Indoor dog houses provide your pet with a safe, comfortable space to retreat when he or she feels anxious, tired, or needs a moment to relax.
When choosing a dog house for your medium dog, the most important aspect is that it’s large enough to accommodate your furry friend.
Additionally, select one that offers safety and comfort, is reasonably priced and fits in well with your home’s decor.
The best indoor dog house for medium breeds is the Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House. It fits dogs up to 29-inches tall and 23-inches long weighing up to 200 pounds.
Made with natural pine, the crate-style dog house suits any home decor. Assembly is easy, and it can accommodate blankets or a dog bed.
We wouldn’t recommend the Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House in situations where:
- You need something bigger, yet portable. In that case, we’d recommend the Petmate Cool Cot Pet House.
- Your furry friend prefers soft, dark, cushioned spaces. Opt for the Ushang Pet Indoor Dog House.
- You’re looking for something more economical. Pick up the ToolsEmpire Large Dog House.
- You want a wooden traditional style dog house. Go for the TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House.
In this article, we’ll explore the four things dog owners should consider when looking for an indoor dog house for a medium breed.
We’ll examine five indoor dog houses in-depth and rate them based on their performance in four different categories.
Finally, we’ll tell you why the Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House is the best choice for medium breeds, and what other options to consider in certain situations.
Factors to Consider
Dog houses offer multiple benefits for your canine companion, but there are four main things to look at before deciding which one to purchase.
Those factors include:
- Size
- Comfort
- Cost
- Aesthetics
Let’s take a look at each of these factors more in-depth.
Size of the Dog House
| Dog House | Size (in Inches and Pounds) | Score |
| Basirco Wood Indoor Dog House | 32 x 24 x 26 inches; Supports up to 200 pounds | 7/10 |
| Petmate Cool Cot Pet House | 39 x 37 x 31 inches; Supports up to 100 pounds | 9/10 |
| Ushang Pet Indoor Dog House (Large) | 26 x 24 x 22 inches; Supports up to 40 pounds | 4/10 |
| ToolsEmpire Large Dog House | 28 x 27 x 25 inches; Supports up to 160 pounds | 5/10 |
| TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House | 41.75 x 35.5 x 37.5 inches; Supports up to 70 pounds | 9/10 |
Winners: Petmate Cool Cot Pet House, TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House
On average, medium breeds range between 20 and 60 pounds (9 to 27 kg) and stand between 8 and 27 inches (20 to 69 cm).
Males tend to land near the larger end of the spectrum. Mixed breed dogs tend to have a wider range of heights and weights.
For reference, we’ve compiled a list of several medium-sized breeds and their average height and weight. Use this only as a general guideline.
| Dog Breed | Average Size (Male) in Inches and Pounds | Average Size (Female) in Inches and Pounds |
| Australian Shepherd | Height: 20-23 in Length: 28-36 in Weight: 51-64 lbs | Height: 18-21 in Length: 28-36 in Weight: 31-44 lbs |
| Bulldog | Height:12-16 in Length: 20-27 in Width: 51-55 lbs | Height: 12-16 in Length: 20-27 in Weight: 40-51 lbs |
| Cocker Spaniel | Height: 14-16 in Length: 24-29 in Weight: 25-30 lbs | Height: 13-15 in Length: 24-29 in Weight: 20-25 lbs |
| Dalmatian | Height: 23-24 in Length: 31-33 in Weight: 33-71 lbs | Height: 22-23 in Length: 31-33 in Weight: 35-53 lbs |
| Golden Retriever | Height: 22-24 in Length: 37-42 in Weight: 65-75 lbs | Height: 20-22 in Length: 37-42 in Weight: 55-71 lbs |
| Labrador Retriever | Height: 22-24 in Length: 36-42 in Weight: 64-79 lbs | Height: 22-24 in Length: 36-42 in Weight: 55-71 lbs |
With such a wide variance of sizes between medium dog breeds, it’s crucial that you measure and weigh your individual pets before settling on a specific indoor dog house.
Measuring your dog for a dog house is a bit different than the way we measure dogs for height cards or harnesses. Here’s how:
Measuring a Medium Dog’s Height for a Dog House
- Use a measuring tape and start at the base of the paws.
- Hold the measuring tape at the paw base and bring it up to the top of the head.
- Write down the measurement for your dog’s height (in inches).
- Add three inches to the dog’s height to determine the minimum height of a dog house suitable for your pet.
Once you’ve measured your pet and added three inches to that measurement, write down this total.
This is the minimum height required for a dog house that suits your canine.
Measuring a Medium Dog’s Length for a Dog House
- Use a measuring tape and start at the front of the neck.
- Hold the measuring tape at the front of the neck and bring it to the base of the tail (not the tail’s full length).
- Write down the measurement for your dog’s length (in inches).
- Add three inches to the dog’s height to determine the height of a dog house suitable for your pet.
After measuring your dog’s length and adding three inches, write down the total. This is the minimum depth required for a dog house suitable for your furry friend.
Keep in mind that weight limits matter, especially when it comes to raised dog houses. These dog houses can withstand only a certain amount of weight.
Anything exceeding that amount could damage the product.
If your dog has seen a veterinarian within the last month, you can use the weight measurement taken at the time of your dog’s appointment.
However, if it’s been over a month since you’ve last weighed your canine, it’s a good idea to take a new measurement.
Compare the information with the size chart at the beginning of this section. Use it to select a suitable dog house.
For example, if you have a 16-inch (41 cm) tall, 20-inch (51 cm) long, 55-pound (25 kg) bulldog, then one of the following houses could accommodate your pet:
- Basirco Wood Indoor Dog House
- Petmate Cool Cot Pet House
- ToolsEmpire Large Dog House
- TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House
Note: Some dog house manufacturers state that their dog houses suit most medium-sized dogs, but the dimensions do not support those claims.
For example, the dog house might support a medium female but not reach the minimum acceptable size of her larger male counterpart.
Dog House Comfort
| Dog House | Materials and Space | Score |
| Basirco Wood Indoor Dog House | Wood Slats for ventilation Enough room to add mats, blankets, or dog bed | 7/10 |
| Petmate Cool Cot Pet House | Nylon Soft sides Raised floor Enough room to add mats, blankets, or dog bed | 8/10 |
| Ushang Pet Indoor Dog House | Polyester and polyfoamIncluded mat Slip-resistant bottom | 9/10 |
| ToolsEmpire Large Dog House | Plastic Raised floor Vents Enough room to add mats, blankets, or dog bed | 7/10 |
| TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House | Wood Raised floor Draft resistant Enough room to add mats, blankets, or dog bed | 7/10 |
Winners: Ushang Pet Indoor Dog House
Every responsible dog owner wants their pooch to feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed in its dog house — if it doesn’t, the product becomes a wasted purchase.
For comfort, opt for a dog house made of durable, safe material.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be soft, but you should ensure there’s enough additional space to add padding, if desired.
While the majority of dog houses on this list aren’t made using soft materials, most do provide ample room to add cushioning.
With that said, plush dog houses are the most comfortable for dogs that enjoy sleeping on beds, couches, or other soft furnishings.
On the other hand, some dogs become overheated rather quickly, especially double-coated canines.
In that case, consider investing in a cooling mat to line the dog house instead.
We recommend the Arf Pets Dog Self-Cooling Mat, available on Amazon.
The gel interior keeps your pet cool and comfortable for up to three hours. It supports dogs up to 80 pounds (36 kg).
Cost of Dog Houses for Medium Breeds
| Dog House | Price | Score |
| Basirco Wood Indoor Dog House | $$$$ | 6/10 |
| Petmate Cool Cot Pet House | $$ | 8/10 |
| Ushang Pet Indoor Dog House | $$$ | 7/10 |
| ToolsEmpire Large Dog House | $$ | 8/10 |
| TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House | $$$$ | 6/10 |
Winners: Petmate Cool Cot Pet House, ToolsEmpire Large Dog House
A dog house’s cost depends primarily on the type and amount of materials used.
Wooden dog houses are usually higher priced than those made of plush fabrics, nylon, or plastic.
In addition, medium-sized dog houses cost more than small dog houses since companies require more materials to manufacture them.
Most well-built dog houses made of natural materials start around $120, with some exceeding $400.
This is exceptionally high for a dog house, but when it includes solid wood and extra features, it’s easy to justify the high price point.
You can usually find dog houses made of less expensive materials, such as plastic, for around $80 and up.
The Petmate Cool Cot Pet House consists of mesh nylon, making it inexpensive to make, thus allowing a lower price.
The ToolsEmpire Dog House uses plastic, which explains its lower price as well.
On the other hand, the TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House and the Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House both consist of wood, as reflected in their higher costs.
Aesthetics
| Dog House | Aesthetic Design | Score |
| Basirco Wood Indoor Dog House | Farmhouse style Available in four natural colors Can be used as a tabletop Fits in with any decor | 9/10 |
| Petmate Cool Cot Pet House | Available in one shade | 4/10 |
| Ushang Pet Indoor Dog House | Brick-style pattern Plush Traditional dog house shape Foldable for storage Washable | 7/10 |
| ToolsEmpire Large Dog House | White with blue roof Traditional dog house shape Easy to clean | 6/10 |
| TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House | Gray with white trim Traditional dog house shape | 7/10 |
Winners: Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House
Aesthetics may not play an important role when choosing outdoor dog houses, but when selecting an indoor shelter, you’ll likely want one that fits in at least somewhat with your home’s current decor.
Dog houses that appear cheap, bulky, or clash with your home’s furnishings can make your room appear cluttered and tacky.
Natural wood or neutral colors fit in best with most furnishings and decor.
A dog house that doubles as a piece of furniture is a plus, which is why the Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House topped the list for aesthetics.
Brick-style patterns, like that of the USHANG Pet Indoor Dog House may blend well with homes that already incorporate brick elements.
Contrarily, the single color option and nylon mesh of the Petmate Cool Cot Dog House isn’t the most aesthetically-pleasing design, which is why it scored the lowest based on appearance.
Best Overall: Basirco Wood Indoor Dog House
Thanks to its solid wood construction, size, design, comfort, and features, the Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House is the number one choice on this list for medium-breed dogs.
While this dog house is a little on the pricey side, once you consider that it’s constructed of 100 percent solid pine wood–not fiberboard or plywood–the price makes sense.
Available in torched or natural wood, this crate-style dog house offers a unique wood grain pattern, with no two being exactly the same.
The .84-inch (2 cm) top allows you to incorporate the rustic, farmhouse dog shelter into your home’s design as a piece of furniture.
The light varnish makes the durable top water resistant, so spills easily wipe up.
If your canine prefers dog houses without doors, you can simply remove it. On the other hand, if you need a secure dog house, you can lock the door with ease.
The Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House isn’t the biggest dog house on the list, but it’s spacious enough to accommodate medium dogs up to 29-inches (74 cm) in height, 23-inches (58 cm) in length, and up to 200 pounds (91 kg).
Wooden slats provide optimal ventilation for your dog’s comfort.
The pieces are quite heavy, as they’re made of solid wood. You may need some assistance putting the dog house together.
The package includes all required assembly hardware.
Bottom Line: Although pricey, the Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House is absolutely worth the cost.
Its quality, size, comfort, aesthetic design, and the fact that it doubles as home furnishing makes it a true winner.
Pros
- Made of natural wood. It’s not often that you come across a solid wood dog house in this price range. This dog house is definitely a steal.
- Aesthetically pleasing. Because of the rustic wood design, this dog house fits in with almost any decor. It comes in two different varnished styles, including natural and torched wood.
- Doubles as a tabletop. While the dog house may take up a bit of space, you needn’t worry. You can easily decorate the top as a table, incorporating it into your home’s design.
- Removable door. If your pooch feels restricted or confined when using latched doors, just remove it and set it aside.
Cons
- Pricier than other dog houses on this list. Again, this dog house costs significantly more than others on this list. Therefore, if you’re on a budget, it’s not an ideal choice.
- Little on the small side. The Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House is acceptable for some medium breeds, but it won’t suit them all. As discussed in the “Size of the Dog House” section, some medium breeds teeter close to the edge of the large breed stats. As such, measure your dog and compare its size to the product dimensions prior to purchase.
Most Spacious and Portable: Petmate Cool Cot Pet House
Those looking for a spacious, portable dog house are sure to love the Petmate Cool Cot Pet House.
It may not be the most beautiful dog house available, but it provides plenty of comfort for Fido.
The elevated sleeping cot offers your dog the feeling of sleeping in luxury, much like sleeping on a regular bed.
Its frame features durable, impact-resistant plastic, keeping everything solid and sturdy, even when used by dogs up to 100-pounds (45 kg).
The soft, nylon mesh sides make this dog house super breathable and comfortable, as mesh allows for all-around ventilation.
Assembling the Petmate Cool Cot Pet House requires no tools or extra hands.
After snapping the legs into place, simply attach the bedding material. Then, zip the canopy on top of the cot.
You can remove the canopy for cleaning or to turn the pet house into a traditional dog bed.
Because it’s super lightweight and comes with a complimentary carrying bag, it’s the ideal dog house for traveling.
Finally, you can guarantee satisfaction with this purchase since it comes with a one-year warranty.
Bottom Line: Regular travelers, campers, and hikers can’t go wrong with the Petmate Cool Cot Pet House.
It’s durable, breathable, comfortable, and portable—what more could you ask for? The easy assembly, removable canopy, and warranty make this a valuable buy.
Pros
- Spacious. The Petmate Cool Cot Pet House accommodates dogs up to 36-inches (91 cm) in height and 28-inches (71 cm) in length. The extra space makes it easy to add cushioning, if desired.
- Portable. Families that find themselves on the road a lot with their canine companions love the easy breakdown and convenient carry bag.
- Easy to clean. Soap, water, and a washcloth — it’s all you need to keep this dog house fresh and clean.
Cons
- Not aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately, the Pet Mate Cool Cot Pet House comes in only one shade. Additionally, its large size makes it hard to conceal. With that said, it’s not the best dog house for maintaining a specific decorative style within your home.
Best For Comfort: Ushang Pet Indoor Dog House (Large)
The USHANG Pet Indoor Dog House is soft, cozy, and comfortable.
Made of plush polyester with a poly-foam lining, this full fabric dog house provides the perfect amount of privacy and comfort for your canine friend.
The interior is dark enough to offer a relaxing sleeping environment, and the soft bed is ideal for pets with joint issues or body aches due to old age or illness.
Its slip-resistant bottom prevents the dog house from sliding around on smooth surfaces and prevents dirt and water buildup.
If you find that the house needs cleaning, you can toss it in the washer and allow it to air dry.
The USHANG Pet Indoor Dog House is lightweight, weighing only 2.2 pounds, and can easily be packed away for storage or hiding when not in use, as it collapses flat in seconds.
It’s suitable for medium-sized dogs up to 23-inches (58 cm) in height, 19-inches (48 cm) in length, and weighing up to 65-pounds (29 kg).
Bottom Line: Although the dimensions are a bit on the smaller side (even when selecting the “large” size), the USHANG Pet Indoor Dog House provides enough comfort, support, softness, and features to make this list.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable. The USHANG Pet Indoor Dog House is the only plush dog house listed here. It’s foam-lined on all sides and features a soft, removable foam pad.
- Washable. Dogs are notorious for getting things dirty, so a washable dog house just makes sense.
- Foldable. If the dog house doesn’t fit in well with your home’s decor, you can simply fold it away for storage while not in use. Its foldability also makes it ideal for portability.
Cons
- Not suitable for all sizes. Medium breeds on the larger side may not fit inside this dog house. It’s best for medium dogs of a smaller stature, such as the bulldog or cocker spaniel.
- Somewhat flimsy. Because it’s designed to be easily collapsed for portability, it’s not as sturdy as the other dog houses on this list. This could pose an issue if you have a rather rambunctious dog that likes to move around a lot inside of the dog house.
Best Bang For The Buck: ToolsEmpire Large Dog House
For a safe, comfortable dog house at a reasonable price, the ToolsEmpire Large Dog House is the clear winner.
This dog house consists of durable, waterproof plastic that resists fading. The house itself is sealed but provides adequate ventilation with roof vents on both sides.
Although the blue and white design isn’t ideal for every home’s interior, it’s still an attractive dog house.
Also, since it’s made of polypropylene plastic (considered one of the safest plastics), you can paint it any color you want.
When painting a dog house, ensure that you’re using pet-friendly paint.
We, along with many veterinarians, recommend The Real Milk Paint. It’s fast drying and contains no volatile organic compounds, and comes in a variety of hues.
Bottom Line: What we love most about this dog house is its customizability.
It may not fit in with all decor as-is, but with a little paint and creativity, you can transform it into a piece that blends in nicely with your living space.
Additionally, it’s durable, easy to wipe down, and affordable.
Pros
- Inexpensive. Coming in at less than $100, the ToolsEmpire Large Dog House suits dog owners on a budget.
- Simple assembly. Assembly is straightforward and only requires a screwdriver.
- Easy to clean. Smooth siding makes this dog house easy to clean with just a quick wipe down using soap and water. If it ever needs a deep clean, you can take it outdoors and spray it down with a hose.
Cons
- Available in one color. The ToolsEmpire Large Dog House comes in only one shade — white with a blue roof — but you can paint it when using the right products.
- Smaller dimensions. The dog house is only suitable for medium dogs up to 25-inches (64 cm) tall and 22-inches (56 cm) in length.
Best Traditional Style: TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House
The TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House is everything that we love about dog houses. It features a solid construction in the popularly known-and-loved style.
It’s constructed with waterproof wood and, once assembled, is draft resistant, keeping it comfortable for your pet.
The raised floor allows for better air circulation, and it comes with adjustable feet, allowing you to place this dog house even on unlevel surfaces within your home.
Bottom Line: This TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House is spacious, comfortable, and easy to assemble, and the traditional style makes it aesthetically pleasing.
Pros
- Pine wood construction. It’s more attractive than plastic, nylon, and other materials.
- Easy assembly. The tongue-and-groove design makes putting this dog house together a breeze.
- Spacious. The TRIXIE Pet Products Nantucket Dog House is the most spacious house on this list. It’s suitable for dogs up to 28-inches (71 cm) in height and 34-inches (86 cm) in length that weigh up to 70-pounds (32 kg).
Cons
- Expensive. As mentioned earlier in this article, wood tends to be expensive. With that said, this dog house is a bit costly.
- Heavy. Weighing 65-pounds, this dog house isn’t ideal for regular moving or portability.
Final Thoughts
After factoring in size, comfort, cost, and aesthetics, the Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House is the clear winner.
Although the price is a bit high, this house makes the most sense for medium-breed dog owners, thanks to its reasonable size, comfort, durability, and design.
Check out the Basicro Wood Indoor Dog House now!
