Dog houses have been around for years and years and there are probably as many variations of dog houses are there individuals who designed and built them. But shopping for dog houses doesn't have to be confusing or hard. Knowing a few tips ahead of time can save you time and money.
First of all, contrary to what some believe, dog houses do not need to be insulated. In fact, many dogs find insulated dog houses to be too warm, especially in the spring and summer seasons. Your dog's coat will keep him insulated plenty. There is no need for added insulation.
Dog houses do not need to be huge in order to please your pet. In general, dog houses that are 25-50% longer, wider, and taller than your dog will suffice just fine. An example, if your dog is 3 feet tall, a dog house with standing room of 4.5 feet will be fine.
Dog houses usually come with a pitched roof and this is a good thing. This allows water to run off, thereby saving you from roof replacements. Dog houses with flat roofs should be avoided, especially if you live in a snowy climate. If the roof collapses, the dog may be injured or killed. Better to not take that chance.
Some 
dog houses come with swinging doors. These are okay and your dog will probably love them, but do keep in mind that dogs love to chew on things that move, and these swinging doors will be no exception. If it swings, chances are he will chew on it. Just so you know.
There are some dog houses that are elevated on blocks. This is done for two reasons. The space beneath the floor allows for some air circulation within the dog house itself. The other reason is it keeps the underside of the dog house off the ground during the wet seasons. A standard plywood floor will rot in no time at all if allowed to stay in water.
Newer dog houses are constructed so well these days that they can last years and years. With this being said, when you pick out your new dog house get one that you won't might looking at for that long. There are many, many different styles to choose from and there is sure to be one that will be pleasing to both you and your pet. Do keep in mind, however, that if the dog house is painted that the paint is non-toxic to dogs. As stated above, dogs love to chew on things and that would include painted things.
All in all, choosing the right dog houses for your pets doesn't have to be a mystery. By using a bit of common sense and knowing ahead of time what to look for, your choice of dog houses will be the right choice for both and you and your beloved pet.
