Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Here’s how to tell the right size doghouse for your pet

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

Before investing in something as important as a doghouse, it can help out a lot to know what you’re looking for. Not every pup is compatible with every doghouse, and size can be a large reason why. You wouldn’t like a tiny, cramped little space, would you? Neither would your dog, but you won’t have to worry about that if you already know their size. With a few measurements and a location for the doghouse in mind, you’ll be all set and ready to shop. Your yard is about to get a lot more exciting, pet parents.

a german shepard lies in his wooden, traditional-style dog house
DaCek/Shutterstock

How to measure your dog for a doghouse

Grab a tape measure—a long one. The ideal length for a doghouse is about a foot longer than the length of your pet (fully grown, of course). You’ll find it easiest to take this measurement while your dog is standing, and it could help to jot down their height as well, so you don’t buy a doghouse they have to crouch to enter.

Recommended Videos

Also, keep in mind any dog bed or padding you’re planning to furnish their new abode with. Dog beds can take up several inches in all directions, making the difference between a comfortable interior and a crowded one.

a pug stands in the doorframe of his wooden dog house
Kichigin/Shutterstock

What to consider when purchasing a doghouse

If you’re particular about the style of doghouse you’ll have in your yard, you may want to browse online to see as many visual examples as possible. You’re more likely to find a variety of options online or made to order, rather than simply visiting the pet store, but some pet parents prefer to see it in person before they buy. Here are a few other things to keep in mind while you’re browsing:

Doghouse dimensions

As stated above, the size of the doghouse can make a difference between your pup loving and hating it. In addition to measuring your dog to make sure you’ll find something comfy for them, you may want to take a couple of measurements around your yard too. If you know where you’re going to put your new doghouse, the last thing you’d want is to buy something that won’t fit.

When shopping for doghouses, you’ll likely find a size breakdown similar to this one for the Trixie Dog Club House in Glazed Pine:

  • Small/Medium: house length: 33.5 in., width: 23.5 in., and height: 22.75 in.; maximum pet weight 45 lbs
  • Large: house length: 40.75 in., width: 26.75 in., and height: 28.25 in.; maximum pet weight 70 lbs
  • X-Large: house length: 45.5 in., width: 31 in., and height: 32.35 in.; maximum pet weight 95 lbs

Doghouse material

One overlooked characteristic of doghouses is their material. Some artisan crafters and larger companies make carefully constructed houses out of wood — treated and weatherproofed, of course — while others use heat-resistant, shock-proof plastic. All outdoor doghouses are designed to withstand weather, including rain and cold, but it’s a smart idea to look for the details to ensure your pup’s comfort year-round.

Doghouse location

You may think that a doghouse can go just anywhere in the yard, but that’s not always the case. It’s important to make sure that the ground is level and flat where you’re planning on placing it, or you’ll risk your pet’s safety and comfort.

You may also want to pick a spot that’s safe from harsh winds and sun rays, perhaps between trees that block both elements. If your dog seems to enjoy spending time in a certain spot in the yard, maybe that’s the spot!

Another thing to consider is elevation. If water tends to gather in one area of your yard when you water your plants or when it rains, that would not be a good place for a doghouse. Even though many models have enclosed, protected floors, standing or moving water can still damage the outside.

Now that you know the basics of Doghouses 101, you’re ready to shop. Of course, it can be hard to say whether or not your pup will be immediately drawn to their new shelter, but in time they’ll learn to appreciate the new addition. If you do your research and shop smart, odds are you’ll love it too!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Are Himalayan dog chews safe for your pet? Know this before you buy
Himalayan dog chews are still trendy, but are they safe for your pup?
A close-up shot of a pug standing in the grass with a bone-shaped treat in his mouth

What do blueberries, kale, and broccoli all have in common? In addition to being delicious, all three are superfoods, labeled by the health food world. Unfortunately, there's no federally regulated definition for the term, but Harvard scientists claim food that "offers high levels of desirable nutrients, is linked to the prevention of a disease, or is believed to offer several simultaneous health benefits beyond its nutritional value" can be labeled superfoods. 

Just like you might add chia seeds to your granola or spirulina powder to your smoothies for additional vitamins and minerals, you also want to make sure your dog's food and treats pack a beneficial wallop. Made famous on Shark Tank, Himalayan dog chews have become one of the most hotly debated treats in the pet food game, which begs the question, "Are Himalayan dog chews as healthy as some people think?"

Read more
Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned
Is your dog thirstier than usual? This could be the reason why
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Ensuring your furry best friend gets plenty of water is one of the most important parts of being a pet parent. But how much water should your dog drink on a daily basis? Veterinarians claim the general rule of thumb is a simple equation: The majority of dogs require around 1/2 to 1 ounce (about 1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight each day. Don't want to reach for your measuring cup? Make sure your pup has round-the-clock access to clean water, and everything should be fine.

That being said, if your dog empties their water bowl several times a day, or you notice their intake has increased drastically, you should probably keep a close eye on things. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you may be wondering, "Why is my dog always thirsty?" We'll share how to monitor your pup's water intake, the most common reasons your dog may be thirsty, and when you should speak with your vet.

Read more
Is your puppy breathing fast while sleeping? Here’s when you should worry and how to help your dog
When to call a vet because your pup is breathing fast while sleeping
A Jack Russell terrier lies in bed between the feet of his owner

It’s hard not to love watching your puppy sleep. In fact, they might somehow manage to get cuter as they snooze. They look so content and peaceful, especially if they're snuggled up to you. Though experts frequently recommend giving your pet their own sleep space, like a crate, it’s ultimately up to you. Regardless of where and when your puppy is sleeping, you want them to be comfortable and safe. If you notice your puppy breathing fast while sleeping, you may get worried. Should you be? It depends.
Here’s what experts want you to know about labored breathing during sleep and when to call a vet.

Different puppy sleeping patterns
Before we get into breathing patterns, it could help to have some knowledge of puppy sleeping patterns. They're similar to ours, though puppies cycle through them more quickly than humans. A puppy may experience 20 sleep cycles nightly. Humans typically go through about four or five cycles. These are the phases.

Read more