Dog House Buyer's Guide

Log Cabin Dog Houses

Here is a sampling of log cabin style dog houses from DogHouses.com. To create the log cabin effect, these houses are made from partially-rounded wooden siding - generally made from fir or a comparable softwood - and then stained to various shades of brown. They're definitely a step up from the economy dog houses but don't cost that much more.



Outback Log Cabin

The Outback Dog House features a raised floor and slant-roof that helps to keep your pet dry. The roof also doubles as a doggie sun deck. An off-center entrance provides increased shelter from the elements while allowing your pet a little extra privacy. The Outback is available in small, medium, and large sizes. 

The house is made from solid fir wood with a cedar colored stain on the walls and a green stain on the roof. These earth-tone colors allow the dog house to blend into the natural decor of your outdoor environment or backyard. A door is not provided although you could easily make one yourself from a piece of flexible vinyl.

This is a nice looking house but you might want to spend a few bucks more and get the Extreme Outback -- it has an upgraded roof made from asphalt shingles  and plastic moisture protection caps on the ends of the corner posts.

 

Rustic Cabin Dog House

Now, this is one attractive dog house! It offers the benefits of a traditional doghouse, but with a rather unique look. It's made from high quality cedar that is naturally decay and insect resistant. The green roof nicely compliments the log cabin style walls which are coated with a protective cedar finish.

The sun-room style triangle cut-out is a nice touch and provides extra ventilation during the hot summer. However, it would also allows excessive body heat loss during the winter. Same goes for the doorway. So, you may want to add vinyl flaps to improve heat retention during the winter.

The Rustic Cabin Dog House is available in medium and large dog sizes. It assembles very quickly using basic hand tools.

 

Pet Chalet Cedar Dog House

The Pet Chalet Cedar Dog House offers some interesting features that make for a different look. The entire house - including the roof - is clad in decay resistant cedar to create a classic rustic cabin effect. The orientation of the grooves in the roof panels gives the appearance of a metal roof - another design feature often seen on cabins. The "faux" chimney, the cedar slat ventilation window, and door overhang are the crowning rustic touches.

This dog house is also solidly constructed, including a raised panel floor which will keep your pet off of the cold, wet ground. It is available in two sizes to accommodate medium to large size dogs and is very easy to assemble.

Caution: you may find yourself day dreaming about skiing in the Swiss Alps every time you look at this beauty. A slightly larger overhang is the only thing I would prefer.




Mini Log Home Dog House

This model is perhaps the most log-cabin-like dog house of all the ones featured here. The rustic look of the rounded beams and slanted roof extends to the optional front porch, perfect for lounging around and surveying the landscape. The roof is removable for easy cleaning.

In terms of construction, the house is is made from Asian fir with a cedar stain applied. Although not an option, cedar would have been a better choice of woods due to it's superior decay resistance. But the house will still likely outlive most dogs.

This particular house is designed for small to medium sized dogs. Another log home model is available for larger dogs.

 

The Chalet Dog House

A Swiss chalet style dog house - now, there's something you don't see every day! This house is characterized by a projecting roof that provides an extra measure of protection from the elements. A front porch gets your pet off the ground and also provides a nice compliment to the rest of the structure.

The Chalet Dog House is made from fir wood and is designed for large dogs. It has a removable roof top and bottom panels for easy cleaning.

The dark brown stain on this house means the inevitable dirt and mud will be less obvious. The doorway is fairly large so you might think about adding a vinyl flap during the winter for better heat retention.

 

 
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