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 The best dog houses offer our furry friends a home away from home where they can catch a break from the heat of summer or warm up in wintery weather. Dog houses also keep doggies dry from the rain and snow while offering them a safe and comfy place to snooze. And when they’re ready for some fun, your dog can wake up, stretch and be right outside thanks to their cozy yard cottage. 

And our list of the best dog houses will make finding the perfect abode for your dog a breeze! But first, let’s answer some common questions about dog houses and highlight the factors to consider when making your choice.

FAQs Related To Dog Houses

1. Do dog houses keep dogs warm?

Dog houses can provide warmth for dogs, but it depends on the type of structure and the weather conditions. A properly constructed, insulated dog house with a waterproof roof can help protect a dog from cold temperatures, wind, and precipitation. Additionally, placing some bedding material, such as straw or blankets, inside the house can provide additional warmth.

However, if the house is not well-insulated or is too large for the dog’s size, it may not be effective in keeping the dog warm. Additionally, freezing temperatures may require additional measures, such as a heated dog bed or water bowl, to keep your dog warm and comfortable.

Related: The Best Beds for Senior Dogs

2. Is a dog house necessary?

Though nice, they aren’t absolutely necessary for all dogs, but it can provide some important benefits for pups who spend time outdoors. These structures offer shelter from the sun, rain, wind, and snow, providing a comfortable place for your dog to rest and relax. Additionally, they can help protect dogs from predators and other outdoor hazards.

However, whether one is necessary depends on the climate, the dog’s breed and size, and lifestyle. For example, if the dog is a small breed and the climate is mild, the dog may not need one. Similarly, one may not be needed if you’re home most of the time and your dog has access to a covered patio or other outdoor areas. Ultimately, it’s up to you to assess your dog’s needs and provide appropriate shelter and living conditions.

3. Is it okay for dogs to live in a dog house all year?

While doghouses can provide shelter and protection from the elements, they are not suitable for extended periods. Dogs are family and crave the company of their loved ones, so they should live inside the home, not in a separate house of their own. Dogs need adequate space to move around, exercise, and socialize with their human family. Additionally, extreme temperatures, such as sweltering summers or frigid winters, can be dangerous for dogs living in outdoor conditions. It’s best to bring your dog inside during extreme weather conditions and provide them with proper indoor living conditions.

4. Can a dog house be used in the summer to keep dogs cool?

Yes, a well-designed dog house can help keep dogs cool during hot weather. The key is proper ventilation and placement. A dog house with cross-ventilation—such as windows or vents on opposite walls—allows air to flow through and helps regulate temperature. Materials that reflect rather than absorb heat (like light-colored roofing) and elevated flooring to prevent heat from radiating from the ground also contribute to a cooler environment.

It’s important to place the dog house in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, and avoid using metal parts that can overheat. You can also add a cooling mat or frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel inside the house. However, in extreme heat, it’s best to bring your dog indoors or ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water and shaded rest areas.

Buyer’s Guide – What to Consider When Choosing The Best Dog House For Your Dog

Material

You’ll find these little homes are often made of wood or plastic. Although you can typically hose down plastic dog houses, which usually endure for years, they may be susceptible to sun damage and frequently look less appealing. Hardwood options are more attractive and can last longer with careful finishing, but you should be cautious around dogs who enjoy chewing on wood.

Insulation

Insulation isn’t just for chilly climates. Heat doesn’t transfer well with sound insulation in place, meaning the inside of a well-insulated one will stay cooler on hot days and warmer in chilly temps. If your pup’s nest doesn’t have enough insulation, add foam or plywood to the sides and roof. Wood is an excellent natural insulator.

Style

Your pup’s cottage will likely become a permanent part of your garden, so because you see it daily, choosing an attractive and cute dog house is important, too. Also, look for special features, such as a removable floor that makes cleaning easier, windows that can add ventilation, or a porch for your dog to rest.

Size

The ideal choice is spacious enough to accommodate your dog without being overly small, so that your dog feels secure and at home. While an oversized house can keep your dog out of the rain, it won’t be as warm in the winter, and most dogs prefer a doghouse with a cozier fit. The right one should have a height between 1.25 and 1.5 times that of your dog, and a length and width between 1.25 and 1.5 times that of your dog. Choose a house with a large enough door for your pup to come in and out easily.

Related: Best Dog Beds

The 12 Best Dog Houses for Your Furry Friend 

Ferplast Dog Villa Dog House – Best Overall Dog House
ASL Solutions Foam (Styro/EPS) Insulated Dog Palace – Best Insulated Dog House
MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House – Best Folding Dog House
Petsfit Wooden Dog House – Best Adjustable Dog House
Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House – Best Weatherproof Dog House
Petmate Barnhome III Dog House – Best Rainproof Dog House
Giantex Plastic Dog House – Best BudgetDog House
Suncast Outdoor Dog House – Best Built-in Vents Dog House
Merry Pet MPS002 Wood Room with a View Pet House – Best Durable Dog House
TRIXIE Large Natura Classic Outdoor Dog House – Best Sturdy Wood Dog House
Petmate Indigo Dog House Igloo Dog House – Best Igloo Dog House
PawHut Cabin Style Dog House – Best Cabin-Style Dog House

#1 – Ferplast Dog Villa Dog House

One of our favorites, the Ferplast Villa Dog Kennel looks great in any yard because of the cute villa design and is easy to assemble, no tools required. Its plastic composition makes it waterproof, UV-resistant, and easy to clean. Available in multiple sizes, this option can accommodate dogs small to large. Plus, it has a special floor that allows for drainage so the inside stays dry. A side panel can be folded into a side porch or left up for maximum weather protection, allowing your dog more room and ventilation.

Pros

Easy assembly
Fold-open side panel
Durable plastic makes cleaning easy
Suitable ventilation
Patented fold-out porch

Cons

Not suitable for extreme weather

#2 – ASL Solutions Foam (Styro/EPS) Insulated Dog Palace

The ASL Solutions Dog Palace has an attractive barn design that keeps dogs cool in hot weather with durable, light plastic and real foam insulation on each panel. Your dog will appreciate the easy-to-pass door that closes behind them on its own and the window panels that allow for a fresh breeze. This option boasts the ability to keep the temperature inside it an average of 30°F warmer than the chilly outdoors. The floor is raised 4 inches above the ground to give your dog a warm, dry bed area. The sloped design and drainage hole allow for easy cleaning. 

Pros

Very durable
It’s simple to assemble.
Self-closing door with viewing window
Raised floor to keep interior dry
Made with safe EPS foam

Cons

Too tall for small dogs
Expensive

#3 – MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House

If you need to move your dog house regularly, the folding design of the MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House is ideal because it folds flat for simple storage or transportation. Plus, this house doesn’t need to be assembled; all you need to do is unfold it where you need it. It has a robust wood construction, a bright sunburst pattern, and a detachable shingled roof. Four legs raise the house above the ground for greater airflow and weather protection. And while it received excellent reviews overall, a few reviewers mentioned their dogs liked to gnaw on the wood panels, which led to the damage.

Pros

No assembly required
Made with high-quality components
Available in 3 different sizes
Easy to move and transport
Sturdy wood construction

Cons

Not for dogs who chew wood

#4- Petsfit Wooden Dog House

Petsfit Wooden Dog House features a practical sloping roof and translucent door flaps, so your dog can take refuge from the rain. Plus, the top lifts open, making cleaning the inside much easier. A removable floor also helps to keep things clean. Because it’s made of solid Spruce wood and stainless steel hardware, this durable dog house will stand up to the elements. And most customers say it’s easy to assemble. Available in three colors and two sizes.

Pros

Can open roof for ventilation
Removable floor for easy cleaning
Raised off the ground for ventilation
Three colors and three sizes

Cons

Not well-insulated

#5 – Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House

The Petmate Precision Outback Log Cabin Dog House is a gorgeous wooden doghouse with a slightly sloped roof for rain runoff. With solid wood and stainless-steel hardware, the outdoor dog shelter is strong and sturdy for long-lasting protection, making it another excellent doghouse for dogs of all sizes. And that includes the largest of dogs too. For versatile placement in any yard, the adjustable feet provide stability on a variety of surfaces. With its weatherproof construction, sealed coating, raised floor, and sloping roof, dogs will keep comfortable and dry year-round. A raised slatted floor keeps your dog cool in the summer, but it can be a little too drafty in the winter.

Pros

Made with solid wood and stainless-steel hardware
Adjustable feet provide stability
Available in four sizes
Great to beat summer heat

Cons

No removable floor panels
Drafty in winter

#6 – Petmate Barnhome III Dog House

The Petmate Barnhome III Dog House is a unique barn-shaped dog house that protects your dog from the elements. It has rear vents to promote air circulation, an elongated roof guard edge to divert rain, and raised interior trim to help keep your pet dry. And because it’s made of sturdy plastic, cleaning is a breeze, and you won’t have to worry about rot, mold, or fleas. Snap-together assembly is a breeze. And its sized for small dogs.

Pros

Rear ventilation to promote airflow
Strong, durable plastic
Easy to assemble with no tools
Creates a dry, warm place for your dog
Easy to clean – just rinse with water

Cons

Not available in large sizes
Roof comes unsnapped easily

#7 – Giantex Plastic Dog House

The Giantex Plastic Dog House offers your pup plenty of airflow with two vents and a raised floor. The 3-inch elevation and slope roof also help to keep the inside dry. It’s made of durable plastic and has smooth surfaces for easy cleaning. This house for small dogs only takes 20 minutes to assemble, thanks to pre-drilled holes that make for easy alignment. It also comes with the necessary tools and stakes to secure the house to the ground. Available in 2 sizes.

Pros

It’s simple to put together
The design is sturdy, and the materials are durable
Keeps dogs cool and dry
Waterproof plastic dog house with
Air vents and elevated floors

Cons

The roof is hard to detach
Only for small dogs

#8 – Suncast Outdoor Dog House

The Suncast Outdoor Dog House is made of durable materials that resist fading and rot. With an attractive look and design, this cute choice is made to blend in with your garden decor. But if you need to move it, the lightweight, portable design makes relocation easy. Vents create better airflow, and the removable roof helps with ease of cleaning. And it includes a vinyl door that provides security from the elements. Snaps together for easy assembly. Suits small and large dogs.

Pros

Cute personalization letters
Removable roof for easy cleaning
Stands up to weather
Easy to assemble
Easy to move around
For indoor or outdoor use
Ideal for dogs of all sizes

Cons

Not insulated

#9 – Merry Pet MPS002 Wood Room with a View Pet House

If your little one loves a view, the Merry Pet Wood Room with a View Pet House is one of the best dog houses for small dogs, thanks to a set of stairs that leads to an open patio on the top of the house. And keeping safety in mind, the lattice rail around the top protects pups from falling. And because it’s crafted from natural cedar that resists high temperatures and humidity, you can safely use it outdoors. But it’s cute indoors too. There’s a 50-pound weight limit for the top and a 100-pound weight limit for the bottom. You will need a screwdriver for assembly, but the process should only take twenty minutes. Hardware and instructions are included.

Pros

Also appropriate for indoors
Lightweight yet durable construction
Quick and easy assembly
Smells like cedar
The bottom is elevated off the ground

Cons

Stairs need to be narrower for some dogs
Not suitable for large dogs

#10 – TRIXIE Large Natura Classic Outdoor Dog House

The Trixie Natura Dog House is an excellent option if you’re looking for a wooden dog house. Made with solid pine construction in glazed pine color, it will withstand years of use with little maintenance. And with three size options, this house fits any size dog. The design is simple and clean, with a flat roof and four legs that raise it slightly off the ground. The clever design features an off-center door for added protection against wind and rain, a weatherproof coating inside and out, and a weatherproof tongue and groove exterior. The hinged roof can be opened and supported by two locking arms to give your dog ventilation and make cleaning easy.

Plus, the adjustable, extra-high feet allow you to level the house on uneven ground, providing extra circulation at the bottom. This helps keep the floor cool in summer and warm and dry in winter. Small/Medium is suitable for dogs up to 45 pounds, large for up to 70 pounds, and extra large for up to 95 pounds.

Pros

Hinged roof for extra ventilation
Sturdy wood construction
Weatherproof sealer and plastic cover
Removable bottom

Cons

Wood chips easily
Expensive

#11 – Petmate Indigo Dog House Igloo

The Petmate Indigo Dog House Igloo is a great choice for outdoor use as it’s made with Microban antimicrobial materials for simple cleaning and to help stop bacterial growth and odors. The interior remains warm in the winter and cool in the summer thanks to the heavy-duty construction insulation. It has side moats and a raised floor to keep your dog dry. The roof has vents for airflow, and the offset door offers additional defense against the weather. The floor can be taken out for simple cleaning. There are three sizes available for holding dogs weighing 25 to 125 pounds.

Pros

Sturdy, durable, and roomy
Removable floor makes cleaning easy
Easily snaps together
All weather protection

Cons

Small entryway
May be too tight for some dogs

#12 – PawHut Cabin Style Dog House

If you’ve ever wanted to give your dog a “home,” you’ll love the PawHut Cabin Style Dog House! This cabin-style house has a peaked roof, a window, and a wide front porch. It’s made of wood, has a raised floor, and has an asphalted, sloped roof. The solid Fir wood construction offers a safe and sturdy structure for your dog, and they’ll love the choice of napping inside the house or on the large porch area. There is some assembly necessary.

Pros

Fun, rustic look for the yard
Spacious deck, suitable for lounging and taking a nap
Asphalt roof withstands most harsh weather
Good airflow for hot days
Solid fir wood construction and non-toxic

Cons

Only made for dogs up to 53 pounds
Expensive

The Best Dog House for Your Pup

There are a ton of high-quality options available on the market, but always make sure to choose options that provide adequate insulation, ventilation, and space. The best dog houses give your dog a sense of security while providing plenty of comfort. We hope these reviews help you pick a dog house that will feel more like a dog home!