Pet owners often confuse a dog house with a crate. While many people may think that both these enclosures are designed to serve the same purpose, a dog house is actually different from a crate. The only similarity between the two is that they provide refuge to a pooch. Have you ever used any of these? If you haven’t, you should definitely know how one of them is different from the other. Each of these comes with their own set of pros and cons to suit specific purposes.

Let us discuss how a dog house is not the same as a crate in various aspects and which one you should buy for your pet.

Design

A dog house is a specific type of design. It is constructed in the shape of a small house to provide shelter to a dog. Since it resembles a house, it offers a sense of security to a dog when he or she needs it.

The design of a dog house may vary in terms of size, the roof construction and the door used in it. A dog house is entirely closed off by walls and it may or may not have a door as per the needs of the pet. Based on the size of your dog, you can find a small, large or extra large dog house. Most extra large dog houses are fitted with double doors. When your lovely pooch feels tired or scared or wants a secure refuge, he or she can settle himself or herself in the dog house. It is also possible to have a custom dog house built to suit the individual needs of a dog.

On the other hand, crates have a cage-like design. One or more of its walls tend to have meshes, which provide visibility. Crates are constructed in a cuboid shape, which offers the dog a place of refuge.

Types of Materials Used

A dog house is a dog’s natural den and a permanent shelter. That is exactly why it uses long-lasting materials such as wood and stone. A top quality do house can last for several years in a row.

Also referred to as a dog cage, a crate is an enclosure built with a range of materials such as plastic, metal and wire. Many crates are built with fabric to offer softness and a high level of comfort for the pooch. Crates built with fabric or cloth material offer great ease of portability, as you can also collapse them, when not in use. Metal and plastic crates are the most popular though.

Uses

A dog house is a permanent shelter, which offers the dog protection against several external elements. Whether it is the rain or the chilly weather, the dog can hop into the den to rest and have warmth. If your dog likes to play and spend a lot of time outside, keeping a dog house is ideal.

A crate is used as a place of refuge for the dog when you are moving or traveling to a new location. The portable design of a crate makes it easy for pet owners to carry their dogs from one place to another.

Location

A dog house has a sturdy design. It is built for outdoor placement. You can keep this pet shelter in the backyard of the house. The puppy house can withstand harsh weather such as heavy rain, winds etc.

On the other hand, a crate is actually an indoor shelter for the dog. Though its design is not weak, a crate is not specifically designed to safeguard your pup or pooch from sun, rain and snow. Crates made from metal will get rusted, if left in the open. Harsh weather will destroy crates made from fabric or cloth material. Plastic-made crates are a little stronger than soft-sided crates though.

Maintenance

Being simple in design, a crate does not require too much maintenance. You can keep crates in good shape with only a little cleaning at the interval of every 2-3 weeks. Use some distilled white vinegar with a little water to make a solution to clean stains and make the crate smell-free.

Dog House or Crate - Which One is Better? A dog house, on the other hand, requires a great deal of maintenance on a regular basis. This is because your pet spends more time in the dog house. You need to take care of the bedding inside as well as keep it in a proper place to avoid any kind of damage to the structure and discomfort to the puppy while he or she is relaxing in it. Every few months, you should also conduct an inspection to make sure there is no pest or insect infestation in the dog house.

Both a dog house and a crate provide refuge to the puppy. But each of these suits a different purpose, as you must have found by reading about the difference between the two from various aspects.

Before you decide to purchase a small shelter for your pooch, you should determine what the exact needs are. If you are traveling or relocating, you should get a crate for safe carriage of the puppy. If you plan to keep the dog secured inside the house, a crate serves that purpose as well. However, you need to go for a dog house, if you are looking for a permanent outdoor shelter for the puppy. If you travel on a frequent basis, use a crate for transporting the dog. Also, keep in mind that crating up an anxious dog will only make his or her condition worse.

If you have a pooch that loves playing in the open and spends most of his or her daytime outdoors, getting a dog house from our puppy boutique is the best idea. Just make sure the size and quality of the puppy house is a good fit.

Buyer Tips

If you are a first-time buyer, you should navigate the world of dog shelters with extra care. Whether you need a dog house or a crate, make sure you make high quality your top most priority. After all, it is the comfort of the pooch which matters the most. Your pooch deserves the best life.

If you are buying a crate, consider crucial factors such as the design of the crate, size of the crate, materials used, flooring design etc. If a dog house is what you need, you should check out its quality even more carefully. A good dog house is one which is the right fit for the size of your pet and has a strong build. Durability is the most important factor when buying a dog house. You can choose to purchase a dog house from our puppy boutique with or without a door as per specific need.

Do You Have More Questions?

Hopefully, you have understood how a dog house is different from a crate in terms of design, types of materials used in construction, purposes, location and the level of care and maintenance. If you still have additional questions or want more explanation on certain aspects, reach out to one of our experts at the Rockstar Puppy Boutique. Based in Pennsylvania, we specialize in building both dog houses as well as crates for various sizes and breeds of dogs. Feel free to check out the newest collection of crates and dog houses on sale on our website.

You can reach out to us via a quick phone call or write us an email to let us know about the specific sheltering needs of your lovely puppy. Our ultimate goal is to provide your pet with the best of every accessory.