you can move the house to a shade. How hard could that be? You can as well elevate it to at least 12 inches off the ground to allow sufficient air circulation underneath it. Extra-large wooden dog houses will do with small fans within them, and Fido will definitely love it.
How to Heat A Dog House Without Electricity?
The easiest and most cost effective way of heating the dog house is by making sure to retain it. The body heat of dogs may keep the house warm enough for them. To ensure that no heat loss is happening, you need to patch the many ventilation holes that may already be present.
You will also need to add good insulation on the walls. Foam boards that contain foils are ideal for trapping heat within the structure. Also, add a thick bedding and cloth your dog.
How To Build A Dog House?
To build a dog house you will need to start with the base, and then put up the walls. The roof is usually the last one on the house. Ideally, the roof should be triangular in shape to allow easy sliding of snow and water.
Don't forget to take the measurements of your dog. It should be big enough to allow his movement within it.
Concluding Remarks
Your pet friend deserves the best dog house to keep them comfortable. The perfect house has good ventilation, is well above ground, and is generally comfortable. If you are an ardent DIYer, then it should not be hard to construct one. However, the benefit of buying ready-made is that it incorporates all the features to make it comfortable for Fido.
The above information, pretty much summarizes how you can select the best dog house. You can be sure that your dog will love our top choice. So, go ahead and reward Fido with a house worth the royalty he gives you.
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