Dog house reviews

There's really no such thing as a 'good outside dog.' All dogs need time inside with the family to keep them happy, well adjusted, and safe and friendly with people. But when your dog's hanging out in the yard, he'll appreciate a place to get out of the elements--a dog house.

There are lots of types to choose from, and what would work best for your dog depends largely on climate. An elevated floor keeps water out and stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter. An off-center door mean less wind, snow, and rain can blow inside. All dog houses should be big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around, just like a crate. Look at height, not weight ratings, when choosing a house.

As for style, you can go from simple to ornate depending on how much you're willing to spend. (To see how far people are willing to go to house their dogs in style, check out the wildly unusual dog houses in the book Barkitecture.) Read on to find out more about my top picks.

Dog house reviews:
Precision Country Estate Luxury Dog House
Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House
Tuff-N-Rugged Dog House
Cedar Duplex Dog House

--Phyllis DeGioia

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