One of the less expensive dog houses available would be the plastic dog house, it is light weight, easy to transport, comes in a variety of colors and requires only minimum maintenance. It does not have splinters like wooden dog houses, plastic does not rot or attract bugs, such as fleas and tics. 

Wooden dog houses however have a more natural look and can be better insulated. These also can be expanded to better fit the needs of the dog. They are less likely to overheat in warmer climates, cedar wood siding is highly recommended because it repels bugs and tics keeping your pet comfortable and safe. Stainless steel dog houses are also available, but they are one of the more expensive dog houses. Ventilation on steel and aluminum dog houses are harder to keep cool because of the elements that they are made up of. 

When choosing a dog house your dog does not need a mansion, you need a house that is big enough for the dog to stand up in and stretch, too much space can prevent the dog from keeping warm. When choosing the size of a dog house, consider the size of your dog, and that will determine the size of dog house you need. So when choosing a dog house, size does matter, and bigger is not always better. It is recommended that you first measure your dog before making a decision on how big of a dog house you are going to purchase. Choosing a dog house with a raised floor is also important because it’s elevated off the ground which prevents mold and mildew.   

One thing to think of when buying a dog house is the roof type.  If you're in the market for a wooden dog house, you'll have to decide what type of roof you prefer. This is both a style and function decision. Wooden dog houses generally come with either, the classic pitched roof, made from two panels joined together to form a peak, or the single panel roof, typically with a gentle slope from the front to the back of the house. A third type of roof is the loft or sun deck style roof, which is usually a single or double panel roof with an attached wooden platform on top. You also need to decide on the type of protective covering on the roof. The main choices here are asphalt shingles, wood (shingles, plywood, boards), metal, or plain old tar paper.

One of the most important things to look for in a dog house is proper ventilation. Most conventional dog houses have a door in the center. The entrance should not be so big that it allows too much heat to escape during the winter. Some have offset doors to allow the dog a nice cozy spot in the corner to escape from the wind.

We at Zamzows offer a variety dog houses at our stores and some can be special ordered to fit your dogs needs. We also carry many accessories for your dog houses such as, bedding, and dog doors. All of our associates are more than happy to assist you with any questions you might have. Because when it comes to dog houses, nobody knows like Zamzows.