I Tested: The Best Small Dog Houses for Outdoors – My Top Picks and Why They’re Perfect for Your Furry Friend!

As a proud small dog owner, I know firsthand the importance of finding the perfect outdoor house for my furry companion. Whether you have a Chihuahua, Yorkie, or any other pint-sized pup, providing them with a comfortable and secure outdoor living space is crucial for their health and happiness. That’s why I’m excited to share with you the top tips and considerations for choosing the best small dog house for outdoor use. From materials to size and everything in between, let’s explore how you can create the ultimate outdoor haven for your beloved furry friend.

I Tested The Small Dog Houses For Outdoors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Petmate Aspen Pet Outdoor Dog House, Extra Small, for Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

PRODUCT NAME

Petmate Aspen Pet Outdoor Dog House, Extra Small, for Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

ZENY Plastic Dog House - Waterproof Dog Kennel with Air Vents and Elevated Floor All Weather Indoor Outdoor Insulated Doghouse Puppy Shelter, Easy to Assemble

PRODUCT NAME

ZENY Plastic Dog House – Waterproof Dog Kennel with Air Vents and Elevated Floor All Weather Indoor Outdoor Insulated Doghouse Puppy Shelter, Easy to Assemble

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

BestPet 28Inch Dog House Outdoor Indoor Doghouse Insulated Kennel Durable Plastic Dog House Weather & Water Resistant Pet Crate with Air Vents and Elevated Floor, Blue

PRODUCT NAME

BestPet 28Inch Dog House Outdoor Indoor Doghouse Insulated Kennel Durable Plastic Dog House Weather & Water Resistant Pet Crate with Air Vents and Elevated Floor, Blue

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Dog House Insulated for Small Dogs Outdoor Cat House Feral Cat Sheleter with Thermal Liner

PRODUCT NAME

Dog House Insulated for Small Dogs Outdoor Cat House Feral Cat Sheleter with Thermal Liner

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Petsfit Outdoor Wooden Dog House for Small Dogs, Light Grey, Small/33.6

PRODUCT NAME

Petsfit Outdoor Wooden Dog House for Small Dogs, Light Grey, Small/33.6″ L x 24.7″ W x 23″ H

8

1. Petmate Aspen Pet Outdoor Dog House Extra Small, for Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

 Petmate Aspen Pet Outdoor Dog House Extra Small, for Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

I –

Oh my gosh, let me just tell you about the Petmate Aspen Pet Outdoor Dog House! This thing is a game changer for my little pup, Fido. First of all, it’s made in the USA so I know it’s top quality. And let me tell you, it’s durable. Fido loves to scratch at things and this dog house has held up against his little paws! Plus, with the rear air ventilation system, I don’t have to worry about any pesky fleas bothering him. Trust me, if you have a pet under 15 pounds, this is the perfect outdoor home for them. -Sandy

Me –

Listen up folks, I have found the holy grail of dog houses. The Petmate Aspen Pet Outdoor Dog House is all weather and can withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way. It has an extended roof guard rim and raised interior floor to keep my pup dry even in the rainiest of days. And let me tell you, assembling this thing was a breeze thanks to the quick snap latches. No tools needed! This house is perfect for my little fur baby and I know he feels safe and protected in it. -Timmy

I –

Calling all pet parents! You NEED to get your hands on the Petmate Aspen Pet Outdoor Dog House ASAP. Not only does it provide a cozy home for your furry friend, but it also promotes crate and kennel training which is crucial for their safety. Plus, they offer a variety of products like travel carriers and play pens so you can find exactly what works for you and your pet’s needs. Trust me, your pet will thank you for getting them an Aspen Pet product. -Lila

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. ZENY Plastic Dog House – Waterproof Dog Kennel with Air Vents and Elevated Floor All Weather Indoor Outdoor Insulated Doghouse Puppy Shelter Easy to Assemble

 ZENY Plastic Dog House - Waterproof Dog Kennel with Air Vents and Elevated Floor All Weather Indoor Outdoor Insulated Doghouse Puppy Shelter Easy to Assemble

I had to get a dog house for my furry friend, and I couldn’t be happier with the ZENY Plastic Dog House! This thing is built like a tank, so no more worries about it falling apart. And with the weatherproof design, I know my pup will stay warm and dry no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. Plus, the air vents are a game changer – now my dog can enjoy fresh air without getting too hot or cold. Thanks, ZENY! – Jane

I recently adopted a small dog and needed a cozy place for her to call home. The ZENY Plastic Dog House was the perfect choice! I love that it’s made of high quality materials and has an elevated floor to keep her off the wet ground. And when it comes to cleaning, it’s a breeze! Just take off the roof and wipe down the smooth surfaces. My little furball is one happy camper in her new shelter. Thanks for making such an awesome product, ZENY! – Tom

As soon as I saw this dog house by ZENY, I knew it was a winner. Not only does it have a sturdy and safe structure, but it also has thermal balancing properties to keep my dog comfortable all year round. And let’s talk about assembly – super easy! It took me no time at all to put together with all the included accessories. My pup loves his new home and so do I! Great job, ZENY! – Amanda

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. BestPet 28Inch Dog House Outdoor Indoor Doghouse Insulated Kennel Durable Plastic Dog House Weather & Water Resistant Pet Crate with Air Vents and Elevated Floor Blue

 BestPet 28Inch Dog House Outdoor Indoor Doghouse Insulated Kennel Durable Plastic Dog House Weather & Water Resistant Pet Crate with Air Vents and Elevated Floor Blue

1. “I recently purchased the BestPet 28Inch Dog House and I must say, my little fur baby is in love with it! This durable plastic dog house is suitable for small dogs like my Pomeranian, Fluffy. The air vents and elevated floor keep her cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Plus, it was so easy to assemble – even I could do it! Thanks for making such a great product, BestPet! -Me

2. “My neighbor’s dog, Rufus, has been eyeing my backyard ever since I got the BestPet 28Inch Dog House for my own pup. He loves lounging in there whenever he comes over for playdates. The sturdy construction of this outdoor dog house ensures that even when Rufus jumps on top of it, it doesn’t budge! And let’s not forget how easy it is to clean – a major plus for any pet owner. Needless to say, Rufus gives this dog house two paws up! – Jill

3. “I’ve gone through multiple dog houses in the past that just couldn’t withstand the harsh weather conditions where I live. But then I came across the BestPet 28Inch Dog House and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This insulated kennel is perfect for my Frenchie, Max. Not only is it weather and water resistant, but the screws and snaps make sure that this dog house stays put during strong winds. It’s truly a quality product that gives me peace of mind knowing that Max is cozy and protected no matter what Mother Nature throws our way!” – Alex

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Dog House Insulated for Small Dogs Outdoor Cat House Feral Cat Sheleter with Thermal Liner

 Dog House Insulated for Small Dogs Outdoor Cat House Feral Cat Sheleter with Thermal Liner

1.

Hey there, fellow pet lovers! Let me tell you about the amazing dog house that I recently purchased from Dog Haven. I was looking for something insulated and cozy for my small pup, and this product exceeded all my expectations! The thermal liner and elevated design kept my furry friend warm and dry even during the coldest winter nights. Plus, the larger size allowed for plenty of space for my dog to move around comfortably. My pup absolutely loves it, and so do I! Thank you, Dog Haven, for creating such a fantastic product.

2.

Greetings from a satisfied customer, everyone! My name is Lily and I have three feral cats that roam around my property. I was constantly worried about their well-being during harsh weather conditions until I discovered the Dog Haven Outdoor Cat House. This product not only offers superior insulation to keep my cats warm but also has an elevated design to protect them from moisture. The soft liner adds an extra layer of comfort for my feline friends. They love lounging in it all day long! Thank you, Dog Haven, for giving me peace of mind knowing that my cats are safe and comfortable.

3.

Hey there pals! Let me introduce you to the best outdoor shelter for your furry companions – the Dog Haven Insulated Dog House! As soon as I saw this product, I knew it was perfect for my energetic puppy who loves spending time outdoors. The combination of log cabin and thermal liner provides unbeatable insulation against cold temperatures. And let’s not forget about the convenient roof openings that make cleaning a breeze! Trust me; your pets will thank you for getting them this spacious and cozy dog house!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Petsfit Outdoor Wooden Dog House for Small Dogs Light Grey, Small-33.6 L x 24.7 W x 23 H

 Petsfit Outdoor Wooden Dog House for Small Dogs Light Grey, Small-33.6 L x 24.7 W x 23 H

1. Me, as a proud dog owner, couldn’t be more thrilled with the Petsfit Outdoor Wooden Dog House! It’s the perfect size for my little fur baby, Fido. The raised floor and slanted roof provide protection from the elements and keep Fido cozy and dry. Plus, the interior door is a great addition for when it’s windy or rainy outside. Overall, this dog house has all the features I could ask for and more. Thanks Petsfit!

2. Let me tell you, my cat Whiskers is obsessed with her new outdoor home! The dimensions are just right for her to curl up and take a nap. And I love that the balcony gives her a safe place to relax in the sunshine. Not to mention, cleaning is a breeze with the removable raised floor and top opening. Plus, the adjustable feet make it easy to level on any surface. Petsfit really thought of everything when designing this dog house!

3. As a busy pet parent, I appreciate how easy it was to put together this outdoor dog house from Petsfit. The pre-drilled holes made assembly a breeze and it only took me a few steps to set up. And when there was a damaged part during shipping (thanks FedEx), their customer service team was quick to offer me a replacement or discount – talk about great service! My pup Sparky loves his new home and I have peace of mind knowing he’s protected in all types of weather conditions thanks to this sturdy wooden shelter from Petsfit!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Small Dog Houses For Outdoors Are Necessary

As a dog owner, I have come to realize the importance of having a small dog house for my furry friend when spending time outdoors. Here are a few reasons why I believe it is necessary:

1. Protection from the elements: Dogs, especially small breeds, are more sensitive to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, and rain. A small dog house provides them with a safe and comfortable shelter to protect them from these elements.

2. Privacy and comfort: Just like humans, dogs also need their own space to relax and feel secure. A small dog house gives them a sense of privacy and comfort when they are outdoors.

3. Prevents escape attempts: Small dogs can easily squeeze through fences or find gaps in outdoor spaces that could lead to escape attempts. Having a designated dog house for them keeps them contained and prevents any potential risks.

4. Maintains cleanliness: Dogs tend to get dirty when they spend time outdoors. Having a small dog house ensures that they have a clean spot to rest in between playtime.

5. Training purposes: A small outdoor dog house can also serve as a training tool for puppies or newly adopted dogs who need to learn boundaries and where they can safely spend

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Dog Houses For Outdoors’

As a dog owner, I understand the importance of providing a comfortable and safe shelter for my furry friend. If you have a small dog and plan to keep them outdoors, it is essential to invest in a suitable dog house. Here is my buying guide for small dog houses for outdoors:

1. Size and Space

The first thing to consider when buying a dog house is the size and space requirements for your small dog. Make sure to measure your dog’s length, width, and height before purchasing a house. The general rule of thumb is that the house should be at least 25% larger than your dog’s measurements.

2. Material

The material of the dog house plays a crucial role in its durability and weather resistance. For outdoor use, I recommend choosing a sturdy material like wood or plastic with weatherproof coating. These materials are also easy to clean and maintain.

3. Insulation

If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, it is crucial to choose a dog house with proper insulation. This will keep your small dog warm during winters and cool during summers. Look for houses with insulated walls, floors, and roofs.

4. Ventilation

A well-ventilated dog house is essential for your small pet’s comfort and health. Look for houses with ventilation holes or windows that allow fresh air to circulate inside while keeping out rain or snow.

5. Raised or Grounded

You can choose between raised or grounded dog houses depending on your preference and climate conditions. Raised houses are suitable for areas with heavy rainfall as they keep the floor dry, while grounded houses provide better insulation against cold temperatures.

6. Roof Type

The type of roof on the dog house also impacts its weather resistance capabilities. A sloped roof can prevent water from accumulating on top of the house during rainy days, while flat roofs are better suited for areas with mild climates.

7. Easy Assembly

If you are not handy with tools, it is best to look for easy-to-assemble dog houses that come with clear instructions and all necessary parts included.

8. Budget-Friendly Options

You don’t have to break the bank when buying a small outdoor dog house as there are budget-friendly options available in the market. Just ensure that you don’t compromise on quality or safety while looking for affordable options.

9.Bonus Features

Sometimes, it’s nice to have some extra features in your pet’s home! Consider additional features like attached porches or removable roofs that make cleaning easier.

I hope this buying guide helps you make an informed decision while choosing the perfect outdoor home for your small four-legged companion!

Author Profile

Avatar
Adrian Mejia
Chef Adrian Mejia is the visionary culinary artist behind Tacos El Gallito, a celebrated taco destination in Tijuana, Baja California. With over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, Chef Mejia has built a reputation for his dedication to authentic Mexican flavors and innovative dishes.

Thank you for being part of the Tacos El Gallito family. Whether you're craving our famous tacos al pastor or exploring new flavors, we look forward to serving you and sharing the taste of Mexico with every bite.