 | Wood Dog House: $70-$470 |
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 | Plastic Dog House: $155-$270 |
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 | Deluxe Dog House: $300-$4,500 |
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| Outdoor dog houses provide shelter from the elements during extreme weather. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Most dog houses cost $70 -$470, depending on the size of the house and type of material used to build it. Higher-end dog houses can cost thousands of dollars
- The ubiquitous wood dog house typically costs $70 -$470, mostly depending on size but also features. For example, popular wood dog house manufacturer WARE's Premium dog house costs $125 -$195, depending on the dog's size. Our Pets' Cozy Cottage Dog House, which won a Consumer Digest Best Buy Award, features double-wall construction for better insulation. It costs for $170 at Amazon.
- Most dog houses are built for medium and large dog breeds. Some houses, like Merry Product's Room with a View pet house, $106, are available for smaller dogs.
- Plastic dog houses typically cost $155 -$270. For example, the ASL Solutions Dog Palace costs $200 at Petco.
- Metal dog houses cost $175 -$350. Options Plus Kennels is one company that specializes in metal dog houses. Others include K-9 Kondo, which makes the popular Dog Den brand metal dog house.
- Deluxe dog houses, featuring hinged roofs, windows and patios, cost $300 -$4,500. For example, The Mansion, available at Target, costs $500.
What should be included: | - The dog house should be large enough for the pet to stand up and make a tight circle, but not much larger in cold weather as the dog's body heat won't be able to warm too big a space. Length should be about one and a half times the dog's length from head to rump. The width should be about one and a quarter the dog's length. The height should be about one and a half times the dog's height. The doorway need only be three-quarters the dog's shoulder height.
- The most common material used for dog houses is wood. Wood is sturdy and breathable. Bacteria and parasites can be a problem in humid dog houses, so the more porous the material the better.
- Plastic is another popular material. Plastic dog houses are generally easy to assemble, move and clean.
- Metal dog houses are long lasting, as they don't warp, crack or rust.
- A fiberglass dog cave by Places in the Yard costs $650, is extremely durable and fits two large dogs. The Cape Cod Cozy Cottage, complete with a fenced-in patio, indoor kennel and a doggie door and human door, costs $4,500.
Additional costs: | - If the dog house doesn't have adequate air circulation, consider purchasing a solar exhaust fan to reduce humidity. These fans, like Sundance Solar's Ventilation Fan, cost about $70.
- Heating systems can be installed for $50 -$150 but should only be necessary in extreme cold weather. The Dog Palace Dog Floor Heater, for example, costs $62.
Discounts: | - A DIY dog house costs $110 -$309, depending on whether the house is professionally assembled. DIYornot.com offers a rundown of this process.
- Try Home Depot or other supply stores for lumber and other supplies, and directions.
- Lowe's offers tips and instructions for building and placing a dog house, such as using a raised dog house to stay warm and dry and placing the house in the shade so it doesn't get too hot.
Shopping for a dog house: | |
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Article updated January 2011 |
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