How to Choose the Best Pre-Built Dog House

Although The Humane Society recommends that dog owners keep their pets inside their homes, some large dogs are just too big to live indoors. The same can be said of very furry dogs who can become overheated easily. Or, if you do keep your dog inside, you probably want to have a house outside for those nice-weather days when you tie it out to get some fresh air. Whatever the case, you'll need to buy a house for your dog. There are many different brands and sizes on the market. To decide which one to buy, you'll need to learn how to choose the best pre-built dog house.

1. Choosing the Appropriate Size Is an Important Factor
Just because your pet can fit into a dog house doesn't mean it's the right size for him or her. Your dog needs to be able to get in, turn around and stretch out. This rule of thumb goes for dogs who are temporarily tied out, and for those who live outside on a permanent basis as well.

To choose the best pre-built dog house, you'll need to measure your dog in three places:

1. The Standing Height, From Head to Toe
The door of the dog house should be at least three-quarters of your dog's standing height. For example, if your dog measures 36 inches tall from its head to toe, then the door should be at least 27 inches tall.

2. The Seated Height, From Head to Toe
As for the height of the ceiling, it should be a couple inches higher than your dog's seated height- measure from the ground to the top of its head when it's sitting.

3. The Laying Down Length, From Nose to Rump
Measure your dog from its nose to its rump when its lying down. Add another 6 to 8 inches to determine the proper length of the best pre-built dog house.

These measurements will give you a good idea of how big the best pre-built dog house should be.

Dog houses are available in four basic sizes- small, medium, large, extra large. Generally, a "small" house will accommodate a small Beagle; a medium dog house will fit a Welsh Corgi; a large dog house is suitable for a German Shepherd, and an Akita will fit comfortably in an "extra large" dog house.

Note: If you live in a part of the country where the winters are severe, too large of a dog house won't help hold in your pet's body heat.