Dog House Crate Or Kennels - Which is right for your pup?
Dog House, Crate Or Kennel? Choosing The Best Option
October 2025
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Whether it’s walks that have defined your days or cuddles that have elongated your evenings, there really is nothing better than pleasing your pampered pooch, and a bed is the best place to start!
Just like us, our canine companions sleep best in warm, safe and restful nests, made extra cozy with a comfortable bed or cushion. Luckily for you, OfficialDogHouse’s online shelves are packed with the best range of doggie homes and crates to fit this very purpose. So, whether your pup will be relaxing indoors or enjoying life alfresco, you’ll never have to worry about where they rest their hairy head again.
In this helpful guide, we’ll take you through some of the finest pet shelters on offer, determining which is most likely to set your treasure’s tail wagging. After all, who doesn’t love an animal accessory?
Dog houses, crates, kennels: what should I know about each?
The world of canine comforts can truly feel like a minefield but don’t fear - we’re here to help! Although houses, crates and kennels all sound pretty similar, they actually possess a variety of distinctive characteristics, so it’s important to know the difference before you buy. Take a look through the definitions below to decide which style is most fitting for your four-legged family.
Dog house: this is a small outdoor shed that’s commonly built in the shape of a lodge, which provides your hound with a sense of sanctuary and security (as well as protection) from various weather conditions. Several materials can be used to build these homes, including plastic, resin, hardboard, and wood (if the alpine theme is your vibe).
Crate: while a dog house tends to be a more permanent fixture, a crate is a metal, wood, plastic, or fabric enclosure in which a dog may be kept for means of security, training or transportation. They’re fundamentally designed to replicate a pup’s natural den and can provide them with a place of refuge at home or when travelling to new surroundings. For a further touch of class and sophistication, covers can also be added to enhance the overall appearance.
Kennel: similar to a dog house, a kennel is usually stored outside and is typically constructed from materials such as wood, metal and canvas. They can be fashioned into a number of attractive designs, from log lodge to pitched cottage, and can really add that special sense of je ne sais quoi to your outdoor space.
Things to consider before buying a doggie dwelling
Now that we’ve established the basics, let’s delve straight into some info on canine cabins and their advantages. If your pooch spends a lot of time outside, regardless of the climate, it’s definitely worth investing in a doggie house or kennel. Not only do these outdoor doghouses provide shelter from the elements (super convenient in heavy rain or intense heat), the shelter also offers a relaxing space where your companion can nap and chill.
When searching for your kennel, there are three main things to consider: size, material, and design. Depending on your pup’s proportions and preferences, some lodges may be more suitable than others.
Size: The most important consideration when purchasing a house, is the size of your dog. Bigger is not always better in this circumstance, as pets enjoy the snug and safe feeling of slightly smaller spaces. The right home should be big enough for your pal to comfortably stand up and turn all the way around in, but not any larger. They should also be able to stretch out contentedly when fully lying down. As a general rule of thumb, 1-10lbs breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas and puppies will need an XXS kennel, whereas the 76-110lbs varieties like German Shepherds, Great Danes and Mastiffs would probably be more at ease in an XL-XXL model.
Material: most dog houses are made of either plastic or wood, and both can be great choices. Your decision on this front can be more about the aesthetic, reflecting whatever ‘look’ you’re trying to achieve, but should also be dependent on the climate of your area. Typically more expensive, wooden options are usually more eye-catching and realistic, offering greater protection and better insulation for your pup during the winter. Plastic alternatives, though cheap and less natural can, in some cases, be more practical: they’re lighter, making them easier to transport, and don’t rot, meaning they won’t need regular refinishing.
Design: again, a vital decision. There are a number of design elements to consider for long-term doggie dwelling use, including the door (this can be useful for keeping the weather out and body heat in), the floor (the best houses have raised floors that keep moisture and insects out), the roof (most come with either pitched or flat roofs), and ventilation (crucial for both hot and cold climates) - look out for slotted openings or small windows that afford protection but also provide airflow.
Top tip: if you travel with your pup a lot and fancy something more portable, it might be worth investing in a nylon pop-up portable fabric crate or playpen. As well as being incredibly easy to pack and assemble, these helpful homes offer fantastic temporary protection for camping and holidaying purposes.
Choosing the right crate for your canine
Dog crates, also known as dog cages, are designed to hold your pooch for shorter periods of time. Typically consisting of wire frames with removable tray bases, they’re available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and substances, and have five major uses:
Open area: some pups benefit from having an open ‘den’ area where they can safely run around and play. Much like a nursery pen for a child, it can be a great way to keep an eye on your pet while carrying on with your daily tasks.
Training aid: crates can be of great use when toilet training and really help your puppies adapt to being left alone.
Short-term confinement: when owner supervision isn’t possible.
Veterinary advised: in some circumstances, a vet may advise the use of a crate, perhaps after surgery or to hasten recovery. A comfort cushion can also make a great addition to a cage of this function, particularly as an antibacterial alternative to pillows.
Transportation: specially designed for car journeys, these ergonomically-shaped enclosures are great for helping your dog to feel safe and secure in any moving vehicle.
Like kennels, crates come with a plethora of furniture and accessories that can truly indulge your pooch. Trays are durable, removable pans that are incredibly useful when housetraining your puppy. Straightforward to install and effortless to wipe down, they’re also convenient to have on-hand when muddy prints or food bowls are at play. Covers are also a fantastic way to upgrade your cage without breaking the bank. Simply slip over your crate to enhance the cosy feel and amplify the airflow.
Soft alternatives are far lighter in weight than other wire models, and are typically easier to set up and fold away after use. Many flexible-sided crates, including the Foldable Carrier have two or three doors, so you can let your dog in from the side, front or top, providing several options for treat-giving and stroking in the car. Be wary of these mesh panel palaces if your companion is more excitable though… the fabric is easily torn!
On a more boujee note, luxury cages are intended to blend with any home décor, and can make a striking addition to any living room or kitchen.
Kennel vs. crate: which one is better?
Dog kennels and crates are both convenient and advantageous structures for your pet. They help to teach discipline and independence, crucially offer a sense of unmatched security, make travelling safe, and protect your pup from all the outdoor elements. With either of these in your animal arsenal, you’ll never have to worry about displeasing your pooch again.
That being said though, there are several perks and restrictions to each, and it’s vital to consider these before purchasing your new den of zen. Kennels are perhaps best for very large dogs and more aggressive breeds that may need to be restrained during the day. They may also be the most appropriate option for canines who like to spend most of their time outdoors.
Crates, on the other hand, are fantastic for owners who enjoy travelling with their furry friends, need assistance with training, or want to reduce separation anxiety. Trust us, this one’s pretty common.
Top dog houses and crates
Having discerned the difference between a crate and cage, a kennel and a dog house, let’s dive into our collection of the best models on offer, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of each.
A wood or wood look material dog house is often the most desirable type of outdoor shelter for your dog because of its appealing design. Many sizes and models are available at OfficialDoghouse .One will surely accommodate your pup and enhance your outdoor landscape.
Pros: With the integrated wheels, the crate can easily we moved room to room or used for travel. Available in a range of sizes and offers 3 door versatility so it can be placed just about anywhere.
Cons: Wire exterior may appear clunky or unattractive in modern homes, no door on the roof
This Rolling 3 door dog crate would make an eye-catching addition to your home, ideal for use when house-training puppies or new dogs. Guiding and educating your pets can be an incredibly stressful experience, but this cage is specially designed to help with the schooling process.
Allowing you to choose a size, dependent on your doggy’s dimensions, is a super convenient quality that will really go down a treat (no pun intended!) with your canine companion. As a guide, opt for the 30 pound for a Small for Bichon Frises and Terriers, Medium for any Spaniels, Basset Hounds and Bull Terriers, Large for Border Collies, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Labradors. The scope and diversity is truly endless!
Pups naturally seek out smaller spaces to curl up in, so this cage is perfect for any age and breed of hound.
Unfortunately, The wire aesthetic may also be off-putting for some owners, as the sides may appear industrial and unfriendly.
The best for outdoor play | Outdoor Play Pen
Pros: Simple, versatile portable design. Can be configured as a pen ,or used as a barrier to keep your pet only where she is allowed to roam.
Cons: Plastic material may not be to everyone’s taste. Lightweight may not be best for groups of large dogs.
With an all-weather design, this pen/barrier can easily be used both indoors and outside, requiring very little maintenance to keep it in great working shape. The functionality offering complete portability and versatility – what more could you want?
The only major disadvantage lies with the manufacturer’s material itself. Despite being lightweight and easy to sterilize, the plastic-looking material may not be to everyone’s taste.
The puppy-proof phenomenon | A Durable Metal Crate
Pros: Galvanized steel frame is incredibly durable, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons: Chain-link mesh sidewalls may seem distasteful and unappealing, only suitable for puppies
Like a metal dog crate, this strong and sturdy cage is the perfect companion when training your rambunctious pup. Providing safety, security and comfort, it’s both versatile and nifty, suitable for a range of uses: playing, exercising, training, and restraining (to name just a few). In short, it’s the perfect playhouse paradise for all your furry friends!
The heavy-duty galvanized steel frame outside enclosure provides ample space for many dogs, and helps to prevent any unexpected accidents with the surrounding chain link mesh. This not only enables airflow (keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer), it also keeps you safe in the knowledge that your puppy won’t come to any harm.
The top canopy, constructed from 100% polyethylene, is fire-resistant and UV protected, offering protection from the sun, rain, snow, and other weather conditions. The hinged door with lockable latch system ensures extra security, and the entire pen is incredibly easy to assemble. The door can be installed on the left or right side too, depending on your preferences and needs.
This cage is also mostly reserved for puppies, so may not be the best option for someone with an older hound.
The fresh-air Fabric Cage | Soft Fabric Dog Playpen
Pros: Available in a range of striking colors to suit every dog and owner, easy to fully fold
Cons: Reduced size means its better suited to smaller dogs, mesh not ideal for excitable pups
The portable folding dog crate is fun and eye-catching, and is available in a variety of colors to keep your pup stimulated while looking stylish. The mesh fabric design is breathable, comfortable, easily stored, and effortless to wipe down – handy for those with messy pups! The simple pop-up design makes it easy to set up and remove.
Equipped with multiple zippers, the structure is safe, secure, and easy to keep fresh. Best of all, it can quickly be folded flat, for storing in the car or a cupboard – great for travelling and vacationing purposes. Your pooch won’t even need a suitcase!
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