About Dog Houses

To be "sent to the dog house" typically means that a person was exiled to inferior quarters. In this era of enlightened pet care, the dog house is likely to be a comfortable retreat. Many dogs, as descendants of den animals, appear to take comfort from climbing into an enclosed space such as their own dog house.

  1. Dog Houses for Dogs of All Sizes

    • While dog houses may be available in custom dimensions, standard sizes usually entail one of the following. For a small dog, a house is likely to measure about 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 20 inches high with a door opening 8 inches wide and 10 inches high. Medium to large dog houses may measure approximately 29 inches wide, 30 inches deep and 24 inches high with a door opening 11 inches wide and 14 inches high. Extra large dogs will need even more space, so their houses may measure in the range of 30 inches wide, 40 inches deep and 30 inches high with a door opening 14 inches wide and 18 inches high.

    Dog Houses with Designer Touches

    • Style is not just for people. Dogs can live in a classic A-frame house, a wooden house with a raised front porch and lattice trim, and window overhangs. Some dog houses have a spare entrance that can accommodate visiting friends, raised flooring to provide a barrier between the ground and the floor, and a lift-up roof to make cleaning the house easy for the people who care for the pet. Dog houses can be matched to the owner's home in style and color. It could have a tiled roof, and the house could be traditional, ranch, log cabin, bungalow or cottage styles.

    Dog Houses for All Weather

    • Contemporary dog houses are available that can keep dogs comfortable in all kinds of weather. Some are built with thick foam insulation to keep cold weather out, and can have door flaps to allow the pet entry and egress while keeping out the elements. For some models, heaters can be attached to blow in warm air. Dog houses for warm climates can be equipped with air conditioning. Additionally, some are designed with windows that have downward sloping shades to keep rain out while letting cool breezes enter.

    Multi-Dog Houses

    • Working dogs such as those for police, fire, customs and immigration, and other civic agencies are often housed together. Houses are available for companion dogs of all kinds. These are often designed with space for two or three dogs, each with a separate door, or with space for two or three dogs and single entrance.

    Ready to Use, Ready to Assemble or Building Plans

    • Ready-to-use dog houses come in many styles and materials. The heavy plastic igloo is just one of many models that can be occupied straight from purchase. These can be cleaned with a hose, drained to dry and never need painting. Some dog houses are portable, so the dog brings a house instead of a cage wire kennel during travels. Others can be purchased in ready-to-assemble kits -- some that require no cutting and no power tools. Still others are do-it-yourself projects. Pet owners can purchase building plans and build the dog house of their desires. Kits often include detailed plans, materials list and assembly directions.