How to Choose a dog House – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

• Buying Guide

How to Choose a dog House

Does your dog like the outdoors? Do you think that it is about time that you get your dog his very own dog house? If yes, then you have come to the right spot. Just like you need your very own space that you call ‘home,’ dogs also need their very own den to feel at home.

But the issue remains; buying the ultimate dog house for your canine friend isn’t as easy as picking out a shirt. You need to do some research, learn about your dog’s habits, likes and dislikes, and then put in some effort to find the perfect dog house for your new friend.

We can’t help you with your dog because you have to learn about him on your own. But we can help you with your research and give you the ultimate buyer’s guide that will help you choose the perfect dog house out of the thousands available in the market for your canine friend. So let us go ahead and jump right into the guide.

What is a dog house?

A dog house or dog kennels is a structure built in the shape of a house to provide a dog with their own personalized space to call home. The primary purpose of the dog house is to provide your dog with security, protection, comfort, and luxury. It should have all the factors that a shelter should have to make the dog feel at home.

Types of Dog House:

When it comes to dog houses, the very first thing that pops up in our minds is the basic pointy-roof designed dog houses. Well, although Snoopy only sticks to this dog houses his entire life, but there are so many other types of dog houses available in the market. You can now find dog houses in multiple designs, shapes, materials, and sizes.

So before you go on your buying spree, we suggest that you first choose which type of dog house you believe would be best suited for your dog. Here is the list of the most commonly designed dog houses.

1. A-Frame
2. Single-Panel Flat Roof
3. Loft Roof
4. Igloo
5. Gambrel Roof
6. Box Shaped
7. Barrels
8. Fiberglass Cave
9. Double-Door House
10. Side Porch House
11. Soft-Sided
12. Tents
13. Inflatable
14. Bath Combo

Factors to Consider When Buying A Dog House

There are hundreds of different dog houses available in the market. So the question is which one out of them is the one for your dog? Well, it can be a bit daunting question to answer, especially for the new dog owners who are going through the buying process for the first time.

But there is nothing to worry about. With just a bit of research and some factors to consider up your sleeve, you can buy the best dog house for your new canine friend at home. So let us go ahead and look at the factors that you must consider before making the purchase.

·       Type

The diversity of dog houses in the market is endless. You will find tons of different types of dog houses. Almost all the shapes are quite compelling, but all are not suitable for all dog breeds. So make sure to choose the right type of dog house for your canine friend based on his breed and personal needs.

·       Material

Dog houses nowadays are constructed using different materials. The most common materials used are wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, nylon, and mesh fabric. Each material has its own set of perks and drawbacks to offering, so choose which material you believe would be best suited for your dog.

·       Size

Choosing the right sized dog house is the top-most vital factors. You need to get a dog house that suits the size of your dog. So it is best that you measure the length, height, width, and also the weight of your dog before making the purchase. Make sure to consider every feature of the house, especially the inside space, the door size, and the height of the dog house.

·       Durability

The durability of the dog house is one of the essential attributes that you must consider before making the purchase. The best dog house would over long-lasting service. You need to get a dog house that is built using heavy-duty material, is strong and sturdy, is easy to clean, and comes with extra features like waterproof structure and insulated panels – the more, the better!

·       Insulation­

All top-notch manufacturers give you insulated dog houses. In most cases, dog houses are constructed using wood or plastic structures, which are then lined with insulated panels to provide your dog with the best temperature inside the house. They keep the house warm in the cooler regions and cold in the warmer regions. It makes it easy for the dog to rest inside the house, even in the outdoors.

·       Waterproof

You must get a waterproof dog house for your dog. The reason is that most dog owners like to get a dog house for outdoor usage. You don’t want the rain, accidental leaks, or the dirt to damage the exterior of the house. So having a waterproof dog house helps with the durability of the house.

Although, if you are looking for indoor dog kennels, you can skip this feature if you wish. But we would suggest that you still get a kennel that is waterproof to avoid any accidental water damages that can damage the structure.

·       Price

Lastly, you need to consider your budget and the price of the dog house. You can find dog houses for as low as $50 and as high as $500. So need to make sure that the dog house that you are choosing falls in your budget range and offers the best value of money.

These are all the attributes that you need to consider in order when shopping for the best dog house for your furry friend. Considering these factors will allow you to choose the one dog house that would meet the needs of your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions that first-time buyers have in mind. We decided to address them in public, so in case you have similar questions, these might help you out. Let us go ahead and discuss them in detail.

• 1. Why your dog needs a dog house?

Almost all dog owners have indoor dog kennels, but only a few of them tend to invest in dog houses. The reason being that most owners tend to consider dog houses as unnecessary since they keep their dogs indoors at all times.

 But what they tend to forget is that dogs are wild animals who like to explore the outdoors, so keeping them indoors at all times isn’t the best thing to do.

When your dog is temporarily out in the backyard, you need to provide him with a safe and comfortable space to rest. It also protects your dog from weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and of course, the warmth in the sunny days.  In short, having a dog house will help your dog enjoy the outdoors with comfort and safety.

• 2. When should you get your dog a dog house?

Well, there is no single or straightforward answer to this question. You can get a dog house for your puppy, or you can wait for him to grow up a bit and then get him a dog house.

 It all depends on your personal preferences. But we suggest that you get a dog house when your dog is house trained so that you don’t have to put him on the leash and he can enjoy the backyard freely.

• 3. Does the material of the dog house matter?

Yes, the material that you choose for the dog house matters a lot. In most cases, wood and plastic are used for the construction of dog houses, but there are other materials as well. Each material has its own set of perks and drawbacks to offer. 

For instance, wooden dog houses are strong, sturdy, heavy, and provide great insulation but require a lot of maintenance. On the other hand, plastic dog houses are lightweight, expensive, and versatile and require low maintenance.

• 4. How big should the dog house be?

The size of the dog house should be perfect for your dog. You need to get a dog house that is big enough for your dog to get in and relax comfortably inside. Both the exterior size and the interior space matter when it comes to choosing the right sized dog house.

To get the right sized dog house, you should measure the length, width, and height of your dog. It is best to get a dog house, which is 25%-50% larger than the size of your dog. It will allow him to easily get in without ducking and fit in easily without having to squeeze their body.

• Conclusion

Choosing the right dog house for your dog is very important. Just like you need your perfect dream house to live in, your dog also needs his personalized dog house as well, which can cater to all his needs.

You need to find the most suitable dog house available for your dog to like and enjoy it – only then will he be able to call it his home. So read through the entire guide to find the best dog house for your dog.