If you have a giant dog, your furry pal is going to need an x-large dog house. Dogs indeed do like tight, enclosed spaces to shelter. It's that "denning" instinct. But here's the deal: that doesn't mean that your dog likes to feel cramped.
So, for him to be comfortable, safe, and happy, you're going to need to make sure that you are purchasing an oversized dog house that can accommodate all that extra dog.
But there are other important considerations too, like the quality and durability of the materials, the insulation and airflow inside the dog home, and even its configuration and appearance.
In this guide, we are going to introduce you to some of the best XL dog houses on the market right now in a range of categories, but first, let's look at some important points to consider before buying an extra-large dog house.
6 Things to Consider Before Buying a XL Dog House
Top 8 Extra Large Dog Houses
Best Overall
1. Lifetime Deluxe Dog House
Our top pick for the best dog house for an extra large dog is the Lifetime Deluxe Dog House. This dog house features exterior dimensions of 38.2” L x 47.1” W x 38.2” H and interior dimensions of 31.6” L x 42.6” W x 32.8” – 34.5” H.
Why we chose it
Super Sturdy Design – Reinforced steel components and a unique corrugated Double Wall System featuring grid joint welds ensure that this dog house can stand up to whatever nature or your dog can throw at it. The High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) parts of the dog house are protected from UV damage by pigments and antioxidants.
Comfortable in All Weather Conditions – A pair of adjustable side vents ensure open airflow, keeping the interior cool on warm days. But it also stays warm and dry on cold days thanks to the weighted vinyl door flap. Plus, you can close the side vents to block out cold air. A convenient mount bracket is ready if you choose to install a heater. Consider the Akoma Hound Heater Dog House Heater, which fits perfectly.
Spacious and Adjustable – This shelter has enough room for a dog around 100 pounds and even a partition you can put in if you want separate zones for a pair of smaller dogs.
Fast and Easy Cleaning – The roof lifts up easily so you can reach inside and clean out the dog house.
Keep in mind
Can Take Some Time to Assemble – It might take you as long as an hour and a half to get this dog house set up, especially if you are working alone. It is also a bit cumbersome. That said, the instructions are clear. Get a family member or friend to help, and it should be pretty easy.
Best Wooden Extra Large Dog House
2. Pets Imperial Insulated Wooden Dog House
In the market for a wooden dog house which is sturdy and reasonably priced? Consider the Pets Imperial XL Dog House. This house features external dimensions of 3ft 8" (W) x 2ft 5" (D) x 2ft 7" (H) and internal dimensions of 3ft 3" (W) x 2ft 1" (D) x 2 ft 3" (H). With its two support rails, it can support dogs as heavy as 154 pounds.
Why we chose it
Triple Insulation - There are three layers of insulation: timber measuring 0.47”, Styrofoam measuring 0.51”, and plywood board measuring 0.08”. According to the manufacturer, this makes the walls of its wooden kennel 150% thicker than those of many competing products.
Easy to Clean and Maintain - One of the major positives with this dog house is that the floor is removable. By taking it off, you can easily reach inside to clean it. This also comes in handy if pests have gotten inside, and you need to clear them out.
Place This Dog House Anywhere - Another cool feature that distinguishes the Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Wooden Dog House is its plastic cap feet. The manufacturer chose plastic over wood to resist rot. But what is really great is that you can adjust the legs so that you can make the house level on any surface. Thus this is an excellent choice if you have a hilly yard.
Keep in mind
The Wood is on the Soft Side - The biggest detractor with this dog house is its material. Even though it is an aesthetically pleasing house, the wood is pretty soft. So if you have a destructive dog, it won’t be too hard for your pet to destroy it in short order. If, on the other hand, your dog is not a chewer, it may serve your purposes.
Best Igloo XXL Dog House
3. Petmate's Indigo Dog House
If you are looking for an XL dog house which features an igloo shape, Petmate’s Indigo Dog House is worth a look. This house comes in three sizes. The “Extra-Large” measures 51.5" X 39.3" X 30".
Why we chose it
Suitable for Warm and Cold Climates - The igloo design is especially good at locking warmth inside the dog house, making it suitable to cold climates. At the same time, the ventilation built into the roof allows air to circulate, making the dog house comfortable on warmer days as well.
The door of the house is positioned at an offset angle from the main section. That way, even without the optional Petmate Indigo Door installed, wind and rain are less likely to strike your dog in the central part of the house.
The floor of the house is raised, which helps to keep it clean and dry. Side moats assist with drainage, further maintaining the dry conditions in the interior.
Antimicrobial Design - This dog house includes Microban Antimicrobial Protection. This keeps bacteria from building up inside the house, which in turn reduces stains and smells and makes it easier to keep the house clean and hygienic.
Keep in mind
Not All That Portable - You can pick up the dog house and move it around, but it isn't easy to get a grip on it because of the igloo shape. An addition of handles would be an improvement. But the unwieldy shape and lack of handles are only a minor detractor and one which most igloo dog houses suffer from. The functionality of the shape outweighs any inconveniences in this area.
Best Plastic XXL Dog House
4. Confidence Pet Plastic Outdoor House
If you prefer an XXL plastic dog house over a wooden one, look into the Confidence Pet Plastic Dog Kennel. Available in several sizes, the extra-large version of this house has a door with dimensions of 14 x 24.4 inches. The overall dimensions of the product are 44 x 43 x 49. Weighing just 46 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to move compared to many heavier dog kennels.
Why we chose it
Spacious, Yet Lightweight - This plastic XL dog house offers you the best of both worlds: it is large enough to accommodate very large dogs, but it is also lightweight and portable. If you have two medium-size dogs, you might get away with having them share this house, but they’ll need to squeeze close together. Another plus is the door, which is taller than most. That means that even extra large dogs can easily get in and out.
Easy Assembly - Even if you do not have a lot of DIY skills, you should be able to assemble this dog house pretty quickly and easily by yourself. You do not need any special tools.
Keep in mind
The Plastic Isn’t All That Sturdy - The plastic this dog house is made from isn’t all that strong. In fact, it can bend or break pretty easily. Sometimes these houses may even show up damaged from shipping. Because the plastic can bend, the floor isn’t always level either, even when you have a level surface.
Best Dog House for Large Dogs Weighing Up to 95 Pounds
5. TRIXIE Classic Outdoor Wooden Dog House
If your dog is close to 95 pounds or less, you might consider the Trixie Dog House, another of our favorite wooden dog houses. The materials used in construction include glazed pine, metal, plastic, and composite asphalt shingles on the roof. With the tongue-and-groove design, water is less likely to penetrate to the interior.
Why we chose it
Smart Roof and Door Design - This house has a large, tall door that is easy to get in and out of, making it ideal for dogs that have a hard time with smaller or lower openings. Also, the roof design encourages most precipitation to fall down toward the back of the dog house away from the door.
Removable Floor - You can remove the floor of the house to clean the inside and get rid of pests.
Keep in mind
Thin Wood - As seems to be common with wooden dog houses (unfortunately), the wood used for this product is thin and a bit flimsy. This means that it may be prone to breaking, or might be susceptible to damage by your dog.
Best Cedar Dog House for Giant Dogs
6. Infinite Ultimate Cedar Dog House
For a dog house made explicitly out of cedar, we recommend the Infinite Cedar Dog House. The seller claims that this house "will outlast any other cedar dog houses available on the market." The dimensions are 36"Lx36"Lx35H".
Why we chose it
Sturdy Wood - The dog house weighs 108 pounds, and that is because it is made out of thick, durable cedar deck boards, not thin, flimsy wood like so many other dog houses. There are some plastic parts incorporated (the roof and floor panels), but these are made from UV-Resistant High-Density Plastic. The company has a 15-year guarantee on the roof, which is pretty impressive.
Large, Offset Doorway - The doorway is tall and wide enough that entering and exiting is easy. It also is offset to one side so that there is an area inside the house which is more sheltered from wind or precipitation.
Keep in mind
Water Can Get In Through the Door - The positioning of the overhang and the lack of a door means that water can sometimes blow into the dog house. Make sure to position it away from the direction of the wind if possible, or consider installing a door.
Best Extra Large Dog House for Two Dogs
7. Merry Products Solid Wood Dog House
Looking for extra large dog houses for multiple dogs? Consider the Merry Products dog house. This extra-large dog house measures 73W x 39D x 42H inches on the outside and 30W x 30D x 40H inches on the inside. There are two doorways, each measuring 18W x 24H inches.
Why we chose it
Accommodate Up to Two Dogs - What is cool about this dog house is that you can put one very large dog in it, or you can put two large dogs in it. If you do the latter, you can partition it, and there is a separate doorway for each dog.
Easy Cleaning - The roof and floor panels can be removed from the house so that you can clean it easily.
Keep in mind
No Waterproofing - This dog house is not waterproof when you get it. If you want to stop it from getting wet inside, you will have to apply a waterproof coating yourself.
Best Extra Large Soft Dog Crate
8. DogGoods Foldable Soft Dog Crate
For a portable option, you might think about getting an extra-large soft crate for your dog. The DogGoods Foldable Travel Kennel is suitable if your dog is up to 47" long and 32" tall. That means that it can accommodate breeds like Great Pyrenees, German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Old English Sheepdogs, and more.
Why we chose it
Lightweight, Comfortable, and Breathable - With its soft fleece fabric and sturdy hex mesh, this soft crate is comfy for your pet. It also is lightweight and comes with a free carrying bag. As it takes only seconds to collapse, you can move it even from one room to another in your house without a second thought.
Convenient - The lightweight materials and fast and easy folding are not the only features incorporated with portability in mind. The soft crate even includes storage pockets for useful supplies.
Easy to Wash - Need to clean the soft crate? You can wash every surface without a problem. Not only that, it is water-resistant, so it can stand up to spills and is less likely to stain.
Keep in mind
Not for Dogs that Chew or Tear - If your dog has a habit of being destructive, you should not expect this soft crate to be a sufficient containment solution. Your pet will easily be able to chew or tear through the mesh, nor will the zipper hold up to your dog’s attacks.
Buying Advice
Now, before you can choose the ideal XL dog house for your pet, it helps to learn a few things about shopping for extra large dog homes. In this buying guide, we'll go over what you need to know about the types of gigantic dog houses on the market and essential considerations when selecting a house for your dog.
Do You Need an Extra Large Dog House?
You might be wondering, "Do I even need an extra-large dog house?"
Well, that all depends on the size of your dog. Does your dog weigh under 100 pounds? Then maybe you don’t. You might be able to get away with just a large dog house.
But if your dog weighs 100 pounds or more, you probably are going to need an XL dog house, and here’s why: your dog needs to be comfortable, healthy, and safe, plain and simple.
If the dog house is too cramped, your pet isn't going to be all too happy to be in it. Not only that, but he might have to position himself unnaturally to fit inside. That can result in injury over either the short term or the long term.
Sizing a Dog House
Styles
There are a few different types of x-large doghouses. Each type of dog house for large breeds is ideal for a different purpose.
Factors to Consider
Dimensions: As we discussed, the length of the dog house should be about 1.25x the length of your dog.
Tall Door: Especially with older dogs, it can be challenging to get in and out of a low door. So, try and choose a dog house that features an entry that doesn't require crawling or crouching to get inside. It is also a plus if the door is offset to one side rather than located right in the middle of the dog house. That way, your dog can stay warmer and dryer inside when it is windy.
Rugged Construction and High-Quality Materials: In some cases, plastic or resin is okay, but wood is (sometimes) sturdier and better for dogs with destructive personalities. On the other hand, a wood house may rot if exposed to a lot of precipitation, so if you get much rainfall, you might want to go with plastic instead.
Easy Setup: Some dog houses are easier to put together than others with basic tools and minimal skills. Check to see what kind of assembly is required before you invest in a dog house.
Floor Type: If the floor is flat, that is suitable indoors or on a concrete surface. But if you will be putting the dog house on dirt, make sure you choose one with a raised or crowned floor.
Easy to Clean: Like any other object exposed to your dog as well as outdoor conditions, an XL dog house should be as easy to clean as possible. Some dog houses have removable floors or roofs to accommodate cleaning.
Portability: If you want to be able to move the dog house from place to place easily, consider a portable model.
Heating and Cooling: If temperatures swing high and/or low where you live, make sure that the dog house will be comfortable and safe for your pet.
Aesthetics: You’ll be looking at the dog house every day, as will any neighbors who can see into your yard. So, if possible, choose one which you will not mind looking at all the time.
Value: As always, think about the cost. Giant dogs are expensive. You'll already be buying a lot of food and other gear like a massive dog bed or crate. The best dog house will be a good deal, but it will not necessarily be the cheapest dog house on the market.
FAQ
How do you waterproof a dog house?
That depends on how involved you want to get with the process. If you are handy, you can try roofing your dog house with tar paper and shingles and then installing vinyl siding. If you prefer, a faster and easier idea is just to apply liquid and spray sealant to the roof and sides of the dog house. You will need to do this periodically (i.e., once a year during the summer) to make sure the house is prepared for autumn and winter.
Do dog houses keep dogs cool?
They do if they are well-ventilated and include an air conditioner or fan as required in some climates.
What is the best dog house for cold weather?
The best XL dog house for cold weather is one that is well-insulated and heated for comfort.
How can I keep my dog’s house warm in the winter?
You can get a heated pad to put at the bottom of your large dog’s house (make sure that you only do this if your dog will not destroy it—if he chews on it, it becomes an electrical hazard). Another idea if there is sufficient clearance overhead is to put in an incandescent light bulb. If the dog house you bought lacks insulation, add some. Notice any cracks or holes in the house? Fill or cover them. Also, make sure you put the dog house somewhere that is protected from the wind.
Will an igloo dog house keep my dog warm?
The igloo shape for a dog house does indeed help to trap warmth inside the house. In some locations, this might be sufficient. In others, additional heating might be required.
Do insulated dog houses work?
They certainly help. But here’s the thing. Sometimes insulation by itself is not enough. If that is the case, you will need to consider the ideas discussed above for heating the dog house.
What temperature range can dogs tolerate?
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation writes, “Safe summer temperatures vary depending on humidity levels. For instance, a dog left outdoors in an arid climate may be fine in temperatures of 85 degrees, provided he has access to shade and water. However, a dog in a high-humidity climate at the same temperature might be in danger for heatstroke.”
What about cold temperatures? PetMD says, “In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45° F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32° F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being. Once temperatures drop under 20° F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.”
Further, dampness, cloud cover and wind chill all can make cold temperatures more dangerous. Both resources point out that there can be variations in temperature tolerance depending on your dog’s breed, coat, size, age, health, weight, conditioning and more. It is always best to play it safe and lean toward conservative estimates of what your dog can tolerate.
Conclusion
Whether you need a dog house for a Great Dane, St. Bernard, or any other extra large dog breed, you now should be ready to start shopping.
You have some tips for choosing a quality XL dog house, and we have checked out some of the best extra large dog houses on the market today. Click through on any of the links shared in this article to pick out the perfect house for your extra-large dog.