Making sure you purchase an appropriately sized dog house is more important than you might think. The right size will make your dog feel safe and secure, so taking the time to measure him and determine the appropriate size is one of the most important parts of shopping. Once you figure out what size dog house your pooch needs, you can start exploring our amazing selection.
Measuring Your Dog
To determine the appropriate dog house size, your dog’s weight is a good starting point. However, if your breed is between sizes or your dog’s weight doesn’t accurately reflect her body size, it’s best to measure your dog.
Ideally, the dog house needs to be just big enough for your pup to enter, turn around, and lie down. During the colder months, your pet’s body heat retention may be sacrificed if the house is too big.
Follow these easy steps to find the perfect dog house for your furriest family member …
The height of a dog house door should be approximately 75 percent as tall as your dog’s shoulder-to-ground measurement. Multiply this figure by 0.75 to determine the appropriate door height. Large doors aren’t necessary, because dogs typically lower their heads to enter.
Example: If your dog’s shoulder-to-ground measurement is 19 in., the door should be at least 14.25 in. tall.
Measure your dog from head to ground. You’ll need a dog house that’s at least 25 percent taller than this measurement, but try not to go more than 50 percent taller – if you do, your dog may have trouble keeping warm. Multiply your pet’s height by 1.25 and 1.5 to determine the minimum and maximum heights.
Example: If your dog is 22 in. tall, the total dog house height should be between 27.5 and 33 in. tall.
The width and length of a dog house should be about 25 percent larger than your dog’s nose-to-flank length. To calculate, measure your dog from her nose to the base of her tail, and multiply the result by 1.25.
Example: If your dog’s length is 25 in., the dog house needs to be at least 31.25 in. wide on each side.
Dog Houses by Size
Small & Extra Small Dogs
Measurements:
- 25 lbs. or fewer
- Shoulder to ground: 10-15 in.
- Nose to tail: 16-24 in.
- Head to ground: 12-16 in.
Breed Examples:
- Beagle
- Chihuahua
- Cocker Spaniel
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Pug
Medium & Intermediate Dogs
Measurements:
- 26-75 lbs.
- Shoulder to ground: 15-25 in.
- Nose to tail: 25-35 in.
- Head to ground: 20-30 in.
Breed Examples:
- Boxer
- Springer Spaniel
- Border Collie
- Bulldog
Large Dogs
Measurements:
- 75-100 lbs
- Shoulder to ground: 25-30 in.
- Nose to tail: 35-40 in.
- Head to ground: 30-40 in.
Breed Examples:
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Irish Setter
- Rottweiler
Extra Large Dogs
Measurements:
- 100+ lbs.
- Shoulder to ground: 30+ in.
- Nose to tail: 40+ in.
- Head to ground: 38+ in.
Breed Examples:
- Great Dane
- Great Pyrenees
- Newfoundland
- Saint Bernard
