Size the perfect shelter: interior dimensions from 30 breeds or your own measurements, door opening, cold-climate insulation, a full material takeoff, multi-dog sizing, placement check, and build cost — all in your browser.
Dog house, crate, or run? This tool sizes an enclosed, roofed dog house — outdoor shelter against weather.
A dog run is a fenced outdoor exercise area (see our dog run size calculator);
a dog crate is a small indoor cage for rest and training (see our dog crate size calculator).
Units:
1 · House size from breed or measurements
Pick a breed (typical adult — measuring your own dog is better) or type measurements directly. Breed table: 30 breeds.
Rigid XPS foam (R-5 per inch), raised floor, straw bedding, door flap and ventilation per climate.
4 · Material takeoff
Plywood sheets, 2×4 framing, shingles, foam, screws and stain from interior dimensions. Includes 10% cutting waste.
5 · Multi-dog sizing
+30% floor area per additional dog (length and width scaled by √factor).
6 · Outdoor vs indoor placement check
Tick what is true about your spot — shade, drainage, wind, ventilation, height and clearance.
7 · Cost estimator
Defaults are 2026 US averages — overwrite with your local prices.
Dog house size — FAQs
What size dog house does my dog need?
Measure your dog nose to base of tail (length) and floor to top of head (height). Interior length should be about 1.5× body length, width about 0.7× body length, and height about 1.25× head height. Example: a 31″ Labrador needs roughly 46.5″ L × 21.7″ W × 33.8″ H inside.
Should a dog house be big or small?
Snug, not big. The house only needs room for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down — a smaller space traps body heat in winter and feels more den-like. Oversized houses stay cold and drafty.
What size should the dog house door be?
About 75% of shoulder height tall and chest width plus 2″ wide. For a 23″-shoulder Labrador that is a 17.3″ × 12″ opening. Dogs happily duck through doors, so keep the opening small to block wind and hold heat.
How do I measure my dog for a dog house?
Take three standing measurements: (1) nose to base of tail for length, (2) floor to top of head for interior height, (3) floor to shoulder plus chest width for the door. Enter them in the calculator — or pick your breed as a starting point and fine-tune.
Can two dogs share one dog house?
Yes. Add 30% of floor area per extra dog and scale length and width by the square root of that factor — height and door size stay the same. For three or more dogs, two separate houses are usually better.
How do I keep a dog house warm in winter?
Line the walls and roof with rigid XPS foam (R-5 per inch — 1.5″ gives about R-7.5 for cold climates), raise the floor 4″ or more off the ground, add 4–6″ of straw bedding, fit a door flap, and face the door away from the prevailing wind.
How do I keep a dog house cool in summer?
Put it in afternoon shade, use a light-colored or wood roof, and add two high wall vents so hot air escapes. A raised floor helps air circulate underneath. In heat waves, leave the door flap open.
What is the best material to build a dog house?
3/4″ plywood with 2×4 framing — wood insulates naturally and is easy to cut. Use standard (not pressure-treated) plywood for interior surfaces since dogs chew; it is non-toxic. Finish the outside with exterior stain and shingle or metal roofing.
Should a dog house be raised off the ground?
Yes — 3″ in mild climates and 4–6″ where winters are cold. A raised floor blocks ground cold and moisture, discourages fleas, and lets air circulate underneath in summer.
Dog house vs. dog crate vs. dog run — what is the difference?
A dog house is an enclosed, roofed outdoor shelter that protects against weather. A dog crate is a small indoor cage for rest and training. A dog run is a fenced outdoor area for exercise. This calculator sizes the shelter — see our dog crate size calculator and dog run size calculator for the other two.
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