The first dog house ever recorded was the mud-brick kennel used by the Egyptian nobles to house their dogs. In ancient Chinese, Greek, and Roman societies, small dogs were popularly regarded as “companion dogs” and were kept under the same roof as their primarys.
The classic pitched roof dog house was in vogue in the 1800s. Many Victorian era mausoleums are shaped as dog houses. Former First Lady Caroline Harrison’s pet collie named Dash was also photographed standing outside of his pitched roof dog house.
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Dog Size
Miniature
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If you have a dog that weighs less than 25 pounds, then you will want to make sure to find a dog house that is small enough for it. Miniature dogs require a much smaller house than larger ones simply because they do not need as much space.
While some pet owners think that buying their miniature dog a larger house will make them feel more comfortable, the opposite is actually true, as most dogs prefer a cozier space where they will feel safe and protected.
One benefit of miniature dog houses is that they can be easily moved from one location to another.
Small
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Small dogs generally weigh between 26 and 40 pounds and will be too large for a miniature house but too small for something created for larger dogs.
Breeds that are this size will be much happier in a house that is sized correctly for them so that they will feel protected and not have too much extra room in the house. While these houses are larger than the miniature ones, they can still generally be carried and moved by one person.
Medium
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If you own a dog that is between 41 and 60 pounds, then your dog is considered medium in size and will benefit from a medium-sized dog house. While you may be able to use a large sized dog house with your medium dog, remember that extra room is not always a good thing.
However, if your dog has a number of toys, a special blanket, or a pillow that they like to sleep with, then they may benefit from having something a little bit bigger for their dog house.
Large
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Dog breeds that are between 61 and 75 pounds will not be comfortable in a house that is too small.
Larger houses that are made specifically for these larger breeds will also have bigger doors so that your dog can easily enter and exit its dog house without being cramped or bumping their head. Make sure that your dog has enough room in its house to easily turn around.
Extra-Large
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Pet owners who have a dog that weighs more than 75 pounds have to buy the biggest dog houses that are available on the market. Unfortunately, this means that you will likely spend considerably more for your dog house than others will on theirs, but the comfort of your dog is important.
Pay attention to the material the house is made out of because at this size, the dog house can be incredibly heavy and difficult to move once you have them assembled and set up in a specific location.
Material
Wood
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The most popular option for homeowners who want a dog house that will blend in with the rest of their property is one that is made out of wood. These dog houses look very traditional, and they will not stick out from the rest of your outdoor space the way the plastic ones often can.
One problem when you opt for a wooden dog house is that they are generally more difficult to put together than ones made of a plastic bar. If you are willing to spend an afternoon assembling your new dog house, then wood may be a great option for you.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that water does not sit on the roof of your dog house and that it is lifted up off of the damp ground. This way, the wood will not rot.
Plastic
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The other most popular material for a doghouse is plastic. One problem that many people have with buying a dog house made from this material is that they do not always look as aesthetically pleasing as a dog house that is made out of wood.
While it is possible to repaint your plastic dog house, it does take significantly more work and special paints to ensure an even finish. If you have a problem with fleas and ticks, then a plastic doghouse may be preferable because you will be able to easily treat the space and to keep it clean so that your dog is protected.
Additionally, if you are not comfortable with assembling your dog house and want one that will be easy to complete in a short period of time, then plastic is the obvious choice.
Manufactured wood
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This is a great choice for pet owners who want the benefits of a wooden dog house, but do not want the high price tag that they often carry. Like wood dog houses, this dog house will generally last for a long period of time, as long as they are taken care of.
They come in a variety of styles and can be painted or stained at a later date if your tastes change or if you simply want to update the house.
As long as you repair any water damage on your dog house and do not let moss grow on the roof, then this home will likely last for the life of your dog.
Fabric
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Pet owners who want to buy a dog house for use inside of their home will likely want to consider one that is made of fabric, as this will ensure that their dog house is light enough to move around and also will not damage the floor.
When you choose a dog house made of fabric, you will want to keep it inside the home as any bad weather can quickly ruin the house itself. These dog houses generally are not very large and are designed for miniature or small dogs.
If you want a larger fabric dog house for your pet, then you will likely have to commission somebody to make it for you, as it is difficult to find large ones for sale in the store.
Feature
Insulated
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If you want to make sure that your dog is warm when they are in their dog house, but you do not feel like you need to pay the extra cost for a heated dog house, then you will simply need to make sure that you opt for one that has quality insulation included during construction.
This insulation will do a great job at keeping the dog nice and warm during the winter by helping hold in their body heat. Look for a doghouse that is double-walled or boasts extra insulation so you can rest easy that your pet will stay warm.
Heating
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When you live in a very cold area of the country then it is important to take steps to ensure that your dog will be warm enough during the winter. Some pet owners erroneously believe that because their dog has fur, it can easily handle extreme cold without any problems.
However, this is simply not true. Even dogs with incredibly thick fur can become ill or die if they are left in the extreme cold for extended periods of time.
While this is not a problem that many people in the country face, if your dog stays outside all of the time even in very cold weather, then you have to make sure that they will be safe. A doghouse that will actually heat the space will ensure that your pet is comfortable all winter long.
Cooling
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Pet owners who live in incredibly hot areas of the country need to consider how they are going to keep their dogs safe when their pet is in their dog house.
Some dog houses can become very hot during the summer, and this can be very dangerous for the pet, as it can cause them to overheat and even to die. Even when you put the dog house in the shade, your dog can still be at risk.
Choosing a dog house that has a cooling feature will give pet owners peace of mind that their pet will be safe, even during the hot summer months.
Bowl Tray
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One feature to consider when buying a dog house is a bowl tray. This generally is attached to the side of the house and has a space for both a food bowl and a water bowl, making it easy to keep an eye on the amount in each bowl and to feed your dog at mealtime.
Your dog will likely love having water and food so easily accessible from its house, as this will prevent it from having to travel to the porch or another location in the yard when they are hungry or thirsty.
Door Included
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While not all homeowners want to have a door on their dog’s house, if you want to be able to keep your dog in the house at night and ensure that they are secure and that nothing can get in with them, then you will want to find one that has a door.
It is possible to add a door to most dog houses, but it is significantly easier to simply buy one with an included door if you want this feature.
When you buy a dog house that has an included door, then you will not have to worry about how you will attach it to the house, nor will you worry about whether or not it will securely close to keep your pet safe from other animals and from bad weather.
Portable
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Portable dog houses make it very easy for you to provide your animal with a safe and familiar location no matter where you are traveling. These dog houses can be used as a permanent house for your pet at home, although many people prefer to have something a little more sturdy in the yard.
If you do choose a portable dog house for your pet, then make sure that you can easily carry it by yourself so you will not have problems when moving it.
Also, consider the material that it is made out of so that you can rest easy that the house itself will not be damaged when it is in storage or transit to your next location.
Soft-Sided
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To ensure that your dog is as comfortable as possible when it is in its dog house, you may want to consider buying one that has soft sides. This allows your dog to curl up by the sides of the home so that it can be very comfortable and does not have to lean against hard edges or surfaces.
Igloo
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Many homeowners love the look of igloo dog house and purchase this as an option for their pet without realizing that it comes with a number of benefits. These dog houses are incredibly stable and can stand up to strong winds and bad weather without being damaged.
Because of the design and shape of the doghouse, rain and snow will slide off of the top instead of accumulating, which will reduce the chance of leaks and other damage.
These dog houses are also cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than other types of homes. However, they can be difficult to carry and some dogs refuse to use an igloo house due to the tunnel entrance.
Cubby storage
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Many people who have dogs also have a lot of dog toys that their pet likes to play within the yard, but leaving them scattered around the property is not only an eyesore but can cause the toys to deteriorate in bad weather.
Rather than trying to find a place to store the dog’s toys either in the garage or on the porch, you can choose a dog house that comes with the storage attached to the home itself, and you will have the perfect place to store your pet’s toys.
This makes it easy for everybody to help clean up the yard when it is time to come inside, and it ensures that you always know where a favorite toy is located.
Overhang Roof
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One of the main reasons that homeowners purchase a dog house is to protect their pet from bad weather. If you want to make sure that your dog will be able to stay dry, no matter how bad the weather outside, then consider a dog house with an overhanging roof.
This not only allows the dog to stand in the door of its house and look outside without the risk of getting wet, but it will also prevent water from being able to easily blow in through the door.
This ensures that your dog can stay as dry as possible and will reduce the risk of it needing a bath in the near future.
Duplex
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If you have more than one dog, but you do not want to have two separate houses in your backyard, then it is a good idea to look for a duplex. While some dogs are comfortable with sharing close space with another dog, there are many dogs who prefer to have their own separate space.
Rather than risking fights between your pets, when you opt for a duplex dog house, you can rest easy that your pets will have plenty of space that is protected from the elements, and also that they have their own personal space.
Top Deck/Side Porch
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Many dogs like to be able to sun themselves outside and keep an eye on the property. To ensure that your pet has a safe place to relax and soak up some sun, consider buying a dog house that has either a top deck or a side porch.
This flat area often has a small railing around it in order to keep your dog from jumping off and becoming injured. It is the perfect place for a pet to relax in the sun.
Rather than laying in the dirt, a dog that has a deck or porch attached to its dog house will have a clean place to nap during the day.
Tent
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While most people think of dog houses as being solid pieces of construction that sit either inside the home or in the backyard at all times, if you love to camp with your family, then it is worth considering buying a dog house tent for your pet.
This dog house can easily be packed tightly into your car when you are going on vacation, and it will provide your pet with its own separate sleeping quarters.
This is especially handy when you have spent all day outside hiking or playing in the water and do not want to share a tent with a smelly dog.
Removable Floor
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One problem that many homeowners run into when they have a doghouse for their pet is that they tend to be very dirty, and the house can begin to smell.
If you want to avoid this problem, then it is important that you clean out the doghouse on a regular basis to keep it from becoming dirty and smelly. This can be very difficult to do if the dog house is solid construction, as it is almost impossible to reach into the house to clean it correctly.
Instead, you can opt for a dog house that has a removable floor. This will make it incredibly easy to take up the floor of the house and wash it off. Once the floor has dried, it is simple to replace it so that the dog house is ready for use.
House/Bath Combo
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Homeowners who have to give their dogs baths on a regular basis will enjoy having a dog house that converts into a tub. This means that you can easily wash your dog outside without having to cause a big mess in your home.
When you need to use the house as a tub you can rely on its solid construction to ensure that there are no leaks. Look for a house and bath combination that will recirculate the water and warm it to keep your dog from getting chilled.
When you are finished bathing your dog, it is easy to empty the tub and wipe it clean so that your dog has its home back.
House Location
Indoor
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Pet owners who want to provide their dog with a special and safe place inside of their home will benefit from buying a doghouse that is made for indoor use.
These often are made of fabric or less expensive materials that would not be able to stand up to extreme weather conditions outside. While you can place an indoor dog house on the porch or outside, it is important to protect it from bad weather.
Outdoor
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Most of the time, when a pet owner is looking to buy a dog house, he or she is going to purchase one for outdoor use. These dog houses are usually very well constructed and made with quality materials.
As a result, they can stand up to not only extreme weather and temperature swings but also to the harsh UV rays of the sun without being damaged. While you can use an outdoor doghouse inside your home, they are generally more rugged in construction and may scratch or otherwise damage your floor.
Make sure that when you are looking for a dog house for outside use that the seams are tight and that you place the floor up off of the ground so that water can’t leak into the house during a storm.