Tips on choosing the right outdoor dog house design and size

The biggest mistake most dog owners make is when buying or building a wooden outdoor dog house that is not suitable for their climate. The design and size of the house determines whether the dog house will be cool or warm.

To pick a cool design in a snowy area will keep the dog dry, but unfortunately keep the dog cold as well. Pick the correct outdoor dog house size and design for the location. If living in a region with severe winters, bigger is definitely not better. However, for regions with extremely mild winters, outdoor dog houses "larger than necessary" do not present a problem.

When measuring the pet's house, the door height opening should be no less than 3/4 of the dog's shoulder to ground measurement. For example, if the dog's measurement is 24 inches, the door opening should be need to be at least 19" tall. Choose a dog house design where the entrance provides protection against the wind and place the outdoor dog house in such a way that it is further protected against the dominant wind directions.

Width and length of the house should be the same while the height should be at least 25% but not more than 50% taller than the height from the dog's toes up to the top of his/her head. The 50% adjustment can still maintain a good body heat retention during cold and snowy seasons. For example, if the pet's height is 24 inches, then the doughouse should be approximately 30 to 35 inches.

Before attempting to build or buy a wooden outdoor dog house, always consider the following factors on choosing the right house for the dog.

• Budget
• Purpose of the dog house
• Size of the dog
• Location of the dog house
• Climate of the location
• Spatial constraints

See our Complete List of Small to Large Type Outdoor Dog House Designs to suit the budget and location.