How To Choose The Right Size Doghouse

Most often a dog's weight is used to determine the size of doghouse needed. But some dogs are tall structured, i.e., Doberman Pincers, so height requirements must be considered. Ideally, the house needs to be just big enough for the dog to enter, turn around, and lie down. Anything larger is at your discretion, but during the colder months body heat retention is sacrificed.

Choosing the correct size house ensures comfort for your dog(s). If you live in a region with severe winters, bigger is definitely NOT better. If your region has extremely mild winters, a house "larger than necessary" does not present a problem.

Blythe Wood Works has been manufacturing dog homes for 15 years and for customer inquiries, they developed and copyrighted the A-B-C Method for determining the correct size doghouse.

2. The width and length measurement of the house should be the same as or no more than 25% larger than (B), the nose to flank measurement (Tails don't count).  Example: If the dog's "B" measurement is 20 inches, the doghouse width and length should be no less than 20 inches and no more than 25 inches (20 x 1.25 = 25).

3. The height of the doghouse should be at least 25% (no more than 50%) taller than the height of the top of the dog's head to his toes (C). Again, this house measurement (C) can exceed the dog's total height (C) up to 50% and still maintain a good body heat retention factor during cold months.  Example: If the dog's "C" measurement is 20 inches, then the total doghouse height should be approximately 25 to 30 inches (20 x 1.25 = 25) and (20 x 1.5 = 30)

If you want to put more than one dog in the same house you should consider whether the dogs typically sleep/rest in close quarters, or do they rest in separate spaces?  We recommend taping out the area of the doghouse on your floor and getting both dogs to lay in it.  This should give you an idea of what size is best.

If you are looking for a dog house for a puppy that is not yet full grown we suggest that you try to find out the size of both parents and use the formula above to determine the best house size. Although there are typically breed standards the size of different dogs in the same breed can vary greatly especially for large breed dogs.

Doghouse Do's

• Do purchase or build the correct size house for your dog
• Do provide your dog with a wood structure dog house (wood is the best insulator known to man)
• Do have a total wood roof to reduce the sun's heat and maintain adequate heat retention
• Do have an offset door. This provides a windbreak and a cooler spot out of the sun
• Do have a door barrier installed during the cold months
• Do block up or raise the doghouse off ground for better temperature control and to deter flea infestation.
• Do use bedding such as cedar shavings or a dense foam pad that is moisture proof and fleas can't penetrate.
• Do put a porch or awning type cover over door opening for extra shade and protection from severe weather

Doghouse Don'ts

• Don't purchase or build a house too big for your dog, especially in colder climates  
• Don't put your dog in a plastic house. It's too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer
• Don't use asphalt shingles on a doghouse unless it has an adequate insulation barrier between the roof and the living area
• Don't obtain a house with the door centered on the front wall. It overexposes your dog to foul weather and direct sunlight
• Don't leave doors closed during hot months. Either remove or tie open doors to increase interior ventilation
• Don't place house directly on ground where a moisture problem exists or an excessive cold climate is prevalent.
• Don't use carpet, fabric, straw, towels or blankets for dog house bedding. Body heat, moisture, and darkness will attract fleas, ticks and fungus