Dog House Designs You Can Build Yourself

Dogs are a loving addition to a family and deserve a cozy spot they can call their own. While it’s tempting to buy a ready-made one, there’s something special about building a dog house yourself. With a few simple supplies and a little time, you can build your pet a safe, warm shelter they’ll enjoy for years.

This design is great for small to medium dogs, and the rounded walls and sloping roof give it a classic look. It also has a side door hatch, so you can open it for ventilation and cleaning. The windows are a nice touch and will let your pup catch some sun. This home is made from cedar planks, which naturally resist weather and insects. The corner braces keep the structure from racking and prevent drafts.

The insulated door on this design is big enough to let your dog in, but it’s not too large that their body heat will escape. Typically, the door should be about 25 percent larger than your dog’s shoulder height (B). To measure this, multiply their height from their nose to their flank.

A good dog house should provide protection from snow, rain, and strong winds. If you live in a country that experiences hot summers and cold winters, it’s a good idea to equip the house with padding for warmth during the winter and a cooling bed for the summer. Also, make sure the wood you use is treated with nontoxic chemicals as some types of paint may be toxic for dogs if ingested.