If your dog spends most of their time outside, a dog house is a true necessity. This product is designed to keep your pet safe and comfortable, shielding them from the elements and giving them a safe place to call their own. It’s important to select the right dog house to meet your pup’s needs, though, and it can be a challenge to find a sturdy house that is appropriate for a large or extra-large canine.

These reviews go over the best dog houses that you can find on the market for your big dog.

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The 7 Best Dog Houses for Large Dogs

1. Frisco Craftsman Wooden Dog House — Best Overall

The Frisco Craftsman Wooden Dog House is the best overall dog house for large dogs. It’s made from solid wood and has metal hardware, and it’s made to be weather resistant for outdoor use. The tilted PVC roof will protect your dog from rain and snow, and it helps block sunlight. It includes dog flaps to keep the inside of the house extra dry and insulated, though they can be removed if your pet prefers no doors. The raised floor of this dog house will help improve air circulation to keep your pup comfy and dry.

It is recommended to re-treat the wood annually to keep it weather resistant; otherwise, the wood is prone to rot.

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2. Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Plastic Dog House — Best Value

The best dog house for large dogs for the money is the Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Plastic Dog House. This plastic dog house has an extended rim over the door to enhance weather resistance, especially to rain and snow. The raised interior floor makes sure your dog stays dry, even if water gets into the house. The rear vents increase ventilation, so airflow is good and smells are reduced, even in hot weather. Since this dog house is made of plastic, it won’t fall apart when exposed to the elements, ensuring that it will last for many years. It’s easy to put together and doesn’t require any tools.

This dog house doesn’t have any flaps, so it is not fully protected from rain and snow. It may be best to place this house underneath something like a deck or tree that may help reduce exposure to the elements.

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3. Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House — Premium Choice

The Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House is a great option for dogs that live or spend time outdoors in a cold area. This insulated house includes a central heater that is controlled by a remote and a digital thermostat, enabling you to easily adjust it to keep your pet comfortable. Not only is it insulated against the cold, but the insulation can also help your dog stay cool in the warmer months. It has a raised floor with a drainage system, ensuring that your pup stays dry. The double-hinged swinging doors enhance insulation but can be removed if desired.

Since the included doors are thick plastic, some dogs may feel uncomfortable going into the dog house with the doors in place. Many people report that their dogs required a lot of patience and training to get used to this house. It also retails for a premium price.

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4. Frisco Classic Wooden Outdoor Dog House

The Frisco Classic Wooden Outdoor Dog House is a modern design made from solid wood and metal hardware. The materials are weather resistant, and it has a slanted PVC roof to protect your dog from the elements. The bottom floor slides out for easy cleaning, and it has adjustable feet that help stabilize it on any surface. It has an open-door design, and it includes windows by the door, so your dog has a full view from the comfort of their house.

This dog house retails for a premium price. It also requires annual weatherproofing re-applications to maintain the health and stability of the wood.

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5. MidWest Eillo Folding Wood Dog House

The MidWest Eillo Folding Wood Dog House is a nice option if you’d like a more compact dog house because this dog house can be collapsed. It requires no assembly and just needs to be unfolded to set up. The adjustable legs enable you to stabilize it on multiple surfaces. It’s made with water-resistant stained wood, stainless-steel hardware, and an asphalt shingle roof to protect against the elements. It has a raised base that keeps your dog dry and increases airflow.

This dog house is only recommended for dogs up to 80 pounds, and dogs heavier than this may cause the raised bottom to break. Some people have reported water getting underneath the shingles, leading to the breakdown of the wood underneath, so extra weatherproofing to the roof may be necessary.

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6. Frisco Modern Wooden Outdoor Dog House

The Frisco Modern Wooden Outdoor Dog House has a modern style that won’t detract from the appearance of your backyard. It features an extended roof that provides protection against the elements, and the adjustable feet mean it’s suitable for a variety of surfaces. It has an open-door design with windows around it to give your dog a nice view without having to sit in the door of the dog house. The raised base keeps your dog dry and increases airflow.

This dog house retails for a premium price. Some people report it being slightly smaller than advertised, although they say their dogs still fit comfortably in it. It also requires annual weatherproofing to maintain the stability and health of the wood.

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7. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Bunk Style Dog House

The New Age Pet ecoFLEX Bunk Style Dog House is the best option for extra-large dogs. It requires no tools for assembly, and it’s designed to be paintable if desired. It’s an eco-friendly product that’s made from ecoFLEX, which is a weatherproof combination of recycled wood and plastic polymer. It’s easy to clean, and it has an elevated base for airflow.

Although no tools are required, it may be easiest to have two people available to assemble this dog house. The instructions may also be slightly confusing, making this a time-consuming project. Some of the pieces may be somewhat fragile, so make sure to handle the pieces with care and be gentle when assembling and moving this dog house.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Houses for Large Dogs

Picking the Right Dog House for Your Dog

When selecting a dog house, the most important factors are whether it’s an appropriate size for your dog and whether your dog will use it. Some dogs can be extremely picky about their house, while others may be resistant to enter an enclosed space that doesn’t have windows or a large door. If the dog house that you choose is too small for your pet to comfortably use,  they are unlikely to even attempt to use it.

You should also consider the environment in which the dog house will be placed. If it will be out in the open without overhead covering, you should consider getting a dog house that has a slanted, extended roof. Underneath a covering, you won’t have to worry as much about a roof that will prevent moisture from getting into the house.

Another big consideration is your preferred appearance. There are many dog house designs on the market, so there is something for every backyard that won’t detract from its appearance. Also, keep in mind what a comfortable budget is for you. Dog houses for large dogs can be expensive, even for the lowest-end products.

Conclusion

If you’ve got a big dog that needs a dog house, these reviews can be a great way to help you find the perfect one to suit your style and your pet’s size and preferences. The best overall dog house for big dogs is the Frisco Craftsman Wooden Dog House, which is made from sturdy materials and attractive stained wood. The budget-friendly pick is the Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Plastic Dog House, which is built to last and has a raised interior floor to ensure that your dog stays dry. For a premium dog house, especially for cold weather, the top pick is the Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House.

See Also:

• Best Heated Dog Houses

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Featured Image Credit: pryzmat, Shutterstock