If you live in an area with cold temperatures and snow, a dog house can help protect your pet from hypothermia and extreme weather conditions. It can also be a safe place for dogs to rest during outdoor exercise. However, there are a few things you should know before you decide whether or not to purchase or build one.
First, it is important to choose the right size doghouse for your pet. A house that is too small can make them feel cramped and uncomfortable. Alternatively, a house that is too large will allow them to easily escape and will not retain body heat as well.
The ideal size of a dog house is about 25% larger than the dog’s length from nose to flank (C). The door height should be at least three fourths of the dog’s shoulder to ground measurement. Corner braces are a good idea to keep the house from racking or tipping and to prevent drafts.
Large breeds such as Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Bull Mastiffs need extra room to feel comfortable in their dog houses. Larger rooms will allow them to spread out and move around and to get more natural light.
A dog house should be constructed with wood and preferably cedar or fir, as these will provide better insulation from the elements than plastic outdoor kennels. A water impervious roof and a door flap are essential for protecting your pet from rain and cold air.
Petmate Large Dog House Outdoor Weatherproof - Indigo Igloo Dog House, Made in USA, for Large Dogs 50 to 90 pounds, TAUPE/BLACK
$179.99 (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.)
DWVO Plastic Dog House, Weatherproof Outdoor/Indoor Doghouse, Puppy Kennel with Air Vents and Elevated Floor
$98.99 (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.)
BXEBUI Dog House Indoor Memory Sponge, Foldable Dog House Kennel Bed Mat with Cushion for Small Medium Large Dogs Cats, Winter Warm Cat Nest Puppy Cave Sofa Pet Products (XL)
$39.99 (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.)
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.)
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.)
Aivituvin Dog House Outdoor 59" Extra Large Insulated Dog Kennel with Movable Insulation Liner,All-Around Iron Frame
$229.99 (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.)
GUTINNEEN 59" Extra Large Heated Outdoor Dog House for Large Dogs Insulated, Thermostat-Controlled Heating with Full 6-Sided Insulation, Metal Frame, Spacious, Cozy, and Safe Winter Shelter (Brown)
$379.99 (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.)
DRATO Dog House for Both Indoor and Outdoor with Weatherproof Roof Removable Floors for Medium to Large Dogs Interior Space (Gray, Large (42.87 * 32.95 * 31.61''))
$123.99 (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.)