If you own a German Shepherd, you must be aware that they like spending most or all of their time outdoors. Therefore, it’s only right that you provide your GSD with a good dog house.
Frankly speaking, dog houses are a great addition to any home that owns a pooch because they:
- Offer protection against harsh elements
- Provide a comfortable place to rest
- Help alleviate symptoms of separation anxiety
However, not all dog houses will suit your GSD because of their big size and weight. So how do you pick the best dog house for German Shepherd?
Don’t worry, we have got you covered! Below is a list of our 10 favorite options along with a guide on how to choose the best.
Best German Shepherd Dog House – Comparison Table
With the influx of dog houses in the market, choosing the best can be a time-consuming task. Fortunately, the following table is a comparison of the 10 best options that are worth considering.
| # | Name | Color | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Outdoor Dog House with Door by Suncast | Taupe & Blue | Check Price |
| 2 | Suncast Outdoor Dog House with Door, Water Resistant by Suncast | Taupe & Bronze | Check Price |
| 3 | Weather Protection Indigo Dog House by Petmate | Taupe/Black | Check Price |
| 4 | Dog Palace for Med to Large Dogs by ASL Solutions | Gray | Check Price |
| 5 | Uptown Welded Wire Outdoor Dog Kennel by Lucky Dog | Black | Check Price |
| 6 | Dog House, Dog House Outdoor by Petsfit | Light Grey | Check Price |
| 7 | Pet Tent Soft Bed for Dog and Cat by Best Pet Supplies Store | Tan | Check Price |
| 8 | ASL Solutions by Dog Palace Large Dog House | – | Check Price |
| 9 | Pet Plastic Dog Kennel Outdoor Winter House by Confidence | Grey | Check Price |
| 10 | Extra Large Insulated Wooden Norfolk Dog Kennel by Pets Imperial | – | Check Price |
The Best Dog House for German Shepherd:
1. Suncast DH350 Outdoor Dog House
This is probably one of the top choices for the best dog house for a German Shepherd. It is designed to accommodate small to large-sized dogs weighing up to 70 pounds.
But here is the best part: the house is made from hardened plastic that resists rot, rust, and fading. As such, it is perfect for your patio, deck, and backyard.
On top of that, it features heavy-duty resin construction for optimal durability even in the toughest outdoor conditions. Additionally, the Suncast DH350 is equipped with vents to ensure proper air circulation.
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Attractive design to complement the most outdoor decor
- Snaps together with so much ease
- Boasts a vinyl door for added security and insulation
- Removable roof
Cons
- Insufficient insulation
2. Suncast DH250 Outdoor Dog House
Next up, we bring you another dog house from the brand Suncast. It features a contemporary design that matches almost any outdoor furniture and decor. Therefore, it is sure to look good whether you put it in your backyard, deck or patio.
What’s more? The house is constructed from durable, strong, and sturdy resin to ensure long-lasting performances. Its door, on the other hand, is made from vinyl to provide your dog with extra security and insulation.
More so, the Suncast DH250 is outfitted with vents to allow free circulation of air. This ensures your German Shepherd is comfortable in the house during all weather conditions.
Pros
- Washes easily thanks to its removable roof
- Very easy to assemble and disassemble
- Durable construction that resists fading
- Has a crowned floor to keep your doggie safe from all elements
- Holds pets weighing up to 70 pounds
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs with chewing and biting habits
3. Petmate Indigo W/Microban
Made in the USA, this Petmate house is a heavy-duty dog shelter that is built to provide comfort for pets year-round. Besides, this house is insulated to keep your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
More importantly, it boasts raised floors that are outfitted with side moats to help drain off water. This ensures your German Shepherd stays dry. As if that’s not enough, the shelter comes with Antimicrobial protection product for preventing the growth of odor and stain-causing bacteria.
On top of that, the dog house has an extended offset doorway designed to shield your canine friend from rain. And for proper air circulation, its roof has vents to keep your dog comfortable inside.
Pros
- Offers comfort and security for small and large pets
- Can be customized for added comfort
- Sturdy and spacious
- Easy to put together
- Keeps your pet warm and dry
Cons
- Very bulky making it hard to move around
- A bit pricey
Check out outdoor cat house bedding.
4. ASL Solutions Gray Dog Palace
If you’re not on a tight budget, this dog palace by ASL solutions would be a great buy. It is quite sturdy and also spacious enough to accommodate medium to large dogs.
And you know what the best part is? Well, the dog house boasts a raised floor that is insulated to keep your pet dry and warm. Besides, the door is also insulated. So you can rest easy knowing that your canine pal will stay warm during the winter and cool in the summer.
Additionally, the ASL Solutions dog palace is equipped with an easy pass-through door with self-closing design. What’s more, the bottom half of the door is removable to allow initial training when necessary.
Pros
- Each panel includes real foam insulation
- Takes very little time to assemble
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Easy for any pet to learn how to open the door
- Has great air circulation
Cons
- Pricey
- Not ideal for dogs who love chewing on plastic
5. Lucky Dog Welded Wire Uptown Kennel
Although the Lucky Dog kennel is not exactly a dog house, it certainly does function as one. It is made from welded rust-resistant steel bars and wire mesh for maximum durability. The kennel is also covered with a powder coat to provide corrosion and rust protection.
Additionally, its gate is designed to open freely thereby allowing easy entry and exit. Best of all, the gate boasts a latch for securing it firmly and can even be locked with a basic padlock.
What’s more? The kennel includes a heavy-duty waterproof cover plus a steel roof frame that is built to perfectly fit the cage. This ensures your canine friend is well protected from snow, sun, debris, and rain.
Pros
- Raised legs make it easy to clean
- Includes pre-assembled modular panels for ease of assembly
- Waterproof cover has UV protection
- Sturdy elastic cords hold the cover securely
- No sharp edges that might harm your dog
Cons
- Lacks insulation
- Does not come with anchors for securing it to the ground
6. Petsfit Dog House
Unlike most dog houses that are made from heavy-duty plastic, the Petsfit is constructed from natural cedar wood. The wood is durable and has been treated with water-based paint to ensure the safety of your German Shepherd.
Besides that, the house is designed to be weatherproof to protect your canine companion from sun, rain, and snow. What’s more, its bottom floor can be removed and the roof opened to allow for easier cleaning.
And when it comes to assembling the house, anybody can do it in very little time. This is all thanks to the pre-drilled holes it comes with. Additionally, it’s outfitted with a door flap that allows your canine pal to enter and exit the house with ease.
Pros
- Ideal for dogs, 3-5 cats, and 2-3 ducks
- Classy and functional design
- Can accommodate dogs up to 75lbs
- Extremely roomy and sturdy
- Boasts great weatherproof properties
Cons
- The wood used is not of very high-quality
7. Pet Tent Soft Bed
Looking for an indoor dog house? This Pet Tent soft bed could just be what you need. Featuring a soft poly-foam lining, you can tell that this dog tent house is built with comfort in mind.
Best of all, the house is fitted with an ultra-plush pillow that provides your pet a cozy place to rest. On top of that, it boasts a timeless design which makes it blend seamlessly into any decor.
But that’s not all. The Pet Tent bed features an anti-skid base to help keep it in place. What’s more, it is very easy to clean since it can be machine-washed without losing its unique shape or color.
Pros
- Made of premium and long-lasting materials
- Easy to maintain
- Assembles and disassembles easily for travel
- Doesn’t collapse like other dog houses
- Available in various sizes to fit your dog
Cons
- The top does not always stay up and collapses on itself
8. ASL Solutions Dog Palace
This is a highly durable dog house that is made from molded plastic. Therefore, you can bet on it to last for a very long time with proper care.
Besides, the walls and ceiling are well insulated using EPS foam. This ensures your dog stays warm during the cold season and cool in the summer. Additionally, it boasts a window on the lower door panel where your German Shepherd can enjoy the view outside.
Other than that, the dog palace has a raised floor to protect your pet from moisture by keeping her dry. To top it all up, it’s outfitted with a self-closing door to minimally prevent the wind from reaching your canine pal.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Easy to set up and clean
- Keeps your dog toasty during the winter
- Extremely light in weight and portable
- Boasts proper air circulation thanks to its raised floor
Cons
- Made of soft plastic that is easy for dogs to chew
9. Confidence Pet Dog Kennel
Made using tough plastic, this kennel by the brand Confidence is durable enough to withstand all weather elements. And thanks to its plastic construction, the house is hygienic and very easy to clean.
Measuring 41.3 x 38 x 38.8 inches, you can tell that this dog kennel is very spacious. Therefore, your German Shepherd will have a large area to move around and also sleep.
With an entrance measuring at 14 x 24.4 inches, the house allows easy entry and exit for your dog. It does not matter how big your canine pal is.
Pros
- Easy for dogs to use thanks to the large door opening
- Easy to set up
- Well-built to stand up to all kinds of weather
- Lightweight for ease of portability
- Has elevated floor to keep water away
Cons
- It’s not insulated
- The kennel is not water-resistant
10. Pets Imperial Wooden Norfolk Kennel
Featuring two support rails, this kennel from Pets Imperial is designed to accommodate dogs weighing up to 154lbs. Best of all, it is constructed from animal-friendly treated timber that is sure to last for years.
As far as air circulation is concerned, the house boasts a raised floor. This design of the floor also helps keep the kennel dry and comfortable. What’s more, all panels are insulated to keep your German Shepherd warm in winter and cool in summer.
More importantly, it is outfitted with a removable floor to allow easy cleaning, pest control, and maintenance. The roof is also designed to open using two locking arms for easier cleaning.
Pros
- Walls are 150% thicker than other dog houses
- Adjustable height
- Includes rot-free plastic cap feet
- Solid construction
- Easy to keep it leveled up even on uneven ground
Cons
- The floor does not fit properly side to side
Buying Guide – Factors to Consider When Choosing the German Shepherd House
Your German Shepherd will not fit in just any dog house. Therefore, there are a couple of things to consider before buying a dog house. They include:
Construction Material
The first thing to consider is the construction material of the dog house. This feature determines the durability of the shelter as well as the safety of your pooch.
Generally, most dog houses for GSD are made from either heavy-duty plastic or wood. Both of these materials tend to be durable if they are of high-quality.
However, the type of material to choose depends on your pet’s temperament plus your area’s climate. Generally, most plastic dog shelters can withstand wet weather without, rotting, decaying, or warping. Also, plastic is easier to carry around and easy to assemble. Unfortunately, this material does not have the best insulation properties.
Wood, on the other hand, is also weather resistant and durable but it needs to be treated with non-toxic paint. Besides, it offers great insulation compared to plastic. However, wood is quite heavy and requires extra maintenance.
Size
Another aspect to take into account is the size of the house. This is because adult German Shepherds usually grow to a considerable size. Therefore, you should choose a dog house that will be able to accommodate their size.
The right dog house size should offer plenty of room for your GSD to lie down or stand up in comfortably. Also, it should allow your canine friend to get in and out easily and even move around.
So make sure to check the overall measurements of the house, size of the doorway, height, and inside space. However, the house should not be too big either.
Insulation and Ventilation
This is yet another important feature to consider especially if you live in areas with sudden temperature fluctuations. A well-insulated dog shelter will keep your German Shepherd warm in the winter and cool in the summer heat.
So check out for dog houses that are reinforced with insulated panels either on the roof or the walls.
Additionally, you should consider getting a dog kennel that is well ventilated. Ventilation systems keep fresh air circulation through the house thereby enhancing the comfort and health of your pooch. Also, vents can help clear any bad smell from the kennel.
Ease of Assembly
When you buy a dog house, you are going to have to put it together. As such, choosing a model that is easy to assemble is important. After all, you don’t want to spend an entire day trying to figure out how to assemble the house.
Generally speaking, some shelters feature interlocking pieces that are designed to snap together with so much ease. Therefore, you actually don’t require tools to assemble it. Other designs come with clear instructions to ensure the best assembly.
However, if you need the dog house to be portable, you’ll have to choose a design that is easy to assemble and dissemble.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Your dog’s health, safety, and health should always be your priority. So, you should always strive to ensure the dog house is clean.
Choosing a house that is both easy to clean and maintain is important. Basically, models that can easily be taken apart and put back together again are easier to clean. Most dog houses usually have either a removable roof or floor or even both.
As far as maintenance is concerned, some dog kennels are constructed with antimicrobial materials. This helps keep odor, mold, and mildew from growing. Such models, therefore, don’t require frequent cleaning just to keep them fresh.
Weather Shields
Some dog houses feature extra shield against rough weather. Others have sloped roofing design to ensure easy drainage especially when it rains. This design also helps protect the house against other weather elements.
Additionally, some dog kennels boast raised flooring to ensure the house does not get damp while also offering better ventilation.
What’s more? You can get a house with a closing door design if you live in areas where the wind is a big concern. This design of the door helps to keep out stifle wind.
Frequently Asked Questions
We might have covered nearly everything about the best dog house for GSD except for the most frequently asked questions. So, here are some of the queries that we encountered while writing this review.
Q: How big should a dog house for a German Shepherd be?
A: A typical GSD weighs around 75 pounds and 27 inches at the shoulder. Therefore, the house should be big enough for the dog to move around and enter.
Q: What temperature can the GSD withstand?
A: Well, they do well in cold weather as long as they have their standard coat. However, if they are always outside, the summer sun might become too much for them. That’s why it is important to invest in a well-insulated dog house.
Q: Can I leave my GSD outside?
A: Yes, you can. However, you need to get a proper shelter to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Q: Is a 42-inch crate big enough for my German Shepherd?
A: Yes. It will provide your GSD with plenty of room to play and move around. However, it may only be big enough for a female German Shepherd because they’ve got a smaller build compared to the males.
Which One is the Best?
Based on our opinion and the overall features of the product, the Suncast DH350 Outdoor Dog House is the overall best. It is easy to assemble and clean, resistant to water and built to last. While it does not offer sufficient insulation, it still does a great job of keeping your GSD warm in the winter. Besides, it boasts vents for improving air circulation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a plastic or wooden dog house, our list comprises different options to choose from. It does not matter if you are on a budget or not because the houses are available in different price ranges. And if you would like both an outdoor and indoor dog kennel, we’ve also got you covered.
