Dog House

F inding the right home for your dog in sit-in is an important part of keeping it safe and healthy. These are wanted for outdoors so they must be weatherproof and very solid so they will last for a long time. We selected some of the most resistant and spacious models that can accommodate any hound size and provide them with all the comfort and protection they need and deserve.

Top 13 Dog Houses Compared

Photo	Product	Materials	Design	Available sizes	Entrance sizes	Weatherproof	Price
Best Overall	1. Petsfit DHW101819-L	Natural cedar	Raised floor	3	3		Check Price
	2. ASL Solutions Deluxe	Plastic	Raised floor with adjustable plastic feet	1	1		Check Price
Our Choice	3. Petmate Indigo	Plastic, foam	Raised floor	3	3
Best for Winter	4. Pet Zone Step 2 Tuff-N-Rugged	Plastic	Raised floor	1	1
	5. Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin	Wood	Raised floor with plastic feet	3	4		Check Price
Best for Large Dog	6. Suncast DH250	Plastic	Non-raised floor	One – 27” W x 35” D x 29-1/2” H	One – 11-3/4” W x 20-1/2” H		Check Price
	7. TRIXIE Pet Products Dog Club House	Pine wood with composite asphalt shingles	Raised floor with adjustable plastic feet	3	3		Check Price
	8. Confidence Pet Waterproof Plastic Dog Kennel	Plastic	Raised floor with ramp for easy entrance	3	3		Check Price
Best for Hot Weather	9. Giantex PS7065-M	Polypropylene	Raised floor	2	2		Check Price
	10. Tangkula Pet Outdoor Bed	Fir wood walls and red asphalt roof	Raised floor with adjustable plastic feet	3	3		Check Price
	11. Merry Pet MPS002	Kiln-dried wood	Raised floor with wood feet	1	1		Check Price
	12. Giantex Pet House PS6091	Fir wood	Raised Roof and balcony bed	1	One – 20.2” W x 8.4” D x 12.1” H		Check Price
	13. Animals Favorite	Resin and plastic	Raised floor design	One – 32.3” x 22” x 28”	1		Check Price

1. Petsfit DHW101819-L

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Designed to provide shelter for your pet for years on end, the weatherproof construction it boasts ensures proper conditions for the animal to sleep and live in. It is made with kiln dried cedar, and the natural color stain ensures no toxic element approach the dog. It can accommodate pups that weigh up to 80 pounds, and the off-center door it features comes in 3 different sizes.

Speaking of, the shelter itself comes in 3 sizes – the S version measures 33.7 inches in length by 22.6 inches in width by 22.9 inches in height, the M version measures 40.8 inches in length by 26 inches in width by 27.6 inches in height, while the L version measures 45.6 inches in length by 30.9 inches in width by 32.1 inches in height.

Proper drainage is ensured by the slanted roof and groove design it boasts, while the removable floor and the hinged roof it comes with allow you to clean up after the animal with ease.

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2. ASL Solutions Deluxe

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This insulated dog house has been made from real foam that is insulated on each panel which means that you can put it outside when the weather turns cold. In addition to this, you will find it convenient as the dog can easily pass-through.

It’s also self-closing which means that you don’t have to worry about its safety. The door is not a flap which means that it’s impossible for the cold to pass through. The self-storing window panels can easily close and open without you having to use tools.

The floor is also sloped and engineered with a drain hole in order to make maintenance and cleaning a breeze. Furthermore, since the product has been made for your convenience, you will find it easy to assemble it.

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3. Petmate Indigo

A luxury home is what your pet deserves, especially if the animal sits outdoors where the harsh weather conditions can get quite problematic for the animal. The Petmate Indigo is made with plastic and foam, and features Microban antimicrobial protection to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and thus provide the dog with safe shelter.

Its dome design and igloo shape not only enhance spaciousness but help keep the kennel stable even in high winds. Moreover, the shape of its top prevents snow and debris from building up on it as it naturally sheds.

The raised design of the floor keeps water from getting inside when it rains heavily. Furthermore, it features rooftop ventilation which allows air circulation to preserve a comfortable and safe habitat for the dog to be in.

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4. Pet Zone Step 2 Tuff-N-Rugged

Constructed with all-weather materials that ensure the dog will sit comfortably inside regardless if it rains snows, or the weather is torridly hot, the Pet Zone Step 2 Tuff-N-Rugged makes for quite an appealing option.

It is designed to provide proper shelter for dogs of all sizes that weigh up to 125 pounds. As it features a double wall construction, proper insulation is granted to keep the animal protected even when temperatures drop considerably.

Regular interior cleaning is a must with kennels, and the Pet Zone Step 2 is quite easy to care for from this point of view as the roof lifts for easy access to the interior when needed. Moreover, its lock together design makes it very easy to assemble, so you won’t have any hardships when setting it up.

The UV resistance of the materials used in its manufacturing ensure it will look as good as new for years to come. Furthermore, the company backs it against defects for 1 year after you make the acquisition.

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5. Precision Pet Extreme Log Cabin

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You can be sure that your beloved pet will be comfortable and warm in this house made of a very durable wood that keeps water away. It boasts the same design as the previous model only that it doesn’t have a removable floor and the hinged roof.

It can be assembled in just a few simple steps and you have all the hardware included. It’s made entirely of wood and the floor is raised only a bit to keep water out in case it rains hard.

It does well in the rain but some water might get inside due to the lowered floor. The off-centered entrance keeps the hound safe from the bad weather and makes it easier for it to find a comfy spot.

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6. Suncast DH250

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The floor is crowned to ensure durability and resistance to impact. It’s a large model that measures 27” W x 35” D x 29-1/2”. H with a door with dimensions 11-3/4” W x 20-1/2” H and a maximum weight capacity of 70 pounds. Therefore, you can pick it if you have large dogs like a German Shepherd.

The door is centered and includes a vinyl cover that keeps water away and protects the animal from the wind. The roof can be easily removed when you want to clean it and it will dry very fast so the hound can come back in no time.

The only drawback is that the floor isn’t raised at all so water might get in and get the hound wet. You could solve this issue by placing it on a wooden pallet.

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7. TRIXIE Pet Products Dog Club House

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The construction is made of a solid pine and boasts the tongue and groove technique that makes assembly a breeze. The roof is covered in green composite shingles for extra protection from rain, snow or sun.

The floor is raised a few inches above the ground and it can be removed in case you want to give it a thorough wash. For added shelter, the entrance is off-centered so the hound can sit in one corner and be protected from wind or rain.

The Trixie model is available in four sizes of various dimensions so that many dog breeds can comfortably sit inside it. To protect your investment, a 1-year warranty is provided with it.

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8. Confidence Pet Waterproof Plastic Dog Kennel

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Your hound’s kennel should be chosen carefully because it must provide shelter from the weather all year round. The interior is very spacious for each of the three sizes available.

The Medium one measures 29 x 26 x 27 inches with a 10.5 x 17 inches entrance and weighs 13 lbs, being suitable for small hounds and pups. The Large model measures 34.5 x 31 x 32 inches, weighs 20 lbs, and has a 12.5 x 20.5 inches entrance.

The largest version, the Extra Large, measures 41.3 x 38 x 38.7 inches, weighs 30 lbs, and has a 14.1 x 24.6 inches entrance that can accommodate large dogs. The edges of the entrance are rounded so the dog won’t hurt itself while getting in and out of it.

Innovative

The walls are white and the roof is blue for great color contrast and pleasant design to complement your garden. The floor is slightly raised from the ground but there is a ramp at the entrance to assist small puppies when they want to get inside the kennel.

Bear in mind that the entrance is positioned in the centre so it might be a little tricky for large hounds to rotate and turn inside once they get in. This model is designed to last even in the worst conditions and it’s protected against snow, rain, wind, and sun.

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9. Giantex PS7065-M

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If you have a small or medium-sized dog, then you should seriously take the Giantex PS7065-M into consideration as an option, the 33-inch high kennel providing the right amount of space for your pet to comfortably sit inside. As it is made with polypropylene, it not only ensures durability in the long-run but it boasts a waterproof design that makes it perfect for outdoor use regardless of the season.

The ventilated design it boasts promotes proper air circulation inside it to keep the pet comfortable even during the hottest day of summer. It features a slanted roof that diverts rain away and is removable for quick and easy cleaning. The elevated design of the floor ensures that water and dirt won’t get inside the kennel and make your dog feel uncomfortable or get dirty.

Another mention-worthy feature stands in the base support that adds stability to ensure the house won’t tip over with the dog inside it. Additionally, it is designed to be easy to clean and provides a hygienic environment for the dog to sit and sleep in.

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10. Tangkula Pet Outdoor Bed

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No matter what hound you have at home, it will surely be very comfortable if you go for this outdoor kennel that looks very stylish. It boasts the regular shape and is made of fir wood panels assembled together through the tongue and groove technique.

The roof is covered with red shingles to perfectly replicate the idea of a regular home. All the hardware for fixing the frame is included in the box so you shouldn’t have trouble putting it together. Thanks to the three available sizes, it will perfectly accommodate many dog sizes.

You can choose between the small-size version that measures 28.5 x 30” x 31”, features a 9.5” x 13.5” door and weighs 26 pounds, the medium-size version that measures 30.5” x 34.5” x 34”, features a 12.5” x 15” door, and weighs 32 pounds, or the large-size version that measures 33” x 40” x 34.5”, features a 12.5” x 15” door, and weighs 37 pounds.

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11. Merry Pet MPS002

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Longevity is what matters most, and the kiln-dried wood used in its construction helps it deliver from this point of view. It measures 28.5 inches by 21.8 inches by 24.5 inches on the exterior, while the interior provides the pet with a spaciously comfy 17.3 inches by 17.3 inches by 15.4 inches.

The size of the interior combined with the 9.3-inch by 11.3-inch size of the door makes it a good option for small-sized dogs. It boasts quite an ingenious design as it is built with a balcony where the pet has access by going up the stairs to soak in the sun whenever it wants to.

Don’t worry that the animal might fall as the lattice fence provides encases it neatly. The raised bottom it features keeps the pet off the ground and dry, and the rooftop along with the bottom panels can be removed for easy cleaning when needed.

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12. Giantex Pet House PS6091

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This house has been crafted from fir wood and treated with natural color stains. Thus, you can rely on this product to be weather-resistant. The water-based paint will not lose quality even in extreme weather conditions. If this is the case, the raised roof will enable your precious to hide inside whilst it’s raining outside.

The 2-tier design includes an indoor lounge area, climbing stairs, and a rooftop balcony with railing. Thus, your pet can relax safely and do other outdoor activities on the balcony bed.

The superior quality construction is easy to assemble as inside of the package you will find all of the tools necessary to set it up. Even though it has stairs, they won’t fall under pressure if your dog is carrying extra weight. Nonetheless, this model is suitable for a small pet only.

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13. Animals Favorite

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Easy to assemble, the whole process taking only a few minutes, it provides great shelter for your beloved pet all year round, its weather resistant construction ensuring bad weather won’t be an issue. It measures 32.3 inches in width, 22 inches in depth, and 28 inches in height, and it can accommodate dogs weighing up to 50 pounds.

It features feet that help stabilize the structure for your pet to comfortably sleep inside it. As it is made with resin and plastic, you are ensured a durable yet lightweight pet shelter, one that keeps a cool interior in summer and a warm one during winter.

The roof can be taken off to more easily clean the cage. Furthermore, it provides solar UV protection to keep your dear puppy safe.

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The History of Pet Houses

Dogs have been man’s favorite pets for centuries and they have enjoyed their love and the comfort of living under the same roof with their owners. Starting with the year 1800 when hound breeding became very popular, people began building these to keep precious canines. Elite kennels hosted sloped roofed houses where important breeds were kept for the aristocratic members of the society to take home.

Most of them were handmade from whatever materials people had at hand because the industry had not developed in the matter. This had changed starting with World War II when hounds trained as sniffers or messengers had to be transported. Vented wooden boxes started being produced in mass in factories to enable soldiers to transport their trained canines.

When the war ended, they were manufactured from plywood or lumber that were easier to procure and more affordable. The introduction of newly developed materials like plastics or foam sheet insulation made the building process more accessible. Although wood remained the most popular material used, plastic took over the market and become the primary choice since 1960.

Nowadays, you can find various types and styles available, from simple design models to mansions or houses with porches. Some manufacturers even design igloos for dogs. However, the most sought-after remains the regular sloped-roof one that serves its purpose of providing hounds a living space.

What Makes a Proper Dog Kennel

There are many ways a hound kennel is made but not all of them are as durable and comfortable and some hounds might not feel at ease while sleeping in a house that doesn’t provide enough protection or that makes them feel tight. Nonetheless, the perfect kennel doesn’t exist but you need to keep your eyes open for those perfectly designed for your hound. The following details make a kennel right for your beloved animal.

• Solid materials
  No doubt about it, resistance is what makes a good house for a dog, especially for the big ones. Both the resin and the wood that is commonly used during the building process are equally durable and reliable so you can go for any of the two.

  The most important details are how they are bound together and how well it stands after you finish assembling it. If the walls bend and the structure is shaky, it won’t last for as long as you would want.

• A spacious entrance
  The hound needs to get in and out with ease so the entrance must be spacious enough to fit it. However, a door too big will take away the shelter provided for the hound so it shouldn’t be too large either.

  If you have a large dog, it’s best to opt for the off-centered entrance that offers more protection from wind and rain for large dogs that can curl up on one side. Small hounds will not have troubles finding shelter with a centered door.

• Weatherproof
  It needs to be suitable for use all year round so it must be resistant to high and low temperatures. If it gets too hot in the summer, the hound will avoid it and if it doesn’t keep the cold away, the hound will most likely look for another shelter. Therefore, the construction must be adapted to every season and it should resist to any bad weather.
• Cleanliness
  A good place for your hound to live in must be clean and although this is up to you to maintain, it’s also a matter of how well the components can be cleaned. Wood and plastic are materials that can be easily cleaned because they hardly capture dirt and you can easily remove debris with a garden hose. A hinged roof or an easily detachable slope roof will help you reach each corner of the interior and take away the dirt.
• Multiple sizes
  If you like a certain product, it’s best to have multiple sizes to choose from so that you will know you will find the one to fit your hound. The best models come in a wide range of dimensions to make it easier for each dog owner to find the best size. Depending on the height and width, the dimensions of the entrance also differ so that a large house will have a matching door.

Design and Construction

Just like you put a lot of thinking and attention into building your house, you should focus on picking the kennel your dog will be staying in. Various design details influence the utility and durability of a kennel. If you are not familiar with how these items are constructed, keep reading to discover the main particularities in design and construction and how each affects the way your dog will inhabit.

• The materials choice
  The building process starts with choosing the materials and while some are great for cleanliness and convenience reasons, others are not a very fortunate choice. Good manufacturers go for quality materials that will last in time but this might increase the costs of the final product. However, it’s not a good idea to cut on quality simply because you want to reduce your expenses. A less reliable kennel has a shorter lifespan so, in the long run, you will be spending more money.

  One of the most commonly used materials is wood. It’s a natural choice that can be disinfected and that breathes naturally so the hound will feel very comfortable. After a layer of enamel or epoxy, the wood is sealed so it becomes a healthier and safer environment.

  The second best option is a high-quality plastic that has turned out to be very durable and also easy to clean and maintain. It’s more lightweight and easier to assemble and move around the yard, making it a great option throughout the year.

  If those two are the best choice of materials, there are others that should be avoided. In rare cases, people choose concrete if they want a permanent house they will not move but this is not a good choice because it gets damp and it’s very hard to clean.

  Metal is another poor idea because although it’s cheap and easy to clean, it stays very cold in the winter and gets extremely hot in the summer. Fiberglass is very expensive and although it might seem durable and easy to maintain, it gets brittle with time and can crack in cold temperatures.

  The roof can be made of a different material, usually shingles that provide sound insulation and keep heat away. The same materials as the walls can also be used for the roof, especially in plastic kennels that could break under the pressure of a heavy roof.

• Designing the flooring
  The floor is usually raised off the ground to prevent water from getting inside. It shouldn’t be very high so the hound will need a ramp to get in and out but it must be at least 4” above the ground to make sure it will stay dry and clean.

  For this, the manufacturers use feet that can be height adjusted so that air will circulate from underneath it and prevent moisture from affecting the floor. Also, it should be slightly slanted near the door to let water from your hound’s hair drain out of the kennel.

• Various roof shapes available
  The most popular shape is the one that replicates regular human houses only to give the impression of a comfy and welcoming kennel for your dog. The sloped roof keeps water and snow away and less debris will gather on it. A flat roof is another option but it’s less convenient because it gets dirty very fast and it usually wears out before the rest of the kennel because rain and snow gather on it for a long time.

  Some hounds also like to climb on it and take a nap and cats can also find the roof a comfy place to sit. However, the flat type is great if you go for a hinged roof that can be easily lifted to allow you to access and clean the interior with more ease.

• Insulation aspects
  Some manufacturers use insulation to make the walls more resistant to extreme temperatures but if not used properly, it can become a danger for dogs. If it’s not placed between two walls, meaning it is a double-wall construction, the animal can get to it and chew it.

  For this reason, most kennels are not insulated and that doesn’t mean the hound will get cold because it has its own insulation system in the hair. Each dog is kept warm in the winter and cold in the summer by the layers of its hair coat that are more efficient than any type of insulation and breathes naturally so there are fewer chances of developing moisture.

• Measuring the door opening
  Building a large house and making a large cut at the front to allow the hound to get in and out can only affect the way the kennel will shelter the animal. Wind drafts and water can easily escape through a large door that exceeds the actual requirements.

  As a guideline, a 70-pound hound needs a door that is 14” high by 12” wide, no more than that. Most models have the bottom opening a few inches higher than the floor to keep puppies from escaping. If you want ventilation, you can choose models with air vents on the sides that help the air circulate.

Unique and Useful Accessories

Although it seems like a simple item designed only to host a dog, the kennel can be equipped with several accessories that make it more practical. If you never knew these existed, have a look at the most popular items dog owners buy for their hounds.

• Door flap cover
  Since the hound can’t use its fingers to open an actual door, the entrance is not covered with anything. If you want to maximize the protection against wind and rain, you can choose to install a door flap made of vinyl or plastic that is flexible and allows the animal to go through it.
• Windscreen
  Hot weather is also dangerous for pets so if you want to prevent your hound from getting too much sun while in its cage, consider a windscreen and shade kit that is placed on top of the roof for extra sun protection.
• Ramps
  Small hounds or puppies might have troubles getting in and out due to the raised floor. You can aid them by placing a ramp at the entrance so they can easily get in and out on their own.
• Bed
  Since a bed is not usually included with the kennel, you will need to improvise a sort of sleeping surface or you can buy a dog bed or a soft pillow that will provide a soft and delicate spot for your spoiled hound to sleep on.
• Heater
  Although we clarified that it’s not really necessary, some dog owners choose to increase the temperature inside the kennel. Instead of improvising and using dangerous heaters, it’s best to go for a special type that is designed for pet use. You can also opt for dog house heater pads that also works as a bed. Some heaters also offer the cooling option for summer use.
• Outdoor bowls
  Believe it or not, there are food bowls designed to be used outside and they can withstand the weather conditions. You can go for heated bowls, automatic feeding bowls, or self-cleaning bowls that keep the water fresh.

Buying Guide

If you check the stores or the websites, you will see that there are dozens of models to choose from and they all look the same at first sight. At a closer look, you can tell that they differ in the material they are built of, the amount of space they offer to your hound, and the way they shelter it from the bad weather. Therefore, simply picking a random kennel might not be the best idea to make your dog feel comfortable. Here are the questions you must ask yourself before making a purchase.

• How big should it be?
  Many dog owners assume that the hound cage needs to be huge for their dog to feel comfy inside it. In fact, the interior should only be a few inches wider than the hound because it will only curl up and lie down.

  To determine the proper size, measure your hound when it curls up in a spot, and add around 10 inches to each side. That will be the right size of the interior for your kennel.

• Is a heat source necessary?
  If you think that you will have to add a heat source in the winter, you should think twice. Dogs have a natural way of regulating their body temperature using their hair that can be thick or fine, either way, it will help them stay warm in cold winter.

  Adding a heated blanket to it could not be good for the hound because it might make it feel too hot and uncomfortable. If the kennel shelters the animal from the wind, it will be just fine for the winter.

• Does it stay dry?
  This is an important aspect to look at because it’s what could damage the kennel and make your hound feel cold. If rain can infiltrate through the panels or the floor is not raised enough to keep water away, the interior will get wet and the hound will absorb the moisture.

  Therefore, make sure the construction is sealed and that water doesn’t get inside in any corner. If needed, place it on a wooden pallet or some cinder blocks to keep water away from getting inside through the door.

• Is it stable and durable?
  You wouldn’t want to buy a hound cage that shakes every time the dog moves inside or tries to get in and out. A fragile structure is the first sign of a poor quality product that is not designed to last.

  Therefore, make sure you buy only those that can sustain the weight of the hound and are made of quality materials. The majority is made using the tongue and groove construction that implies attaching panels to each other without the use of screws and bolts.

• Can it be washed?
  It’s essential to keep the interior and exterior very clean to avoid health problems caused by bacteria and mold spores. Wood kennels are the most prone to developing mold that gets into the porous wood but plastic is also likely to get dirty and become unsafe for the hound. When you buy one, make sure it can be washed very well and that can be done if it can be disassembled very easily.
• What bedding is best?
  The dog shouldn’t be sleeping on the hard floor so you need to provide it with a soft bedding. The kennels don’t come with any sort of mattress so you need to provide one yourself. Most people choose hay, straw, or wood shavings because they think these will maintain the hound warm. Instead, they end up with fleas and even mange. The best type of bedding is actually an old blanket that the hound can move the way it wants and that you can wash when needed.
• Where to place it?
  Depending on the climate of the area you live in, place it in shade during summer because although it is designed to keep the dog shade, it will get extremely hot inside if placed in direct sunlight. Also, in the winter, place the side with the door in the opposite direction of winter winds so the puppy will be protected from the cold and snow or rain will not be thrown inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Your beloved pet needs a proper house to sit in as the environment outdoors can get quite harsh especially during autumn and winter. To provide the animal with proper living conditions, we recommend that you opt for one of the houses we previously reviewed as these are spacious, comfortable, and protect against harsh weather.

Best Overall: Petsfit DHW101819-L
A year-round use kennel that your dog will gladly sit and sleep in regardless of how hot or cold it gets, the Petsfit is made with kiln dried cedar to preserve its build quality for years to come. In regards to spaciousness, it is unlike any other house as it comes in 3 size options to suit the size breed dog you have. Moreover, it features an offset door so that your pet’s interior space is maximized for its enjoyment.

Generally, when heavy storms fall, pet owners worry that their dogs might get flooded, but as the Petsfit features a raised floor design due to the four feet it sits on, there’s no reason to take this possibility into consideration as the water cannot protrude. Moreover, the roof is slated, which means that the rainwater will fall down instead of accumulating at the top and potentially seeping inside.

Editor’s Choice: Petmate Indigo
The interesting shape of the Petmate Indigo was bound to catch our eye as it is a standout on the kennel market. The ingenious shape ensures rainwater pours down from the house instead of sitting on top of it. This is applicable to snow and debris as well, nothing staying on the house’s surface but rather slipping off it. Additionally, to ensure year-round use and proper conditions for the dog regardless of the season, the rooftop features air vents that promote proper air circulation.

Best Dog House for Winter: Pet Zone Step 2 Tuff-N-Rugged
The double-wall construction and thick insulation of the Pet Zone make it perfect for harsh winters and areas where it’s generally cold. The kennel is quite easy to assemble, so you won’t have trouble with setting it up, while the UV resistance of the materials used in the manufacturing process ensure it won’t degrade with the passing of time.

Best Dog House for Hot Weather: Giantex PS7065-M
Heat can be a dog’s worst enemy as the furry pets don’t really take kindly to it. For this reason, it is your duty to look into a kennel that features proper ventilation and can circulate the air inside so that even when the weather is torrid, your dog has shelter and protection. For those who live in especially warm areas, the Giantex is a must as it is designed with accent on ventilation, making it the go-to for combating heat.

Best Dog House for Large Dog: Suncast DH250
If you have a large-breed dog, like a German Sheppard, for example, then you must look into a kennel spacious enough to fit the pet and provide it with enough room to sit comfortably. As it measures a whopping 27” in width by 35” in depth by 29.5” in height, the Suncast DH250 is the right option for dog owners who have large dogs and want to accommodate their pets as well as possible.