The best outdoor dog kennels provide shade in the summer and shelter from the elements in the colder months if your dog loves to be outside. Hunting dogs, for example, thrive on being outdoors. A kennel is purpose-built to last in outdoor spaces where your dog will benefit from lots of fresh air and no toilet worries. You can make them oh-so-cosy by adding a dog bed or blanket for your pup to lay on to create a lovely outdoor den for them.
Outdoor dog kennels are generally made of robust plastic or wood to withstand the weather. Like a mini house, it has a roof and an open door. Inside, kennels vary in terms of insulation but beds and blankets will make them feel more snuggly and comfortable. Likewise, look in the product description for kennels that are well-ventilated, as this is crucial in the stifling summer months.
Best outdoor dog kennels at a glance:
• Best overall outdoor dog kennel: Dog Kennel by Cozy Pet – View on eBay
• Best outdoor dog kennel for easy assembly: Gardiun Dog House – View on Amazon UK
• Best wooden outdoor dog kennel: Trixie Natura Flat Roof Dog Kennel – View on Amazon UK
Alternatively, you may want to consider a dog crate that can be used indoors. Crates have lockable doors and are portable. A dog crate is designed to restrain for training purposes or transport animals. Crates offer visibility on all sides and generally look like a large cage. In addition, they can provide a safe space for your dog to relax indoors, away from other pets.
Whether you are buying a kennel or a crate, it's essential to measure first. You must make absolutely sure you are buying a product that's the right size for your dog and fits the available space. Your dog needs to be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. We've looked online for the best outdoor dog kennels for the outdoors and compiled a guide covering various needs, budgets and dog sizes.
Best outdoor dog kennels
Best overall outdoor dog kennel
Cozy Pet/eBaywww.ebay.co.uk
This quality Dog Kennel by Cozy Pet is built with 1.25cm thick treated fir wood and comprised of four panels. Additionally, Cozy Pet kennels have 1.3cm styrofoam insulation and a 0.2cm layer of plywood board. The insulation is designed to keep your dog warm in winter and cool in summer. The PVC strip curtain over the door keeps the weather out but allows for easy access and an even temperature.
Customer review: "Brilliant - well designed and easy to construct."
Pros
- Spacious for large dogs
- Well made
Cons
- May feel too big for smaller dogs
Best outdoor dog kennel for easy assembly
Starplast/AmazonThe Gardiun Dog House is made of heavy-duty plastic, so it's resistant to rust and easy to clean. The structure is sturdy and stable in normal weather conditions. The panels just clip together - no tools required - making it easy to dismantle.
Customer review: "The kennel was put up within five minutes - all the pieces slotted in together easily - solid enough structure. Would have liked some form of weatherproof covering for the doorway to stop rain getting in."
Pros
- Quicky assembly
- Sturdy
Cons
- No door, so the elements can get inside
Best wooden outdoor dog kennel
Trixie/AmazonA traditional wooden kennel provides all the warmth of a natural material that both you and your dog may prefer, rather than plastic. This Trixie Natura Flat Roof Dog Kennel has an elevated and removable floor and a hinged roof for easy access and cleaning. Its weatherproof exterior makes it suitable for long-term outdoor use. This kennel is recommended for medium-sized dogs.
Customer review: "Love the size and the hinge top makes it easy to adjust bedding. Nice looking and my Labrador loved it."
Pros
- Hinged roof for access
- Well reviewed on Amazon
Cons
- Wood may appear flimsy
Best outdoor dog kennel made of recycled materials
Croci Villa/AmazonThis compact CROCI Recycled Kennel Villa is best suited to small dogs. Resistant to sun and cold it's a durable kennel that's made of 100 per cent recycled materials. Side vents provide good air circulation, and the grooved interior lets water drain away. The Croci kennel comes in sections that are easy to disassemble and clean.
Customer review: "Happy with item very lightweight easy assembly only thing difficult was putting the air vents in at the side."
Pros
- 100 per cent recycled material
- Roof is removable for quick and easy cleaning
Cons
- Not made for large dogs
Best outdoor dog kennel for summer
Archie & Oscar/Wayfairwww.wayfair.co.uk
The Kate Dog House is a luxurious option for doggies who want to sun worship to style. It's not hard to see why your pet would fall in love with this kennel-meets-summer-house. Offering shade, integrated bowls, and comfy cushions - it's a cosy retreat for your pooch to put their paws up.
Customer review: "Gorgeous little dog bed - ideal for summer."
Pros
- Stylish shade from the sun
- Comes with a built-in water bowl holder
Cons
- Impractical in winter
Best outdoor dog kennel for dogs with allergies
Hafenbande/Zoopluswww.zooplus.co.uk
This Plastic Dog Kennel features an adjustable roof hatch for good circulation. Being made of plastic makes it easy to rinse and maintain good hygiene. Additionally, plastic renders the kennel waterproof and it's heavy-duty enough to offer some weatherproofing. Drainage holes in the floor prevent water from building up. It all slots together, making it simple to assemble. It's a good choice for small and medium dogs but not suitable for larger dogs.
Customer review: "At last a well-made, smart and easily constructed indoor kennel. It’s well-designed and is exactly as described in the online script. Obviously easy to keep clean and the air vent will be healthy for the dogs, and cooler in."
Pros
- Good ventilation
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not for large dogs
Best outdoor dog kennel for durability
Curver/AmazonIn terms of weight, the Chalet-Jardin is one of the heavier resin kennels on the market and has a hard plastic floor - making it a good choice for areas with a harsher climate. Your dog will have shelter from the elements in this robust kennel. Some customer reviews have commented on needing a screwdriver for assembly.
Customer review: "Easy to assemble, only a screwdriver required, yes it could do with pilot holes in places but anyone with any common sense can throw this up in minutes. Product is sturdy and of good quality."
Pros
- Water-resistant
- UV resistant
Cons
- Difficult to put together
Our Verdict: Best dog kennel
For a dog kennel that provides security and the best protection from the sunshine and the rain, we choose the Dog Kennel by Cozy Pet. Cozy Pet kennels are made of wood, which is a good option if your dog has a habit of chewing plastic. It's also a material that's built to last outdoors. In fact, Cozy Pet claims that their kennels are 150 per cent thicker than non-insulated kennels. This kennel is a robust and high-quality option for big dogs that love to be outdoors.
FAQs
What features should I consider when buying a dog kennel?
In order to create a good environment for your dog, the key features to look for in a kennel are durability, weather resistance, ease of cleaning, budget and size. It's got to be somewhere that feels like a safe space and where your dog wants to rest. This relates to a dog's natural instinct to create a den. Additionally, some kennels offer specific features, such as a removable floor for cleaning or adjustable legs for positioning on uneven ground.
The best outdoor dog kennels will be appropriate to the size of your dog and have some insulation. It could form part of a larger fenced dog run so that your pet has a protected area where they can stretch their legs. This is ideal if you are away from home during the day and your dog has a place of its own to channel its denning instinct.
What size kennel should I get for my dog?
Your dog should be able to:
• Sit up straight without having to crouch their head
• Turn around easily
• Lay down on their side with their paws stretched out
Be careful of buying a kennel that's too big for your dog because the space needs to promote feelings of security. Worse still, they may end up using one end as a toilet - which is not ideal for you or them.
Measure carefully to ensure it's the right size for your dog. A kennel should be around four inches higher and wider than your dog so that it can comfortably turn around. In addition, measure the area that you have available in your home or garden to ensure it fits and works in the space.
Where is the best position to place an outdoor dog kennel?
An area with partial shade is best to ensure the kennel won't get too hot in summer. The floor should be raised off the ground so that your dog is lying on a dry surface. An elevated floor also ensures it won't rot. Avoid low ground and uneven areas where rainwater could collect.
Finally, an outdoor kennel should not be positioned in direct sun, as it will get too hot inside, although you can pop a dog cooling mat inside so your pup has somewhere cool to lay on. An outdoor kennel shouldn't be placed under trees either, as branches could fall on it in strong winds and could end up causing injury to your hound.
The RSPCA states that a good environment for your dog should be hazard-free, somewhere to rest, a safe space and offer an appropriate toilet area.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.