Outdoor Dog House Buying Guide: Size, Material & Placement

An outdoor dog house is more than a shelter — it's your dog's personal retreat, their safe space in the garden, and their protection from the elements. Get it right and your dog will use it willingly, sleep comfortably, and stay healthy year-round. Get it wrong and you'll have an expensive structure your dog avoids entirely.

The three factors that determine whether a dog house works are size, material, and placement. This guide covers all three in detail, so you can make a confident, informed decision for your dog.

🐕 Step 1: Get the Size Right

Size is the most critical factor in dog house selection — and the most commonly misunderstood. The instinct is to go as large as possible, but a dog house that's too large is actually less comfortable than one that's appropriately sized.

Why Bigger Isn't Always Better

Dogs heat their sleeping space with their own body warmth. A dog house that's too large has too much air volume for the dog to heat effectively — meaning the interior stays cold even when the dog is inside. An appropriately sized dog house retains body heat efficiently, staying significantly warmer than the outside temperature.

Think of it like a sleeping bag: a bag that fits you closely keeps you warm; one that's three sizes too large leaves you cold.

How to Measure for the Right Size

Measure your dog in three positions:

• Length: From the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. The interior of the dog house should be at least 25% longer than this measurement.
• Height: From the floor to the top of the head (or ears for upright-eared breeds). The interior height should be at least 25% taller than this measurement.
• Width: The dog should be able to turn around comfortably inside. Interior width should be at least equal to the dog's length.

Size Guide by Dog Weight

For multiple dogs: Add approximately 50% more floor space for each additional dog. Two medium dogs need the space of roughly one large dog.

🪵 Step 2: Choose the Right Material

Dog houses are made from three main materials: wood, plastic, and metal/aluminum. Each has genuine strengths and weaknesses.

Wood

Wood is the traditional and most popular material for outdoor dog houses. It provides natural insulation, looks attractive in a garden setting, and can be painted or stained to match your outdoor aesthetic.

Pros:

• Excellent natural insulation — stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer than plastic or metal
• Attractive, natural aesthetic that blends into garden environments
• Structurally rigid and stable in wind
• Can be customized, painted, or modified
• Environmentally friendly when made from sustainably sourced timber

Cons:

• Requires periodic maintenance (sealing, painting) to maintain weather resistance
• Can absorb odors if not properly sealed
• Heavier than plastic alternatives
• Vulnerable to moisture damage if not properly treated

Best for: Year-round outdoor use, cold climates, owners who prioritize aesthetics and insulation.

🐾 The Coziwow 59"L Insulated Dog House with Feeding Bowl ($245.99–$249.99) combines knot-free solid pine wood with an asphalt shingle roof and a detachable thermal liner (waterproof Oxford cloth + EPE foam insulation). At 59 inches long, it fits large breeds up to 120 lbs and includes a dedicated feeding area — a complete outdoor living solution.

🐾 The Coziwow 46"L 2-in-1 Wooden Aluminum Outdoor Dog House with Run ($339.99) combines a wooden sleeping house with an attached aluminum run — giving your dog both a sheltered retreat and a secure exercise space in one structure. Elevated floor for drainage, slanted roof for water runoff, and easy assembly.

Plastic

Plastic dog houses are lightweight, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture and rot. They're a practical choice for owners who prioritize low maintenance over aesthetics.

Pros:

• Completely waterproof — no risk of moisture damage or rot
• Easy to clean — wipe down with a hose
• Lightweight and portable
• Resistant to chewing (harder plastic varieties)
• Generally more affordable than wood

Cons:

• Poor insulation — gets hot in summer and cold in winter
• Less attractive than wood — industrial appearance
• Can become brittle in extreme cold or UV exposure over time
• Limited size options for large breeds

Best for: Mild climates, easy-clean priorities, temporary or portable setups.

🐾 The Coziwow 36"L Weatherproof Plastic Dog House ($119.99) is a durable, weatherproof plastic option for small-to-medium dogs. Lightweight and easy to clean, it's ideal for owners who want a low-maintenance outdoor shelter.

Aluminum / Metal

Aluminum dog houses are the most durable option available — virtually indestructible under normal use, completely weatherproof, and resistant to chewing, rust, and UV degradation.

Pros:

• Exceptional durability — outlasts wood and plastic significantly
• Completely weatherproof and rust-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Resistant to chewing — ideal for destructive dogs
• Unique, modern aesthetic

Cons:

• Poor insulation — conducts heat and cold efficiently
• Can get very hot in direct summer sun
• Higher price point
• Heavier than plastic

Best for: Destructive dogs, mild climates, owners who prioritize maximum durability.

🐾 The Coziwow 35"L Irregular Aluminum Weatherproof Dog House ($239.99) features a unique irregular shape design in durable aluminum construction. Completely weatherproof, easy to clean, and built to last — a premium choice for medium-to-large dogs in mild climates.

📍 Step 3: Choose the Right Placement

Even the best dog house will be underused if it's placed in the wrong location. Placement affects temperature, comfort, security, and how willing your dog is to use the house.

Sun and Shade

• Summer: Position in a shaded area that avoids direct afternoon sun. A dog house in full sun on a hot day can reach dangerous interior temperatures. East-facing placement gets gentle morning sun and afternoon shade.
• Winter: Position to catch some winter sun for passive warming. South-facing placement maximizes winter sun exposure in the northern hemisphere.
• Year-round: A position with morning sun and afternoon shade works well in most climates for year-round use.

Wind Protection

Position the dog house so the entrance faces away from prevailing winds. In most regions, this means facing south or east. Place against a fence, wall, or hedge for additional wind protection on the windward side.

Drainage and Ground Surface

• Never place a dog house in a low-lying area where water collects after rain
• Elevate the house off the ground if possible — this prevents ground moisture from wicking up into the floor and keeps the interior drier and warmer
• Place on a level, stable surface: concrete, pavers, or compacted gravel all work well
• Avoid placing directly on grass — the ground beneath will become muddy and the house base will rot faster

Proximity to the Home

Dogs are social animals who want to be near their family. A dog house positioned where your dog can see the back door or a window is more likely to be used than one tucked in a far corner of the garden. Proximity to the home also makes it easier to monitor your dog and check on them in bad weather.

Security and Visibility

Position the dog house so your dog has a clear view of the garden from the entrance. Dogs feel more secure when they can see their territory from their resting spot — a house facing a wall or fence with no view is less appealing than one with an open outlook.

💡 Additional Features to Consider

Insulation

For cold climates, insulation is the most important additional feature. A dog house with an insulated floor, walls, and roof maintains a significantly warmer interior temperature than an uninsulated one. The Coziwow 59"L Insulated Dog House includes a detachable thermal liner that can be added in winter and removed in summer — the most flexible insulation solution available.

Elevated Floor

An elevated floor keeps the interior dry by preventing ground moisture from entering and improving air circulation underneath. Essential for wet climates and for dogs who spend extended time in the house.

Slanted Roof

A slanted roof channels rain and snow away from the entrance and prevents water from pooling on top of the house. Essential for outdoor use in rainy climates.

Removable Roof or Panels

A removable roof or side panels make cleaning the interior significantly easier. Without this feature, cleaning requires your dog to be removed and the house to be tipped or disassembled.

Integrated Run or Exercise Area

For dogs who spend significant time outdoors, a dog house with an attached run provides both shelter and exercise space in one structure. The Coziwow 46"L 2-in-1 Wooden Aluminum Dog House with Run ($339.99) combines both in a single, easy-to-assemble unit.

📊 Coziwow Dog House Comparison

📝 Dog House Buying Checklist

• ☐ Measured my dog (length, height) and chosen appropriate interior dimensions
• ☐ Chosen material based on climate and maintenance preference
• ☐ Confirmed the house has a weatherproof, slanted roof
• ☐ Confirmed the floor is elevated or moisture-resistant
• ☐ Considered insulation needs for my climate
• ☐ Identified a placement location with appropriate shade and wind protection
• ☐ Confirmed the entrance faces away from prevailing winds
• ☐ Checked that the location has good drainage
• ☐ Considered whether an attached run would benefit my dog

Final Thoughts

The right outdoor dog house — correctly sized, made from the right material, and placed in the right location — becomes a space your dog genuinely loves. You'll know you've got it right when you see your dog choosing to rest in their house voluntarily, even when they could be elsewhere.

Take the time to measure, research, and place it thoughtfully. Your dog will reward you with years of contented outdoor living. 🐕✨

Find the perfect outdoor dog house at Coziwow. Use code COZIWOW for 10% off your first order!