Choosing a dog kennel
A kennel, or dog house, gives your dog a sheltered place of their own. Indoors, an enclosed house bed is a cosy den. Outdoors, a waterproof dog house gives shelter in the garden from rain, wind and sun. Our range covers both, plus pop-up tents for days out.
Dog kennels by type
Outdoor dog houses
An outdoor dog house has a waterproof outer and a raised or insulated floor, so your dog stays dry and off the cold ground. Our larger outdoor houses have removable, washable covers and padding for winter. An outdoor kennel is shelter for time spent in the garden; in cold or very hot weather, your dog should come inside.
Indoor house beds
An enclosed or semi-enclosed house bed is a soft bed with a roof, like a small house or cave. Many dogs, especially small breeds and nervous dogs, love to curl up somewhere covered. Ours include four-season house beds with removable cushions, sofa-style beds and fun shapes such as a pumpkin, and most also suit cats.
Pop-up dog tents
A pop-up dog tent folds flat and springs open in seconds. It gives shade and shelter on the beach, at the park, at shows or camping, and some have mesh windows and a zip door so your dog can rest inside.
What size kennel does my dog need?
Your dog should be able to walk in without ducking, turn round and lie down stretched out, but an outdoor kennel shouldn't be much bigger than that, because a smaller space keeps their body heat in.
- Measure your dog standing, from the floor to the top of the head, and choose a doorway a little taller than their shoulder.
- Measure from nose to base of tail, and choose a floor at least that long.
- Check the sizes on the product page in centimetres; sizes differ between makers.
Setting up an outdoor kennel
- Put it in a sheltered spot, out of strong wind and direct midday sun, on firm ground.
- Turn the doorway away from the wind and rain.
- Add a thick, washable bed or blanket in winter and take it out in summer.
- Make sure there's always fresh water nearby and shade outside the kennel.
- Check it regularly for damp and clean the cover often.
Kennel, crate or bed?
A kennel is shelter, a crate is a den you can close for sleeping and travel, and a bed is for comfort. Many dogs have a bed indoors and a kennel for the garden.
