The Ultimate Dog House Guide UK

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Let’s be honest, we Brits are a nation of dog lovers. We’ll brave a drizzly walk on a Tuesday morning, share the last biscuit from the tin, and even let them hog the best spot on the sofa. Our dogs aren’t just pets; they’re family. And just like any family member, they deserve a space of their own—a safe, cosy retreat where they can watch the world go by, snooze in the sun, or shelter from a classic British downpour.

That’s where a dog house, or kennel, comes in. But finding the right one isn’t as simple as picking a wooden box from the garden centre. A good dog house is more than just shelter; it’s a den, a safe haven, and a crucial part of your dog’s well-being. A bad one? Well, it can be draughty, damp, and downright miserable—a place your dog will avoid at all costs.

Choosing the perfect dog house means thinking about your dog’s size, the unpredictable UK weather, the best materials, and even where to place it in your garden. It can feel like a lot to consider. But don’t worry. We’re here to walk you through every step of the process. This is the ultimate guide to finding a dog house that your furry friend will truly love, a little home within your home.

Why Bother with a Dog House Anyway?

You might be wondering if a dog house is really necessary, especially if your dog spends most of their time indoors. But even for the most pampered pooch, a dedicated outdoor kennel offers some brilliant benefits.

A Private Den and a Safe Space

Dogs are den animals by instinct. Their wild ancestors sought out small, enclosed spaces to rest, raise their young, and feel secure. This instinct hasn’t gone away. A dog house provides a cosy, private space that’s entirely theirs. It’s a place they can retreat to when they need a bit of quiet time, away from the hustle and bustle of the house. This can be especially comforting for anxious dogs, giving them a sanctuary where they feel safe and in control.

Shelter from the Great British Weather

Ah, British weather. One minute it’s glorious sunshine, the next it’s blowing a gale and chucking it down. A well-chosen dog house provides essential protection from all the elements.

Rain and Wind: A waterproof, draught-free kennel keeps your dog dry and comfortable, preventing them from getting chilled and potentially ill.
Summer Sun: We might not get scorching heat all that often, but when we do, it can be dangerous for dogs. A shaded, well-ventilated kennel offers a cool spot to escape the midday sun and reduce the risk of heatstroke.
The Cold: A properly insulated dog house will trap your dog’s body heat, keeping them warm and snug during those frosty winter months.

Safety and Temporary Containment

There are times when you need to keep your dog safely contained outside for short periods. Maybe you’ve got guests arriving, the gardener is working with machinery, or you’re just popping out for a few minutes. A comfortable kennel (perhaps within a secure run) ensures your dog is safe and can’t wander off or get into mischief. It’s a much kinder and safer solution than simply tethering them.

Getting the Size Right: A Palace, Not a Prison

When it comes to dog houses, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, choosing the wrong size is one of the most common mistakes people make. The perfect kennel should be a snug fit—big enough for your dog to be comfortable, but small enough to feel secure and stay warm.

Why Size Matters So Much

A dog house that’s too big is difficult to heat. In winter, your dog relies on their own body heat to warm up the space. If the kennel is cavernous, that precious heat will escape, and your dog will struggle to stay warm. It’s like trying to heat a cathedral with a single candle.

On the other hand, a dog house that’s too small is cruel and uncomfortable. Your dog won’t be able to stand, stretch, or turn around properly, and they’ll feel cramped and unhappy.

The goal is to find the ‘Goldilocks’ size: just right.

How to Measure Your Dog

To find the perfect size, you’ll need to take two simple measurements of your dog. Grab a tape measure and a friend to help keep your dog still (a few treats will also work wonders!).

Height (A): With your dog standing on all fours, measure from the ground up to the top of their head or the tips of their ears, whichever is higher.
Length (B): With your dog in a comfortable standing position, measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail (not the tip!).

The Golden Rules of Dog House Dimensions

Once you have your measurements, use these simple rules to find the ideal kennel dimensions:

Height: The kennel’s ceiling should be no more than 25-50% taller than your dog’s standing height (A). This gives them enough headroom to stand up comfortably without being so high that heat escapes.
Length and Width: The kennel should be just long and wide enough for your dog to walk in, turn around easily, and lie down fully stretched out. A good starting point is that the length and width should each be roughly 25% longer than your dog’s body length (B).
Doorway: The entrance should be just tall enough for your dog to enter without having to crouch too much. The bottom of the doorway should be raised a few inches off the floor to act as a barrier against rain and drafts.

A Quick Size Guide for Popular UK Breeds

To give you a better idea, here’s a rough guide for some of Britain’s favourite breeds. Always measure your own dog, as sizes can vary, but this should help you get started.

Breed Examples	Dog Height (Approx)	Dog Length (Approx)	Recommended Kennel Size (Internal L x W x H)
Small: Jack Russell, Border Terrier, Patterdale	30-40 cm	40-50 cm	65cm x 50cm x 50cm
Medium: Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Beagle	40-55 cm	60-75 cm	95cm x 65cm x 70cm
Large: Labrador, Golden Retriever, Border Collie	55-65 cm	80-100 cm	120cm x 80cm x 85cm
Extra Large: German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Great Dane	65-85 cm+	100-120 cm+	150cm x 95cm x 110cm+

Remember: These are internal measurements. Always check the product details before you buy.

Material Matters: Wood vs. Plastic and Everything in Between

The material your dog house is made from has a huge impact on its durability, insulation, and how it looks in your garden. The two most popular choices are wood and plastic, each with its own set of pros and cons.

The Classic Choice: Wooden Dog Houses

There’s a reason wood is the traditional material for kennels. It’s strong, looks fantastic, and offers some great natural benefits.

Pros:
- Excellent Natural Insulator: Wood is much better at keeping the heat in during winter and the cool in during summer compared to plastic.
- Strong and Sturdy: A well-built wooden kennel is heavy and robust, standing up well to wind and boisterous dogs.
- Chew-Resistant: Thick, solid wood is much harder for a determined chewer to destroy.
- Looks Great: A wooden kennel blends beautifully into a traditional British garden setting.
Cons:
- Requires Maintenance: To prevent it from rotting, warping, or becoming infested with pests, wood needs to be treated regularly (at least once a year) with a pet-safe preservative.
- Heavy: This makes it difficult to move around the garden once assembled.
- Can Absorb Odours: If not cleaned properly, wood can start to smell over time.
- Potentially Higher Cost: Good quality wooden kennels are often more expensive than their plastic counterparts.

What to look for in a wooden kennel: Look for kennels made from solid, pressure-treated timber like cedar or fir. Pressure-treated wood has had preservatives forced deep into it, making it far more resistant to rot and insects. Ensure any paints or stains used are non-toxic and pet-safe.

The Modern Alternative: Plastic Dog Houses

Plastic kennels have become increasingly popular thanks to their convenience and lower price point.

Pros:
- Easy to Clean: The non-porous surface is a breeze to hose down and disinfect, making it very hygienic.
- Lightweight: Easy to move for cleaning or repositioning in the garden.
- Rot and Pest Proof: Plastic won’t rot, and there’s nowhere for fleas or mites to hide and breed.
- Often Cheaper: Generally more budget-friendly than wood.
Cons:
- Poor Insulation: This is the biggest drawback. Plastic gets incredibly hot in direct sun and freezing cold in winter. It offers very little protection from temperature extremes.
- Can Be Flimsy: Cheaper models can be lightweight and may get blown about in strong winds.
- Can Degrade Over Time: Sunlight can make plastic brittle and prone to cracking after a few years.
- Less Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s face it, a plastic dome doesn’t have the same rustic charm as a wooden cabin.

What to look for in a plastic kennel: If you opt for plastic, choose a model made from thick, heavy-duty, UV-protected material. This will make it more durable and less likely to degrade in the sun. Good ventilation is also essential to stop it from turning into an oven in summer.

The Gold Standard: Insulated Dog Houses

For the UK climate, an insulated dog house is the absolute best choice you can make for your dog’s year-round comfort. These are usually wooden kennels designed with a cavity between an inner and outer wall, which is filled with an insulating material like polystyrene foam—much like the walls of your own house.

An insulated kennel stays cooler in the summer and, most importantly, traps your dog’s body heat to stay significantly warmer in the winter. It’s a bigger investment upfront, but it provides unbeatable comfort and protection, making it well worth the cost.

Key Design Features to Look For

Beyond size and material, a few clever design features can make a world of difference to your dog’s comfort and your convenience.

A Smart Roof

Pitched/Slanted Roof: This is a must-have in Britain. A slanted roof ensures rain runs straight off instead of pooling on top, which can cause leaks and rot.
Hinged Roof: A roof that opens on hinges is a game-changer for cleaning. It gives you full, easy access to the inside, so you can give it a proper scrub without having to crawl through the doorway.
Overhang: A slight overhang or porch above the door provides extra protection, stopping rain from driving straight into the kennel.

A Raised Floor

Never buy a dog house that sits directly on the ground. A floor that is raised up on small legs is absolutely essential. This creates a layer of air underneath, which does two crucial things:

It stops cold and damp from the wet ground from seeping up through the floor.
It allows air to circulate, which helps to prevent the base from rotting.

An Off-Centre Doorway

This is a simple but brilliant feature. Instead of being placed in the middle of a wall, the doorway is positioned to one side. This creates a sheltered corner inside the kennel, away from the entrance, where your dog can curl up, protected from wind and rain blowing directly in.

Good Ventilation

It might seem odd to want openings in a house designed to keep the weather out, but ventilation is vital. Small, strategically placed vents (usually near the roof) allow moist air from your dog’s breathing to escape. This prevents condensation from building up, which can make the kennel damp, smelly, and unhealthy. It also ensures a steady supply of fresh air.

A Door Flap (Optional)

Heavy-duty plastic or rubber strips over the doorway can provide an extra barrier against wind and rain. Some dogs love them, while others are a bit nervous about pushing through them. They can be a great addition for winter, and you can always remove them in the summer if you wish.

Location, Location, Location: Where to Put It

You’ve found the perfect kennel—now, where in the garden should it go? The right spot can make a huge difference to how much your dog uses and enjoys their new home.

The Ideal Spot

Shelter and Shade: Position the kennel in a spot that offers some natural protection from the elements. Place it against a house wall, a sturdy fence, or under the cover of some evergreen trees. This will shield it from the worst of the wind and provide shade from the hot afternoon sun. Face the doorway away from the prevailing wind, which in the UK usually comes from the south-west.
A View of the Action: Dogs are social creatures. They’ll be happiest if their kennel is in a spot where they can see the back door of your house or the patio. They want to feel part of the family, even when they’re outside, and being able to watch you come and go is comforting for them.
On High, Dry Ground: Choose a level bit of ground that doesn’t turn into a puddle every time it rains. For a really top-tier setup, place the kennel on a solid, level base like a few paving slabs or a shallow bed of gravel. This provides a stable footing and further protects the base from damp.

Spots to Avoid

The Bottom of a Slope: This is where rainwater will collect, creating a damp, muddy mess.
In Full, All-Day Sun: A kennel left in the open with no shade will become dangerously hot in summer.
Right on a Boundary: Placing the kennel right next to a neighbour’s fence or a busy footpath might encourage barking and could lead to complaints.

Making It a Home: Bedding and Comfort

An empty kennel is just a box. To turn it into a cosy den, you need to add some comfortable bedding. Bedding provides warmth, cushions your dog’s joints, and makes the space inviting.

Choosing the Right Bedding

Vet Bedding/Dry fleece: This is a popular and practical choice. It’s soft and warm, but it’s also designed to draw moisture away from the surface, keeping your dog dry even if they come in with damp paws. It’s also machine washable.
Durable, Waterproof Beds: You can get tough, waterproof dog beds designed specifically for outdoor kennels. They are easy to wipe clean and stand up to a bit of rough and tumble.
Straw: For a more traditional and budget-friendly option, a deep bed of clean, dry straw is an excellent insulator. It’s cheap to replace and allows moisture to drain away. Just be sure to change it regularly to keep it fresh and clean. Avoid hay, as it can go mouldy quickly when damp.

What to avoid: Don’t use old blankets, duvets, or towels. They absorb moisture, stay damp for ages, and can quickly become mouldy and smelly, creating an unhealthy environment for your dog.

The Nitty-Gritty: Assembly and Maintenance

A little bit of care will ensure your dog’s house lasts for years and remains a healthy, pleasant place for them to be.

Assembly

Most dog houses arrive flat-packed. Don’t panic! They are usually designed for simple home assembly with basic tools. It’s a good idea to lay all the pieces out and read the instructions before you start. It’s often a two-person job, so grab a friend or family member to help. Make sure every screw is tight and all the panels are flush to create a solid, draught-free structure.

Regular Cleaning

You should give the kennel a quick clean once a week and a deep clean once a month.

Weekly: Remove all bedding and shake it out. Sweep out any loose dirt, hair, or leftover food.
Monthly: Take everything out and wash the bedding. Use a pet-safe disinfectant to scrub the floor and walls, both inside and out. A hose or pressure washer is great for this. Let it dry completely in the sun before putting fresh bedding back in.

Annual Maintenance (for Wooden Kennels)

Once a year, usually in the late summer, give your wooden kennel a bit of TLC.

Give it a thorough clean and let it dry completely.
Check for any signs of damage—splintered wood, loose screws, or signs of chewing. Make any necessary repairs.
Re-treat the entire exterior with a fresh coat of a non-toxic, pet-safe wood preservative or paint. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect it from the weather and make it last.

Legal and Neighbourly Bits and Bobs

Finally, there are a couple of practical things to keep in mind here in the UK.

Planning Permission

For a standard-sized dog kennel, you almost certainly will not need planning permission. It’s considered a temporary structure. However, if you are planning on building a very large kennel and run, or if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, it is always a good idea to have a quick, informal chat with your local council’s planning department just to be safe.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006

This law states that all pet owners have a legal ‘duty of care’. This means you are required by law to provide for your pet’s needs, which includes:

A proper diet.
Somewhere suitable to live.
The ability to express normal behaviour.
Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.

Providing a clean, safe, appropriately sized, and protective kennel is a key part of fulfilling this duty of care for a dog that spends time outside.

The Future of Dog Houses

Believe it or not, even the humble dog house is getting a 21st-century makeover. We’re starting to see kennels with features like climate control systems that can be adjusted from your phone, built-in cameras so you can check in on your pooch, and even automatic water bowls. There’s also a growing trend towards using sustainable, eco-friendly materials and modular designs that you can adapt as your needs change.

The Final Word

Choosing a dog house isn’t just another purchase; it’s an investment in your dog’s happiness, health, and security. By taking the time to consider the right size, material, and design, you’re not just buying a kennel—you’re creating a personal sanctuary for your best friend.

A perfect dog house will be their cosy corner of the world, a place where they can feel safe from the wind and rain, cool in the summer sun, and watch over their family. And seeing them curled up, happy and content in their very own pad? Well, that’s a feeling any dog lover will tell you is absolutely priceless.