Playing with other pooches, protecting their owners from pesky cats, eating, sniffing and exploring the world: the life of a dog is varied and exciting. Therefore, it is all the more important that your pet has a set place that gives them the opportunity to retreat and relax undisturbed and get some sleep. In a garden or field, this could be a dog kennel, but most dogs living in houses and apartments lie on a few pillows, in a basket, in a dog bed, or in their own cave bed. This offers tired dogs who need some rest a lot of comfort. As a dog owner, in order to choose the right model for your furry companion, you will find everything you need to know about dog houses below.

A dog house consists of a soft padded sleeping area or soft pillow with a canopy or semi-open structure on top, similar to a half-opened shell. From the dog’s point of view, a dog house is a separate room within your room – a miniature dog hut, so to speak. Their body comes into close contact with the sides of the dog house which can have a particularly calming effect on some of our four-legged friends.

Some dogs do not feel particularly comfortable in an open dog basket. Instead, these animals prefer to stay under a table or sofa – the main thing is that they have a roof above their heads that gives them some protection and security. Is your dog like this, or are they a jumpy or anxious character? If so, they will love a dog house! This makes them feel safe and they can retreat at any time when they want to get some peace. Dog houses are also a safe retreat for dogs who have to get used to a new environment. In addition, a house protects your dog from draughts and is particularly warm thanks to its shell-like shape. And last but not least, it’s light, which makes it easy to transport and it can even be dismantled into individual parts depending on the model – perfect if you need to reposition it or if you want to take your four-legged friend on the road with you.

A dog house consists of a softly padded base or wide cushion, with a canopy or semi-open structure on top, similar to a half-opened shell. But there are also models that look like a regular dog kennel or tent, except that they are made of fabric. Many designs have a non-slip base or are fitted with burls to keep them in place at all times. Depending on the model and manufacturer, parts are either stuck together to make up a dog house or connected to each other with zip or Velcro fasteners.
Dog houses come in many different sizes, depending on which breed is going to live inside. Making sure that your dog has enough space to turn around and stretch out in their house is especially important. Remember that “bigger” doesn’t necessarily mean “better”: if your four-legged friend, can reach the sides of the house, this has a calming effect on them. In a house that’s clearly too big, on the other hand, dogs do not feel safe, but rather lost and alone in the large space.
Whether you want a practical and inconspicuous or an ornate and extravagant dog house depends entirely on your personal taste. There are models available in muted colours and therefore relatively modest, while others are colourful, patterned and decorated with different details. And in the event that you want to get your dog a truly distinctive house, there are also models available in the form of a house or teepee. The usual rule is: the simpler the dog house, the cheaper it is.

Houses for dogs can be made from many different materials: most of them are made from soft material, such as plush, and are often covered with fabric or faux leather. In many models, the walls and floor are filled with polystyrene or wadding to make them beautifully soft. Visco foam is also used as a filling material and has the great advantage that it protects the dog’s joints by distributing their body weight perfectly. Where required, an extra layer on the ground ensures that no cold can make its way through. There are also dog houses that are made of felt or rattan. However, please note that wood may be tempting for your four-legged friend to gnaw on – puppies in particular often can’t resist the allure of chomping and gnawing. As such, wooden dog houses are more suitable for quieter, older animals.

It is worth taking a look at the washing instructions for textiles: the pillows and covers should be removable, hygienic and easy to clean in the washing machine. The material that makes up the house itself must be solid and should not crumple or collapse. The base should be slip-proof on the underside. You should also look at whether it’s easy to assemble with a zip or Velcro fastening.

Generally speaking, manufacturers place great importance on ensuring that their dog houses are easy to clean. They often have removable cushions inside so that cleaning is made particularly easy, or the entire cover is suitable for machine washing. Make sure you set the temperature to at least 30 degrees Celsius, so that everything gets properly cleaned. As for the rest of the dog house, you can simply shake it out and clean it with a vacuum cleaner.
Top tip: if the entire dog house can be washed in the washing machine, choose a gentle cycle and stuff the house with towels or blankets. This makes it dry faster on the one hand, and on the other hand, it helps to ensure that the house can reassume its original shape and does not get dented.

In principle, dog houses are suitable for all breeds of dogs. Of course, the bigger the dog, the bigger the house has to be. However, this quickly leads to space problems, especially in smaller apartments. In addition, it is significantly easier to clean smaller dog houses than models for large breeds. This is why our selection of dog houses is mainly made up of models for small to medium-sized dogs, such as Jack Russell terriers or French bulldogs. Nevertheless, you will also find XXL models for larger dogs at Maxi Zoo.
Top tip: when making your purchase, pay attention not only to the dimensions, but also to the information on maximum weight. This gives you a good idea of which breeds a house is suitable for and which ones it is not.

The costs to purchase a dog house depend greatly on the size, material and manufacturer. At Maxi Zoo, you can buy dog houses from the low price of around 20 euros, with the most expensive models in the three digits.

You will find dog houses from renowned manufacturers at Maxi Zoo – from AniOne and Trixie. High quality and workmanship are guaranteed.