While they might look intimidating at first glance, any Great Dane owner will tell you that these pups are nothing more than big goofs! They are lovable companions that want nothing more than to show affection steal your heart. Despite their large size, Great Danes make wonderful pets for the family.
Unfortunately, their size does make things a bit challenging. There's no denying that Great Danes and other large dog breeds require a lot of space.
As a result, finding a suitable dog house isn't always easy!
Having an extra-large dog house for your Great Dane is important. They need that space to call their own. It'll be their haven away from family chaos and protect them from the elements.
Whether your dog is outside all of the time or they simply need some shelter during those lazy afternoons, finding the right dog house is paramount.
There are tons of dog houses on the market. However, your options for large houses are limited.
To make things easier for you, we've rounded up a collection of some of the best extra large dog houses to suit a Great Dane and other big breeds.
Top 5 Extra-Large Dog Houses for Great Danes, Mastiffs, & Newfoundlands
1. Extra Large Solid Wood Spacious Dog House
Here's a unique dog house that your large dog can get comfortable in. Measuring 73 inches wide by 39 inches long and 42 inches tall, this has ample space for a big breed. It's designed with flexible use in mind. You can use it for a single large dog or create a shared home for two smaller pups.
Whatever the case may be, your furry friend will enjoy it for years to come. It's made out of solid wood. The floor is raised to keep your dog dry and the walls all have natural insulation. One thing we like about this house is that the roof lifts off. This makes cleaning up a breeze.
2. PawHut Wooden Large Dog House with Porch
Here's another versatile dog house that can be used as a single home or a duplex. A removable insert inside the house lets you partition the space if needed. PawHut has pulled out all the stops with this dog house. It's beautifully designed and has a slew of luxurious extras.
First, the entire home is lifted several inches off the ground. It has a traditional raised foundation much like a house! Secondly, the house has a built-in porch. It's great for lounging around on those warm summer days. When your dog does need shelter, they can get into the house through the plastic flap door.
3. Large Dog House Lodge with Porch Deck
This house from Boomer & George measures about 67 inches wide, 37 inches deep, and 38 inches tall. It's made out of solid fir. This is a great wood choice. Fir is naturally resistant to rot. For looks, the fir is complemented by some dark trim accents.
Like the previous house, this unit is lifted off the ground with a raised foundation. It also has a sizable porch and some steps to help your pooch get down safely. There's even a railing system so that your dog doesn't take a misstep and fall off! While it doesn't have a door, this house does come with an open barred window for ventilation during the summer.
4. Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Wooden Norfolk Dog Kennel
If you need a house with good insulation, this model from Pet Imperial is a good choice. The house is made out of treated timber. The various components of the house are hiding an efficient secret. While it looks like the exterior is made out of simple strips of wood, they are joined together with plywood and styrofoam insulation.
The top is angled for good drainage. However, it's held in place with a hinge. To clean up the interior, just lift the roof to get full access. This structure is raised off the ground and has some rot-free plastic feet for protection. To keep the elements out, the house uses a plastic flap door.
5. Precision Pet Extreme Outback Country Lodge Dog House, Large
The beautifully designed dog house from Precision Pet Products is available in a few different sizes. The largest measures about 39.8 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 34 inches tall. It's made of wood and is built to look like a traditional log cabin.
It has a raised floor and features some plastic feet to protect the wood from damage. Up top, the house has a traditional A-frame roofline. The cool thing about the roof is that it's covered in shingles like a normal house. It's also sporting a weather-resistant liner for good measure.
How Big Does a House Have to Be for Large Dogs?
The biggest challenge you're going to face when shopping for a large dog house is size limitations. Dog houses need to offer plenty of space for your pup to move around in.
That doesn't mean that it has to be this palatial palace. However, your furry friend needs to be able to change positions, lay down, and get comfortable.
Therein lies the problem. Great Danes can tip the scales at 200 pounds! When they are standing tall, they will reach heights of up to 36 inches at the withers. Their large size alone calls for a massive dog house. But what are the dimensions you should be looking for?
Well, it all comes down to your dog's measurements. Whether you have a Great Dane or a fuzzy Newfoundland, all dogs are different when it comes to measurements. Take some time to measure these key points:
Now, there are some sizing standards that dog house manufacturers follow. It's similar to that of pet bedmakers. Typically, an XXL pet bet will measure about 48 inches long by 30 inches wide. That's a good place to start. However, we recommend doing some custom calculations to see what your pooch will need to stay comfortable.
Dog House Dimensions
Let's start with the floor of the house. As a good rule of thumb, the length and width of the house should be about 25 percent of the length measurement you took earlier. This will give your dog ample room to turn around and get cozy.
Try to stick as close to that measurement as possible. Going too big may make it difficult for your pup to get warm during those cold winter months.
As for height, you're going to need the ground-to-head measurement. Generally, a dog house should be about 25 percent taller than that measurement. Your dog needs space to stand up. Otherwise, they could develop neck injuries.
Finally, you have to think about the door! Many dog owners fail to consider the height of the door, but it's an important measurement to think about. You need it to be large enough for your dog to get through but not so big that the house loses all of its insulation.
To find an appropriate dog door size, just figure out 75 percent of your dog's height at their withers. You want them to crouch down to get in.
Use those measurements to find a suitable house. Chances are, you're not going to find a dog house that fits exactly with those parameters. As long as you choose something that's slightly larger, your dog should have no problem moving around in there.
Other Key Considerations
Beyond size, there are a few different things to look for when finding an extra-large dog house. This space is meant to provide shelter, so you need to pay attention to every detail.
Materials
There are several materials that dog house makers will use. The most common is wood. Wood is relatively affordable and holds up well with proper treatment. Though, it is susceptible to rot and warping. If you don't maintain the home, it can develop rot, water damage, and a litany of other problems.
Next up, there's plastic. Dog houses made of plastic are usually the cheapest. Oftentimes, they're made up of several large molded pieces. The good thing about plastic is that they are easy to clean. The bad thing is that they don't last that long and can become damaged by the sun.
Finally, there's metal. Metal dog houses are the most durable out there, but they will cost you a pretty penny. Not only that, but they aren't suited for every environment. Metal conducts heat, which could be problematic in both extremely cold and extremely hot climates.
Door Design
As we mentioned earlier, the door of your dog house plays an important role in keeping it warm. Not every dog house you come across will have a door. Those models should be avoided if you live in an area that has harsh weather.
To keep the elements out, the door should have a nice seal. The best options are flaps of thick plastic.
Insulating Properties
Ample insulation can serve your dog well in all conditions. It's especially important if you have to deal with low temperatures and snow. Fiberglass insulation stops the transfer of thermal energy. How does that affect your dog?
When they're getting cozy for a night of sleep, their body heat will naturally heat up the dog house. If the building doesn't have proper insulation, a lot of that heat will get lost. Thus, your pooch won't be able to get warm!
Dog houses with insulation usually fetch a pretty penny. But sometimes, you can just add it yourself. This is especially true with wooden houses that utilize traditional framing techniques.
Ventilation
In addition to insulation, your dog house should have some kind of ventilation. This can be a powered fan or something as simple as an open vent. I know what you're thinking. The ventilation system will affect the insulation! That's true to some extend. But good ventilation won't affect it too much. It will, however, make sure that your dog is breathing in fresh clean air!
Protection from the Elements
Your dog's house should have all of the same weatherproofing measures as your own home. This includes a sloped roof to prevent standing water, a raised foundation, and built-in water protection. It's not just rain that you need to keep your dog safe from.
If you live in a hotter climate, the constant beating down of the sun can damage house materials pretty quickly. To prevent that, you need to go with something that's UV-treated for safety.
Conclusion
Dog houses for Great Danes and other large breeds can be massive structures. They may even rival the size of a child's playhouse! However, they need that space to feel safe.
Don't try to cut corners and get a house that's too small for your behemoth. Go the extra mile and provide them with all the room they need.
Also Read: How Big Will My Pup Become as an Adult
