Red Cedar Dog Houses

These premium red cedar dog houses are a cut above many of the mass market dog houses that are out there.

They're made from top grade Western Red Cedar, a wood which is very possibly the best wood for dog houses. They also incorporate a number of sound construction features such as offset doors, wooden shingles, raised floors, and options for insulation and heating/AC units.

These houses are made by Blythe Wood Works, which claims to be the largest manufacturer of cedar dog houses in the U.S. Their products are available via a number of retail sites, including Adams All Natural Cedar. Adams specializes in cedar pet houses and cedar outdoor furniture so if you're in the market for a dog house, I think you'll be happy with their product knowledge and customer service. The links on this page will direct you to their site.

Small Cedar Dog House

When I first saw this cedar dog house, the woodworker in me could immediately appreciate how it was built. It is made from Western Red Cedar, a wood that not only looks nice but also offers excellent natural protection against insects and decay. There's a reason why cedar is a favorite wood for outdoor patio furniture.

Red Cedar also gets very high marks for insulating qualities and dimensional stability. In fact, it is superior to almost all other commercial softwoods in its resistance to warping, twisting and checking. This means the house will hold up well over time without becoming distorted from the elements.

Another thing about this dog house that caught my attention is that the entire exterior is clad in cedar - including the roof. Not only does it look attractive but a cedar roof is much lighter than one with asphalt shingles -- remember, you want to be able to occasionally remove the roof for cleaning. And if the house is not insulated (insulation is an option for this house), a cedar roof will typically outperform an asphalt shingle roof in terms of heat control.

The offset doorway on this house provides a windbreak and some private "hang-out" space for your dog. Compared to a house with a centered doorway, he won't be as exposed to the sun and foul weather. The house comes with a vinyl door flap which helps to keep out the cold during the winter but can be easily removed if you wish to improve the air flow during the hot summer months.

Because cedar is a naturally decay resistant species, this cedar dog house could be left unfinished and allowed to weather to a rustic grey color. However, a protective finish will enhance it's appearance and increase it's service life. My personal preference is for a cedar-colored deck stain applied every other year or so. Other finishing options include spar varnish (with UV inhibitors) and paint.

The house comes as seven fully assembled panels that can be assembled in about half an hour using basic hand tools. Optional accessories include insulation, a porch-deck for extra shade and lounge space, floor mats made of moisture-proof closed cell foam that will not become infested by fleas and other pests, and an engraved name plaque for your pooch.

Larger Red Cedar Dog Houses

The medium, extra large, and giant models are shown below. There's even a "Godzilla" model, although it's not shown here (it looks very similar to the Giant house).

The larger Red Cedar dog houses can be equipped with a PETCool heater / AC unit in order to maintain a comfortable year-round temperature. You'll want to get the optional insulation if you go that route.

Medium House	Extra Large House	Giant House

All of the cedar houses sold by Adams All Natural Cedar include a basic vinyl flap door. These generally work pretty well. However, if you live in an area with excessively hot summers or excessively cold winters AND you are planning to purchase a dog house with the PETCool system, you should give serious consideration to upgrading to the Plexidor.

The Plexidor is a lockable, self-closing door system. It will do a much better job of keeping out wind gusts, rain, and snow and will also provide enhanced security against predators. (The doors can be locked shut at night-time). Last time I checked, the Plexidor cost around $160. That's not cheap but it's probably money well spent if you decide to install a PETCool system.

Duplex Red Cedar Dog Kennels

Small Cedar Dog House Kennel

This small cedar doggie duplex can accommodate two dogs, either sharing the same living space or in separate spaces thanks to a removal center partition. Like the single dog models, this house is made from Western Red Cedar, a wood which offers excellent natural protection against insects and decay.

The duplex is also available in medium and large sizes. Options include insulation, the PETCool heating/AC system, the Plexidor self-closing door, a porch-deck, floor mats made of moisture-proof closed cell foam, and an engraved name plaque for your pet.