9 Best Outdoor Dog Houses in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

Every pup needs a place to call their own. Normally, they have a crate or bed inside the house that acts as their personal space to snuggle, nap, and chew on toys. Outside, however, can be more difficult. If you have an outdoor space, dog houses are a great asset.

Like any other pet accessory, there are so many options to choose from it can boggle the mind. The last thing you want is a house that is going to fall apart a day after you put it together, or buy something your pup will not like.

To help take the pressure off, we have reviewed the ten best dog houses available, testing for material, durability, assembly, and all the other features that are important to your pup. Not only that, but we provide some tips to keep in mind while you are out shopping. Keep on reading below so you will know which puppy palace is worth it, and which one is…in the dog house.

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A Quick Comparison Of Our Favorites of 2022

The 9 Best Outdoor Dog Houses

1. Suncast DH250 Outdoor Dog House – Best Overall

Our overall favorite choice for your pooch is the Suncast dog house. This cream model with a green roof is water-resistant and great for small to large breeds up to 70 pounds. It is simple to assemble, and made of a durable resin. The crowned floor is also great for keeping your pup’s paws out of the mud and cold.

This house snaps together in about ten minutes and has a contemporary style that will add to your outdoor decor. The color is also fade-resistant, plus it comes with an optional vinyl door that will add insulation but does not restrict entering or exiting.

Beyond that, the roof is removable for easy cleaning, there is ample ventilation due to the vents along the side, plus you can use it in every season. The dimensions measure 35” X 27” X 29.5”. Overall, this is the house your pup will love.

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2. Petmate 25118 Dog House – Best Value

If you are on a budget, this next model is the best outdoor dog house for the money. With this option, you can choose either red and black or white and black, and it comes in four sizes to accommodate pups anywhere from 15 to 90 pounds. Plus the two-piece house assembles in less than five minutes.

Your pup will be comfortable with rear ventilation, and weather-resistance. The unit is made of durable plastic that will not get moldy, or warp with time. The top comes off easily for cleaning, and the barn-style is attractive. The only downside to this model is that it does not come with an optional door as our first option has, however, for an affordable price, this is a great option.

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3. Petsfit Outdoor Dog House – Premium Choice

If you have a more boujee pooch, this premium option is going to be perfect. This adorable pup house is made for small pups and comes complete with the inner room, window, and a porch. The kiln-dried cedar exterior is treated with a color stain in a stylish grey. This little model will add ambiance to any outdoor space.

Beyond looks, the shingled roof is water-resistant, the home is durable, the top lifts open and the floor is removable for cleaning access. You should note, however, that this model is harder to put together, although the holes are pre-drilled for convenience. The dimensions measure 16.5” X 18” X 16’ for the inner room and 33” X 25” X 23” for the whole structure.

This model has adjustable feet for your shorter-legged pup’s. The exterior of the home is durable, the paint won’t peel, and it is resistant to mold and rot. If you are looking for something stylish and cute for your small pal, this is your best bet.

Also see our reviews of the top summer dog houses – Here!

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4. Merry Pet MPS002 Wood Pet House

The Merry Pet House is out next pick. Your pup will enjoy this wooden house that comes in three sizes to accommodate small to small/medium pups. This kiln-dried cedar home comes complete with a ladder, rooftop balcony, and lattice, so your pet can view his yard. The natural cedar style is treated with non-toxic stain, and it can be painted if you wish to change the style.

This option is durable, easy to clean with a removable roof and floor. Plus, your pup will stay toasty with the raised floorboards. Like our premium choose, however, this model is more time consuming to put together. It should be noted, though, that the house comes with all the hardware that is needed.

Also, be aware that the model is ventilated, and can be used in extreme temperatures, however, it is not water-resistant like the other options. That being said, this is a great option for your small pooch.

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5. Tangkula AM0021PS Pet Dog House

We are moving right along to a dog house that is a standard wood style in a reddish-brown style. This model is durable, waterproof, and is painted with natural and safe paint that will last over time. Beyond that, this model is set on raised legs to keep your pal away from the cold wet earth below.

You have the option of a small, medium, or large size, although it is better suited for small and medium-sized dogs. The fir wood is designed to be draft resistant, although you should keep in mind that the ventilation is not as strong in the option as it is in others.

Another handy feature of this house, however, is the adjustable feet which make placing this model on the uneven ground an easier task. The assembly is too difficult, plus all the hardware is included. Beyond that, keep in mind that only the floor is removable for cleaning, and the roof is not. This can make upkeep more difficult.

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6. Confidence Dog Outdoor House

This next pet space is a durable plastic option that comes with a white body and a blue roof. There is also the option of three sizes between medium, large, and extra-large. Although small pups can make their home in this house, it is recommended for larger breeds.

You will have an easy time assembling this model, as it snaps together quickly. There is plenty of legroom for larger dogs, but you want to be advised that the door size is narrow, so plumper pups may have some trouble. Beyond that, this model does have a raised plastic floor to keep your pet off the ground.

There are a couple of drawbacks to these options, however. First, there is no water-resistance, and it is not great for extreme cold or heat. One of the reasons why is due to the less than stellar ventilation. Also, this is not the easiest house to clean. Otherwise, it is a basic option for medium to large dogs.

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7. AmazonBasics Elevated Portable Pet House

Our number seven spot goes to a portable oxford fabric dog house that is closer to a tent than home. It features a raised platform, screen mesh panel in the roof with roll-down cover, and a large entranceway. The assembly can be a bit confusing, although it does break down quickly for travel.

That being said, this option is not great for cold weather as it is a canvas-like material. It also does not have any water-resistance. There is one size (large) to choose from, yet it is recommended for small dogs only. Beyond that, cleaning the material is more difficult especially when there are any “accidents”.

This model is put together with both metal and plastic components. While the canvas-oxford material is durable, the structure will fall easily with any rough movement or high wind. This model measures 51.2” X 40.6” X 33.5” and it does have great ventilation, plus you can choose from blue, khaki, or black.

See: The top crate fans

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8. Best Choice Products Cabin Dog House

Getting further down the list we have a log cabin dog house, although it looks like a typical model. This one-size option is recommended for small pups, and measures 25” X 34” X 22.5”. You will notice that this pup home claims to have water-resistance, however, it uses the slanted roof to keep water pooling on the top. Unfortunately, it does not stop the water from seeping inside a bit.

On the other hand, this option is raised off of the ground for comfort, the top does open for cleaning. Note here, though, that it is not easy to open. Also, be aware that the durability is not great, and this model will only last through one season.

Overall, the fir wood construction is hard to put together and it does not come with all the hardware you need. Lastly, the door opening is small, however, the ventilation is not bad.

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9. AmazonBasics 6015M Pet House

Our final outdoor dog house is the AmazonBasics pet house. This model is a unique cream style that comes in one size (35.5” X 27.2” X 24.8”) and is again recommended for small dogs. This is especially true as the door is very small. The plastic structure is not durable and will rot and warp during harsh weather conditions. Also, there is little water-resistance, although it does a credible job of blocking the wind.

Another drawback of this model is the assembly. You should be able to snap the pieces in place, however, it is difficult to fit the pieces together. Also, as the entire house snaps onto the bottom, cleaning is more difficult, and the floor is not raised which will leave your pup on the cold floor.

On another note, the ventilation using the two small grates in the roof is not great, plus the high front step is likely to make your pup trip. Overall, this is not the best option for your pal, and they will not find it a comfortable home.

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Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Outdoor Dog Houses

How to Choose The Right Size For Your Dog

When it comes to a dog house, you want to make sure your pooch is as comfortable as possible. After all, this is going to be their home where they can relax and feel safe. That being said, you have to get the right size to accommodate them for them to feel at home.

See our reviews of the top Heaters for dog houses here!

Let’s take a look at how to determine the right size:

• Measure Your Dog: The first thing to do is measure your dog while they are standing up. You want to get the dimensions from the tip of there nose to the end of their tail. You also want to measure from the tip of their nose to the floor. Finally, find out what the number is for their widest area.
• The Dog House: When looking at dog houses, you want to not only measure the interior but the doorway as well. If there is an extra space, you want to get the dimensions for those, as well.
• Figuring out the Door Size: First, your pup should not have to stoop to go through the doorway. Make sure their head does not have to lower below 90 degrees to get through. Also, their widest area should not be squeezed. If it touches, it’s fine, though.
• Figuring out The Inside Size: For this measurement, you want to have enough room that your pup can stretch out and stand all the way up. They should also be able to turn round fully.

A few other things to keep in mind is that you want to give your pet room, but not too much room where they will use it to go to the bathroom. Also, if there are elements to the house such as a balcony, make sure they can fit comfortably without falling off.

Tips When Shopping

When it comes to getting down and dirty to shop, there are many features you can look at. To keep your pup as comfortable, though, here is what will matter the most to them:

• Size: obviously we just went over this, but again, size is important!
• The Floor: Finding a house that has raised flooring will help keep your pet off the ground and warm. It will also stop moisture from seeping into the interior.
• Cleaning: Yes, your pup cares whether his house is gross or not. A removable lid and bottom can make the mess easier to get rid of.
• Water-resistance: No one, including your furry friend, wants a leak in their roof. That being said, find an option that has some water-resistance.
• Assembly: Would you want to wait for someone to build your home, then get frustrated and give up? We think not.
• Durability: Finally, make sure your pooch is going to be safe, secure, and able to breathe in the space.

There are many other features such as appearance you can look into, but these are the most important aspects your pup will want to have.

Conclusion

Our reviews of the best outdoor dog houses are meant to give you a better idea of the options that are available for you and your pup. If they have helped you narrow the search in any way, we are happy. On the other hand, if you go with our top pick, the Suncast DH250 Outdoor Dog House we believe you will be happy.

If you need a more affordable option, the Petmate 25118 Barnhome III Dog House is the best dog house for the money. We hope you have enjoyed the information, and will be able to find your pup the home of their dreams.