A doghouse and a kennel provide private spaces for a dog. While the doghouse serves as a small home and shelter to protect the dog from the cold, wind, rain, or snow, the kennel is an enclosure that marks its territory.
Doghouses are made from different materials, each with its advantages.
- Wooden models are appreciated for their aesthetics, but also their insulation. Wood types like cedar are ideal for sheltering the animal in all seasons.
- Plastic doghouses owe their popularity to their aesthetics and ease of installment. Moreover, they can be easily cleaned with a sponge and soapy water. Various shapes and colors are available.
- PVC shelters are comparable to those made of plastic, notably in terms of aesthetics and maintenance. Their affordable price makes them appealing.
The doghouse should be suited to the animal’s size to ensure optimal warmth in winter:
- its length should be less than twice the size of the dog from snout to tail;
- its roof should not exceed the height of the animal by 60 cm.
To help dog lovers easily find the right-sized model, the available ones are classified by size:
- size S for small dogs like dachshunds or bichon frises;
- size M for dalmatians, setters, or border collies;
- size L for boxers or labradors;
- size XL for golden retrievers or German shepherds;
- size XXL for large dogs like the Great Dane or the mastiff.
The kennel is an enclosure that limits the dog's movements while allowing it to stretch its legs. The models offered are made from various materials:
- solid wood;
- metal;
- plywood covered with polyester resin (CPRS);
- sheet metal.
Several parameters should be considered when choosing a kennel:
- its installation (in the middle of a field, attached to a wall, in a corner, etc.);
- its dimensions, which depend on the size of the dog (a surface area of 8 m² to 12 m² is sufficient for a large dog);
- the number of dogs;
- the possibility of installing various accessories such as a doghouse, a sleeping bench, or holders for bowls;
- the existence or absence of a roof (with or without gutters);
- a hatch for easier food supply.
Thus, installing a kennel is essential to offer the dog a space where it can wander freely without coming into contact with visitors. A doghouse is also useful for providing it with a comfortable resting corner.