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Best Outdoor Dog Houses Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
The durability is vital! Low-quality materials can easily break, deteriorate, and not last the test of time. With that, a user ends up spending even more money, which can be a waste. Most importantly and we hope it never occurs, the quality of the doghouse, if poor, can even harm the dog while the dog is inside. Quality was detrimental and we determined it to be the most important. But, what exactly determines quality? Well, this and many questions in the area of quality are crucial to picking out the right one.
For example, quality is subjective. However, what made the process easier when picking out the best quality was the individual reviews from many consumers. It is synonymous that many of the options we shared today are in fact made of quality materials that can withstand the test of time. With that, certain materials are better for certain weather environments than others.
Size
Now we cannot emphasize how important this next criterion was. The size is crucial for a dog. The reason being is that the wrong size can lead the dog to a lot of discomforts, and they can suffer from many pains and aches. Therefore, we had to take a close look to ensure that many of the brands above offered different dog house sizes.
One of the most important elements when taking the size of the house into consideration was whether or not a bed could fit inside of it. This is important because this adds an extra level of comfort that the dog would not have otherwise. Of course, individuals are able to match the size of the dog bed to the indoor size. However, the real question is, is the space big enough for the dog to be comfortable? What we can say about our list is that all of them allow for the maximum comfort and ease of the dog.
Weather Resistance
Now, this next criterion may be one of the most important. The reason being is that durability against the elements is crucial for an outdoor dog house. Since it is considered an outdoor version, individuals need to rest assure that they can withstand hot temperatures, low temperatures, rain, snow, hail, and other various elements. With that, we carefully picked out ones that were designed for many weather elements.
Some are made of wood, which can withstand years in the sun or rain. However, they may rot if sitting in the rain for too long. While others are made from extremely strong plastic, but if not careful, they may crack. Therefore, it is vital to see which material is best suited for your environment.
Materials
Without the right material, an outdoor dog house can be shy of a true outdoor option. In fact, these are made from different quality materials that at times are coated for endurance, can be corrosion-proof, and are designed for maximum strength and performance. When picking out the best products, material design was crucial. For example, as a dog owner, you never want to leave your dog in a flimsy house with thin plastic, because in the cold weather months, the house will not be able to retain any warmth.
Value
It is not common for us to not take cost and value into consideration. In fact, we thrive on finding the best products for individuals that want a variety of features and prices. The reality is, that a product with little to no value is not worth spending your hard-earned dollars. We can say that cost to value is extremely important and when we evaluate that, we take certain aspects into consideration. To evaluate cost and value we tend to evaluate the price of the product compared to the competition that is offering the same benefits or style. With that said, all of the options we have included have gone through a rigorous inspection to ensure that our readers are getting the best for their buck and the best for their dog named Buck.
BEST OUTDOOR DOG HOUSES REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY
1. ASL Solutions Dog Palace
"Palace" is a fitting term for this model deemed acceptable for any spoiled pooch. While it may be too small for the larger dog breeds, the spacious inside gives your dog plenty of room to move around and can provide a haven for them in detrimental weather. With foam-insulated walls and a port in the bottom of the backside of the house to string through a heater, there is nothing keeping your dog from having a warm bed to lay in. The swinging door provides a tighter seal to block from wind, rain, and sun. To top it all off, ASL Solutions offers a lifetime warranty against cracking and breaking.
Foam Insulation in Walls
The additional foam insulation in the walls keeps this house toasty warm in the worst of winter weather, while simultaneously keeping the cold in during the hottest of summers.
Self-Closing Door
The unique design of the door allows easy two-way entry and offers a thicker barrier between your dog and the elements. The design keeps most air out while still allowing ventilation.
Cost and Value
The ASL Solutions dog palace is the most expensive outlined, shown by the insulated walls, heated floor, unique thick swinging door, and thick plastic construction.
2. Pet Zone Tuff-N-Rugged
Offering a great solution for those who live in extreme climates, the Tuff-N-Rugged is the only house outlined that boasts double walls without breaking the bank. Made in the USA, the thick plastic can hold up to a beating, and the spacious interior is large enough to hold dogs up to 125 pounds. A removable roof makes it easy to clean, and as added protection, you can purchase a separate vinyl door flap specifically designed for this house to keep your dog safe and dry.
Double-Wall Construction
The thick construction of this heavy plastic, coupled with two wall layers, gives an extra layer of airspace to hold in heat in the winter and hold in cold in the summer.
Fade-Resistant Plastic
A common complaint of those that live in hot climates is that some plastic models can fade or warp at high temperatures. The fade-resistant plastic used in this house generally does not have this issue.
Cost and Value
While the Pet Zone does hold a higher price tag than other plastic houses outlined, it is the only one that boasts double-walled construction, making it a great buy for those who live in extreme climates.
3. Pet Squeek Arf Frame
The Pet Squeek Arf Frame brings a well-built, good-looking design to a classic, reliable dog house. Featuring a raised floor to add an extra air layer between your pet and the ground, and added sheet lining inside the roof to create an extra waterproof layer, your pet will stay dry through rain and wind. The high-quality white cedar wood used in construction offers a natural odor-eliminating quality, starting off very strong when you receive the house but diminishing fast. Over time, you can sand and re-seal the house to get it back to looking brand new.
High-Quality Wood
Made of White Cedar, this high-quality wood naturally eliminates odors. While it does arrive with a strong smell that puts some people off, this strong smell does fade fairly fast.
Raised Floor
The raised floor helps put an extra layer of air between the house and the ground, adding a little extra warmth and also keeping the ground from getting gross underneath the house.
Cost and Value
The Arf Frame is one of the more expensive houses outlined, shown through choosing wood over plastic, and creating a look that will look good in anyone's yard.
4. Petmate Indigo
The Petmate Indigo has won many dog owners' hearts due to the unbeatable design taking a note from our northern ancestors. The shape helps keep heat in, and moisture, wind or sun out. The vent on top along with a microban coating keeps bacteria out and allows fresh air in. Coming in two parts, it's easy to assemble, and just as easy to disassemble to clean. Beware that if you have an extra-large breed, take note of the entrance specifications, as some may not fit.
Igloo-Shaped
While a smaller opening can be an issue for certain larger breeds, this smart design keeps heat trapped in the main sleeping quarters, and better protects from wind, rain, and sun.
Microban-coated
Microban is an antimicrobial agent that protects this from bacteria, mold, and mildew, keeping it smelling better for longer even with a stinky, wet dog.
Cost and Value
While the Petmate Indigo is one of the more expensive outlined, its design built to last in tough weather is well worth the price for those who live in harsh environments.
5. Suncast DH350
If you're looking for a no-nonsense design without breaking the bank, the Suncast DH350 is a good option. Fitting dogs up to 100 pounds, the durable resin construction will hold up to dogs who get rowdy when left alone with their house. The bulky design will stay put through bad weather, and the rear air vent will keep the air fresh. Personalize it with your dogs' name using the provided letters.
Personalized Letters
Suncast sends letters to the house so you can add your pet's name above the door and personalize their own living space. This is a unique, added quality that many do not provide.
Plastic Door Flaps
Another added feature is the provided plastic door flaps. While the entrance is quite large, in cold, windy or rainy weather, it is a simple installation to attach and protect your pooch from the elements.
Cost and Value
As one of the cheaper models, this simple design is well worth the money for a weather-resistant, sturdy build that will hold up to your dog, no matter the temperament.
6. Merry Products
Before diving into this product, it's important to mention that this is designed specifically for smaller breeds. With that said, if you DO own a small breed, this dog palace could be just the right thing for you. Designed to be used either inside or outdoors, the versatile design gives your pooch the option to either hunker down underneath in bad weather, or lounge in the sun up top. Kiln-dried wood makes it extra durable, and as with any other wood, over time you can sand and refinish it to make it brand new again. A raised bottom keeps your house up off the ground, and the lattice trim up top gives this a sleek look that's sure to spruce up your yard and keep your pooch happy.
Two-Tiered
Dogs are creatures of many moods, sometimes wanting to crawl into their own little space and sleep, and sometimes wanting to perch up and watch their owners go about their business. This Merry Products model gives your pet the option to do both.
Kiln-dried wood
The benefit of wood structures is that it is easier to modify to fit your personal liking and easy to refinish after a few years of hard use.
Cost and Value
Compared to other wood-constructed designs outlined, the Merry Products palace comes in at a lower price point, given there is only one small size available. However, for those with small dogs, the quality of construction is well worth the money.
7. Tangkula
The Tangkula offers another great example of a quality wooden dog house. Offering three different sizes, it is big enough to fit dogs up to roughly 60 pounds (check specifications to compare with your individual dog). The slanted, shingled roof keeps water out effectively, and the raised floor added a little extra space between your pet and the ground. Beware that similar to other single-walled houses, it may not be sufficiently weather-proof to keep your pet warm in very cold temperatures without additional modifications.
Adjustable Legs
Not only do the legs serve the obvious purpose of keeping the house off the ground, but the ability to adjust them allows you to make up for uneven terrain to keep the house level.
Shingled Roof
Similar to the Petsfit outlined above, the Tangkula offers roof shingles as an added agent to fight off unwanted moisture. It also adds a nice visual effect to the design.
Cost and Value
The Tangkula holds a similar design and structure to the Arf Frame listed above, however overall it holds a lower price point without compromising quality.
8. Confidence Pet House
If you're getting overwhelmed by all this talk about fancy designs with all the frills, then the Confidence Pet may be for you. This offers protection for your dog against the elements through a waterproof design and roomy interior while omitting any additional features that some may find unnecessary depending on your dog. Keep in mind that if you live in a particularly cold region, you may want to look elsewhere, and the Confidence Pet has thinner plastic than other similar models and does not hold heat as effectively.
Simple Design
For those looking for something without any extra frills to keep their dog sheltered from the elements, the Confidence Pet offers easy setup with a large opening/inside to get the job done without any fancy additions.
Waterproof
The slanted opening in the door, in combination with the durable plastic and slanted roof, will keep your pet dry through the storms. Buy an additional vinyl door flap for added protection against wind and rain.
Cost and Value
Compared to similar products, the Confidence Pet is slightly more expensive, however, it still competes with a durable design and ease of setup and maintenance.
9. Advantek Pet Gazebo
When it comes to having an outdoor dog house, many of us may only consider wood or plastic ones. But what most don’t contemplate is having something different such as the Advantek Pet Gazebo. Featuring an octagon shape that measures either 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, and 8ft depending on the size of your pet, this gazebo was created with your pet in mind.
Reversible Cover
Whether you have your pet outside during the summer or in the fall, your pet will come into contact with some sort of element. In order to prevent that from happening the brand has come with an ingenious form of protecting your pet from natural elements, by incorporating a reversible cover. The reversible cover is designed for most if not all weather conditions by incorporating two sides, one that is designed to keep the heat out and the other is best for cooler weather. Having this feature is a win-win for you and your pet as you can travel and feel comfortable.
Travel-worthy
Due to having a unique shape and feature, you have the ability to travel with this gazebo. Whether you decide to go to the park, the beach, or stay at home its completely up to you. Keep in mind, this is quite versatile and lightweight. Having this lightweight feature enables you to take it anywhere with you without having to worry about it being heavy or difficult to put together. With this one, it's quite the opposite.
Cost and Value
As for the cost and value of this product, the price will change depending on the size of your pet. The larger your dog the larger the gazebo you will need to be, which means the more expensive it will be. Likewise, if you have a small dog you will be paying a little bit less. Furthermore, you are getting an excellent, durable product that you can travel with effortlessly.
10. AmazonBasics
When it comes to purchasing a comfortable space for your pet to sleep in you want to consider how much warmth your pet is actually getting. You want one that is versatile enough to work indoors and outdoors, you want to consider a model like the AmazonBasics. Measuring 35.5 x 27.2 x 24.8 inches and weighing 14.6 pounds overall, this house was intended to be easy to work with while still being sleek and comfort for your pet. Its all about giving your pet the nap they deserve.
Extensive Protection
In order to provide the best quality possible, this comes with extensive protection for your pet. Made out of quality PP plastic this house is extremely easy to work with and install, there is essentially no setup that needs to have. It is insulated, so it keeps the inside cool when it's extremely hot outside likewise maintaining the inside hot when it's cool outside. Having this feature enables you to place this inside and outside of your home. Due to its plastic exterior, it can also be rinsed out quickly and easily.
Inside/Outside
As stated above, it can be used inside and outside. Though this is mainly due to the protection it provides, it is also due to the style of house it is, personally. You are getting a model that gives your dog an added dose of comfort whether it's placed inside or outside. Consider it the perfect blend between what works only for the outside and what works in both areas.
Cost and Value
When it comes to the cost and value, you can say you are getting quite the bargain. Due to its versatility, the house is well worth the price point that is listed. Additionally, you are getting a durable product that gets the job done every time.