Best Dog Houses For Large Dogs

A dog house is the house a dog lives in. A good one will keep your dog dry and comfortable, but it also needs to have a roof, so it's not just a box on the ground. The best dog houses for large dogs are those that don't collapse under the weight of a big dog—and this is a problem with several common designs.

A lot of people say it's just a matter of fitting your dog into the standard-sized house, but that's not going to work for many bigger breeds. They have to have extra rooms, doors and windows. If you make places for them where they can stretch out, you can fit others in as well.

Large-dog houses need to be strong and light, but not too heavy. They need to be easy to assemble and disassemble, so they can be transported when you move. They need to be comfortable for your dog, and easy for him to get in and out of.

Some dog houses are made from plywood and sturdy sheet metal, and some are made from plastic panels attached with screws; we call them panel-style dog houses. Both kinds are good, but panel-style dog houses have an edge in portability: they can be rolled or folded up like a suitcase. You can take them anywhere.

The other kind is made from shaped panels of plywood (or other material), which are joined together with glue and screws; we call it the box-style dog house. It has an edge in strength: it is stronger than a plywood box filled with insulation, because it is designed to carry the weight of the walls. It is also lighter than a paillasse house, because its walls are less thick. But it has an important disadvantage: it must be assembled before you can put your dog in it, which means you have to wait for your tools.