DOGHOUSE - Page 1

What is the best size of a doghouse for GSD? Not too large, so that it stays warm, but not too little also. Does anyone have a favorite design to share? Would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Igloo. Almost indestructable (won't hold a backhoe). You can power wash them and they look new. Top vent pops off.

http://www.leerburg.com/knlpup.htm#doghouse Good stuff - scroll down the page for doghouse - note the design to stop the wind. Cheers/Jim

Hi Makosh I have the Amish build mine according to the German Shepherd size, they know this and build a nice house of wood with shingles and all. I put in either straw or a comforter, depending on weather and who is to kennel for the winter, most are brought inside garages for very cold days and nights.

My dogs like to lie on top of the doghouse so I don't like the Igloo so much. When they feel good they are all lying on top of their homes like kings.

http://www.k-9kondo.com/ This company has some of the best looking designs that I have seen. I have not personally seen this dog house but have looked around enough to think this would be one of the best. It is not real cheap though. If you build a house on your own, keep it small. I think 24" x 32" would be big enough for most GSD's. Keep the roof flat or with a slight slope, no peak roofs! The door should be a good 6" off the floor to keep bedding from falling out as easily. If you can add a door, it will help a lot. Some will put in a baffle also but with a good door most places would not need the baffle. A top that can be removed is nice for cleaning. If you build it small, you probably don't need insulation although it would not hurt especially in the roof. I would keep it 24" high, this will keep the heat down where the dog is. Many dogs will chew around the doors so adding some metal to some key areas will stop this. The smaller you make it the warmer your dog will be in the winter and the less you will have to feed the dog. When they are cold, they eat a lot more food. 10 winters feeding added food will make you wish that you kept it small. If you saw how small the dog houses are here in Alaska, you would never believe some of these sled dogs could get in them but they do. Sorry to keep repeating this but most do not get this. Almost all the manufactured houses are junk. They usually have a 2" maximum lip for the door and this is way too little. Many have huge openings and have very little thought put into a product that is professionally made. If you live in a southern climate they might be fine although they do get chewed on a lot. I like the houses at the link above because it has a metal door with frame and no corners to chew. A removeable roof and optional heater. Hard to beat if you have the money for it. There is also an all metal dog house on the market but I think it cost even more and I am not sure about the shipping cost on it. Very few good manufactured dog houses and the good ones are pricey. Stay away from treated wood. Good luck. Robin

Hi there Makosh! Hope you, your family and your dogs are ok. Try this: http://www.bromet.de Follow the button: hundehütten = doghouses We have got a doghouse from them. The: "Rustica Flachdachhütte - R I V mit Vorraum" Our dog loves it. Insulated, off the ground, no draft... It took us fifteen minutes to put it together and everything fitted like a glove. Deutsche Wertarbeit! Check out their site and look at the dimensions. If you have problems with the vocabulary, come back and I will help you. (The rubber mat is not good! The rubber layer is too thin, 1 mm. It does not last more than a couple of weeks.) Good luck, Jan

Hi guys! Thanks so much for all the responses. A lot of good advice! I would like to try to build the doghouse myself (maybe will save some money?) I understand and agree with Klatolkin’s point – keep it small, I just do not want it too small/uncomfortable. 24”x32”x24” seems will work. We live in a mild climate, so the dogs would probably need an air conditioner, not a heater! Whildthing, what size is the Amish house you have? I will check on the links when I get back to my senses. What a week – had to quit my job (boss is a jerk), but so what, will have more time to spend with the dogs!