If you love being outdoors, but hate seeing your dog cowering inside when chilly weather rolls in, an outdoor dog house is just what you have been looking for.
These sturdy winter shelters provide insulation and warmth for your pooch while outside, and can give you peace of mind that your cantankerous canine will remain safe during bitter cold days.
I have picked the best outdoor dog houses below so you can pick the perfect one.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Suncast Outdoor Dog House | Best Overall |  |
| EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen | Budget Pick |  |
| TRIXIE Classic Outdoor Wooden Dog House | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Suncast Outdoor Dog House
Pros:
- Durable dog house will stand the test of time
- The sliding glass door provides easy access in and out of the dog house
- The safe and secure latch means your dog can’t escape
- The reinforced roof and wall panels keep the dog house strong and stable through years of use
- Material is water resistant
- It’s available at a very reasonable price
- Assembly is quick and easy
- It can be easily assembled and doesn’t require any tools
- No maintenance is required so you can just set it up and forget about it
- The dog house is aesthetically appealing
Patios, Porches, or Barns.
If you’re looking for a dog house that’s going to last through all seasons, then you want to consider the Suncast Outdoor Dog House.
2. Petsfit Dog House
Pros:
- Really great value for money
- Really pretty design
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Suitable for dogs of different sizes
- Easy to clean
- Constructed with high-quality and sturdy material
- Can be turned into a temporary house
Cons:
- Since it’s made out of wood, it’s not UV proof
- Doesn’t come with a pad or a partition
- The roof may not provide enough protection during the colder months of the year
Shelter, Dog House Kennel and Pen, Dog House For Small Dogs (1-20 LB).
The Petsfit house is suitable for just about any dog, thanks to its size. The included measuring guide will help you determine which is the best size for your dog, and the measurements are pretty straightforward.
What’s really surprising about the Petsfit outdoor dog house is its durability. With the wooden construction and the high quality material used, this dog house is virtually indestructible.
3. Giantex Pet Dog House
Pros:
- Stylish and made with great wood
- Sturdy and large enough for larger dogs
- The balcony canopy protects your dog from the sun
- Has a door and roof vents
- The best indoor/outdoor dog house
Cons:
- The handle is thin for a dog to get on, so be careful
- The wood chips easily
- Expensive
This raised outdoor dog house is the perfect outdoor dog house for pets of all sizes, even larger dogs like German Shepherds and Huskies. Although it can be used for indoors, it’s big enough to be used as an outdoor dog house.
Although it’s meant for outdoor use, it’s still waterproof, so it can be used as both. Depending on the dog, you can decide if you want to use it inside or if you want to use it inside. Keep in mind that not all dogs are going to want to hang out with you, and you’re going to want to give them the option to sleep whenever they want.
4. EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen
If you’re looking for the best outdoor dog houses, then the Elitefield soft dog pen may be just what you’re looking for. It’s a lightweight and portable dog enclosure that’s suitable for indoors and outdoors.
The Elitefield consists of two pieces – a base and the soft top. The base has two-way zippers, with loops and hooks on one side that snap into the top. Fastening the bottom allows you to roll up the top with your pet inside. This also allows for convenient access for cleaning and maintenance.
This top is made from high-strength polyester for weather resistance. You also receive three stakes to secure the top section in place. The base is made from heavy-duty Oxford cloth, which is water resistant and UV protected.
5. Tangkula Pet Dog House
B-grade Brown.
If you’re looking for a house that’s naturally breathable and won’t harm your dog with chemicals or toxins, then check out the Tangkula. It’s made from high-quality redwood, and the roof and floor are also made of the same material.
It’s worth mentioning that the house has a natural reddish brown color, which’ll give your pooch a warm and inviting place to call home.
6. Aspen Pet PetBarn 3
Color Enclosure, Extra Large.
If you’re looking for an extra large dog house, then the Aspen Pet PetBarn 3 Color Enclosure could be what you’re looking for. It comes with a powder-coated Alpha II aluminum frame which makes it sturdy and durable.
The structure is also held together with double-groove screws and skylight screws which means there won’t be any squeakiness on the walls.
7. Pet Zone Cozy Cottage Weather-Resistant Dog House.
Pros:
- Dimensions are 33.5 x 25.6 x 36 inches
- Made of durable materials for durability
- Easy to assemble and clean
- Keeps your dog warm and dry
- UV stabilized and molded with high density polyethylene
- Comes with 2 easy access, large windows that open
Cons:
- It is bulky and heavy. Given that the product’s dimensions are 33.5 x 25.6 x 36 inches, the weight can be an issue.
- The plastic used to make this product isn’t the best quality. It’s incredibly light which can be a safety hazard for your dog.
The Pet Zone Cozy Cottage is a sturdy, chew-proof dog house fit for your dog. The double wall plastic makes it durable and may last you a lifetime. Included are a roof vent, dual entry doors and two windows that cover the whole house.
It has a flooring of non-slip recycled carpet. It does not accumulate moisture and can resist mold and mildew growth. Your dog can enjoy the coziness and comfort that this dog house brings. The Pet Zone Cozy Cottage is rather easy to assemble and you can be assured of great comfort for your dog anywhere from 30 to 100 degrees.
8. PRECISION PET Precision Extreme Outback Country Lodge Dog House
Need a dog house with extra storage built right in? This one from Precison Pet does the trick. It comes in 3 sizes – Small/Tuff, Medium/Tuff or Large/Tuff – and comes with a large removable doghouse.
The pet house can be attached to the dog house with the included hooks. The roof and door panels are water and wind-resistant. And the floor pan is made of polypropylene.
With the Precision Extra Large Dog House & Dog House, you get a full-sized dog house regardless of whether you buy the K9 or the Tuff version.
9. Giantex Outdoor Indoor Pet Dog House Portable Waterproof Plastic Puppy Shelter All Weather Roof Cat Dogs House
Pros:
- Budget-friendly choice
- The design makes it easy to clean
- Suitable for bigger dogs
- Easy to assemble
- Waterproof
- UV-resistant
- Comes with a skylight
One of the best-selling dog houses of all time, the Giantex Dog House is a fantastic choice for a general purpose house.
It’s reasonably priced, easy to assemble, comes with a skylight, and is waterproof.
The design is simple, and you can easily reach inside to clean. The innovative L-style doghouse design also makes it ideal for bigger dog breeds.
10. Pet Squeak Doggy Den Wooden Dog House
Overall, this is one of the best wooden dog houses for sale today. The Pet Squeak is made with high-quality cedar wood and is designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as sturdy.
The Pet Squeak wooden dog house has three doors – one on the top and two at the bottom. The top door can also be opened from the inside, if your pet prefers to go out on its own.
The wooden frame is simply bolted to the base and the entire structure is put together with shock cords. This method is much quicker than traditional screws or nails. The layout of the shock cords also makes the unit much more stable once it’s assembled.
11. IRIS USA Large Igloo Shaped Dog House
The Iris Large igloo shaped dog house has an Igloo-like structure which is ideal for dogs that are strong chewers. The locking mechanism system is easy to assemble, and there is very little movement when assembled.
The lumber and hardware are high-quality which means the Iris Large Dog House should last for several years. It’s a fairly good size for dogs that are up to 3-4 years old. It’s also good for mid-size dogs – such as miniature and toy breeds.
The dog house is insulated which means that your pet will have a safe, warm and dry place to rest in all seasons. It’s a good shelter if you’re looking for a compact house for your dog.
12. Pet Squeak Porch Pups Dog House
When it comes to best dog houses, we have a lot of great ones to choose from. All of them at affordable prices with a tie for first. However, one of them will always come out on top.
This dog house is the best-rated outside dog house that we’ve seen. It comes in three sizes, 6, 8, and 10 feet, and the smallest one can fit animals as small as cats.
It’s made entirely from wood, which makes maintenance a breeze. This dog house comes with a tapered roof which helps to protect your pet from rain, snow, and the sun. Furthermore, you can easily add a cover to the top to make it completely waterproof.
13. TRIXIE Classic Outdoor Wooden Dog House
Pros:
- Very heavy duty wood with triple pressure point construction.
- Very heavy duty wood with triple pressure point construction.
- Large enough for medium to large dogs.
- Large enough for medium to large dogs.
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to assemble.
- Facts:
Thermo-reactive Paint Finish, Large 68.5-inch
Size: 32-inch long x 19.5-inch wide x 28-inch high.
Size: 32-inch long x 19.5-inch wide x 28-inch high.
14. Wooden Doghouse
The DogBrite have many great features and is fantastic value for your money. For example, the weather-proof roof can be opened to allow better airflow.
If your dog is sick, just take the floor out and clean it in the bathtub, and if he’s injured then you can roll the roof back to allow better access to the dog. The only downside is that you need to assemble a variety of parts to get this dog house completed. Luckily, the instructions from DogBrite are clear and easy to follow, so even those without much carpentry experience should find building the their DogBrite doghouse a breeze.
15. JAXPETY Weather Resistant Dog House Pet Shelter Cage Large Doggie pet Door Home Outdoor
Another great outdoor pet house to consider is this one by JAXPETY. This dog house is constructed from high-quality durable polycarbonate. The construction requires no tools, so it’s very easy to assemble.
The house is very sturdy and is able to handle pets up to 100 lbs. The double-wall construction boasts an R-value of 5 which provides insulation for warmth and protection against cold, wind, and rain. This also means that the pet house will retain heat, and keep your pet warm during the colder days.
The pet house also comes with a large rain cover and an easy slide-out tray. The slide-out tray allows you to clean the pet house without needing to move it around. It also comes with an entrance ramp for easy access and exit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best dog house for outdoors?
When it comes to the very best dog house for outdoors, we have to give the nod to two leaders in the industry, Midwest iCrate Single-Door Dog Crate and the Midwest Life Stages Double-Door Dog Crate.
The iCrate line of dog house comes in 9 designs ranging from single door to triple doors that are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The sturdy metal construction means that they can be left out through all seasons whether you are using it indoors or out.
These flexible dog houses can be easily converted for indoor use. The crate comes with a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning as well as two doors for adequate ventilation.
The iCrate is well insulated to keep pups nice and cozy. Openings on the side and rear are ideal for adding air circulation during the warmer seasons.
What type of dog house is best?
Best Outdoor Dog Houses, let's take a quick look at the different types of dog houses that will be included in this review of their pros and cons.
The first category of dog houses will be that of the small dog cabin in the ground. These are nice and inexpensive options that will give you peace of mind that your dog has a safe place to be when he is outside during the day.
Then we will take a look at the smallest free standing dog houses on the market. These are really basic in construction and functionality. They will keep your pet dry above all else even in the worst of weather conditions.
Finally, we will look at the larger houses on the market, these are typically the fully sided dog houses that will give you longest lasting protection from the elements.
What is the best dog house for cold weather?
Today the best dog house for cold weather needs to be more than a little house for your pet, it also needs to be a cozy and comfortable place inside. With that said, in my experience, very few cold weather houses provide these types of cozier amenities for the dogs.
The best dog house for cold weather needs to be easy to move or assemble and it needs to provide a healthy environment for your pet. They should also be easy to clean inside and out. And of course, it needs to provide protection when the weather is at it’s coldest, including storms.
Most dog houses are made to be durable and weather resistant, but there are a few that are a bit better at it than others.
What is the best dog house for hot weather?
Most outdoor dog houses are drafty, but it appears that Made Tough dog houses are the least drafty.
If drafty dog houses doesn’t bother you as you don’t spend a lot of time in your dog house then the wood Made Tough XXL dog house is the best option.
If, on the other hand, your dog house is going to be used on a daily basis, then you should create a dog house using Duropan foam, which is stronger than Polyethylene and reinforced with fiberglass.
Conclusion
A backyard dog house is typically built to last a couple of years at most, so more of your purchase dollars are going into the product quality itself, rather than into a reusable structure. It can be a pricey expense for those on a budget, but it’s worth it in the long run as you’ll be providing a protective shelter for your best friend.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Suncast Outdoor Dog House | Best Overall | |
| EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen | Budget Pick | |
| TRIXIE Classic Outdoor Wooden Dog House | Upgrade Pick | |