How to Choose the Correct Size
Cat House or Dog House
Most often we use a pet's weight to determine the size needed. But some pets, particularly
dogs, are tall structured, i.e., Doberman Pincers, so height requirements must be considered.
Ideally, the
house needs to be just big enough for the animal to enter, turn around, and lie down. Anything
larger is at your discretion, but during the colder months body heat retention is sacrificed.
Choosing the correct size house ensures the comfort for your pet(s). If you live in a
region with severe winters, bigger is definitely NOT better. If your region has extremely
mild winters, a house "larger than necessary" does not present a problem.
Our manufacturer has been manufacturing cat and dog homes for over ten years. For answering
questions about size, they recommend using the A-B-C method for determining the correct size
cat or dog house.
The door height opening should be no less than three fourths (3/4) of the cat or dog's
shoulder to ground measurement. LARGE doors aren't necessary... cats and dogs typically "duck"
to enter a pet house.
Example: If dog's "A" measurement is 19 inches, the door opening needs to be at least 14
inches tall.
The width and length measurement of the house should be the same as or no more than 25%
larger than (B), the nose to flank measurement (Tails don't count).
Example: If the dog's "B" measurement is 24 inches, the dog house width and length should
be no less than 24 inches and no more than 30 inches.
The height of the dog house should be at least 25% (no more than 50%) taller than the height
of the top of the dog's head to his toes (C). Again, this house measurement (C) can exceed the
dog's total height (C) up to 50% and still maintain a good body heat retention factor during
cold months.
Example: If the dog's height is 22 inches, then the total doghouse height should be
approximately 28 to 33 inches.
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