Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg
Veterinarian, DVM
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg
Veterinarian, DVM
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
If your dog lives outside or spends a lot of time outside, a dog house is a true necessity. These products are designed to keep your dog 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 dog’s needs, though, and it can be a challenge to find a sturdy dog house that is appropriate for a large or extra-large dog.
These reviews will go over some of the best dog houses you’ll find on the market for your big dog.
A Quick Glance of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco Craftsman Wooden Dog House
Made from solid wood and has metal hardware
Weather resistant
Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
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Best Value
Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Plastic Dog House
Best value
Extended rim over door
Raised interior floor
Check Price
Premium Choice
Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House
Fully insulated dog house
Includes central heater with thermostat and remote
Can help maintain cool temperatures in warm weather
Check Price
Frisco Classic Wooden Outdoor Dog House
Made from solid wood and has metal hardware
Weather resistant
Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
Check Price
MidWest Eillo Folding Wood Dog House
Collapsible
No assembly required
Adjustable legs provide stability
Check Price
The 7 Best Dog Houses for Large Dogs
The Frisco Craftsman Wooden Dog House is our pick for the best overall dog house for your large dog. This dog house is made from solid wood and has metal hardware, and it’s made to be weather resistant for outdoor use. The slanted PVC roof will protect your dog from rain and snow, and it helps block sunlight as well. It includes dog flaps to keep the inside of the dog house extra dry and insulated, although they can be removed if your dog prefers no doors. The raised floor of this dog house will help improve air circulation to keep your dog comfy and dry.
Size: 45”L x 32”W x 32”H
Dog size: Large
Color: Wood
Price: $$$
It is recommended to re-treat the wood annually to keep it weather resistant, but if not re-treated with weatherproofing, the wood is prone to rot.
Pros
Made from solid wood and has metal hardware
Weather resistant
Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
Removable dog flaps increase weatherproofing and insulation
Raised floor allows better air circulation and keeps your dog dry
Cons
Needs to be re-treated for weatherproofing annually
The best dog house for your large dog for the money is the Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Plastic Dog House. This plastic dog house features an extended rim over the door to enhance weather resistance, especially to rain and snow. The raised interior floor ensures your dog stays dry, even if water gets into the house. The rear vents increase ventilation, ensuring airflow is good and smells are reduced, even in hot weather. Since this dog house is made of plastic, it won’t fall apart when exposed to the elements, ensuring it will last for many years. It’s easy to put together and doesn’t require any tools.
Made from solid wood and has metal hardware
Weather resistant
Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
Removable dog flaps increase weatherproofing and insulation
Raised floor allows better air circulation and keeps your dog dry
- Made from solid wood and has metal hardware
- Weather resistant
- Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
- Removable dog flaps increase weatherproofing and insulation
- Raised floor allows better air circulation and keeps your dog dry
Needs to be re-treated for weatherproofing annually
- Needs to be re-treated for weatherproofing annually
Size: 38”L x 29”W x 30”H
Dog size: Large
Color: Brown and tan
Price: $$
This dog house doesn’t have any dog flaps, so it is not fully protected from rain and snow. It may be best to place this dog house underneath something like a deck or tree that may help reduce exposure to the elements.
Pros
Best value
Extended rim over door
Raised interior floor
Rear vents increase airflow
No tools required to put together
Cons
No dog flaps
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 dog house includes a central heater that is controlled by a remote and digital thermostat, allowing you to easily adjust it to keep your dog comfortable. Not only is it insulated against the cold, but the insulation can also help your dog stay cool in the warmer months. It features a raised floor with a drainage system, ensuring your pup stays dry. The double-hinged swinging doors enhance insulation but can be removed if desired.
Best value
Extended rim over door
Raised interior floor
Rear vents increase airflow
No tools required to put together
- Best value
- Extended rim over door
- Raised interior floor
- Rear vents increase airflow
- No tools required to put together
No dog flaps
- No dog flaps
Size: 47.5”L x 31.5”W x 38.5”H
Dog size: Large
Color: Brown and tan, gray and taupe
Price: $$$$
Because the included doors are thick plastic, some dogs may feel uncomfortable going into this dog house with the doors in place. Many people report their dogs require a lot of patience and training to get used to this dog house. It also retails for a premium price.
Pros
Fully insulated dog house
Includes central heater with thermostat and remote
Can help maintain cool temperatures in warm weather
Raised floor with drainage system
Included double-hinged swinging doors are optional
Cons
Some dogs may be hesitant to use this dog house with the doors on
Premium price
- Frisco Classic Wooden Outdoor Dog House
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Size: 31”L x 44”W x 44”H
Dog size: Large
Color: White
Price: $$$$
The Frisco Classic Wooden Outdoor Dog House is a modern design made from solid wood and metal hardware. The materials are weather resistant, and it features a slanted PVC roof to protect your dog from the elements. The bottom floor slides out for easy cleaning, and it has adjustable feet that help stabilize it on any surface. It has an open-door design, and it includes windows by the door, so your dog has a full view from the comfort of their house.
Fully insulated dog house
Includes central heater with thermostat and remote
Can help maintain cool temperatures in warm weather
Raised floor with drainage system
Included double-hinged swinging doors are optional
- Fully insulated dog house
- Includes central heater with thermostat and remote
- Can help maintain cool temperatures in warm weather
- Raised floor with drainage system
- Included double-hinged swinging doors are optional
Some dogs may be hesitant to use this dog house with the doors on
Premium price
- Some dogs may be hesitant to use this dog house with the doors on
- Premium price
Check Latest Price
Size: 31”L x 44”W x 44”H
Dog size: Large
Color: White
Price: $$$$
This dog house retails for a premium price. It also requires annual weatherproofing re-applications to maintain the health and stability of the wood.
Pros
Made from solid wood and has metal hardware
Weather resistant
Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
Slide out bottom floor and adjustable feet are included
Open door design with windows
Cons
Premium price
Needs to be re-treated for weatherproofing annually
The MidWest Eillo Folding Wood Dog House is a nice option if you’d like a more compact dog house because this dog house can be collapsed. It requires no assembly and just needs to be unfolded to set up. The adjustable legs allow you to stabilize it on multiple surfaces. It’s made with water-resistant stained wood, stainless steel hardware, and an asphalt shingle roof to protect against the elements. It has a raised base that keeps your dog dry and increases airflow.
Made from solid wood and has metal hardware
Weather resistant
Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
Slide out bottom floor and adjustable feet are included
Open door design with windows
- Made from solid wood and has metal hardware
- Weather resistant
- Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
- Slide out bottom floor and adjustable feet are included
- Open door design with windows
Premium price
Needs to be re-treated for weatherproofing annually
- Premium price
- Needs to be re-treated for weatherproofing annually
Size: 28.94”L x 45.16”W x 33.12”H
Dog size: Large
Color: Beige
Price: $$$
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 it may be necessary to add extra weatherproofing to the roof.
Pros
Collapsible
No assembly required
Adjustable legs provide stability
Sturdy and water resistant
Raised base increases airflow
Cons
Not recommended for dogs above 80 pounds
Roof may require additional weatherproofing
- Frisco Modern Wooden Outdoor Dog House
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Size: 51.2”L x 33.7”W x 36.8”H
Dog size: Large
Color: White and black
Price: $$$$
The Frisco Modern Wooden Outdoor Dog House features a modern style that won’t detract from the appearance of your backyard. It has an extended roof that provides protection against the elements, and adjustable feet mean it’s suitable for a variety of surfaces. It has an open-door design with windows around it to give your dog a nice view without having to sit in the door of the dog house. It has a raised base to keep your dog dry and increase airflow.
Collapsible
No assembly required
Adjustable legs provide stability
Sturdy and water resistant
Raised base increases airflow
- Collapsible
- No assembly required
- Adjustable legs provide stability
- Sturdy and water resistant
- Raised base increases airflow
Not recommended for dogs above 80 pounds
Roof may require additional weatherproofing
- Not recommended for dogs above 80 pounds
- Roof may require additional weatherproofing
Size: 51.2”L x 33.7”W x 36.8”H
Dog size: Large
Color: White and black
Price: $$$$
This dog house retails for a premium price. Some people report it being slightly smaller than advertised, although they say their dogs still fit comfortably in it. It also requires annual weatherproofing to maintain the stability and health of the wood.
Pros
Modern style
Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
Adjustable feet provide stability
Open door design with windows
Raised base increases airflow
Cons
Premium price
May be slightly smaller than advertised
Needs to be re-treated for weatherproofing annually
The New Age Pet ecoFLEX Bunk Style Dog House is the best dog house for extra-large dogs. This dog house requires no tools for assembly, and it’s designed to be paintable if desired. It’s an eco-friendly product that’s made from ecoFLEX, which is a weatherproof combination of recycled wood and plastic polymer. It’s easy to clean, and it has an elevated base for airflow.
Modern style
Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
Adjustable feet provide stability
Open door design with windows
Raised base increases airflow
- Modern style
- Slanted PVC roof protects against the elements
- Adjustable feet provide stability
- Open door design with windows
- Raised base increases airflow
Premium price
May be slightly smaller than advertised
Needs to be re-treated for weatherproofing annually
- Premium price
- May be slightly smaller than advertised
- Needs to be re-treated for weatherproofing annually
Size: 42.2”L x 37.6”W x 36”H
Dog size: Large, extra large
Color: Tan and green
Price: $$$
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.
Pros
Best option for extra-large dogs
No tools required for assembly
Designed to be painted
Eco-friendly and easy-to-clean materials
Raised base increases airflow
Cons
May require two people to assemble
Instructions may be confusing
Pieces may be fragile and should be handled with care
Best option for extra-large dogs
No tools required for assembly
Designed to be painted
Eco-friendly and easy-to-clean materials
Raised base increases airflow
- Best option for extra-large dogs
- No tools required for assembly
- Designed to be painted
- Eco-friendly and easy-to-clean materials
- Raised base increases airflow
May require two people to assemble
Instructions may be confusing
Pieces may be fragile and should be handled with care
- May require two people to assemble
- Instructions may be confusing
- Pieces may be fragile and should be handled with care
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 if it’s an appropriate size for your dog and if your dog will use it. Some dogs can be extremely picky about their dog house, while others may be resistant to enter an enclosed space that doesn’t have windows or a large door. If the dog house you choose is too small for your dog 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, then 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 dog house.
Another big consideration is your preferred appearance. There are lots of dog house designs on the market, so there is something for every backyard that won’t detract from the appearance of the yard. 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 dog’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 is made from 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 your dog stays dry. For a premium dog house, especially for cold weather, the top pick is the Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House.
Featured Image Credit: pryzmat, Shutterstock
