Pets

Doghouse Plans: Selecting The Right Size Doghouse For Your Pet

Before buying dog house plans, there are several things to consider. It is very important to select the right size doghouse for your pet’s safety and comfort. The first step is to measure your dog to determine which category he can fit into. If your dog is just a puppy, you should refer to the breed list below to estimate how large your dog will be when he is about a year old.

Typical doghouse sizes are small, medium, large, and extra large. Make sure you choose a plan that is large enough that your dog can roll over easily. The interior width and length of the doghouse must be equal to or greater than the total length of your dog excluding its tail. Choose a width of an inch or more, greater than the length of your dog. Select a length that is approximately 30 percent longer than your dog’s length.

The interior height of the doghouse should be 25 percent greater than your dog’s total height. As an example; If your dog is 20 inches tall from the top of the head to the legs, the inside height should be 25 inches.

Make sure the door is large enough so that your dog can enter the doghouse without bending over. A good rule of thumb is to have the door open at least 1 inch higher than your dog’s height measured at his shoulders. Your dog will lower his head when entering the dog house.

Select a small, medium, large or extra large doghouse plan that suits your breed from the list below.

Small Dog House Plans for Small Breeds:

Chihuahua, Dachshund, Pomeranian, Toy Poodles, Toy Terriers or Yorkshire Terrier.

Medium Dog House Plans for Medium Breeds:

Beagle, Boston Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Shih Tzu, Scottish Terrier or Welsh Terrier.

Large dog kennel plans for large breeds:

Basset Hound, Chow, Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Husky, Labrador Retriever, or Shar Pei.

Large dog house plans for large breeds:

Akita, Dalmatian, Doberman, English Setter, English Sheepdog, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, or Weimaraner.

Dog house plans, tips for the handyman:

o Choose a design with an overhang to keep the interior of the doghouse dry when it rains.

o In colder climates, select a plan with a 2×4 frame to allow for insulation.

o Slightly tilt the floor of the doghouse toward the door. This will ensure that rainwater runs out of the doghouse.

o Build a kennel for a small dog. The interior will stay warmer in winter thanks to the natural body heat of the dogs. You can also use a straw bed for extra comfort.

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