Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best dog houses for large dogs to keep the elements out

Your outdoor pet needs a new crib to keep them safe from the sun, rain, and wind. Order a house for large dogs to keep your pet off the ground in any season and to give them a comfortable place to rest. To help you find the right style and size, we’ve listed the best homes here.

Large dog houses for outside use are available in different styles similar to traditional real estate. Popular designs include log cabins, barns, villas, and even igloos. Companies craft these homes with solid wood or hard plastic, often with tough metal frames and asphalt roofs. If your dog is strictly an outdoor pet, make sure the roof, sides, and interior are properly insulated according to the weather. A waterproof mattress or pad is also a good idea to make the sleeping surface softer. Moreover, keep in mind that some houses for large dogs are higher off the ground than others. Lastly, consider what size your dog is before purchasing or if you need a doghouse for two large dogs. Though many companies offer sizable homes, it differs between each design. Let’s check out our choices.

Petmate Precision Log Cabin

Best Cabin Style

Petmate’s doghouse is a cabin style abode featuring a weatherproof asphalt roof, solid wood sides, and stainless-steel hardware. The raised floor keeps the inside from heating up, while the slanted roof diverts rain and snow onto the ground. Adjustable legs allow installation on a variety of surfaces including grass, concrete, and dirt.

Trixie Outdoor Wooden Dog House

Best Adjustable Legs

The clean, saltbox-roof house from Trixie is built with adjustable legs that keep the home stable on uneven surfaces. It also ensures proper ventilation on hot days, keeping your pet nice and cool. Made of glazed pine siding, the tongue-and-groove design provides extra security against the elements. Its larger-than-average opening makes access a breeze for senior dogs or dogs with disabilities.

Petsfit Dog House

Best With Door Flap

The Petsfit house includes a convenient door flap that provides extra insulation and allows you to keep an eye on your pet from inside. Its roof features a slanted design to keep water off and a flip-top mechanism for easy cleaning. Made of natural cedar and painted with water-based paint, this house rivals plastic alternatives when it comes to quality. With predrilled holes, this dog home is a cinch to build.

Large dog houses for sale offer much in the way of design, color, material, and weather protection. Solid wood is a popular choice for its insulation and durability, though tough plastic is a close second. Consider dog-friendly features like adjustable legs, slanted roofs, and sturdy metal hardware to ensure comfort throughout the year. Take a look at our list to see which home fits your criteria.

PawTracks Contributor
PawTracks Contributor
How to teach your dog burrito, the most adorable dog trick
Here are the 4 steps to learn the dog burrito
A frenchie makes himself into a dog burrito by wrapping himself in a blanket

What's the cutest trick you've ever seen your dog do? We bet this will top it. Plus, many well-trained dogs will probably pick it up pretty quickly. If you haven't seen this trend yet, check out the adorable and hilarious dog burrito. It's exactly like it sounds, meaning your pooch wraps himself up in a blanket and turns himself into a lunch lookalike. The video breaks it down into exactly what steps you need to take to teach your pup this move.

There are a number of tricks to teach your dog, and you probably started out with sit. In order to get to dog burrito level, he needs to have some of that baseline already down. Set to Meghan Trainor's "Made You Look," the video starts out with a very sweet Maltipoo named Bingo standing on a rug.

Read more
Looking for a fluffy and affectionate pup? Give the American Eskimo dog a try
Considering a spitz? Take a look at the American Eskimo dog
American Eskimo dog smiling at the camera

At first glance, you might confuse an American Eskimo dog with a shih tzu or even a Pomeranian. Or you might mix them up with the Canadian Eskimo dog, a 4,000-year-old animal that's native to America and was bred by the Inuit to pull sleds. But the American Eskimo dog (or Eskie) is a totally separate breed that's both beautiful and family-friendly. While no dog is right for everyone, you should consider this beastie if you want a unique and lovable pup. They might be exactly what your home needs to become complete.
Where does the American Eskimo dog come from?
Don't be fooled by the name, this pup came about in the 1800s and was bred by German immigrants as a farm dog. That means it's one of many spitz dogs, which also includes the malamute, Icelandic sheepdog, and Samoyed. The name was changed because of anti-German sentiments around World War I. Interestingly, this was a very popular show dog, and many performed in the circus and on stage! If you do wind up adopting an Eskie, you could get a regular old diva.
What is this breed like?
These fluffy friends can stay as small as 6 pounds in the toy size or up to 35 pounds, which can be standard, but they all have huge personalities regardless of stature. Because the American Eskimo dog was a working breed, they need a lot more exercise than you'd think just by looking. But they're highly trainable, loving toward people, and very energetic, so you should have no problem taking them on walks and to outdoor gatherings. If your routine already includes hikes or even strolls, the American Eskimo dog might be your perfect companion.

Who should get an Eskie?
This is a family dog through and through. Eskies require a lot of interaction and love — they sometimes misbehave if not given enough attention, which could include chewing up your favorite furniture or barking incessantly at seemingly nothing. That means you want to think carefully before committing to them, as you would with any pup.

Read more
4 reasons why your dog might need a diaper (and which kind you should get)
When considering dog diapers, you need to think first about their purpose
Dog gets a green reusable diaper

Most dog owners luckily never need to reach for the diaper bag — we potty train our puppies and often enjoy the results for their whole lives. However, there are a few reasons why you might need to invest in dog diapers. Some of these are passing conditions, but as your pet ages, you may find that dog diapers become a part of your routine. It sounds a bit unpleasant, but with a little help, you can tackle it.
Why might my pet need them?
While most dogs will hopefully never have to wear any, they could wind up in doggie depends, temporarily or for life. Some pet parents use diapers when they know they won't be able to let their animal out to potty -- on a long plane ride for example. That's a good time for a one-off. Here are a few reasons you might need to stock your drawers with dog diapers.
They've gotten older
As pets age, sometimes incontinence sets in (and it could happen to you, too). This comes from the muscles of the bladder getting weaker and not performing as well, meaning a little bit of pee leaks through. It's much more common in female dogs, but can happen to any pooch.
She's in heat
Not totally unlike when a human has monthly bleeding, you might spot a bit of bloody discharge from a female dog in heat (fortunately, it doesn't happen as often, only a couple times per year). She also may urinate more frequently or even scent mark during this time.
He needs to be fixed
Before neutering, male dogs often mark, sometimes almost constantly, particularly if they can smell a female dog in heat nearby. If you're choosing not to neuter, you'll have to use a belly band a lot, though sometimes dogs can be trained out of this behavior with time and dedication.
They have a health condition
If your animal suddenly starts losing control of their wee, it's likely something simple, such as a urinary tract infection. Some long-term conditions like Cushing's disease, diabetes, and kidney problems could also be the issue. Work with your pet care team to ensure that a diaper won't interfere with topical medication or spread bacteria.

What kind of diaper should I get?
There are a few different kinds out there, depending on exactly what issue you're working on with your pet. Many male dogs, especially if they are really just scent marking, will require a . Female dogs in heat likely require a , but don't worry, there's a little hole for the tail. Do a bit of research including buying one kind and seeing if it works. Try to be as sustainable as possible and purchase cloth options that can go straight into the wash when possible.

Read more