All dogs, whether they sleep in the kitchen in one of the best dog crates, in your room in one of the best dog beds or outside, like their own “safe place” to rest. Although many British owners feel a dog should live in the home, many dogs thrive sleeping outdoors. And if this is the plan for your dog, he’ll need a decent house, with a roof, to protect from both rain and sunlight. The best kennel for dogs provides shelter in the colder months, and shade when it’s hot and sunny. Outdoor kennels are designed to withstand weather, and provide a cosy haven for your dog.
Kennels are typically made of wood – treated to withstand the elements – or sturdy plastic or resin. You can get portable kennels, made of fabric, which provide temporary shelter for your dog while outside, but bear in mind they are not designed to be used day in, day out, nor in inclement weather. Some kennels are well-insulated, although certain breeds are bred to cope with very cold weather and don’t mind when the temperature drops. Ventilation is key, especially in a heatwave.
Always measure up carefully before selecting a kennel. Your dog needs to be able to stand up comfortably without having to crouch or duck his head the whole time. He also needs to be able to turn around easily. Don’t skimp on size if you want your dog to have a comfortable home.
Best kennels for dogs: the choice
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Mercia Staffordshire Dog Kennel and Run
Size: 8 x 6ft or 10 x 6ft | Material: Timber and wire | RRP: £799.99 |
A great option for those who keep their dogs outside and need both space and security. Suitable for all sizes of dogs, with plenty of height. This 10ft x 6ft kennel and run is made of pet-safe, pressure-treated timber.
It has mesh panelling at the front, while also letting in abundant light and air flow.
There is an external door to allow entry to the run, and a secondary internal door opening up into the sheltered area. At 1.66m this door is high enough for humans to get in easily.
The pitched roof is finished with high-quality mineral felt for long-lasting weatherproof protection.
An outdoor dog kennel made of thermoplastic resin, shock- and UV-resistant material.
The bottom has an internal liquid drain system, while there is also a ventilation grill to ensure a fresh environment.
The roof is removable and the kennel can be easily assembled without a special toolkit. It has a door which opens downwards to act as a ramp, as well as an opening at the front.
Sizes: S (78 x 53 x 58cm) or M (96 x 61 x 70cm) | Material: Wood | RRP: From £117.08|
A wooden kennel, such as this one made of fir wood, doesn’t need to cost the earth. This neat and compact wooden dog house has a pitched asphalt roof, and an opening for the dog to enter and leave.
Sizes: L–4XL | Material: Wood | RRP: From £3,852.05|
If you want your dog to enjoy his home sweet home, why not treat him to a cabin-style kennel with covered porch?
This wooden dog house provides plenty of space for your dog to rest. The spacious front deck is a quite a show-stopper for your garden!
It is made of carbonized pine wood, which is strong, stable and eco-friendly, while the water-resistant asphalt shingled roof provides excellent protection from the elements. The slanted roof and raised floor ensures good ventilation.
Cleaning is quite straightforward – there is a bottom plate which can be pulled out and rinsed with water.
The range of sizes makes this suitable from dogs from tiny chihuahuas up to the largest dog breeds.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
