Building a dog house that stands the test of time and your pooch’s rambunctiousness starts with high-quality materials. Cedar, redwood, treated plywood, and other nontoxic, water-resistant lumber will stand up to rotting, mold, pests, and weather.
Selecting the right roof material is also critical. Asphalt shingles, which are available in many types, typically last 20-30 years and can be purchased cheaply. Metal roofing is more expensive but will usually last at least 35 years and may last even longer.
Adding insulation to your dog house will make it more comfortable and protect your pet from cold weather. You can use foam or insulated shingles, but be sure to add waterproof glue to the joints for stability and durability.
A slanted roof is the ideal design for your dog house because it allows rain to shed off it without pooling. Slant-roof designs are also easier to build and can be customized to fit any size dog.
Step 1: Frame the roof
You need to frame the top of your dog house before you can attach the roofing material. Start by cutting the plywood into pieces that are pre-measured to fit the length and height of your dog house. Then, hammer the plywood into the corner posts using 1-inch nails.
Step 2: Frame the side walls
Next, frame the front and back sides of the dog house. Cut the front and back boards so that they have a 12 degree angle to give a roof pitch.
Jiupety Indoor Dog House with Frame, Cute Dog Tent Bed with Cover Cave, Breathable, Washable, and Foldable House, Suitable for 10-20 Lb Puppy and Cats, Medium (17"×17"×17"), Pink
$42.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Veehoo 47" Dog House, 2-in-1 X-Large Dog House Outdoor Indoor Weatherproof, Outside Elevated Dog Cot Bed Dog Tent Shade, Three-Sided Breathable Mesh Windows and Sunshades, CWC2435CP
$73.59 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Large Weatherproof Dog House with Removable Roof for Indoor & Outdoor Use - Spacious (42.8" L x 33" W x 31.5" H) Classic Black
$149.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Zooba 36" Large Dog House for Large Dog Indoor or Outside, Weatherproof 600D PVC Outdoor, Featuring Breathable 2x1 Textilene Elevated Dog Bed, Easy Clean（Grey）
$79.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
JIUPETY Cute Indoor Dog Houses, Dog Bed with Cover Cave, M Size Up to 15 Lbs Cat and Puppy, Igloo Pet House with Non-Slip Bottom, Grey
$28.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
48" Dog House for Outdoor Indoor, X-Large Dog Houses Weatherproof 600D PVC with 8.5" H Textilene Elevated Dog Bed Breathable, Easy to Clean, Dog House Max 200lbs
$69.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SEIMMIE Cat Princess Bed Tent House - Kitty Cute Tent Indoor,Small Dog House Indoor/Outdoor Cave Nest Bed Small Dog Tent for Cat,Puppy Tent (15.7"x15.7"x14.5"/Pink)
$21.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Guiferland Dog Kennel Outdoor, Large Outside Dog Kennel with Roof & Swivel Feeders/Removable Doggy Door Allow Connecting Your Dog House, Heavy Duty Dog Run Pen for Medium/Large Dogs (8'L x 4'W x 6'H)
$159.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Yokaniwa Dog Shade Shelter Outdoor 4'x4'x3' Tent for Large Medium Dogs, Outside Sun Rain Canopy Pet House for Cats Pigs Livestock with Waterproof Roof Ground Nails,Black
$69.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)