Are you searching for the perfect dog house for Australian Shepherds? Knowing what size to buy and what features to look for can feel a little daunting and overwhelming. You need a clear guide to help you decide which dog house is going to be the best fit for your beloved canine companion.
The Petmate Indigo Dog House is the best dog house for Australian Shepherds. It is durable, affordable, and offers great insulation against any weather. Roof vents improve the air flow, making it great for summer weather. Raised floors and side moats keep it from gathering water and keep dogs dry.
For more information on finding the perfect dog houses for Aussies, here is what you need to know.
Choosing the Right Dog House for an Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a highly sought-after breed because of their beauty, intelligence, and their never-ending energy. These dogs typically weigh up to 65 pounds for males and 55 pounds for females, placing them firmly in the medium dog size category. Their smaller size makes it even easier to find the perfect dog house for them.
One thing to keep in mind is their coat type. Aussies are known for their beautiful medium-length fur, but their owners dread keeping up with it. They tend to shed a great deal, which means that you need a dog house you can easily access to clean the interior.
Because their coat can make them quite hot, it’s important to look for a dog house that has plenty of ventilation for those hot summer days. They need all the help they can get to stay cool when the sun is beating down on them.
I recommend the Petmate Indigo Dog House as the best dog house for Australian Shepherds. It’s durable, affordable, and can withstand the test of time. Plus, it has great insulation to keep them cool in the summer.
Importance of a Good Dog House
A good dog house for Australian Shepherds is extremely important, especially if your dog will be spending much of their time outside. Aussies are naturally great at being outdoor dogs because it gives them room to run and stretch their legs. However, they need a little protection when the weather isn’t as great out.
Dog houses are important to keep them clean and dry in rain, snow, and sleet. Look for options with a built-in door to keep elements out or a roomy interior where your Aussie can get away from the entrance.
They also require a little bit of space that solely belongs to them. Dogs are den creatures which means that they need a small space of their own. A dog house provides them with the safety, comfort, and protection they need to be happy and healthy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog House
Selecting a dog house requires plenty of research and thoughtfulness about what your Aussie needs to be happy. Here are a few factors to consider while shopping:
- Size: Make sure that the entrance to the dog house is at least as tall as your dog’s shoulder. This allows them to easily move in and out of the dog house.
- Material: Plastic is a great dog house material because it offers extra durability and often even some insulation. Wood is more aesthetically appealing but could be more tempting for your dog to chew on. Depending on the thickness, it may not offer as much insulation as you need.
- Insulation: Aussies are great in the cool weather because of their thick coats, but they can really struggle in the summer with heat. A well-insulated dog house will keep them cool in the summer.
- Ease of Cleaning: Large dogs and dogs like Aussies that frequently shed will require more maintenance of the dog house. Look for models with easy-access roofs and large doors that will enable you to clean it more easily.
- Durability: Australian Shepherds are strong and relatively large. You need a model that’s going to be durable and sturdy if it’s going to last for years to come.
- Location: Think carefully about where you will place the dog house, considering shade and wind direction.
8 Best Dog Houses for Australian Shepherds
Buying the perfect dog house for Australian Shepherds can be a daunting task with many models on the market. Look for something durable, easy to clean, and weatherproof to keep your Aussie comfortable outdoors all year-round. Here are my top picks for the best dog house for Australian Shepherds.
Petmate Indigo Dog House
My favorite recommendation for your Australian Shepherd dog house is the Petmate Indigo Dog House. I personally own two of these dog houses and I love them – and so do my dogs! They are used daily because my dogs are primarily outdoor dogs, and they have really held up under the test of time. It’s a safe space for my dogs who love to curl up inside.
Not to mention, they really do shelter my dogs from the elements. They’re durable, affordable, and easy to maintain. What more could you ask for in dog houses for Aussies?
Pros:
- Extremely durable plastic construction
- Built-in insulation to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter
- Roof vents for improved airflow
- Construction of 90% recycled material, making it eco-friendly
- Raised floors and side moats to drain water
Cons:
- A bit of a smaller opening, but should be fine for an Aussie
Click here to see the price of the Petmate Indigo Dog House on Amazon.
Lifetime Deluxe Large Dog House
If you need an Australian Shepherd dog house that is going to be extremely durable, the Lifetime Deluxe Large Dog House is likely to be the best fit. Constructed of heavy-duty PVE combined with steel reinforcements and a steel door, your dog will have a hard time chewing up this dog house.
Pros:
- Made from UV-resistant material for a longer-lasting dog house
- Adjustable partition for divided space and custom fit
- Raised floor to keep water out
- Adjustable vents for air circulation
- Easy-open lid for better cleaning
Cons:
- Higher Priced
- More challenging to assemble
Click here to see the price of the Lifetime Deluxe Large Dog House.
Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House
When you want an Australian Shepherd dog house that will shelter them from the elements and look beautiful in your yard, the Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House is the best fit. Constructed from solid wood with stainless steel reinforcements, this option should make it to the top of your list.
Pros:
- Offset door to protect your Aussie from wind, rain, and snow
- Solid wood construction with stainless steel reinforcements
- Adjustable feet for uneven ground conditions
- Raised floor to prevent water buildup
Cons:
- Thinner wood may hinder wintertime insulation
BestPet 39-Inch Large Dog House
If you need something basic and inexpensive without sacrificing quality, the BestPet 39-inch Large Dog House is a top contender. It’s uniquely made to stand up to the elements whether that means rain, snow, or even excess sunshine. Get the protection for your Aussie all year-round with this insulated dog house.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Double air vents keep air circulating in hot weather
- Insulation for cold weather
- Quick assembly
Cons:
- May need to cover the dog house with a blanket in the winter
PawHut Large Dog House Cabin Style
Maybe you have more than one dog but want to keep your dog houses simple. The PawHut Large Dog House Cabin Style is ideal for two medium-sized dogs and provides plenty of space for them to lounge around off the dirt of your backyard. With two distinct living areas, your dogs will love being close to one another while still maintaining their distance.
Pros:
- Raised floor to keep Aussies dry
- Vinyl curtain on entrances to living rooms to keep out rain and wind
- Hinged roof and slide-out bottom tray for easy cleaning
- Solid fir construction with deck for lounging
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of space
- May not be as durable as plastic options
MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House
Are you a little less than handy when it comes to assembling your Aussie’s new dog house? Fear not: the MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House is here to save the day. All you have to do is unfold it in place and your dog can start enjoying their new safe space ASAP.
Pros:
- No tools needed for assembly
- Elevated floor with adjustable feet for uneven terrain
- Easy to move around during season changes
Cons:
- Lacks an entryway door which may allow elements to get inside
- Tempting to chew on
MidWest Ferplast Villa Dog Kennel with Folding Porch
If you liked the PawHut cabin with its front porch but want a plastic dog house, you can’t go wrong with the MidWest Ferplast Villa Dog Kennel. It has a built-in fold-out porch that you can leave down during the day when the weather is nice. When cold weather comes or rain threatens, you just have to fold it back up to protect your dog from the elements.
Pros:
- Waterproof and UV-resistant plastic construction
- Fold-out porch can be used on either left or right side
- Built-in drainage and elevated floor
- Improved insulation and ventilation for hot summer days
- Affordable
Cons:
- No door to keep weather out
Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House
Living in a colder climate is ideal for Aussies because they have a thick coat, but you might want to offer them more protection. The Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House is a great selection that can really stand up to the elements. Using a remote and digital thermostat, you ensure that your dog is comfortable all winter long.
Pros:
- Minimum of 2-inch insulation in sides, roof, and floor
- Raised floor with built-in drainage system
- Double-hinged swinging door
Cons:
- More expensive than some
How to Introduce a Dog to a New Dog House
Getting your Aussie to fall in love with their new dog house is part of the process that you don’t want to skip over. Follow some of these tips to make your Australian Shepherd’s experience of the new dog house more positive so that they can enjoy it for years to come:
- Never Force: You never want to force your dog into their new dog house. Take things slow and allow them to explore the interior at their own pace. Forcing them in sets the stage for a negative experience from the very beginning.
- Positive Reinforcement: When your dog starts to explore their dog house, reward them with a high-value treat. My dogs like green beans, peanut butter, or small pieces of hot dog. Every time they get close to the dog house, give them a treat and praise them. Eventually, only give the treat when they get into the dog house all the way.
- Make it Familiar: Teach your dog that this is where you want them to hang out by placing familiar items inside the dog house. This can include a favorite dog bed or a blanket that has their scent on it.
Read Next:
- What Does Owning an Australian Shepherd Say About You?
- 20 Effective Training Commands for Your Australian Shepherd
What Size Dog House is Best for an Australian Shepherd?
Every dog house should be big enough for your dog to enter, turn around, and eventually lie down comfortably inside. There can be some variation in the heights and weights of Aussies depending on their lineage and their gender with males being bigger than females.
The door should be about the height of the dog’s shoulder, but a slightly smaller door will work as well because they tend to dip down to enter the dog house. The height should be about 25 percent taller than the measurement of their head to their toes.
Because this is a medium-sized dog, a mid-sized dog house should be sufficient.
Additional Accessories for Dog Houses
Finding the right dog house is only part of the process when it comes to making your dog more comfortable. Other accessories could improve your dog’s experience of their new home including items like these:
- Heated dog beds: In the winter months, a heated dog bed can help keep your Aussie warm and comfortable at the same time. They might even throw off enough heat to keep the chill out of the dog house altogether.
- Chew-proof mats: If your dog is a heavy chewer, then you’ll want to line the floor with mats they can’t easily chew on. Chew-proof mats can help you to protect your investment in a quality dog house.
- Door flap: While not all dog houses come with a door flap, you may be able to purchase a door separately that can help keep rain and wind out of the dog house.
- Insulation kit: Some dog houses will come with a separate insulation kit that keeps your dog warm in the winter.
Final Thoughts
Your Australian Shepherd is a part of the family and deserves to be comfortable when they spend their time outdoors. A dog house gives them the space they need to feel at ease and offers them some protection from the elements. These are some of the best dog houses on the market that can help make your Aussie more comfortable.