When it comes to owning a German shepherd, there are some things you just can’t skimp on. For instance, you can’t skimp on obedience training, or else you’ll end up with a giant furry anarchist roaming your home.
And you can’t skimp on their food or else they’ll start destroying your furniture. And just like those two things, you also can’t skimp on their housing.
Just like humans, dogs need a place to call their own where they can go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A dog house also provides them with a sense of security and helps to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer.
As any German shepherd owner knows, finding the perfect dog house can be a challenge. Not only do you need to find a house that is the right size for your dog, but you also need to make sure that it has enough ventilation and insulation to keep your pet comfortable.
Additionally, you need to take into account the fact that German shepherds are powerful dogs. This means that you need to find a dog house that is sturdy enough to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
To help you find the perfect dog house for your German shepherd, we’ve put together a list of the best dog houses on the market. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right dog house for your pet.
Our Picks for The Best Dog Houses for German Shepherds
- Suncast Outdoor Dog House – Best for Young German Shepherds
- TRIXIE Natura Classic Outdoor Dog House – Best Adult German Shepherds
- Petmate Indigo Dog House
- Petmate Precision Log Cabin Dog House
- Fit Choice Elevated Dog House
7 Best Dog Houses for German Shepherds Reviewed
1. Suncast Outdoor Dog House
The Suncast Outdoor Dog House is our pick for the best dog house for German shepherds up to 10 months old. With dimensions of 35 x 27 x 29.5 inches, it’s just the right size for German shepherds weighing up to 70 pounds (10 months old or younger).
This tough little house is built with hardened plastic and durable resin, making it will last in even the toughest outdoor conditions.
The Suncast dog house also has a crowned floor design that helps to keep your pet dry, even in the wettest weather.
And if you’re worried about assembly, don’t be – the Suncast Outdoor Dog House snaps together in just minutes.
The Suncast Outdoor Dog House is a great option for German shepherds, but there are a few downsides that parents should be aware of.
First, the Suncast dog house is made from thin plastic, so it doesn’t have many insulating properties. This means that it’s not the best choice for winter weather.
Additionally, some parents had found that the Suncast dog house was a bit small for fully grown German shepherds. If you have a German shepherd on the larger side, you may want to consider another option on our list.
Pros:
- Durable resin construction ensures years of use.
- Easy assembly – no tools required.
- Good for summer weather.
- Crowned floor design helps keep your pet dry.
- Contemporary styling.
Cons:
- Not insulated – not good for winter weather.
- Too small for fully grown German shepherds.
2. TRIXIE Natura Classic Outdoor Dog House
For full-grown German Shepherds, the TRIXIE Natura Classic Outdoor Dog House is the perfect house because it provides a lot of space and it is extra deep and wide.
With this type of dog house, your dog will be able to walk straight in without having to turn around and they will also have a lot of space to lounge. This is important because German Shepherds are large breeds and need a lot of space.
Talking about durability, this heavy-duty dog house features a mineral roofing felt that is weatherproof and resistant to rot, mold, and mildew. The sealer helps to prevent leaks, while the plastic cover feet protect against moisture build-up.
In addition, this type of dog house has a raised floor which helps to keep your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also has a slanted roof which helps to keep the rain and snow off of your dog.
However, some dog parents said the TRIXIE Natura Classic Outdoor Dog House needed a coat or two of weather sealing paint or deck sealant to weatherproof it. Other than that, this is a great dog house for full-grown German Shepherds.
Pros:
- Spacious – extra wide and deep.
- Durable construction.
- Raised floor and slanted roof help to keep your pet comfortable in all weather conditions.
Cons:
- It needed additional weatherproofing.
3. Petmate Indigo Dog House
Harsh weather can be dangerous for dogs that spend any amount of time outdoors. cold temperatures, high winds, and driving rain can all lead to health problems, including hypothermia and frostbite.
That’s why it’s important to have a dog house that can provide protection from the elements. The Petmate Indigo Dog House is specifically designed to keep your dog safe and comfortable in all kinds of weather.
The dome design is patented and provides protection from all kinds of weather, including rain, wind, sleet, and snow while the offset entryway helps to keep drafts out and preserve your pet’s body heat.
The Petmate Indigo Dog House is also the perfect way to show your dog that you love them and care about the environment as it’s made from eco-friendly material.
The materials used in the construction of this dog house are recyclable, so you can feel good about your purchase knowing that it’s not harming the environment.
The downside to the Petmate Indigo Dog House was that some dog parents said the sizing was off. They recommended to go up two sizes larger than what you thought you would need to ensure a comfortable fit for your dog.
Pros:
- Dome design protects from all kinds of weather.
- Eco-friendly materials.
- Recyclable.
- Spacious floor to accommodate a bed or pad.
Cons:
- Sizing may be inaccurate.
4. Fit Choice Elevated Dog House
Have you ever wished you could take your dog with you wherever you go? Well, now you can, with the Fit Choice Elevated Dog House!
This ingenious invention is portable, so you can take it with you on all your travels. Whether you’re going to the beach or taking a hike in the woods, your dog can come along for the ride.
But what about the sun and the wind? Don’t worry, the Fit Choice Elevated Dog House has you covered there too.
The house is made from Textilene and tightly woven polyester. This combination of materials provides UV protection from the sun and windproofing, so your dog can rest comfortably no matter where you go.
The downside to the Fit Choice Elevated Dog House was that some people found the legs cracked very easily, especially among those who had bigger dogs over 90 pounds.
So, if you have a big dog, this might not be the best choice for you.
Pros:
- Portable.
- Protection from sun and wind.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- The legs were fragile.
5. MidWest Homes Outdoor Wood Dog House
The MidWest Homes Outdoor Wood Dog House offers three different sizes to accommodate German Shepherds of all ages and sizes. From puppies to full-grown adults, this dog house will provide a comfortable place for your pet to rest.
This dog house is manufactured with water-resistant stained wood, stainless steel hardware, and strong asphalt shingles, making it durable and weather-resistant.
The sleek design and elegant features are sure to make your pet the envy of the neighborhood, while the spacious interior provides plenty of room for your furry friend to lounge in comfort.
And with their patent-pending no tools assembly, all you need is a gentle breeze to get this dog house up and running. Just open up the box, unfold the house, and you’re done!
While many dog parents loved the look and durability of the MidWest Homes Outdoor Wood Dog House, some complained about the paint job. They felt that the manufacturer could have done a better job with the painting.
Pros:
- Sleek design.
- Water-resistant wood.
- Spacious interior.
- No tools assembly.
Cons:
- Lousy paint job.
6. ECOFLEX Lodge Style Dog House
The ECOFLEX Lodge Style Dog House is designed for large dogs and is made with a tan and green color scheme. Made from tough and durable ECOFLEX, it’s quick and easy to assemble without the need for any tools.
This spacious dog house is made from weatherproof materials, so it’s ideal for use in any climate. Not only is it weatherproof, but it’s easy to clean as well. Just hose it down and let it air dry.
The best part about the ECOFLEX Lodge Style Dog House is its 10-year limited warranty. That’s right, you can rest assured knowing your dog house is covered for 10 years.
The downside to the ECOFLEX Lodge Style Dog House was that some people were disappointed that the top of the dog house was not removable. That made it difficult to clean the inside of the house.
Pros:
- Quick and easy assembly.
- Weatherproof.
- 10-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- The roof was not removable.
7. Petmate Precision Log Cabin Dog House
This log cabin-style dog house will catch your eye with its unique design. The Petmate Precision Log Cabin Dog House is made from solid wood construction and features a slanted, shingled roof.
The slanted roof helps to keep the interior of the dog house dry during rain and snowstorms while the shingled design adds a touch of rustic charm.
Most people praise how easy it is to assemble the Petmate Indigo Dog House. In just three steps, you can have Fido’s palace up and ready for him to move into.
First, attach the side panels to the base using the included hardware. Then, fit the roof panels onto the side panels and secure them in place. Finally, add the front door panel and your dog house is complete
The downside to the Petmate Indigo Dog House is that it may not be sturdy enough to stand up to a heavy chewer. Some dog parents said that their dogs were able to easily chew through the wood, making it not as durable as they thought it would be.
If you have a heavy chewer, you may want to consider another dog house on this list.
Pros:
- Unique log cabin design.
- Solid wood construction.
- The slanted roof keeps the interior dry.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- Not recommended for heavy chewers.
What to Look for When Picking a Dog House for German Shepherd?
Different dog houses are made from different materials and have various features. So, you want to make sure the dog house that you’re about to buy is the one that your German shepherd needs the most.
Here’re important features to consider when buying a house for your GSD.
Size
Before choosing any house for your German shepherd, make sure to review its overall measurements. At a minimum, you’ll want to get a dog house that has roughly the same size as your German shepherd’s crate.
Ideally, the house should be big enough for your German shepherd to lie down, stand up, and turn around comfortably.
How to Measure Your German Shepherd for a Dog House
To choose the right size dog house for your German shepherd, you’ll want to measure your German shepherd’s nose-to-rump size and his flooring to move top when sitting.
After you get the measurement, add a few inches to the measurement, that’s the minimum dog house sizes for your German shepherd.
Materials
Commonly, there are two types of materials used in making a dog house: wood and plastic. Here are the comparisons between the two.
- A wood dog house is sturdier than a plastic dog house, though more expensive and heavier.
- Aesthetically speaking, a wood dog house provides that crisp, traditional look that never goes out of style.
- A plastic dog house is naturally resistant to rot and insects.
- Painting a wood dog house is easy, but it’s not the same with a plastic dog house.
It’s up to you to choose which one as either material is fine. Consider your budget and your German shepherd’s needs before making a decision.
Style
Dog houses can be categorized into three types: classic, igloo dog houses, and gazebo shelters.
- Traditional dog houses are simple and a good choice for most dogs. All dog houses on this list are traditional dog houses.
- If you live in a cold climate, igloo dog houses can be an excellent choice. You can find my recommendation for the best igloo dog houses here.
- Dog gazebo shelters are a great option if you live in hot and dry climates. These types of dog houses are composed of fenced-in enclosures with top canvas.
Other Useful Features
Properly ventilated dog houses are a plus point since the vents increase the amount of airflow and prevent your German shepherd from getting overheated during summer. Adequate ventilation also helps to prevent a build-up of moisture in the winter.
A raised floor is another useful feature to protect your German shepherd from the wet and cold ground. It is also useful for improving air circulation and sheltering your German shepherd from external elements like pests and parasites.
Some dog houses also feature a removable floor and floor panels, which makes cleaning easier.
Conclusion
The Suncast Outdoor Dog House is our pick for the best dog house for German shepherds up to 10 months old. With dimensions of 35 x 27 x 29.5 inches, it’s just the right size for German shepherds weighing up to 70 pounds (10 months old or younger).
The TRIXIE Natura Classic Outdoor Dog House is our pick for the best dog house for full-grown German shepherds. With dimensions of 45.5 x 31 x 32 inches, it provides a lot of space and it is extra deep and wide. This is important because German Shepherds are large breeds and need a lot of space.
Both of these dog houses are made from durable materials and have features that will help to keep your pet comfortable in all weather conditions.
Why Trust Us?
We’ve scoured the internet and gathered the best dog houses for German Shepherds so that you can choose the perfect one for your pet.
Our team of experts has over 5 years of experience in the pet industry. We’ve done the research so that you don’t have to.
We know what it takes to find a good quality dog house and we only recommend products that we would use for our own pets.
You can trust that our recommendations are unbiased and based on the quality of the product, not on commissions.