The Best Outdoor Doghouses, According to Dog Owners and Veterinarians

This well-made plastic doghouse, perfect for medium-to-large breeds, received rave reviews from many of our experts. “It is made of durable materials, so the product has a long life, and it is easy to maintain and clean,” says Bethany Hsia, a veterinarian and co-founder ofCodaPetwho owns three dogs. Kait Hembree, head of training atGoodPup, says it’s the only doghouse she’d buy and that her Chesapeake Bay retriever, Delta Dawn, loves hers. “Living in Montana, we had extreme temperatures during both cold- and warm-weather seasons,” she says. “The well-insulated walls kept her warm in the winter when she wasn’t indoors and cool in the summer.

The Suncast Outdoor Doghouse ticks a lot of boxes — sturdy, simple to assemble — while being a more affordable option. “Constructed from resin, this doghouse is highly durable and easy to clean,” says Leena Chitnis, the founder and CEO ofTimberdog. The Suncast doghouse features a removable roof, vents for air circulation, and comes with a vinyl door. It snaps together, so it can be assembled without any additional tools, and is built to resist fading, rusting, and rotting.

For those who prefer wood rather than plastic (for aesthetic or environmental reasons), the Petsfit Wooden Doghouse also scored high marks from dog experts.Alex Schechter, DVM, a veterinarian, says the Petsfit, with its Finnish spruce panels and strong asphalt shingles, will provide long-lasting protection for your furry friend. With small (perfect for dogs up to 30 pounds), medium (for dogs up to 60 pounds), and large (for dogs up to 80 pounds) sizes available, this doghouse is suitable for dogs from Yorkies to Labrador retrievers. The roof that opens from the top is another convenient feature that allows easy access to the inside of the doghouse, which is great for dog parents who want to keep things clean and tidy.

Kristi Benson, a dog trainer from British Columbia, Canada, who has worked with sled dogs, says a good doghouse for colder climates will be insulated and not too roomy so the dog’s own body heat can help warm it up (though it should still be big enough for them to comfortably turn around and lie down). The Petmate Indigo Doghouse, an igloo-shaped hut, isn’t just adorable — it’s also functional because it’s insulated and designed to really protect dogs from the elements. It’s also the one we had in our backyard in Minnesota for several years. It was sturdy and spacious enough for our large Lab mix. As our family dog got older, he stopped using it as regularly (he spent more time indoors), but as a young pup, he loved to play games running around it in circles and taking his toys in and out of this igloo house.

If you need less of a traditional doghouse and more of a balcony for your small pooch to perch, consider the Merry Pet Wood Room. “It allows smaller pups to be up higher, as they like to be during sunbathing,” saysNicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and consultant forRover. The interior is made for tinier dogs too with a ceiling height of 17.3 inches. Ellis notes that the Merry Pet is best for younger pups. “The stairs might be a little harder for some of our senior dogs,” she says.

“I like doghouses that have ventilation, windows, and a patio,” says Toni Ann Palladino, a pet-care-service provider and animal rescuer who has worked with many dogs. This Lifeand doghouse fits the bill and will have your furry friend lounging in style on their very own porch or hanging out inside in the shade, protected from the elements.

At Pups at Play, a full-service pet health-and-wellness facility in Montclair, New Jersey, there is a kids’ playhouse in the outdoor day-care area for the small-to-medium dogs. “It’s a great break from the sun during the day without having to go indoors,” says Breanne, a customer-service representative from Pups at Play. If you’ve got kids and dogs running around, you can eliminate the need for multiple structures in your yard by purchasing something like the Little Tikes playhouse, which has plenty of room inside.

For a truly customized outdoor doghouse built to your exact specifications, turn to the Wooof Spot, which can do anything from custom colors and sizes to funky shapes and designs. Prices start at $150 for basic models for small, Chihuahua-size dogs and go up depending on the size and model. Large dog? Multiple dogs? Need a doghouse to match your actual house? No problem. The Wooof Spot has built doghouses with multiple entrances (even multiple stories) in all kinds of sizes. You’ll get an Instagram-worthy doghouse that will be perfect for your dog(s) no matter how small or large or how specific their (or your) needs are.

Ellis also recommends this portable, foldable pet playpen that offers pet parents of small dogs a convenient option for keeping pups protected on the go, whether you’re headed to a park, picnic, or vacation home. It’s “the perfect way to keep our pets safe and enclosed while enjoying the outdoors with us,” she says.