Top 5 Best Outdoor Dog houses (2024 Review)

If you’re looking for the best outdoor dog house, you’ve come to the right place!

In this Digdoggy.com guide, you’ll learn:

  • The top 5 dog houses for backyards and fields
  • The different types and styles of outdoor dog houses to choose from 
  • Types and styles of insulation you can use to upgrade a dog house

And much more!

image of dog house outside in my yard

Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose the best outdoor dog house. 

ImageProduct
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Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Dog Kennel
  • Removeable floor
  • Open top Roof
  • Insulated walls
  • Removeable floor
  • Open top Roof
  • Insulated walls
View on Amazon
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Petmate Aspen Pet Petbarn Dog House
  • Snaps together
  • Raised floor
  • Rear ventilation
  • Snaps together
  • Raised floor
  • Rear ventilation
View on Amazon
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Giantex Plastic Dog House
  • Waterproof
  • 20 min assembly
  • Weather resistant
  • Waterproof
  • 20 min assembly
  • Weather resistant
View on Amazon
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Trixie Natura Flat Roof Dog Kennel
  • Removable raised floor
  • Made of Pine
  • Adjustable legs
  • Removable raised floor
  • Made of Pine
  • Adjustable legs
View on Amazon
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Petmate Husky Dog House
  • Rear Ventilation
  • Elevated Floor
  • For dogs up to 90lbs
  • Rear Ventilation
  • Elevated Floor
  • For dogs up to 90lbs
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On October 21, 2021

Our top choice is Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Dog Kennel.

While there is a two-person assembly recommended for this kennel, I was easily able to do it on my own. 

This dog house has two stabilizer bars in the base to prevent the floor from caving in, which is particularly useful as other models similar do not have this or continually break. 

The removable floor then lays on top of the stabilizing bars which also slot together nice and tight. 

You can lift the roof for cleaning and removing parts that are held up with 2 locking hinges that ensure it stays put when raised. 

An overall great choice for all outdoor weather that comes with options to upgrade additional heating or cooling. 
What's In This Guide?

      Our Top 5 Best outdoor houses For Dogs

      In a hurry? Check out our top 5 outdoor dog houses! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.

      1. Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Dog Kennel
      2. Petmate Aspen Pet Petbarn Dog House
      3. Giantex Plastic Dog House
      4. Trixie Natura Flat Roof Dog Kennel
      5. Petmate Husky Dog House

      What Are The Different Types of Outdoor Dog houses?

      A few of the main dog houses that are best suited for the outdoors are: 

      Classic Dog houses

      The most common of them all, a classic dog house has a triangular or flat roof, boxed shape, and raised floor. 

      This type of house is great for most weather and is usually made of wood or plastic. It will also likely be the best option for medium to large dogs too.  

      Igloo Dog House

      Igloo houses are usually small in size, made of plastic, and resemble the shape of an igloo (hence the name). 

      A house of this size is best suited for small to medium dogs and uses structural foam to help your dog stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

      Most houses of this type do not come with doors, but can be additionally purchased at an extra cost. 

      Metal Dog Houses

      Metal is long-lasting but it’s a terrible material for retaining heat. In the sun it’ll become like an oven unless it has any kind of insulation to keep heat out. It’s also prone to rusting in rainy weather.

      Wooden Dog Houses

      Wood can be an excellent choice but the weather is also a big concern. Rain and wood rot is a big threat to your dog house. 

      Wood will need to be inspected for rot and mildew if it gets wet. It also needs to have a very good wood sealer or protective paint added to improve the materials overall protection against water. 

      Plastic Dog Houses

      Some plastic dog houses are well built, however, there are many cheap models on the market. In the hot sun, cheap plastic can crack, warp, and break down due to UV radiation.

      When plastic is chosen for a dog house, it must be a thick quality and rugged material. If a plastic dog house comes with UV additives to the plastic, then even better.

      What Should You Look For In A high-Quality Outdoor Dog house? 

      To make your decision easy, I have listed a few important factors to consider when buying an outdoor dog house here: 

      Insulation

      Assessing the average year through climate of where you live will help to determine the amount of insulation a dog house will require.

      Some manufacturers offer insulation with the purchase of a dog house while others will come at an additional cost for the upgrade.  

      And if you’re like me, then you may choose the DIY route and install the insulation yourself. 

      There are a few options you have when it comes to the type of insulation you opt for.

      You can fit a dog house with a dog house heater unit (this one goes from 35°F to 80°F), a heated dog house floor mat, or good old padded interior walls with the installation of Styrofoam, foil bubble wrap, Rockwool, or Fiberglass. 

      Ventilation 

      Heat is an issue that makes a dog house unbearable, so finding a house that allows airflow is important. A pitched roof with vents near the top is an ideal choice. 

      Dog houses with adjustable vents (to control airflow), an open door entrance, and raised floors offer the most efficient dispersal of heat. 

      Although, if you want to build or modify your dog home, then check out this resource for shelter size requirements. 

      Ease of Assembly

      If you’re looking for something quick to put up, then a plastic house offers the fastest option for assembly. On the opposite, a wooden or concrete house will offer far more options for customization but will take much longer to install. 

      The Best 5 Outdoor Dog Houses Reviewed

      Pick #1: Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Dog Kennel

      The best part about this dog house is that you can easily access every part of it for cleaning or entry. 

      The roof can be lifted, and the floor panels can be removed along with thick insulated walls that keep dogs cool in summer and warm in the winter. 

      As you can see in the image, the door entry is fitted with windshield flaps that help with keeping out dirt and, resign and rain. 

      The base is made up of three wooden panels and two wooden beams to reinforce the strength of the unit and prevent breakages.  

      Made with real timber, 0.51″ styrofoam, and 0.8″ plywood giving it a 1.06″ total thickness, this house stands at 3ft high by 4ft wide making this the perfect choice for medium to large breeds.  

      Pros

      Cons

      Pick #2: Petmate Aspen Pet PetBarn 3

      The Aspen Pet Barn 3 is perfect for a rugged long-lasting shelter that young pups will enjoy well into their adulthood.

      This model is available in four sizes, so it can be ideal for small to large dogs.

      It’s an all-weather design that’s perfect for outdoor usage, likewise, making cleaning for pups a breeze.

      The opening is low enough to the ground for even the smallest of dogs to enter, while the lid can be easily removed and stored in the base for easy transportation. 

      This is a great choice for those on a budget looking for a convenient dog house that will last all year round. 

      Pros

      Cons

      Pick #3: Giantex Plastic Dog House

      This is certainly not Stalag 13 from Hogan’s Heroes, but if you have a big dog; they’ll need comfort too! 

      This Giantex Plastic Dog House is perfect for larger-sized dogs like German Shepherds and Huskies.

      I was surprised that there are a total of 4 various sizes available to best fit your dog breed! 

      It’s not as tricky to assemble as you think and is perfect for outdoor year-round use.

      It also comes with a leash attachment if your dog is especially excited by the mailman or possible intruders. I also like that the windows have anti-insect screens that also act as sunshades. However, there is no front door to this house which is a let down for how good the other features are.

      Made for all weather conditions, it’s a raised floor dog house with a deck that provides a sturdy comfortable platform to sleep. 

      Pros

      Cons

      Pick #4: Trixie Natura Flat Roof Dog Kennel

      Having a flat roof makes perfect sense since the lid can be propped open with a wooden block.

      This allows air inside to better circulate and still gives your dog shade.

      The Trixie Natura Flat Roof Dog Kennel is also an ideal house since the raised floor so air can flow underneath.

      It also allows you to remove the wooden floor for cleaning (which is a great bonus).

      For especially hot days it wouldn’t be a bad idea to install a solar-powered fan either.

      Not only is this well built, but it’s also easy to assemble using screws to attach all the parts. There are slip-over plastic feet that can be added to the leg posts also.

      When you open the lid it has special hinges on both sides that are locking. Which is great when you need to clean the inside, or just check on your dog.

      You’ll find that most of the rainwater will run off the top as the roof is slightly slanted and has a back flap that sticks out to stop prevent water from running down the back.

      Pros

      Cons

      Pick #5: Petmate Husky Dog House

      This all-season igloo dog house is made from heavy-duty structural foam to warm up in the cold and stay cool in the heat. 

      In front is an offset entry with a raised floor to ensure the hot or cold ground does not pass through.

      The top and bottom sections really do snap together and weigh about 50lbs a piece. Once you snap them together, they really are hard to take apart, so just be wary of that. 

      On the back it has a rear vent that allows for additional air circulation. 

      Pros

      Cons

      Our Top Pick: Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Dog Kennel

      Our top pick is the Pets Imperial Insulated Dog Kennel because of its all year round suitability. 

      Setting the house up is easy as the side, front, and back panels come neatly flat-packed. 

      On each corner pillar, there are two holes for Allen key screws to be inserted. 

      All tools were provided, but I recommend you have a screwdriver set and rubber mallet on standby to help you out. 

      Its recommended by the manufacturer that two people put this house up, but I was able to do it on my own. 

      Next, fix the wooden beams in and then the roof with the rear and side locking hinges. Lastly, place in the wooden flooring, and you’re done! 

      Overall this makes a fantastic dog house for small to medium dogs with adjustable legs, water-resistant roofing and insulated walls for your dog. 

      Final Thoughts On Choosing A dog house for outdoors

      A dog house must hold up against the elements and provide a safe, comfy place for a dog to reside. 

      Some have the benefit of added insulation whilst others may require you to add this feature yourself. Always be sure to check sizing, materials, and ventilation points to avoid wasting time on bad products. 

      Most importantly, all of this information has been provided to you in this guide, so be sure to use it and let us know how you get on! 

      Leon Angus

      Leon Angus

      Leon Angus is a London, UK-based blogger with a plan to improve the pet industry one post at a time. He is the senior editor at Dig Doggy and oversees every piece of content before publish to ensure the highest quality and most thorough research has been carried out.

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      Leon Angus

      Leon Angus

      Leon Angus is a London, UK-based blogger with a plan to improve the pet industry one post at a time. He is the senior editor at Dig Doggy and oversees every piece of content before publish to ensure the highest quality and most thorough research has been carried out.

      About Dig Doggy

      DigDoggy® is a free resource for dog owners, with everything from expert product reviews to trusted pet care advice.

      All of our reviews and recommendations are based on unbiased research by our editorial team. Read more about us.

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