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Some dogs just love being outside. Whether they’re lounging in the sun, rolling in the dirt, or splashing in the rain, it doesn’t really matter—life is just better out in the fresh air. But sometimes, being outdoors calls for a bit more protection. Dogs who spend a lot of time outside need both a den-like space to escape the elements and a secure spot to stay close by. That’s where outdoor dog houses and kennels come into play.
When choosing the right dog house or kennel for your pup, consider their size, personality, needs, and your budget, as well as the climate you live in. Dogs in colder areas may need an insulated, heated dog house, while pups in warmer temperatures will appreciate a house with shade to keep them chill. Larger dogs will also need more space in an outdoor kennel, while small pups can easily get by in a smaller area.
But no matter what house and kennel you choose, it’s important to note that these outdoor options won’t ever meet all of your dog’s sheltering needs—even with all the bells and whistles, dog houses and kennels are no substitute for in-home care. You’ll also want to always keep a close eye on your pup while your pup is outside.
To help you create the outdoor setup of your dog’s dreams and to keep them safe, we’ve rounded up some of the best dog houses and outdoor kennels on the market.
Best Overall: Ferplast Dog Villa
This molded plastic dog house is waterproof, UV resistant, easy to assemble, and widely available in various sizes. Plus, it features an integrated drainage system on the elevated floor, an adjustable vent, and a side panel that opens up to create a porch for your pup.
If all that wasn’t enough, the dog house’s excellent ratings and moderate pricing push it to the top of our list. Overall, this is a great dog house for general use. But pet parents should note that it’s not insulated, and the offset door doesn’t include a flap. Modifications or a more specialized house may be better for those in extreme climates.
Key Features:
- Crafted of anti-shock, waterproof, and UV-resistant plastic
- Internal drainage and adjustable vent systems help control moisture
- Available in five sizes to fit a wide range of pups
- Elevated plastic floor
To Consider:
- PVC door flap is sold separately
- Not insulated
Best for Big Dogs: Petmate Indigo Igloo Dog House
With its classic rounded shape, the Petmate Indigo is designed to use your dog’s own body heat to keep them warm and cozy. The extended entry further protects your pup from wind and cold while offering extra space.
What makes this house even more perfect for bigger breeds, however, is the size range. The house comes in both large and extra-large, fitting dogs up to 125 pounds.
Key Features:
- Foam-insulated to help regulate temperatures year-round
- Made of durable recycled materials
- The adjustable top vent helps control moisture
- Available in large and extra-large for bigger breeds
To Consider:
- Vinyl door flap and igloo-shaped floor pad sold separately
- Floor not elevated to protect from cold ground
Best for Small Dogs: Trixie Natura Cottage Dog House
This classic dog house comes in a variety of sizes, including a small version perfect for petite pups. Made from solid, weather-treated pine, the house features a peaked and shingled roof to repel rain and snow. The elevated floor is removable for easy cleaning, and the feet are adjustable to help stabilize the house on any surface.
Reviewers say that the house is easy to assemble, but several had issues with the house being damaged in shipping—keep that in mind as you choose your retailer. The other drawback is the absence of a door flap and a centered door, which means no escape from cold air and wind.
Key Features:
- Made of weatherproofed wood and other materials
- Available in a small size for breeds up to 20 pounds
- Elevated, removable wood floor with adjustable feet
To Consider:
- Vinyl door flap is sold separately
- Central door more likely to let in wind and rain
- Not insulated
Best for Cold Weather: Dog Palace Insulated Dog House
An insulated dog house like the Dog Palace is a must if your fuzzy, double-coated pup loves being out in cold weather. This sturdy dog house features thick foam insulation in each panel and an elevated floor to help regulate your dog’s body temperature year-round. And, on really cold days, there’s a spot to install a heater. Plus, the door is self-closing to keep out the snow and wind. (The windows can be opened on nicer days for ventilation.)
The dog house is a bit pricy, but excellent reviews and superb warming features make it a good option for warding off winter’s chill.
Key Features:
- Made of molded plastic
- Available in one size, best for medium to large dogs
- Elevated and insulated plastic floor with integrated drainage system
- Self-closing door keeps bad weather out
- Insulated with 2-4″ foam in every panel
To Consider:
- Optional heater sold separately
Best for Hot Weather: PawHut Wicker Dog House
Less house and more cabana, this open-air shelter offers your pup a breezy, shady spot to relax on warmer days. The cozy, elevated cushion separates your dog from the hot ground, while the peaked woven roof offers protection from summer showers and the sun’s harsh rays.
The house only comes in one size, rated for small- to medium-sized pups. But with a 110-pound weight capacity, we suspect some larger dogs could happily squeeze into the shade.
Key Features:
- Made of weather-resistant PE rattan and other materials
- The cool and breezy open-air design offers shade
- Comes in a variety of colors to fit your decor
- Elevated floor with an included, easy-care cushion
- Available in one size, best for small to medium dogs
To Consider:
- No walls or doors to protect from the elements
Best Budget Dog House: BestPet Waterproof Dog House
If you’re shopping for an outdoor dog house on a budget, consider this one from BestPet. With a cute blue and white design, this affordable house boasts several high-value features, like a waterproof and UV-resistant exterior, an elevated floor, a detachable roof, and air vents.
Happy reviewers report that the house is easy to put together and more durable than expected—though the central, open door isn’t ideal for keeping out the elements, and there’s no drainage system to manage moisture inside.
Key Features:
- Affordably priced dog house
- Crafted of durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant plastic
- Two air vents for circulation
- Available in three sizes to fit a wide range of pups
- Elevated plastic floor
- Easy to assemble
To Consider:
- Additional insulation may be needed in colder months
- Central door more likely to let in wind and rain
Best Premium Dog House: Lifetime Deluxe Dog House
When cost isn’t an issue, this premium dog house hits many of the right notes. It has a durable, double-walled exterior, UV protection, an offset door with an included vinyl flap, a removable interior divider wall, and a raised floor. The roof is hinged for easy opening and closing, too, with soft-close springs so it never slams shut.
The house is not insulated but has a built-in spot to mount a heater for colder days. It also doesn’t claim to be waterproof—but the slanted roof, plastic construction, and raised floor all work together to keep your pup dry.
Key Features:
- Crafted of durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant plastic
- Air vents and integrated drainage systems to help control moisture
- Available in one size, best for medium to large dogs
- Elevated plastic floor
- Offset door with weighted vinyl flap
- Removable partition to create a cozy space for your pup
- Hinged, soft-close roof for easy access to the inside
To Consider:
- Additional insulation or an optional heater (purchased separately) may be needed in colder months
- Expensive dog house
Most Portable: Sherpa U Pet Portable Dog House
This super-portable shelter is a great way to give your dog their own space anywhere you go. The pup-sized tent is ready in seconds, has a large zippered door, and features “claw-proof” mesh windows for ventilation. You can leave the top open or cover it with the included moisture barrier topper.
This isn’t the dog house for continuous outdoor use, but it’s a handy option for occasional camping, trips to the beach, or visits to friends and family—as a bonus, you can even use it inside to keep your dog contained when traveling.
Key Features:
- Sets up and stores quickly, with an umbrella-style mechanism and included storage bag
- Mesh, scratch-proof ventilation windows on all sides
- Available in one size, best for medium-sized dogs
- Weighs just five pounds
- Includes metal stakes to secure the tent to the ground
To Consider:
- No insulation, minimally-covered windows, and lightweight materials make it best for temporary use
Best Small Outdoor Kennel: Lucky Dog Stay Series Studio Jr. Outdoor Kennel
The Lucky Dog brand is well known for producing durable, high-quality dog products, and this outdoor kennel is no exception. Extending four feet in each direction, this kennel creates a 16-square-foot play area with a low, covered roof perfect for small dogs.
The kennel’s walls and door are made of sturdy steel and covered with a durable finish to withstand the weather (and your dog’s romps), while the fabric cover is waterproof and UV-resistant to protect your pup from the rain and sun.
Key Features:
- Easy to assemble
- Kennel dimensions: 4′ wide by 4′ deep by 4’4″ tall
- Made of powder-coated steel for strength and durability
- Single gated door with latch
- Waterproof fabric cover also offers UV protection
To Consider:
- Premium design comes with a premium price
Best Large Outdoor Kennel: Lucky Dog Stay Series Presidential Outdoor Kennel
Another option from Lucky Dog, this outdoor kennel is the largest in the brand’s STAY series. Spanning a whopping 100 square feet, it offers an enormous open space for big dogs to frolic. As with the Studio Jr., the kennel is entirely made of coated steel and with a waterproof, UV-resistant covering.
The main difference is in the size—besides the larger footprint, the kennel walls are six feet tall, with a total height of seven and a half feet. Plus, it features a dual door with an inset access gate.
Key Features:
- Easy to assemble
- Kennel dimensions: 10′ wide by 10′ deep by 7’6″ tall
- Made of powder-coated steel for strength and durability
- Gated door with latch and an inset half door for two access options in one
- Includes hardware to secure the kennel in the ground
- Waterproof fabric cover also offers UV protection
To Consider:
- The largest size is expensive (over $1,400 at the time of writing)
Best Budget Outdoor Kennel: Amazon Basics Foldable Play Pen
This portable pen from Amazon is a great, low-cost alternative to an expensive play yard setup. The kennel features eight connected metal panels that can be configured in different shapes (hexagon, square, or rectangle) and set up outdoors or indoors (great for puppy containment).
Made of coated metal wire similar to a wire dog crate, this is not the pen to set up and leave for long periods—and with no roof covering, you’ll need to keep an eye out for escape artists. Still, it’s a budget-friendly option to create a safe, temporary play space for your pup.
Key Features:
- Lower price than most outdoor kennel setups
- Rustproof, coated metal construction
- Available in a variety of wall heights for small and large pups
- Includes stakes for securing into the ground
- Lightweight, portable, and sets up in seconds
- Available with or without a gated door
To Consider:
- No roof covering available
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized dog houses and kennels with excellent reviews and smart features to keep pups cozy and safe in various elements. Our decisions are also always guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
