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[1] costs $125-$195, depending on the dog's size. Our Pets' Cozy Cottage Dog House[2] , 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[3] , $106, are available for smaller dogs.
Plastic dog houses typically cost $155-$270. For example, the ASL Solutions Dog Palace[4] costs $200 at Petco.
Metal dog houses cost $175-$350. Options Plus Kennels[5] is one company that specializes in metal dog houses. Others include K-9 Kondo, which makes the popular Dog Den[6] brand metal dog house.
Deluxe dog houses, featuring hinged roofs, windows and patios, cost $300-$4,500. For example, The Mansion[7] , available at Target, costs $500.
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[8] , 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[9] , for example, costs $62.
Discounts:
A DIY dog house costs $110-$309, depending on whether the house is professionally assembled. DIYornot.com[10] offers a rundown of this process.
Try Home Depot[11] or other supply stores for lumber and other supplies, and directions.
Lowe's offers tips and instructions[12] 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:
Doghouses.com[13] has a wide variety of dog houses.
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