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All dogs want to play and spend some time in the open air. Just like an indoor pet dog, even these outside dogs need the same care.
You love your dog so much, so you should think of buying an outdoor dog house that suits them and makes them comfortable. That’s why you need to find the best outdoor dog houses that suit your canine companion as best as possible.
Before you purchase one, it is essential to note that these houses are not created the same. This is why it is imperative to know what best to consider before purchasing a dog house.
We’ve taken the best of our time to analyze some of these houses, and here is our comprehensive list of the best outdoor dog houses available. Have a look.
Table of Contents
Best Outdoor Dog Houses Reviews
Precision Pet Log Cabin
Precision Pet Log Cabin is a weather-resistant log cabin dog house specially designed to give your dog extra comfort. The wood finish and black edges make the log cabin unique. The pet log cabin has a traditional design that makes it beautiful.
Product Highlights
It is essential to keep pets as comfortable as possible as they move around or as they take a rest. Finding the best cabin for your pet is crucial as it determines the quality of rest your pet gets. This log cabin is among the best log cabins and is suitable for any pet.
Briefly, let’s discuss some of the Precision Pet Log Cabin specifications to determine if it is the right cabin for your pet. Some of the product highlights are:
- Constructed from solid wood and stainless steel hardware
- Rain resistant roof
- Sealed protective coating
- Off-center entrance
The solid wood and stainless steel used make the cabin more sturdy, comfortable, and durable. The rain-resistant roof protects your pet from rain and other harsh weather conditions such as snow.
The Good
Precision Pet Log Cabin indeed keeps your pet safe and dry during harsh weather conditions, and we recommend it.
Some of the bonus features that it has over other pet cabins include a slant roof that helps with drainage and a raised floor that keeps water away. The slanted roof and raised floor keep your pet dry and allow a free flow of air.
It has adjustable feet that easily balance on most surfaces. The log cabin comes in various sizes such as small, medium, large and giant sizes, to accommodate all pets.
Besides keeping your pet dry, safe, and comfortable, the log cabin protects it against other elements such as dust and debris.
The Bad
Precision Pet Log Cabin has both its upside and its downside. One of the things we didn’t like about the pet cabin is that it has a fixed roof. Other pet cabins have a removable top for maximum airflow and to make cleaning easier.
Another downside is that as much as the log cabin keeps your pet dry in rainy weather, it is not advisable to use during extremely adverse weather conditions.
Pros
- Weather, pest, rot, and dust resistant
- Easy to assemble
- Available in small, medium, large, and giant sizes
Cons
- Fixed roof
- Not recommended for freezing temperatures
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Petsfit Dog House
Petsfit Dog House is a house designed to give your dog extra comfort and quality sleep after being active during the day.
As the name suggests, the house is designed for pet dogs but can shelter other pets. The light grey color blends with most backyards.
Product Highlights
There are various dog houses to choose from, but this type is a common choice for many dog lovers.
The house materials used do not react with your dog in any way, are environmentally friendly, and last long.
For those who have already used it, the dog house has proven to satisfy all their needs through some unique features. Some critical elements of the Petsfit Dog House include:
- Light grey color
- Made of cedarwood painted with natural cedar paint
- Water-based paint roof
- Adjustable feet
The dog house is a light grey structure that blends with any home.
The natural cedar paint used on the cedar wood is non-reactive to dogs, and its adjustable feet ensure the house balances correctly on its surface.
The Good
In this section, we will discuss what we loved about the dog house when we first used it. Water-based paint used on the dog house is not reactive to dogs making the home suitable for any dog.
The dog house has a 30-day return policy for factory defects or any quality problems.
The house is easy to assemble. To build the dog house, you need no special skills as it comes with pre-drilled holes.
Your work is to simply assemble it. Consult the product manual in case of any difficulties.
The Bad
We didn’t like the Petsfit Dog House because it does not fit pet dogs of all sizes. The house can only hold small pets.
Another thing is that it comes with a fixed door. It is already pre-cut to the right of the house.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- 30-day return policy for factory defects
- Has adjustable feet
Cons
- Does not fit all dog sizes; only holds small dogs
- Has a fixed door
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Always-quality Indoor Outdoor Dog House
Not many dog houses are flexible, which means they can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Always-quality Indoors Outdoors Dog House has a unique design and keeps your dog safe both indoors and outdoors.
It is not easy finding a flexible and convenient house such as this one.
Product Highlights
There are certain features put in place that make this dog house as flexible as it is. The house is made of plastic, making it easy to clean after being left outside.
Other important specifications of the Always-quality Indoor Outdoor Dog House that you need to know about are:
- Raised floor
- Sturdy and smooth plastic construction
- Small openings on the side
- Light grey housing with either blue, red, or green roof
The sturdy and smooth plastic construction makes it durable and easy to clean, and the small openings on the side ensure the free flow of air in and out of the dog house.
The light grey housing protects it from external danger, and the roof comes in three different colors; blue, red, or green. You can pick one that perfectly matches your home.
The Good
The Always-quality Indoor Outdoor Dog House is a product we comfortably recommend to all dog lovers.
Some other dog houses lack the following features that make this dog house suitable for any dog.
The smooth plastic construction makes the house comfortable and warm during cold temperatures. It is also easy to clean after being exposed to dirt when placed outside.
The plastic housing makes it light and portable, making it easy to set it inside and outdoors.
The circulation of air in and out of the house is efficient. This keeps the dog house fresh and comfortable for your pet.
The Bad
Just like any pet houses, this one too has its shortcomings. One of the weaknesses that the Always-quality Indoor Outdoor Dog House has is that it has a fixed roof.
For a dog house kept both indoors and outdoors, it is essential to clean it regularly. If the top were removable, cleaning would be a lot easier.
The house is not insulated; therefore, it is not suitable to be used in extreme weather conditions.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Comfortable and well ventilated
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Has a non-removable roof
- Only accommodates small and medium-sized pets
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Suncast DH350 Dog House
This is an attractive water-resistant dog house that accommodates small to large dogs, up to 70 pounds.
It is meant for pet dogs but can also accommodate cats and other pets that fit in it. The dog house fits in any environment and keeps your home beautiful.
Product Highlights
Many people want to buy this product for their pets. The dog house has a unique design that comes in different shapes and sizes.
This is one of the features that give the kennel an advantage over others. Other features of the Suncast Outdoor Dog House include:
- Hardened plastic construction
- Strong and sturdy resin
- Has a vinyl door
The hardened plastic construction makes the house easy to clean, and the plastic material used resists fading and is rust and rot-resistant.
The sturdy and robust resin can withstand unfavorable weather conditions making the house durable.
Its vinyl door offers additional protection from the weather and other animals.
The Good
The vinyl door is a feature that most dog houses lack, which provides additional security and is insulation for your pet.
The kennel comes in different shapes and sizes and holds small to large size dogs up to 70 pounds.
It comes with a variety of sheds and deck boxes to choose from. The range of shapes, sizes, and styles allows you to pick one that maintains your backyard’s beauty and keeps your environment organized.
It is easy to assemble the dog house, and no tools are needed. The components easily snap together to build up the kennel.
The Bad
The Suncast Outdoor Dog House has its disadvantages too. The roof is not removable. This means that it becomes tricky to clean the inner parts of the house.
It has a thin plastic coating that is not insulated, meaning it won’t keep your pet warm during winter.
You can remedy this problem by insulating the house yourself by using Styrofoam or any other insulators.
Read our full review of Suncast DH350 Dog House here.
Pros
- Accommodates both small and large size dogs
- The plastic housing is fade, rust, and rot-resistant
- It is easy to assemble
Cons
- It comes with a fixed roof
- It is not insulated
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Aspen Pet PetBarn 3
Aspen Pet Barn 3 is a rustic barn with a unique design that offers comfort and security for your pet.
The barn accommodates pets of all sizes, from small to large pets but should accommodate pets weighing between 15 to 90 pounds.
The barn is designed to harbor dogs but can still be used by other pets as long as they fit.
Product Highlights
One of the unique features of the pet barn is its rustic and unique design. It has a light grey top and a dark brown half bottom that makes it unique and appealing.
Some other essential specifications of the Aspen Pet PetBarn 3 are:
- Durable construction
- All plastic product
- Extended roof guard rim
- Raised floor
- Rustic barn design
- Rear ventilation
The all-round plastic construction keeps the barn warm and also makes it easy to clean. Raised floors keep pets insulated from the ground and keep water away, as well as effortlessly balance on almost all environments.
The rustic barn design makes it unique and appealing even from far away. The rear ventilation allows air in and out of the pet barn.
The Good
Customer reviews show that they prefer this product because of various reasons. Some of the reasons include that the pet barn can harbor pets of all sizes.
It comes in four different sizes that accommodate pets that weigh between 15 to 90 pounds.
Another reason is that the rear ventilation allows proper airflow making the barn relaxed and comfortable for your pet.
It is easy to assemble. A few quick snap latches are enough to set it up with no tools needed.
The plastic construction makes cleaning easier. The top half is not hinged, and you can snap it off. This makes cleaning efficient.
By snapping off the top half, you also create more room for your pet in the barn.
The Bad
We have mentioned some of the features that Aspen Pet PetBarn 3 users find amazing. It is time to have a look at the non-satisfactory features.
One of them is that there is no insulating pad to keep the barn warm. This means that it is not suitable to use it in extreme conditions.
Pros
- It is easy to set up
- Prevents fleas and is rot and mold resistant
- Easy to clean and durable
Cons
- Not insulated by an insulating pad
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Buyer’s Guide
From the above features, you probably have noticed that these dog houses vary due to different characteristics.
Some factors are vital to consider before choosing which kind of dog house you want to invest in.
Below are some of the factors we considered when coming up with our top pick.
Size
This is one of the significant aspects to check on before you opt for that fine dog house you see.
The right dog house should cater to all your dog needs. Always ensure you measure your dog’s size.
Buy your dog a spacious cabin that it can comfortably move or turn in when inside.
On both sides, ensure you leave enough room for the dog to lay down entirely with much ease.
Height is another size aspect, and you need to choose a house with some extra inches so that the dog doesn’t bump their head when entering or leaving the house.
In case you’re looking for a house that can accommodate more than one dog, you can go for a product which features double housing with two or numerous entry doors.
Material
You know your dog the best. If it is the kind of dog that plays a lot, a more concrete house will do better.
You have three choices: you can choose between wooden, metallic, and plastic flooring. All of these materials come with their advantages and disadvantages.
If you go for a wooden dog house, consider choosing one which is built to last so that a simple storm will not destroy it.
On the better side, plastics are lightweight and highly durable. They also offer a variety of choices when it comes to shapes and designs. Plastic material is also easy to clean.
There are very minimal metal house designs to go for. However, they are considered durable they can be a little bit heavy and costly.
Ventilation (Air Flow)
Despite the season or the reason you have at hand when purchasing a dog house, the house needs to be well ventilated and have air circulated evenly all through the house.
This will keep your dog cool on hot days and warm in colder seasons.
If the house has enough airflow, you will curb purchasing a heater or a dog cooling pad.
To achieve this, let there be a window or a slotted opening. Choose to install vinyl flaps on the doorway if you have to keep it closed.
Price vs. Value
A reasonable dog house cost as low as $100. If your primary concern is budget, stay within but at least buy that which satisfies your dog’s critical requirements.
What we mean is to spend your money wisely.
There are good houses out in the market. Furthermore, if you have budget constraints, it is wise for you to explain your choices or the kind of dog house you’re looking for to a pet store owner and let them get you the best to fit your budget.
However, don’t buy just any dog house. It may cost you later on when you have to purchase other amenities like heating appliances and insulations.
Outdoor Dog Houses FAQs
Should I Build or Buy a Dog House?
Building your own dog house is a good idea; however, you’re probably going to spend more than you might when buying the same.
This comes with some advantages as you’ll design it more as per your preference, but budget-wise, you’ll have to buy materials and other relevant items.
However, if you’re looking for a plastic dog house, then you’ll have to buy it. In most cases, buying is cheaper and time-saving. Any of the two ideas can do, but buying is more reliable.
How Much is a Dog House?
The cost will vary from store to store. Other factors attached to this include size, design, and any other extras like heating appliances.
You probably don’t expect a smaller sized dog house to cost the same as that which can accommodate more than one dog.
In most cases, the average cost of a dog house is $70-$500. The price varies as per the material used to build the house.
The kind of place you want will deviate from the intended use and purpose. It is advisable to check several stores before you decide which one to settle for.
How Big Should a Dog House Be?
Most dog owners find trouble deciding how big the house they need for their dog(s) should be.
Ideally, a right dog house should be big enough to accommodate the dog to enter, turn, and move freely when inside comfortably.
The height is also an important aspect to check on. In most cases, it needs to be approximately 25-50% taller than your dog’s head.
If you have more than one dog, then buy an accommodative dog house. You can go for a double door house to accommodate both of your dogs in their compartment.
It is therefore advisable to measure your dog before you decide what house to buy.
Where to Place a Dog House?
Know the right place to place your dog house; this is very important since you will get to determine in advance where you need the door, the ventilation straps, and possibly windows.
In most cases, people place their dog houses in front of their homes or the backyard.
It is vital to place it in a fenced location or a comfortable place where your dog can easily go in and out. Ensure you put it away from materials prone to absorbing cold or heat.
How to Clean a Dog House?
This is a simple process that can take you a few minutes every one or two days. The cleaner the house, the healthier your dog will be.
Always use ample soapy water and brush to clean your dog’s house.
Ensure you scour the walls and the floor all through the corners of your dogs’ house. In most cases, urine and feces collect in those corners; hence clean and rinse them well.
Once in a while, spray the dog house to keep away bacterial infections and pathogens. Allow the dog house to dry before letting your dog back in.
Wrapping Up
A dog house is a worthy investment; it keeps your lovely pet safe, healthy, and comfortable all the time.
This is one reason to take your time and choose the best spot for it.
Hopefully, with all the available dog house options we’ve provided in this guide, you’ll find it easy to make the right decision when looking for one for your dog.
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Complete (Honest) Petmate Igloo Dog House Review + Pros & Cons