Do you need a dog house for Labrador Retrievers where your four-legged friend can get away for a little while? Your dog deserves the best dog house where they can be safe, protected from the elements, and can simply lounge around and enjoy being a dog. With so many options on the market, it can be time-consuming to find the absolute best dog house for Labradors.
The Petmate Indigo Dog House is the best dog house for Labrador Retrievers. It is affordable and durable, easy to clean, and offers insulation in hot and cold weather. This dog house boasts plenty of air flow with roof vents and prevents rainwater from pooling in the bottom due to a raised floor.
For more information on finding the perfect dog house for your Lab, here is your complete guide.
Labrador Retriever Breed
When you’re shopping for a new dog house for your Lab, you need to keep in mind their overall size. Males tend to be 24.5 inches or less at the shoulder while females are a little bit smaller at just 23.5 inches or less at the shoulder. They weigh anywhere in the ballpark of 55 to 80 pounds, making them a larger dog.
Another important thing to consider when buying a dog house is their coat type. Labs have a double coat that keeps them warm in the winter. However, it can lead to shedding in the summer so you need a dog house that can easily be cleaned.
The best dog house for Labradors is the Petmate Indigo Dog House (listed below). My experience with this dog house has been nothing but positive. It’s affordable and durable without sacrificing on quality. You’ll find that it has great air circulation, insulation, and is generally just comfortable for your dog to enjoy.
Importance of a Good Dog House
Why should you invest in a good dog house for your Labrador? A solid dog house allows you to leave your high-energy dog outside where they can run off some of their energy. It offers them protection against the elements and makes them more comfortable.
However, it does more than just protect your dog from the elements.
It also gives them a place that they can truly call their own. Dogs are den animals, so they need a space that fits them inside securely and makes them feel snug. Give them the freedom to come and go from the dog house as they see fit and they’ll learn to love it.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog House for Labradors
Here are a few things you’ll want to think about when investing in a new dog house for your Lab:
- Size: Labradors are big dogs and need plenty of space to lounge around.
- Material: Plastic can be a great insulator for both hot and cold weather, and it is extra durable for dogs who like to chew. Wood can be a little cooler in the summer, but it’s also a lot more tempting for your dog to sink his teeth into it.
- Insulation: Labradors are quite tolerant of the cold but need some reprieve from summer heat. Good insulation can keep them cool in the hottest weather, so look for ventilation and insulation.
- Ease of Cleaning: Large dogs mean more mess for you to contend with, especially when they have a double coat like Labs do. Look for dog houses that offer easy-to-clean designs such as roof access or plastic floors.
- Durability: Labs are strong and large dogs, so you need something that’s going to be sturdy and durable enough to stand up to their abuse.
- Location: Consider the placement of your dog house carefully. It should be placed somewhere in the shade during the summer to keep your dog cool. Even wind direction can play a role in deciding where your dog house belongs.
8 Best Dog Houses for Labradors
When it comes to shopping for a dog house for Labrador Retrievers, there are so many on the market that it can easily feel overwhelming. Here are my top picks for your canine companion so that they can rest easy and have a space of their own.
Petmate Indigo Dog House
When you want to best dog house for Labradors, you can’t go wrong with the Petmate Indigo Dog House. I personally own two of these dog houses and absolutely love them. My dogs use them daily because they’re primarily outdoor dogs, and they shelter them from the elements with ease. My dogs treat these dog houses as their safe space.
Even better, they have held up through the past several years without any signs of wear and tear. Durable and affordable, these dog houses for Labs are worth your money.
Pros:
- Durable construction lasts for years to come
- Provides insulation from the elements (warm in the winter, cool in the summer)
- Air flow via roof vents
- Made of 90% recycled material
- Raised floors and side moats to drain water
- Affordable Price
Cons:
- Smaller opening than some dog houses
Click here to see the price of the Petmate Indigo Dog house on Amazon.
Lifetime Deluxe Large Dog House
If you want a dog house for Labrador Retrievers that will withstand the test of time, the Lifetime Deluxe Large Dog House is your best bet. While expensive, this dog house boasts some impressive features that make it one of the most durable options on the market.
Pros:
- Durable PVE construction with steel reinforcement and steel door
- UV-resistant for longer-last material
- Adjustable partition to change size for a custom fit
- Raised floor to prevent pooling water
- Adjustable vents
Cons:
- Expensive
- Time-consuming to put together
Click here to see the price of this Deluxe Large Dog House.
BestPet 39-Inch Large Dog House
When you want a dog house for Labrador Retrievers that will stand the test of time, the BestPet 39-inch Large Dog House might be the perfect fit. Designed of durable plastic, it holds up well with exposure to sun, rain, snow, and all of the elements. It can easily be used indoors or outdoors to give your dog a safe space.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Can withstand up to 160 pounds on the roof
- Double air vents for circulation in the summer
- Insulated material for colder weather
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Suggests covering with a blanket to keep warm in the winter
Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House
For owners who are concerned about the aesthetic of their Labrador Retriever dog house, this Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House is a clear winner. Made of solid wood, you get an attractive dog house that stands up to the elements.
Pros:
- Slanted asphalt roof to keep off rain and snow
- Adjustable feet for uneven terrain
- Stainless steel reinforcements
- Raised floor to prevent water buildup
Cons:
- Wood is a little thin and may not provide excellent winter insulation
Petsfit Wooden Dog House Extreme Outback
Another wooden Labrador Retriever dog house, this Petsfit Wooden Dog House Extreme Outback is an obvious choice. It boasts panels that are a little thicker than some wooden dog houses with high-quality engineering and manufacturing.
Pros:
- Includes door flap to protect dogs from the elements
- Open-up roof for easy interior cleaning
- Asphalt shingles on the roof
- Quick assembly
- Removable floor with support rails
Cons:
- Insulation kit sold separately
- A little on the expensive side
Ferplast DogVilla Ventilated Dog House
When you need a dog house for Labrador Retrievers that can stand up to lots of rain, the Ferplast DogVilla Dog House should come in near the top of your list. It has tons of ventilation and drainage so that your pup stays dry in inclement weather.
Pros:
- Waterproof, UV-resistant, and anti-shock plastic construction
- Side panel for a fold-out porch (on left or right side)
- Drainage system in place for wet weather
- Ventilation for the heat
- Raised off the ground for better insulation
Cons:
- No door to prevent rain and snow from getting inside
MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House
For dog owners who dread pulling out their toolkits to assemble a complex dog house, the MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Dog House is the perfect fit. It’s great if you have to move your dog around often to accommodate different weather such as placing them in the shade in the summer and in the sun in the winter.
All you have to do is unfold it in the new location and your dog house is good to go.
Pros:
- Quick and easy assembly with no tools required
- Elevated floor for increased air circulation
- Adjustable feet for uneven terrain
- Easily moved around for convenience
Cons:
- May be tempting for dogs to chew on the wooden construction
- No entryway door to prevent elements from getting in
Classic Outdoor Waterproof Dog House for Labradors
Owners who are searching for a durable solution for outdoor living will want to add the TRIXIE Classic Outdoor Dog House to their list. Easy to clean and assemble, it has everything you need to make your Labrador feel right at home in a wooden dog house.
Pros:
- Mineral roofing felt
- Waterproof sealer on the wooden components with plastic-covered feet
- Adjustable feet for uneven surfaces
- Elevated floor to keep out rainwater
Cons:
- A little difficult to assemble
How to Introduce a Labrador to a New Dog House
The good news is that your Labrador is extremely intelligent and highly trainable. While they may not be certain about their dog house when you first bring it home, you can easily remedy this problem with a few quick and easy training tips:
- Reward Often: Sit next to your new dog house with a bowl full of tasty treats. Every time your dog goes near the dog house, toss him one of your treats. Eventually, you can toss them into the dog house to encourage him to actually make his way inside.
- Hide Treats Inside: Hiding treats in the dog house can also be a fun way to encourage him to stay in once he feels more comfortable entering and exiting.
- Encourage Time: You can make it more likely that your dog will spend time in the dog house by giving them something to occupy their time like a puzzle toy or a Kong stuffed with frozen peanut butter.
- Never Force: You never want to force your dog inside the dog house. This sets the stage for a very negative experience and may ensure that your dog never uses their new den.
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What Size Dog House is Best for a Labrador?
A dog house should be big enough for your dog to comfortably enter, stand up in, turn around, and lie down. While this often depends on the size of your dog, there are some rules of thumb to consider.
Start by measuring your dog from the floor to their shoulder and from their nose to the toes.
The door should be about 75 percent of the dog’s shoulder height because they duck to get into the dog house. The interior of the dog house should be about the measurement of their nose to their back flank. The height of the dog house should be approximately 25 percent taller than their height from the head to the toes.
Additional Accessories for Dog Houses
While these dog houses will keep your Lab comfortable, you can spruce them up even more with some of these fun accessories:
- Heated dog bed: In the winter months, you can make your dog house a little cozier with a heated dog bed. Your dog will love the luxury of this add-on feature.
- Chew-proof mats: Labs are known for being powerful chewers. Save the floor of your dog house and install a set of chew-proof mats.
- Door flap: Many dog houses don’t come equipped with a doggie door, but some models have doors sold separately. This can help protect your dog from getting rain inside the shelter.
- Insulation kits: When you need extra warmth in the winter, an insulation kit can give your dog a warm place to curl up without spending a small fortune on heating and cooling your dog house.
Final Thoughts
When you’re ready to invest in a dog house for your Labrador Retriever, you need to make sure you get something that will stand the test of time. These top eight dog houses will help you find the perfect fit for your canine companion so that they can be comfortable all year-round
