Last updated: 16/10/2022

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The species anis lupus familiaris has always lived in caves, and other quiet, small, closed-off places. These places usually have three sides and a covering. Even though dogs have changed in the past 30,000 years from generations and generations of wolves, they still prefer these confined places to rest.

If you have a pet dog, especially one that lives outside, a doghouse is a must to keep your dog feeling safe and comfortable. There is a huge amount of these products on the market, and choosing the perfect one can prove to be difficult. To help you with your purchase, we have created this shopping guide and review. Are you ready?




Key Facts

  • Having its own private place to sleep and rest will strengthen the bond your dog has with you. Your dog will understand that it is part of the family and that it has its own space like everybody else. It can even learn to take care of its new home.
  • There are various factors that you need to consider before choosing which doghouse is best for you and your beloved pet. Some of the criteria include size, location, material, and price. All of these factors need to be compatible with the personality and nature of your pet. It is also important to consider how much room you have for the item.
  • This item is very important for the wellbeing of your pet. You need to make the best choice. You should also make sure you get an affordable and good-quality house. The internet has a much larger choice than any pet store.

Our Selection: The Best Doghouses

A puppy will need a different type of house than a big dog, that might require a large dog house or kennel. You should also consider whether you are going to put it outside where it will get rained on or inside where it will be more protected. There is a huge variety of different choices, which can be exciting but frustrating. To help you with your purchase, we have created a list of our favorite doghouses on the market.

Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Dog Houses

There are so many items that you can purchase for your pet on the market, especially when shopping online. Pet brands continue investing in new ways to provide you with items that improve the life of your dog. It is normal if you feel a bit lost. In the following section, we have answered some of the most common questions from buyers like you.

kid painting a doghouse

The material that your dog house is made out of directly impacts how sturdy and insulating it will be.
(Source: Ilona: 45865999/ 123rf.com)l

What types of doghouses are there?

The material that your dog house is made out of directly impacts how sturdy and insulating it will be. The size of your dog is also a very important factor as it will determine the size of the house it needs. The location will determine the temperature inside, and you should also choose a model that matches your style and the style of the house.

You also need to follow certain guidelines. It is important to keep a little bit of space between the house and the floor, one inch will be more than enough. This will help keep your dog’s home dry and prevent many insects from getting in. The door should face the South or the East and never the West. This will help keep the cold breeze out.

Types of Doghouse Strengths Weaknesses
Wooden Best insulation More expensive
Plastic (resin, PVC, or polypropylene) Cheaper and easier to clean Can be dangerous at high temperatures
Canvas Very versatile and aesthetically pleasing Great for outdoors
Cement Very sturdy Expensive and you cannot move them
Outdoor The most independent Difficult to clean and keep up with
Indoor Keeps the dog out of the other rooms. Portable. Most of them are only for small dogs
Small doghouses More colorful and light Not meant for outdoors.
Medium doghouses Affordable. Many options. You may feel overwhelmed with the many choices.
Large doghouses Last a long time. The most difficult to find.
Fashion Very decorative. More expensive.

Why are wooden doghouses the best?

Wooden doghouses have the most insulation. Your dog will be able to keep warm when it is cold and cool when it is hot. With the correct varnish, it will also keep your dog dry when it is raining. However, you should be careful when washing it because wood does retain water. You have to maintain the house clean so that it retains its insulating factor.

Although plastic dog houses are a much more inexpensive option, they are not very insulating when it comes to high temperatures. Plastic can overheat, and this can be harmful to your pet. However, it is very easy to clean the plastic off. The best type of doghouse is those made of cement. They are very insulating and easy to wash.

Can any type of dog use a dog house?

With the correct amount of training, any dog can use a doghouse. However, Yorkshires and chihuahuas do not have enough fur to keep them safe when the weather is very cold or rainy. Even though they are a large breed, boxers should also not live outside as they are prone to osteoarthritis.

If you have one of the breeds that we mentioned above, you should probably put their doghouse in a place where you can always check that they are okay. Remember, your dog’s comfort and safety are the two most important factors. Nordic breeds, mastiffs, or Samoyeds have extra fur and are perfect to be outside dogs.

blue doghouse

It is important to keep a little bit of space between the house and the floor, one inch will be more than enough.
(Source: Ranmai: 19638805/ 123rf.com)

How do I get my dog to use its dog house?

Your dog needs to get used to its new home very slowly. There is no rush. It is always better to train it when it is a puppy (16 weeks old or less.) This is during the imprint period. You may want to put the house by its dog bed. This way, your pet will get used to the sight and smell of its new home.

The doghouse should be in a peaceful place and near the family. You may even want to put it near the door so that you can easily check on your pet whenever you want. If you are installing the house indoors, make sure that it is in an open space away from any electric plugs. It is best to put the house near your dog’s bed.

How do I clean a doghouse?

If the doghouse is outside and it is hot, there may be insects that get inside. Wash it off with a hose and you will get most of the dirt off. You should also brush the walls and disinfect your dog’s home.

If the doghouse is inside, just vacuum the inside to remove hair and dirt. If you have a mat or a pillow inside for your dog, you should wash it off with a product that will clean it thoroughly but will not harm the material. If the doghouse is made out of canvas or cloth you can take it off and wash it in the washing machine.

 young woman with dog

Fences are very easy to install.
(Source: Perugini: 20403802/ 123rf.com)

What are the pros and cons of doghouses?

Although owning a doghouse has numerous benefits, there are a few cons that you should know about before you decide to buy one. For example, we do not recommend that you buy the most expensive, wooden doghouse if you plan to put it inside or if where you live it does not get very cold. In the following table, we will list the pros and cons of these products.

Advantages
  • Improves the proprioception of the dog.
  • Strengthens the bond that the dog has with your family, as it will feel like it is a part of the family.
  • Makes your house cleaner, as your dog will spend more time in its new home.
Disadvantages
  • Can be expensive.
  • You must know a lot of information before buying one.
  • You must clean them.

Shopping Criteria

We know that there are a lot of options on the market and that it can be a bit overwhelming. When choosing an item for your dog, there are certain criteria that you should keep in mind that will make your purchase much easier. We have made a list of those criteria:

Sturdiness

The material that your doghouse is made out of will ultimately determine how sturdy it is. If you are willing to spend a bit more, you can buy a wooden doghouse that has great insulation. We recommend this type as it will keep your dog comfortable through all four seasons of the year. You should also consider how long the house will last. You want a sturdy doghouse as your dog might play around and bite on the house.

fence with a dog window

The door should face the South or the East and never the West.
(Source: Chalabala: 40859982/ 123rf.com)

Size

You need to keep in mind how big your dog is when making your purchase. We even recommend that you measure your dog so that you know its exact size. You will want to buy a house where your dog will fit comfortably. Also, you will need to consider how much space you have to put the item. Is it a temporary doghouse or will it be there for a long time? Make sure it does not get in the way of your daily activities.

Remember that your dog should be able to enter its home and move around inside freely. You do not want your dog to feel claustrophobic. At the same time, you don’t want a house that is too big because your dog may get cold inside. The entrance should not be too wide as to let in the wind, cold, and rain. You can even put a curtain on the entrance to keep your dog warm.

Location

As we have already explained above, it is extremely important to decide if the doghouse will be inside or outside your home, as this will determine which material you should buy. If you are thinking of putting it outside, you should get a wooden dog house as it will keep your dog comfortable. We do not recommend a plastic doghouse for outdoors, as it can overheat and harm your dog.

However, you should also contemplate where you are located geographically. If you live in a place that gets extremely hot or extremely cold, we recommend that you buy a doghouse with a triangular roof facing the South or West.

Price

We recommend that you stick to your budget and find a great-quality house. It should not be too difficult because there are many options on the market. Look at 3 or 4 different items and then make your final decision.

You should also consider if you are buying this doghouse to be a permanent or temporary home for your pet. If you have a puppy, it might outgrow its new doghouse. Even though wooden doghouses, for example, are the best for outdoors, consider the climate of your city and how long you are going to use it. You can even find a good-quality dog house made out of another type of material.

Design

Depending on your style, you might want to get a decorative dog house. This type of doghouse has gotten extremely popular in the last decade. There are more and more cute, colorful, and fashionable doghouses for you to choose from. There are even high-quality models that mimic a real “person home.” You will find houses that resemble tents, dollhouses, and more.

Summary

A doghouse is a must for all dog owners. Your dog will love its new home, and having its own space will make it feel like part of the family. It will be able to relax and rest in its new home.  We understand that there are a huge amount of options currently on the U.S market and that it can be a bit overwhelming.

However, we are sure that we have provided you with the correct information to make the best choice. Now, it’s up to you. What are you waiting for?

We hope that you have enjoyed our article about doghouses. If you liked this shopping guide and review, don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media. Has your pet tried out a doghouse before? Tell us about your experience; we want to hear from you. Thank you so much.

(Source of featured image: Milert: 31732143/ 123rf.com)

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