TLDR – Dogs are family. As such, I love taking the time to make sure that they have everything they need to be happy – which includes having a great place to call home. Below is a collection of my favorite rustic dog house designs. From timber cabins to backyard treehouses, there is something here for every type of backyard.
Why Buy a Rustic Dog House?
While perusing this list of awesome, creative designs, you might be wondering why rustic dog houses are any different from any old kennel you could pick up at your local hardware store. Simple answer: they’re not. Plastic dog houses and cheap wood buildings serve a purpose, sure. But if you want something that stands out and lasts longer than two seasons, here are a few benefits of rustic dog houses:
The materials. Rustic dog houses are mostly built out of natural materials like reclaimed wood, cedar, pine, and stone. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also helps the structure stand the test of time. Take cedar, for example. Cedar wood is naturally moisture resistant, impervious to insects, and doesn’t rot. Basically, this means your dog house can survive a rainstorm, snowstorm, and even hot summers without falling apart.
Plus, they actually look like something you want in your backyard. Rustic dog houses come in all shapes and sizes, but they almost always use natural textures, aged finishes, and warm colors. Your dog will actually want to be inside it. And hey, it’ll look good in your yard too.
Things to Keep in Mind Before You Pick a Design
While aesthetics are a big deal when picking the right dog house, there are some other practical things to consider as well. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking through these rustic dog house designs (yep, there are more than ten!):
The size of your dog. Larger dog houses aren’t always better. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the space. But you also don’t want it to be so big that it can’t retain heat.
Your climate. Where you live also plays a big factor in what your dog house should look like. If you get seriously cold winters, you’ll want something with good insulation, a raised floor, and an entrance that minimizes drafts. Warmer climates can skip the insulation and focus on airflow.
Your DIY skill level. Speaking of construction, some of these dog houses are more complicated than others. Know your limits when trying to build something yourself. You might need to bring in a professional or simplify the design.
With that said, here are…
1.The Classic Log Cabin Dog House
If rolling up to your dog’s house and pretending it’s yours isn’t temptation enough, this little guy is sure to win you over. Building a log cabin dog house for your pup is easier than you think. You can either use small logs or cut pieces of lumber to resemble logs. Assemble the pieces however you like to create your own cabin aesthetic. Sloped roof? Check. Cute little house entrance? Check.
Pro tip: Add a covered porch in front of the house and you’ve got yourself the perfect doggie hangout spot.
2.The Reclaimed Wood Farmhouse
If you’re into that weathered, aged wood look, then this design is for you. Farmhouse dog houses are typically built using reclaimed wood from old barns or wooden pallets. Not only does this look amazing, it feels amazing.
Pros of this design? Each house you build will be one of a kind. Since each piece of reclaimed wood has a unique style, no two dog houses will ever look alike.
3.The A-Frame Chalet
Similar to how log cabins and barns are built for humans, we can use those same concepts for dog houses too. The A-frame dog house design is super popular for residential homes and looks just as good for your pup’s abode.
Made from wooden planks (pine or cedar is what I would use), you can leave the wood natural. Or stain it darker for a richer tone. You could even build a small overhang at the front for that “Santa’s little helper” vibe.
4.The Stone and Wood Cottage
Picture it: whitewashed wood planks, stone pathways, and a red shingled roof. Don’t have a backyard like that? You can build your dog one.
This stone and wood dog house cottage may take a little more effort than average, but I think it’s worth it. If you don’t want to use real stone (it can get pricey), there are stacked stone veneer panels that work just as well.
PRO TIP: Stone conducts temperature extremely well. During the summer, it’ll keep your dog house nice and cool. During the winter, it’ll keep things warm.
5.The Barn-Style Dog House
Ah, the classic barn-style house. Love them or hate them, barn-style buildings are one of the most common rustic designs out there. And dog houses are no different.
The gambrel roof design (aka the classic two-slope barn roof) allows for extra headspace inside. Great for larger dogs. And that open, bulky silhouette just screams farmhouse chic.
Paint it red. Leave it as weathered wood. No matter what you do, your backyard isn’t complete without one.
6.The Cedar Shingle Cottage
Ever notice how dog houses with cedar shingles just look better than the rest? Something about layering those shingles makes any dog house look handmade.
Cedar shingles aren’t just for looks, though. Cedar is naturally water resistant and weathers really well over time. Expect the shingles to turn a beautiful silver-gray over the years.
Honestly, this is one of my personal favorites on the rustic dog house designs list. It’s low maintenance and just looks incredible.
7.The Treehouse-Inspired Elevated Dog House
Got a cool tree in your yard with a sturdy branch that sticks out low? Or maybe a deck your dog can safely stand on? Looks like you have the perfect starting point for an elevated dog house.
Building your dog house on stilts or a tree platform keeps them off the ground. Ideal for rainy climates because it prevents any chances of flooding or water coming up through their floor.
Hang some natural rope railing, use rough wood planks, and add a ladder or dog ramp as the entrance. Dogs will love this elevated view of their backyard kingdom.
8.The Rustic Doggy Duplex
Got two dogs? Build them a doggy duplex. These houses have two separate spaces side by side that are covered by one roof.
Not only does it give your pup their own little space, but they can still see each other if they want to. Perfect for if you have two dogs of differing sizes as well.
Duplexes work best with the barn style. Use reclaimed wood on the exterior, build a small wall in the center to separate the areas, and add individual entrances on each side.
9.The Covered Porch Retreat
If your dog enjoys spending more time outdoors than in, consider building them a dog house with a large covered front porch. By extending your roof several feet out in front of the main area, you’re giving your dog a shaded spot to lounge outside.
The house itself can be built any way you want. Use pine or cedar for the structure, build a small railing around the porch with wooden posts, and use corrugated metal or shingles for the roof.
Bonus points if you finish it off with a rustic ranch vibe.
10.The Moss-Roof Woodland Den
This one is for you wilderness lovers out there. Perfect for those who want a dog house that blends right into the environment. Woodland den dog houses are built using fallen branches or natural tree limbs. Then the roof is finished with a living moss layer.
It sounds strange at first, but hear me out. A moss roof requires a bit more planning. You’ll need to make sure there is proper drainage underneath and use a waterproof membrane between the soil and your dog’s house.
But the final result is magical. Your dog will have a house that literally grows out of the ground.
Tips to Make Any Dog House Look Rustic & Extra Cozy
No matter which dog house design you choose from above, there are certain things you can do to make your dog feel right at home. Interior matters just as much as exterior when it comes to keeping your pup warm:
Add a thick dog bed or layer of straw. Depending on whether you’re going for an indoor or outdoor dog house, adding a thick bed or layer of straw can help insulate them during colder seasons. Insulate the walls and floors. Like I said before, insulation is your friend. You can easily line the walls and floors of your dog house with rigid foam board.
Seal any gaps. Anything that lets cold air inside is your dog’s enemy. Look for openings around the entrance, roofline, and floor. Use weatherproof caulk or stripping to seal it up.
Add a door flap. Grab yourself a rubber flap or cut some extra canvas to place over the entrance. It helps keep warm air in without restricting your pup’s access to their dog house.
Conclusion
Whether you’re searching for DIY dog houses you can build yourself, looking to buy a quality house online, or something in between, I hope this list has helped provide ideas and unique ways to keep your furry baby happy this winter.
There are tons of different rustic dog house designs you can use — something as simple as a reclaimed wood farmhouse or as wild as a living moss-roof dog house. Do your dog a favor and build them something they can call home.
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