Dog House Sizing Guide

How to Measure your Dog
Choosing the correct size dog house ensures comfort for your dog(s). When determining dog house size, weight is a good starting point; however, if your breed is between sizes or your dog's weight does not accurately reflect his or her body size, you might want to consider measuring your pet. Ideally, the dog house needs to be just big enough for the dog to enter, turn around, and lie down. Anything larger is at your discretion, but during the colder months, body heat retention is sacrificed. To measure your dog, follow these three easy steps.

Door Height (Measurement 1):
The dog house door height opening should be no less than 3/4 of the dog's shoulder-to-ground measurement. Large doors aren't necessary...dogs typically lower their heads to enter a dog house.
Example: If your dog's No. 1 Measurement is 19 inches, the door opening needs to be at least 14 inches high.

Nose to Tail (Measurement 2):
The width and length measurement of the dog house should be the same as or no more than 25% larger than No. 2 Measurement, the nose-to-flank measurement (tails don't count).

Example: If the dog's No. 2 Measurement is 24 inches, the dog house width and length should be no less than 24 inches and no more than 30 inches.

Head to Ground (Measurement 3):
The height of the dog house should be at least 25% (no more than 50%) taller than the height of the top of the dog's head to his toes
(No. 3 Measurement). Again, this house measurement (3) can exceed the dog's total height (3) up to 50% and still maintain a good body heat retention factor during cold months.

Example: If the dog's height is 22 inches, then the total dog house height should be approximately 28 to 33 inches.


***NOTE*** If your dog has proportions that make it difficult to apply our standards, such as those of a Bassett Hound, you should generally take the largest measurement and use that as a starting point. Example:



Note that measurements No. 1 and No. 3 fit into "Small" and "Medium" standard, respectively; however, measurement No. 2 suggests that the proper dog house size for a Basset Hound would be "Large".

We know how important your dog is to you. That is why we want to assist you in choosing the perfect dog house for your dog. At DogHouses.com we offer a large selection of all types of dog houses. Whether your dog is small or large, we have the dog house to fit his/her needs. We hope you enjoy shopping at DogHouses.com!