Dog House - Find The Perfect Home For Fido

Welcome to the dog house buying guide – helping you find the perfect shelter for your pet dog.

We have information on all types and styles of dog houses to answer your questions about buying the right house for your dog. We want to make sure you understand the different types and styles of houses so you can make the right choice for your pet.

That means we’ll tell you things like: How to choose between wood and plastic houses, making sure you get the right size of house for your particular pet dog, the houses that provide the right kind of shelter in your climate …

… and how to turn even a basic shelter into a real home that’s suitable for man’s best friend!

First off, we should say a word about just why you (or your dog) need a doghouse.

• Dogs are outdoors animals. They may be pets, but dogs are designed to spend at least a good chunk of their time outdoors.
• It’s good for dogs. Sunshine, fresh air – a more natural environment – keeps dogs healthier and happier than being cooped up in a stuffy old human home.
• It’s good for you. When dogs live outside in their own comfortable shelter, life gets a lot easier if you have to leave home for a few hours. You don’t have to worry about what they’re doing while you’re away, and they’d rather be outside watching the world go by anyway.
• It’s good for you both.  Many pet owners find they have a healthier relationship with their dogs if they each have their own space rather than living on top of each other all the time.

So, how do you choose from all the different types and styles on the market?

You can get designs varying from a basic boxy shelter, through the classic A-frame style, up to a luxury chalet-style home complete with veranda and chimney! So, there are many different types to choose from, but there are also some practical matters to consider, if you want to make sure you get the house that is exactly right for your pet.

Doghouse Construction

The first main choice is between wood and plastic.

Wood of course is a nice natural choice and wooden doghouses are available in a wide variety of styles, including lovely cabin and chalet designs. Wood houses can be purchased ready to use, or unfinished so you paint or stain them to create anything from doggy white houses to a rustic cabin – or you can choose cedar that doesn’t need any finishing and just ages gracefully.

Plastic on the other hand is more economical, weighs less, and is maintenance free compared to wood. And although plastic may not lend itself to the same designs as wood, you can get some very individual-looking plastic styles – like igloos and cartoon cottages.

If you live in an area where there are extremes of temperature – hot or cold – insulated doghouses are available that offer the right amount of shelter and protection for dogs in that area. This could be a doghouse constructed from structurally insulated panels – or an insulation kit fitted to one of the standard styles.

Doors also add an extra level of shelter for your pet. Some houses come with them ready fitted; with others they are an option. These doors are essentially frames with clear flaps that allow your dog to come and go as they please –fresh air and light get in, but the wind and rain are kept out.

Bed warmers and heating pads are available to keep the houses comfortable for dogs overnight in winter – and you can even get a complete heating and cooling system for your pet’s new home that will moderate the temperature in almost any climate!

Finally, you can add different types of accessories to turn a house into a home – like a nice plaque above the door with your pet’s name on it.

Doghouse Sizing

It may be that dogs are not too concerned whether you choose a wood house or a plastic one – or even if there’s a name plaque above the door.

One thing that they will care deeply about is the size of doghouse. Too small and they’ll be cramped and uncomfortable, too big and they will feel vulnerable and will get cold easily. So how do you choose the right size of doghouse? There are three measurements that matter: -

• Shoulder height - decides how high the doghouse door should be. Measure your dog from the ground to the top of their shoulders; the door height should be at least 75% of this.

• Dog Length – decides how long the house should be. Measure your dog from nose to flank (base of their tail); the house should certainly be no shorter than this, but neither should it be more than 30% longer.

• Head height – decides how high the house should be. Measure your dog from the ground to the top of its head with it standing straight; the house should be at least this high at the top of the roof, but shouldn’t be more than 50% higher. So, if your dog is 24 inches high to the top of its head, the house should be no more than 36 inches high.

The best suppliers will know what size in their range is right for your breed; their ‘small’ version fits Cocker Spaniels, your Dalmatian needs ‘medium’, and so on. 

With this basic information, you’re ready to look in more detail at the different types of houses available to buy online from reputable suppliers.

Next: Wood Dog Houses - The Natural Solution 

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