Stylish Dog Houses

Choosing the correct size Dog House is paramount to your dogs comfort. Ideally the Dog House should be just large enough for your dog to enter, turn around and lie down. Anything much larger will sacrifice heat retention in cold weather. Most Dog House manufacturers offer house sizing based on weight, categorizing houses into x-small, small, medium, large and extra large.

An extra small house will typically accommodate a dog between 5 and 25 pounds, such as a Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, or a Dachshund. A Small Dog House will typically accommodate a Dog between 26 and 40 pounds, such as a Pug, a Cocker Spaniel or a Beagle. A Medium Dog House will accommodate a Dog between 42 and 70 pounds, such as a Border Collie, a Siberian Husky or a Basset Hound.. A Large Dog House will accommodate between 71 and 90 pounds, such as a German Sheppard, a Retriever or a Dalmatian. An Extra Large House will typically accommodate a Dog Between 91 and 110 plus pounds, such as a Great Dane, a Mastiff or a Saint Bernard.

However, sometimes weight is not the best indicator of a dogs size. In this case it is a good idea to review the dimensions of the dog house and compare them with the measurements of your dog. To properly compare you will need three measurements from your dog, shoulder to ground, nose to tail and head to ground. Now to find the dimensions of the dog house you will have to do a little math, but don't worry its simple.

Starting with your shoulder to ground measurement- this measurement will determine the door height of the dog house. The door height should be no less than 3/4 the measurement of the shoulder to ground measurement. So you will multiply your measurement times .75 to get your minimum door height. Example: 20"(Dogs Shoulder Height) * .75 = 15" (Minimum Door Height)

Second, the nose to tail dimensions- this measurement will determine the overall dimensions of the interior of the Dog House. The width and length of the dog house should be no more than 25% larger than this measurement. Example: My dogs measurement from nose to tail is 24". 24" *.25(or 25%)= 6" 6"+24"= 30" So I am looking for a dog house that has length and width measurements of no less than 24" and no more than 30".

Last, the head to ground measurement- this measurement gives you your dogs height and also determines the appropriate height of the dog house. The dog house should be at least 25% taller than your dogs height, but not more than 50% taller. So assuming that my dog is 25" tall my range will be between 25" *.25= 6.25 25" + 6.25"= 31.25" (my low height) and 25"* .50= 12.5" 25"+12.5"= 37.5" (my maximum height. So I am looking for a Dog House with a height of at least 31.25" and less than 37.5"

Wooden Dog Houses are the most common type of Dog House. When choosing a Wooden Dog House you will want to consider the material that it is constructed from. Cedar Wood is the best possible option because of its insect and rot resistance. Pressure Treated Woods are not a good choice because the chemicals used to treat these woods can be potentially deadly to animals. Here are some examples of high quality Wooden Dog Houses.

Pet Chalet Cedar Dog House
The Pet Chalet has a solid construction from long lasting cedar wood. It features a raised panel floor which will keep your pet off the cold ground in winter. The stylish architecture of the Pet Chalet means it will fit in to your yard without being an eyesore. Available in two sizes: Medium House Dimensions: External: 28.8L X 30W X 36H inches, Internal: 27L X 26W X 32H inches, Door: 13W X 19H inches
Large House Dimensions: External: 32.3L X 33.86W X 37.80H inches, Internal: 31L X 29W X 34H inches, Door: 13W X 19H inches


Merry Products Chalet Dog House
The Merry Products Chalet Dog House features a durable seamless fir construction allowing the dog house to withstand humidity and extreme temperatures. The natural insulating factors of the wood are 2 to 5 times more insulating than typical dog house materials, keeping your pet warmer in unpleasant weather. This house features an interior raised floor to keep your pet off the cold ground and an extended porch with a roof over hang for shade in hot weather. The dimensions are: External: 45L x 27W x 35H inches, Internal: 25L x 23W x 28H inches, Door Opening: 13W x 17H inches


Dark Stain Duplex Dog House
The Dark Stain Duplex Dog House is the solution for those with multiple dogs or with large dogs. The Duplex features two entrances and a removable interior partition. The partition can be removed for extra large dogs, to give them the space that they need, or it can be left in place to create two separate living areas for two dogs. It features solid wood construction and a raised panel floor to keep your dog off the cold ground. The dimensions are External (overall house): 73L x 39W x 42H inches, Internal (on each side): 30L x 30W x 40H inches, and Door Opening (on each side): 18W x 24H inches


Room With a View Dog House
This Unique Dog House is designed for the smaller dog. It features a rooftop balcony for comfort without confinement and a great view. This house can be used indoors or out. The interior features a raised panel floor to keep your dog warm and dry. The fir construction with cedar stain provides additional insulating protection than standard dog house construction. The dimensions of this dog house are: External: 21L x 29W x 26H inches, Internal: 18L x 18W x 14H inches, Door Opening: 9W x 11H inches

Insulated Dog Houses are a the right choice for your dog if you live in a climate with extreme weather. Insulated Dog Houses retain heat much better than a traditional wooden or plastic dog house. They come in both wood and plastic varieties to meet a variety of needs. If you live in an area where your dog will be outdoors during very cold weather, or windy weather make sure that the insulated dog house that you choose has a door the can be closed to retain heat. If you live in an area where the weather is hot, make sure the dog house you choose has adequate ventilation. Here are some examples of high quality insulated dog houses.


Dog Palace Dog House
The Dog Palace features a durable polystyrene exterior with EPS insulation in the walls and ceiling for superior protection during extreme weather. The raised interior floor is slightly slanted with a drainage hole for easy cleaning. The Dog Palace features adjustable windows on the front which are self storing. During hot weather they can be removed to create ventilation, during cold weather they can be replaced to keep in the warmth. It also features a self closing door to keep the heat in during cold temperatures. The dimensions of this dog house are: Interior dimensions: 35.5L x 24W x 30.5H inches, Floor to door measurement: 11 inches, Exterior dimensions: 47.5L x 31.5W x 38.5H inches


Space Saver XL Bungalow
The space Saver XL features a weather-proof poly shell exterior and interior that is insulated and vented for year-round comfort. It uses an interior honeycomb panel design for insulation as well as support and polystyrene foam for additional insulation. The Space Saver XL is coated with a safe UV resistant paint to keep the house maintenance free year after year. It is available in Extra Large (Dimensions: External: 43.5L x 35W x 39H inches, Internal: 38L x 27.25W x 32H inches, Door Opening: 29.5W x 35H inches) for your large dog breeds.


Benard Indoor/Outdoor Insulated Dog House
The Bernard Indoor/Outdoor Insulated Dog House with its polystyrene foam and honeycomb panels insulation is the ideal dog house for any climate . The UV-protected, non-toxic premium coating, makes this Dog House both safe and maintenance-free. It is available in Small (Dimensions: External: 24L x 25W x 26H inches, Internal: 17.7L x 17.7W x 20.1H inches, Door Opening: 9W x 10H inches) and Medium (Dimensions: External: 32L x 30W x 35H inches, Internal: 26.4L x 24.8W x 29.1H inches, Door Opening: 9W x 15H inches)


PetCedar Elite Double Wall Insulated Dog House
The PetCedar Elite Double Wall Insulated Dog House is built solid with unfinished Western Red Cedar in an exceptionally strong rail-and-stile box construction. The removable polyurethane roof is durable and weather-resistant and the double-wall construction insulates and prevents leakage. The raised panel floor keeps your dog dry and warm, while the offset door creates an effective wind break. The unfinished Western Red Cedar makes this high-quality dog house naturally resistant to the outdoor elements, including insects and weather conditions. This house is available in Tiny (Dimensions: External: 25L x 20W x 31H inches, Internal: 17L x 16W x 17H inches, Door Opening: 7W x 9H inches),Medium (Dimensions: External: 33L x 26W x 28H inches, Internal: 25L x 22W x 23H inches, Door Opening: 11W x 13H inches) and Large (Dimensions: External: 39L x 28W x 40H inches, Internal: 31L x 24W x 25H inches, Door Opening: 14W x 17H inches)

Plastic Dog Houses are Lightweight and Affordable. They come in many sizes to fit dogs of all size from tiny to extra large. Plastic Dog Houses are resistant to damage from the weather and they do not attract insects or parasites. Because of their lightweight construction they are easily moved around the yard. They are also easy to clean because the plastic can be hosed off or scrubbed with a little soap and water. The only downside to Plastic Dog Houses is that they can be easily damaged by a dog that likes to chew. Here are some great examples of Stylish Plastic Dog Houses.


Alamo Dog House
The Alamo Dog House is constructed from sturdy, weather-resistant polyethylene with a double-walled insulating roof. It is vented for air circulation and it features a sun-shielding overhang. The roof is easily removed for cleaning with a built-in locking mechanism to keep it secure. The dimensions of the Alamo Dog House are 46W x 39D x 35H inches.





Rustic Cabin Dog House
The Rustic Cabin Dog House is constructed from sturdy, weather-resistant polyethylene with a double-walled insulating roof. The sun-shielding overhang venting for air circulation help regulate the temperature during hot days. The roof is easily removed for cleaning and has a built-in locking mechanism to keep it secure. The dimensions of the Rustic Cabin Dog House are Exterior: 47W x 37D x 34H inches, Interior: 24W x 30D x 30H inches, Door: 12W x 16H inches.

Once you have your dog house, you will need to acclimate your dog to his or her new home. This may take a little bit of time and patience on your part. The first step in training your dog to live in their new house is allowing them to become familiar with the house. They will want to become familiar with the smell of the house and the smells around the house. Once they have become comfortable with the house being in the yard, you will then want to encourage them to venture into the house. This part is the trickiest because you do not want to force your dog into the house, creating fearful or negative feelings about the house. Choose your dogs favorite treat, and begin by showing the treat to your dog and then placing the treat in the door way of the house. Once your dog takes the treat, you can place a second treat a little further in to the house. Continue this process until the dog has ventured into the house completely. Once your dog has become comfortable with entering and staying in the house, there is just one last step. You will want to spend some time with your dog near the dog house, so that it becomes a comfortable and happy place to be.

So you are getting ready to purchase a new dog house for your dog and you are wondering just where to put it. There are several things to consider when positioning your dogs new house. The first thing you should remember is that dogs are social creatures, and as such they like to be close to people whenever possible. If there is a part of your yard that you are in frequently, this will be the best place to put your new Dog House. Many times people place the dog house at the back of the yard where it is out of the way, but if it is inconvenient for you to go to, it will be inconvenient and unwelcoming to your dog as well. Remember that if you want your dog to use his house regularly than it should be welcoming and comfortable for your dog. The next thing to consider when placing your new dog house is wind and inclement weather. You will want to place the dog house so that wind is not blowing directly into the house. You can accomplish this placing the dog house near something that will block wind, such as a bush, or buy placing a door on the dog house. The last thing to consider is where your dog goes to the bathroom. Your dog does not want to go to the bathroom where he sleeps, so try to position the house at least a little bit away from his usual bathroom spot if he has one.