Give your pooch a place of their own with the best doghouse to suit their needs. Whether you want to provide them with a shelter in the yard or a cozy space in your house, your four-legged friend is sure to feel happy in their private doghouse.

Why Choose a Doghouse?

A doghouse is an enclosed box which is usually shaped as a house or a kennel. It provides a safe space for your pup to sleep, nap, relax, and seek shelter. Doghouses can be placed either indoors or outdoors. Outdoor doghouses provide your hound with a comfortable shelter when hanging outside. An indoor doghouse offers a safe place for them to relax, sleep, and even have a little alone time. Doghouses are different from dog crates which are used to keep them out of trouble. A crate is fully restricted on all four sides with a locking door. A doghouse has no door and offers no restrictions, allowing your dog to come and go as they please, using it only as shelter. Read on to learn more about the different materials, features, sizes, and accessories available so you can choose the best doghouse for your pup.

Best Doghouses: Materials

Selecting the best doghouse material depends largely on whether it will be placed indoors or outdoors. Your available time for maintenance should also be a consideration.

Wood: Wood is a classic material that makes for the best outdoor doghouse. Wood is a great insulator so these doghouses are great for keeping your pooch warm in winter and cool in summer. There are many styles to choose from, with the option to stain or even paint the doghouse whichever color you prefer. Wood is sturdy and can withstand the elements well, though it does require yearly maintenance, like sanding splinters, checking for loose nails, and revarnishing or repainting the exterior. It's important to make sure that the doghouse is dry once you have cleaned it with soap and a brush. Remember that wood is heavy, making it difficult to relocate once situated.

Plastic: Plastic is a more affordable doghouse material that is best suited for but not limited to indoor usage. These doghouses are light and can easily be moved around. Plastic requires limited maintenance, is easy to clean, and does not absorb odors or retain moisture. Note that the sun can bleach the exterior over time, and because plastic can retain heat well, make sure to move this type of doghouse into the shade so it does not overheat.

Best Doghouses: Features

Once you've chosen the best material for your doghouse, you will need to decide what features are most suited to your climate and personal needs.

Portable: Portable doghouses are easy to move and can be placed in different locations. Many are made of plastic which can easily be taken apart while others are made of fabric which can be folded up. Some portable doghouses come with wheels which will make moving them to a new location much easier, especially if you host guests in need of a doghouse for their four-legged friend. Though portable doghouses don't usually fit large dogs, they do provide a safe and secure haven for smaller pups.

Soft-Sided: Many soft-sided doghouses are moveable, lightweight, and easy to store, making them ideal for travel. Soft-sided doghouses are quick to assemble and disassemble. These doghouses are usually inexpensive, allowing for them to easily be replaced if need be.

Insulated: Insulated doghouses are great for colder climates, though they cannot solely be relied on in extreme temperatures. More often than not, an insulated doghouse, whether plastic or wood, comes with integrated insulation between two walls. This double-wall assembly creates an air space between the interior and exterior, reducing thermal transfer and keeping the interior warm for your pup.

Igloo: The best doghouse for dogs who live outside, igloos are designed to trap heat while still providing enough space to move around. Their rounded/dome-shaped design ensures that precipitation rolls off, making them popular in harsher climates. Igloo doghouses are more durable because their unique style and stable shape means they can withstand high winds and extreme weather conditions.

Best Doghouses: Sizes

One size does not fit all when it comes to doghouses. To choose the size most appropriate for your dog, select a house which is tall enough for them to stand in with their heads raised. They must also be able to easily enter, exit, turn around, and stretch out. The height of the doorway should be 75% of the dog's shoulder height, while the inside should be 25% taller than your dog's standing height.

Small: A small house is suitable for dogs up to 25 lbs. A house this size has a smaller footprint, taking up less space wherever it is placed. Dogs prefer limited spaces to feel safe and cozy as long as the house has enough room to comfortably accommodate them. A small doghouse is best suited to breeds such as dachshunds, Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, pugs, and Boston terriers.

Medium: A medium doghouse is suited for dogs between 26 and 50 lbs., particularly breeds such as Australian shepherds, border collies, and cocker spaniels. This size house may also be suitable for two smaller dogs or for a puppy who will grow into the space.

Large: A large doghouse is suited for hounds between 51 and 100 lbs. This can include Irish setters, springer spaniels, boxers, and pit bulls. The large size will allow them space to stretch out comfortably without feeling confined by the space. At the same time, remember a house that is too big will be difficult to keep warm in the colder weather and will make a small dog feel anxious and lost inside.

Extra-Large: This is usually the largest doghouse size available and is made for dogs weighing 101 lbs. or more. Extra-large doghouses are heavy duty and strong enough to support your puppy's weight. This size is typically great for Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, German shepherds, and huskies.

Best Doghouses: Accessories

Once you have chosen the best doghouse, you may want to consider some accessories to add to your puppy's pad.

Doghouse Doors: A door provides a windbreak and prevents drafts, rain, and snow from blowing directly onto your dog when inside. The heat from your dog usually goes straight out the doorway, so a flap or accessible door will help keep the warmth inside. If you choose to add a door, make sure the measurements match the entrance of the doghouse.

Dog Bed: A dog bed is one of the easiest ways to make a doghouse more cozy and encourage your pup to use it more regularly. Opt for a warm bed inside the house with a second one for outside to give your dog the royal treatment. The dog bed itself should be roughly 6" – 12" longer than the measurement from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Select a robust, water-resistant material to give the bed a longer life-span. For more information on choosing the right dog bed, read our buying guide Dog Bed Sizes: Choosing the Right Bed Size for Your Dog.

Wherever your dog chooses to sit, stay, or lay, give them the best doghouse to do it in.