If you are looking for dog house dimensions to choose the right size, there are a few things you need to consider. First, it is important to consider your dog’s size and whether it will be spending most of its time indoors or outdoors. Additionally, you should think about the climate where you live and what kind of dog house design works best for your dog’s needs.
Table of Contents
- Measuring Your Dog by A-B-C Method
- Choose Right Dog House Dimensions Basic on Dog Size
- Example of calculation
- Dog Houses Dimensions by Dog Sizes
- Other Factors to Consider
- Conclusion
- Table to help
- FAQ
There are a wide variety of dog houses available on the market, so it is important to do your research and find one that fits all of your dog’s needs. Some houses designs include raised floors, insulation, and ventilation to help keep your dog cool in warmer climates or warm in colder climates.
If you are unsure of what house size to choose, it is best to consult with your dog’s veterinarian or a dog behavior expert to help determine the right fit for your dog. With the right dog house measurements, you can provide your pet with a comfortable and safe place to rest and play that will keep them happy and healthy for years to come.
Measuring Your Dog by A-B-C Method
When choosing dog house dimensions, it is important to consider your pet’s size. This can be done using the A-B-C method.
- Measure your dog from the base of its neck to the bottom of its tail and record this length as “A”.
- Then measure your pet across its chest at its widest point and record this as “B”.
- Finally, you measure from the top of its head to the ground and record this as “C”.
Based on these measurements, you can use a dog house size chart to determine which one will best suit your pet’s needs.
Choose Right Dog House Dimensions Basic on Dog Size
When you know your dog’s size, you can consider house dimensions.
Determine the door height
As a general rule, the door size of the dog house should be around 80 percent of your dog’s shoulder height to ground level. To get a more accurate number for your pet specifically, multiply their shoulder height by 0.8. A majority of dogs lower their head when they walk through any doorway, so an opening that’s too large will result in heat loss from their body.
Determine the best length and width of your dog’s house
Constructing a dog house that comfortably fits your furry friend, makes the length 25 percent longer than your dog’s length and the width 10 percent larger. Find these measurements by multiplying your dog’s nose-to-tail length by 1.25 for the desired length and 1.1 for the width.
Determine the proper dog house height
House should only be 50 percent taller than your dog at most, and no more than 25 percent of the dog’s height. If the house is too tall, it will be difficult for your pet to generate enough body heat to keep warm. A good way to measure the appropriate height is by taking your dog’s total height and multiplying by 1.25 and 1.5–that’ll give you a minimum and maximum number for comparison when buying a house for a man’s best friend.
Example of calculation
Dog size:
- A – 24″
- B – 20″
- C – 24
Dog House Dimension:
- Height of the door = B*0.8 = 20*0.8=16″
- Length = C*1.25=24*1.25=30″
- Width = C*1.1=24*1.1=26″
- Minimum Total Height = A*1.25=24*1.25=30″
- Maximum Total Height = A*1.5 = 24*1.5=36″
Dog Houses Dimensions by Dog Sizes
Dog Size |
Weight |
Height |
Nose to tail |
Head to ground |
Breed examples |
Small & Extra Small Dogs |
25 lbs. or fewer |
10-15 in. |
6-24 in. |
12-16 in. |
Beagle Boston Terrier Chihuahua Dachshund |
Medium & Intermediate Dogs |
26-75 lbs. |
15-25 in. |
25-35 in. |
20-30 in. |
Boxer Australian Shepherd Springer Spaniel Border Collie Large Dogs |
Large Dogs |
75-100 lbs |
25-30 in. |
35-40 in. |
30-40 in. |
Doberman Pinscher Springer Spaniel Irish Setter Pitbull |
Extra Large Dogs |
100+ lbs. |
30+ in. |
40+ in. |
38+ in. |
The great Pyrenees Rottweiler Saint Bernard Husky |
Other Factors to Consider
Other factors to consider when choosing dog house dimensions include the pet’s sleeping habits, age, and general activity level. For example, dogs that like to curl up when they sleep may require pet houses with sloping roofs to accommodate this position, while older or less active dogs may do well in with minimal space requirements. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that your dog has enough room to stand up and move around comfortably inside its house.
Conclusion
When choosing dog house measurements, it is important to consider your dog’s size and sleeping habits, as well as other factors like age and activity level. To determine the best dog house dimensions for your pet, you should measure your dog’s shoulder height to the ground, nose-to-tail length, and head height. You can then use these measurements to choose a pet house that is appropriately sized and comfortable for your fluffy friend.
Table to help
Breed Type | Toy Poodles Sc. Terriers | Min. Poodles Beagles | Shetland Cocker Sp. | Dalmations Pointers | Retrievers Collies | Newfys St. Bernards |
Shoulder Height |
10” Shoulder, 12” Sitting |
12” Shoulder, 14” Sitting |
16” Shoulder, 18” Sitting |
20” Shoulder, 23” Sitting |
24” Shoulder, 27” Sitting |
28” Shoulder, 32” Sitting |
Sleeping Area |
15” x 24” |
16” x 27” |
18” x 31” |
20” x 36” |
22” x 39” |
25” x 43” |
Hall Area |
11” x 15” |
12” x 16” |
12” x 18” |
12” x 20” |
14” x 22” |
16” x 25” |
Combined Area (Sleeping & Hall) |
15” x 35” |
16” x 39” |
18” x 43” |
20” x 48” |
22” x 53” |
25” x 59” |
Ceiling Height |
14” |
16” |
20” |
25” |
30” |
36” |
Doorways |
7” Square |
8” Square |
9” Square |
10” Square |
11” Square |
12” Square |
Roof |
25” x 48” |
26” x 54” |
34” x 62” |
36” x 72” |
38” x 78” |
41” x 86” |
Platform (If used) |
25” x 48” |
26” x 54” |
34” x 62” |
36” x 72” |
38” x 78” |
41” x 86” |
FAQ
What is the average size of a dog house?
Small and extra small dogs typically require dog houses that are between 2-4 square feet in size, while medium and intermediate dogs need houses that are between 5-10 square feet. Large dogs typically require houses between 10-20 square feet, while extra large dogs may need houses that are even larger than this.
Can a dog house be too big?
The ideal size for the dog home is for your dog to fit inside, turn around, and lay down. If the house is too big, your pet’s ability to retain body heat during the cooler months may suffer.
How high off the ground should a dog house be?
To determine the minimum and maximal heights, multiply your dog’s heights by 1.25 and 1.5.
Should dog houses be elevated?
Particularly if the house will be located on dirt, the floor should be raised two to three inches off the ground.