Best Dog House: What Actually Matters

Size decides how warm the house is

The Ontario SPCA says dog house dimensions are directly related to the size of the dog and are critically important if the dog is to keep warm with its own body heat. Its rule of thumb is to allow 36 square inches of floor space for each inch of your dog's height, measured from the top of the shoulder to the ground. A 12 inch tall dog needs about 432 square inches, for example 16 by 27 inches.

For the ceiling, measure your dog sitting, from the top of the head to the ground, and add 1 or 2 inches. A house that is too big wastes warmth, and one that is too small cannot let the dog stand and turn. Measure your dog before you shop, then check the inside dimensions of each house, since outside measurements include the walls. Our large dog house guide covers bigger breeds.

The main types compared

Plastic houses are light and wipe clean, and a model such as this plastic dog house is easy to move and wash. Wooden houses are heavier and can be insulated more thoroughly, as with this large solid wood dog house, but wood needs a weatherproof finish and checking for rot. Indoor houses suit dogs that live in the home and want a den.

Compact designs suit small yards and patios, but check that the floor area still meets the size rule above. Browse the full dog houses range to compare materials, or see our guide to an insulated dog house for cold climates.

Insulation, floor, door and roof

The Ontario SPCA recommends elevating the house on bricks or cinder blocks so the floor stays dry, and insulating the walls, floor and ceiling of the sleeping area. It describes a separate entrance hall or vestibule, a door sill, and a burlap or canvas flap over the opening in winter that comes off in summer. A removable or hinged roof makes cleaning the inside much easier.

Straw is the bedding it recommends, and it advises against blankets, which hold moisture. Change the bedding every 1 to 2 weeks. The AKC adds that foam board between interior and exterior walls holds up better than other insulation, and that weather stripping helps. If you use any heater, keep cords and heat sources out of the dog's reach and away from flammable bedding.

Staying cool in summer

A dog house that keeps warmth in can also trap heat. VCA warns that poorly ventilated spaces, dog houses among them, can be risky even when the weather does not seem hot, and it lists being left in a yard without shade or water as a cause of heat stroke. Flat-faced breeds are at greater risk, with signs sometimes appearing at only moderate heat and humidity.

Place the house in shade, off bare concrete, and leave a vent that can be opened in warm weather. Provide fresh water in a spot the dog can reach. Heat stroke is an emergency, and VCA says to get veterinary care immediately for a dog that is panting hard, disoriented, lethargic or collapsing.

Which dogs should not live outside

A house is a shelter for time outdoors, not a replacement for a home. The Ontario SPCA says aged, young or infirm dogs should not be housed outdoors, especially in cold weather, and that short-coated dogs are prone to frostbite. The AKC singles out puppies under eight weeks, toy breeds, elderly dogs and dogs with health conditions as needing extra caution, and says there is no one-size-fits-all rule for temperatures.

Many places also limit how long a dog can be confined or tethered outdoors in extreme weather, so check local rules. Whatever house you choose, bring your dog indoors during severe heat, cold or storms, and talk to your vet about whether your dog's age, coat and health suit time outside.

For more options, see our dog houses collection, or indoor dog houses for dogs that live in the home.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.