Before purchasing dog house plans, there are several things to consider. It is very important to select the right size dog house for the safety and comfort of your pet. The first step is to measure your dog to determine which category it may fit into. If your dog is just a puppy, you should refer to the breed list below to estimate how big your dog will be at about a year of age.
Typical sizes of dog kennels are small, medium, large, and extra large. Be sure to choose a plan that is large enough for your dog to easily turn around inside. The interior width and length of the doghouse must be equal to or greater than the total length of your dog, excluding the tail. Choose a width that is one inch or more, greater than your dog’s length. 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 the total height of your dog. As an example; If your dog is 20 inches tall from top of head to paws, the inside height should be 25 inches tall.
Make sure the door is large enough for your dog to enter the doghouse without bending over. A good rule of thumb is to make the door opening a minimum of 1 inch higher than your dog’s height measured at shoulder height. Your dog will lower his head when entering the dog house.
Select a small, medium, large or extra large kennel plan to suit your breed from the list below.
Small Dog House Plans for Small Breeds:
Chihuahua, Dachshund, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Toy Terrier, or Yorkshire Terrier.
House plans for medium dogs for medium breeds:
Beagle, Boston Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Shih Tzu, Scottish Terrier, or Welsh Terrier.
Large dog house 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 handymen:
o Choose a cantilevered design to keep the inside of the doghouse dry when it rains.
o In cooler climates, select a plan with a 2×4 frame to allow for insulation.
o Angle the floor of the doghouse slightly towards the door. This will ensure that rainwater runs out of the doghouse.
o Build a small doghouse for a small dog. The interior will stay warmer in winter thanks to the dogs natural body heat. You can also use a straw bed for more comfort.