Many dogs spend a lot of time in the backyard, where they have room to roam and play. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, though, he’ll probably appreciate a doghouse. Doghouses are great for giving your dog shelter from rain and wind and providing a safe place to rest. If you’re in the market for a doghouse, these reviews will help you find the best house for your needs.
We found the Midwest Ferplast Villa Dog Kennel to be the best overall doghouse. This house has great reviews, without any reviews lower than four stars. The cute villa design helps it look attractive in any yard and comes together easily with no tools needed. Its plastic construction makes it waterproof, UV-resistant, and easy to clean. With three sizes, it will fit most dogs without too much trouble. One nice feature is the folding side panel, which can be left up for maximum weather protection or folded out into a side porch to give your dog a bit more space and ventilation. One drawback of this design is that it isn’t designed for very hot or very cold weather—if you need your dog to be outside in the winter, you might want a house with better insulation.
We found the Frisco Dome Doghouse to be the best doghouse for your money, coming in cheaper than many of the houses on this list and still commanding great reviews. Unlike a traditional square doghouse, this house is made in a rounded igloo shape that makes it structurally stronger than other doghouses of similar materials. The house is built from a recycled molded foam that acts as insulation in all weather, keeping your dog warm, dry, and comfortable. A vent provides airflow to the house. One drawback of this house is that it only comes in one size, medium, but reviews say it is pretty roomy, with dogs up to 90 pounds fitting inside.
Pros
Insulated molded foam
Dome shape adds stability
Fairly roomy
90% recycled materials
Cons
One size only
3. Dog Palace Insulated/Heated Dog House — Premium Choice
If your dog needs to be outside in rain and snow, sleet, and heat, the Dog Palace Insulated/Heated Doghouse is here to keep your dog comfortable. Although it is a more expensive option, this house comes with features that make it worth the price. The house walls are insulated with 2-4 inches of insulation that keeps the house hot in the winter and cooler in the summer and is raised a few inches off the ground for better airflow. The house comes with a built-in heating pad that plugs in via an extension cord at the rear of the house. Heat can be adjusted via remote control, making it easy for you to keep your pup warm. One drawback of this house is that it only comes in one size, meant to fit dogs that are about 26 inches at the shoulder or smaller.
Pros
Adjustable heater
Insulated interior
Folding door for extra insulation
Cons
More expensive option
One size only
4. Petmate Barnhome III Dog House — Best for Puppies
A sturdy plastic shell, a quick assembly, and a weather-proof design are all points in the Petmate Barnhome III’s favor. We found the Barnhome to be the best doghouse for puppies because of its extremely high ratings. This doghouse caps out at medium-sized dogs, so your larger pooches might have to go elsewhere, but if you have a puppy or smaller dog, this is a great choice. The doghouse comes in two pieces, a base, and a snapping lid. A few reviewers noted that in high winds, the lid tends to come unsnapped. The raised floor and rim help to keep the rain out so that your pup is safe in all weather.
This folding design is perfect if you need to move your doghouse frequently, folding flat for easy storage or movement. With no assembly required, this house is ready right out of the box—just unfold it where you plan to use it. The doghouse is made of sturdy wood, with a cheery sunburst design and a removable shingled roof. Four legs keep the house off the ground for better air circulation and protection from the elements. Overall, the reviews of this product were very high, but a few reviewers noted that their dogs enjoyed chewing on the wood panels, causing damage to them.
The Trixie Natura Doghouse is a beautiful option if you want a wooden doghouse. With three sizes to choose from, this house can fit any sized dog. The house itself is a simple, clean design, with a flat roof and four legs that raise it slightly off the ground. The floor of the house is removable for easy cleaning, and the roof can be locked closed or open. The open roof can be nice in the summer to give extra ventilation and makes cleaning a breeze. The house does require some assembly to put together, with reviewers agreeing that it wasn’t too complicated. One thing to watch out for is that a few reviewers noted that the wood chips easily or that it arrived chipped.
Pros
Hinged roof for extra ventilation
Sturdy wood construction
Removable bottom
Cons
Wood chips easily
7. Precision Pet Products Outback Log Cabin Doghouse
Another great doghouse for all sizes of dogs, the Precision Pet Products Outback Log Cabin is a beautiful wooden house with a slightly slanted roof for rain runoff. It has quite a few high reviews, with one reviewer stating that it’s lasted for over two years with no trouble. A raised slatted floor keeps your dog cool in the summer months, but it does make it a little too drafty for winter use. One drawback of this design is that it doesn’t have a removable floor panel, making it more difficult to clean than other doghouses. Although most reviewers said that the wood was sturdy and lasted well, a few reviewers with large dogs stated that their dogs wore down the cabin quickly or were able to tear it apart without much trouble.
Pros
Removable roof
Weather-proof construction
Cons
No removable floor panels
Not insulated for cold weather
Wood can’t hold up to large dogs
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Dog House
Shopping for a doghouse can be tricky—it’s likely one of the bigger purchases you’ll make for your pooch, and a good doghouse will last for years. There are many different styles and designs available. Here are some things to consider when you’re shopping for the right doghouse:
Image Credit: Luc Brousseau, Shutterstock
Size
The right doghouse is big enough to fit your dog comfortably but small enough that your dog feels safe and cozy. Although a too-large doghouse will protect your dog from the rain, it won’t be as warm in cold weather and most dogs prefer a properly-sized doghouse. Your doghouse should be between 1.25 and 1.5 times your dog’s height and the length and width of the house should be approximately 1.25 to 1.5 times your dog’s length. The door should be tall enough for your dog to enter comfortably.
Ventilation and Insulation
The best doghouses will keep your dog comfortable in hot and cold weather. Doghouses with hollow walls or a double-walled assembly will help keep your dog comfortable. Doghouses should also be slightly raised from the ground. Most doghouses default to door-free, but an optional door can sometimes be purchased separately. In the winter, adding blankets or a heating pad can help your dog stay warmer.
Image Credit: Diana Baliuk, Shutterstock
Material
Most doghouses are either plastic or wood. Plastic doghouses often last years and are easy to clean because you can usually just hose them down, but they might be liable to sun damage and often look less attractive. Wooden doghouses are better looking and can last well with proper finishes, but you need to be wary of dogs who like to chew on wood.
Style
It’s worth remembering that your doghouse is something that is probably going to be a permanent part of your yard. Since you see it every day, getting a doghouse that looks good might be a priority. You should also watch out for any special features you want, like a removable floor that makes cleaning easier, windows that can add ventilation, or a porch for your dog to lounge on.
Conclusion
After looking at all the options, we found the Midwest Ferplast Villa Dog Kennel to be the best overall doghouse because of its simple, attractive design and optional porch. The Frisco Dome Doghouse gives you the best value for your money, while the Dog Palace Insulated/Heated Doghouse is a perfect premium pick. Finally, smaller dogs and puppies will love the Petmate Barnhome III, with its small size and high reviews. Overall, we hope these reviews can help you pick a doghouse that will feel more like a dog home.
Chelsea Flake Mortensen is a writer with a passion for pets. She grew up around everything from cats to chameleons and loves working with all kinds of animals. Chelsea has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Brigham Young University. She is currently living in New England with her husband. Her articles have been featured in various magazines and literary journals for children and adults. Her writing has been translated into over 40 languages. ...Read more
