The dog kennels are the best option for pets that live outside. You can buy them large, for small dogs, with materials resistant to weather changes such as wood, plastic, or opt for very cheap new models or even some second-hand ones.
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Dog kennels
They are a fundamental accessory to keep our pet in good condition. Dog kennels are suitable to place in the outdoor garden, creating a perfect home for our best friend.
They can also be placed inside homes and even inside large wooden sheds like those used for storing gardening tools.
By buying a dog kennel, you will ensure that your faithful companion is always protected from the cold, rain, heat, and climate variations. Additionally, they will get used to the place and then will never want to sleep anywhere else but their house.
Next, we will begin to describe the best dog kennels.
Large dogs
They are larger in size as the volume of the dog is also large. Large dog houses are a great option when our pet weighs more than 30 kilos and the height at the withers is more than 50 cm. We recommend that you see all the large dog kennels available for sale, as well as their characteristics and advantages and disadvantages.
Medium dogs
Medium dog houses are perhaps the most difficult to choose as their dimensions are in a medium range. They cannot be too small, and if you buy a large one, it may be too cumbersome for the space you have assigned.
Ideally, it should always be larger; the space will never be too much for the animal, but you must also consider the area you have available.
If you want to find the best advice on this type of accessory for your furry friend, in the medium dog kennels section you will find everything you need.
Small dogs
As with other sizes of dogs, the ideal is to buy a kennel adapted to the size of the animal. It can be larger than their volume, giving them more space to lie down and rest. However, we should never choose a house smaller than their measurements, as in that case, the dog will not be able to lie down comfortably and, in many cases, their legs will remain bent or outside the roof that covers the rain.
You can see all the small dog kennels and choose the one you like the most and suits your animal.
Made of wood
Buying a wooden dog house is one of the best purchasing decisions you can make. The material is insulating, resistant, and comfortable. Additionally, they look much nicer than those made of other materials like plastic.
Their durability is greater than resin, so a wooden dog house can last a lifetime with minimal maintenance. You only need to clean it occasionally and every 10 years give it a coat of varnish or paint to prevent moisture from getting in.
Visit the section dedicated to wooden dog kennels, and you will discover the best selection of homes for your pet.
Plastic or Resin
The plastic dog kennels are a very popular option as they withstand humidity, cold, and heat very well. Their materials can be easily cleaned, and if we add to this their low price, we can see that they are among the best-selling ones.
They are made of plastic and resin, making their production much cheaper than wooden ones.
The disadvantage of this type of kennel is that it insulates less from the cold, something to keep in mind if we live in places where temperatures drop a lot in winter or in summer the sun’s rays hit directly on the dog’s house roof.
If you are interested in these models, you can see all the options in plastic dog kennels.
Economical and Cheap
We can buy them at different prices, from those that are very economical or cheap because they are on sale to those that, due to their characteristics and materials, are expensive, even luxury dog kennels.
It is important that, before buying a cheap one, you carefully check the materials as the costs are usually related to the quality of the dog house. Generally, if you select an economical one, it will be small or, alternatively, the material will be low-quality plastic.
However, as we have mentioned, sometimes there are great discounts, which is why we recommend you visit our section where we compare and describe the best cheap dog kennels.
Giant
But if your dog is a Dogo, a Bernese Mountain Dog, or a Komondor, you will need to find a large-sized home.
For this, we have also created a section dedicated to the largest in the family, so you can see all the giant dog kennels and decide, with our help, which one will be ideal.
Outdoor
Although some models are only for indoor use, the most frequent and normal thing is the opposite, that is, most dog kennels are for outdoor use.
They are generally made of waterproof plastics, sealing the joints well to prevent rainwater from penetrating.
In the case of those made of other materials such as wood, these receive special anti-humidity treatment. A good layer of varnish and waterproofing resins to prevent moisture from deteriorating the structure of the kennel.
In the sections where you can buy dog houses, you will find the best offers for outdoor kennels for the garden and uncovered areas.
However, in addition to being made of waterproof and rain and cold-resistant materials, it is also possible to find other models more suitable for indoor use, to place them inside the house. So, let’s take a look at them.
Fabric and Indoor
They are much prettier and have a playful appearance. Fabric dog kennels are ideal for placing inside the house, villa, or areas where our pet lives with us.
Although their material does not withstand moisture well, being permanently covered is not a problem, perfectly meeting the needs of having a home for the dog.
As we have indicated before, to compare the best fabric dog kennels, we recommend that you go to their specific section.
With Heating
If you live in a cold climate or with sudden temperature changes, it is important that, in addition to buying a nice dog house, it includes a heater so that on cold days the animal can be comfortable without risking colds or respiratory diseases.
Although most Canis lupus familiaris species tolerate cold and extreme weather conditions well, some breeds are more sensitive to temperature drops. Either because they have little fur or because their genetics have been successively selected to live in temperate climates.
If you find yourself in this situation, you should know that heated dog kennels are available. They are adorable, very practical, with temperature control, and even, in some models, with a heated mattress and thicker fabrics with high thermal power.
With Door
There is also the possibility of buying a kennel with an entrance and exit door, so you can close it when you are out of the house to prevent other animals, rats, and certain species from entering and deteriorating the dog’s environment.
If you are interested in knowing all the options for this type of pet refuge, you can see them in dog kennels with doors.
Luxury Dog Kennels
If you also want the best for your loyal friend and can afford it, you will be able to acquire a luxury dog kennel, with all the comforts and accessories. Made with good materials, solid wood, and everything you could have ever imagined. Check out the selection we have included:
Tips for Buying a Dog Kennel
Choosing a quality kennel is very important for your dog to be comfortable both outdoors and indoors. Whether you place it inside the house or in the garden.
You should always keep in mind that, although animals can spend many hours alone, it is not ideal. Some breeds suffer from anxiety or sadness from spending the whole day alone.
Additionally, an important point is cold and heat. Depending on the climate of our residence, the dog can suffer sudden temperature changes, so we must adapt the kennel for these conditions. Either with a special dog heater, a thermal blanket, or a heated mattress.
Also, we must always consider the material it is made of, the size of the kennel and the animal itself, as well as the design.
Materials
The most common materials you will come across for dog kennels are:
- Wood.
- Plastic.
- Metal.
Wood
Wood is the best material for thermally insulating the interior of the kennel, whether it is cold or hot. Wooden dog houses are very good, have long durability, and their aesthetic appearance is usually excellent. Additionally, if your dog has the habit of chewing things, it will withstand much better than those made of plastic. The disadvantage of wooden dog kennels is that their cleaning is somewhat more complicated, especially if it is not well varnished, as the surface will be somewhat porous.
If the waterproof layer has deteriorated, it is possible that humidity will also increase, potentially causing mold.
As a final point in choosing a wooden house, it is also important to anticipate the possible appearance of insects such as termites and other species that feed on it.
To solve this, the ideal is to buy a quality wooden dog kennel, preferably made of solid wood, cedar, etc.
Plastic
They are the cheapest and easiest to clean. Plastic dog kennels have the advantage of costing little money. Their price is low because plastic material is very easy to manipulate and manufacture.
They are usually lightweight. Their weight is a few kilos, making them easy to move.
The disadvantage of a plastic dog house is that they can break more easily than wooden ones. Also, their thermal insulation is low. If it is cold at night, it will be noticeable inside the kennel. In case of a lot of heat, the inside will heat up quickly, giving the feeling of being in a sauna, something we should always avoid as dogs suffer a lot from high temperatures.
But if you like to clean easily, plastic for a dog kennel is fantastic. Just wipe with a cloth with a bit of detergent, and it will look like new. And if you empty it, you can hose it down and leave it in the sun to dry.
Metal
Very resistant and tough, metal dog kennels are out of use.
The advantages they offer are their resistance to impacts and bites, but on the downside, they are more likely to rust if the proper anti-corrosion materials have not been applied.
Metal dog kennels insulate little from the outside. The rain makes noise when it hits the roof, and in summer and winter, they will maintain practically the same temperature as outside.
It is common to see dogs sleeping outside their metal kennel, so generally, unless you can’t afford it or need it for a specific case, it is best to buy one made of plastic or wood depending on your budget.
Design
This involves your personal taste and whether you want it to match the garden or the room where you will place it.
The design of dog kennels is not crucial for your pet. They don’t care if it is pretty or ugly. However, the design of the structure is important as it will allow us to clean it easily and better fit the size of the dog.
A dog kennel with a removable roof is very useful because it allows thorough cleaning without needing to enter it.
The door should open outwards, preventing it from bothering the dog inside. It should also be located on one side, not in the center. If there is wind, if the door is in the center, the wind will enter and can bother the dog as it will not be protected from the wind. One option is to put a curtain, but if you can choose it this way from the start, that saves you the trouble.
And regarding the kennel’s design, there is also the option of including a terrace or a parapet to protect from the sun. These are generally placed on one side, where you can put a dog mattress where they can lie down most of the day, protected from solar radiation, rain, or simply taking a nap.
Size of the Kennel
Another very important point is the size of the dog kennel. The measurements must be appropriate.
If we buy a kennel that is too small, it is likely that the dog will use it little because it will not be comfortable. On the other hand, if it is too large, although the space may be appreciated, it will be more difficult to heat and over time it will accumulate more dirt.
How to Determine the Kennel’s Dimensions
The kennel should be a bit larger than the height of the dog. To determine how big the dog kennels should be, follow these steps:
- Depth: Measure from the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the tail, where it starts. Do not include the tail, but measure from where the rear end is located.
- Height: Measure the height at the withers plus the head, that is, from the top of the head, through the shoulder blade to the end of the legs where the claws or nails touch the ground. Add a few extra centimetres so the dog can enter easily and stand up without problems.
- Door: This is usually smaller than the total height of the kennel. Generally, there won’t be any problems with entry as dogs are very agile, but make sure it is not too small so they can enter and exit easily.
- Width: It should be wide enough for the dog to stretch its legs while lying down. Often, dogs sleep curled up, but occasionally, especially when it is hot, they stretch out to lower their temperature. So, the width should be at least the measurement at the withers (including the neck, shoulder, and legs).
- Breed: Many kennels are already designed for certain dog breeds, making it easy to choose. Although they are not exclusive to a particular type of animal, they often help us select the best dog kennel.
In all points, you must consider that, in addition to the kennel, a mattress that will reduce the free space will be included, so the height and width could be reduced.
Related Categories
The large dog kennels are made of outdoor wood or plastic and resin, as well as fabric if you wish- The dog kennels for small dogs are practical and take up little space at home and in the garden. You
- The giant dog kennels or XXL size kennels are the largest in dimensions. This type of pet house must have
Looking for a New and Modern Kennel?
You can access all types of kennels for outdoor and indoor use, made from various materials as well as those specific for a type of use. Before buying, compare their features and details to get the best one. In the following image, you will find sections with the best prefabricated houses and tents classified by category:
