10 Best Outdoor Dog Kennels in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

As pet owners, we can’t spend every waking moment outside playing with our pups. Unfortunately, letting them out alone is not always an option as some pups are truly gifted escape artists. A missing pet is stressful, scary, and frustrating.

Ultimately, we want our furry friends to enjoy the fresh air. This is why an outdoor kennel is what you need. It will allow your dog to hang out in the great outdoors, so you can have some stress-free time indoors. What’s the catch, you ask? Well, there are a shocking number of available options on the market, and combing through them all could send you to a kennel of our own.

It’s all good though because we have done the work for you. Below, you will find reviews on the ten best options including size, structure, durability, assembly time, plus all the other important features. Not to mention, we will share some shopping tips and tricks at the end.

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A Quick Look at the Winners of 2023:

The 10 Best Outdoor Dog Kennels:

1. Advantek 23200 Outdoor Dog Gazebo – Best Overall

If you are ready to go for the best option, this pet gazebo style dog kennel is the one for you. The Advantek comes in four sizes from 3, 4, 5, and 8-foot to accommodate any size pup. The pet gazebo structure is made of durable galvanized steel, and the umbrella top will keep your pet dry during passing rain showers.

This model is easy to assemble and takedown for easy transport. You can take this unit on road trips, beach outings, or family vacations. If you have more than one pet, you can also attach additional dog kennels to make a big unit with separate spaces. This option is spacious with a durable door that will keep your little escape artist in place.

The structure is well ventilated, easy to use, and sturdy. Weighing just over 50 pounds, the one-piece pet place is the best outdoor dog kennel available.

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2. Lucky Dog Uptown Wire Kennel – Best Value

Our next option comes in your choice of three sizes. You can pick from small, medium, or large depending on the size of your pup. The heavy-duty steel frame is durable and rust-resistant. It will also not bend or break due to the welded construction. This model comes complete with a water-proof tarp topper to keep your pet nice and dry.

You will also be able to assemble this unit with ease, plus it comes with all the hardware you will need. The door has a secure latch that you can add a padlock to for extra protection, plus it swings easily open from outside on the inside.

This model has 1.5-inch raised legs making clean up a breeze. The only downside to this model is it is not meant to be portable, so taking it down and putting it back up in a different location is time-consuming.

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3. PetSafe Cottageview Dog Kennel – Premium Choice

If you are feeling the need to spoil your pup and yourself, this premium option is right for you. The square durable frame is black powder coated and has a water-resistant sun poof roof to keep your pet dry and out of the sun. Not to mention, the portable model can be assembled in a few minutes.

This 5’ X 5’ X 4’ dog kennel is recommended for small to medium size breeds, although expansion panels are available for large dogs. The rust-proof gate is sturdy and swings open for the left or right depending on what is convenient for you.

One of the only drawbacks of this model is that it’s heavy for travel at 95 pounds. Beyond that, however, this is a great spacious option for your pup.

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4. Neocraft 60210 Outdoor Dog Kennel

Moving right along, we have a folding hex-shaped dog kennel that also has a water-resistant cover. The welded frame makes this option durable, but you should note it is a little harder to put together than our other three models.

You have four sizes to choose from with this option. Keep in mind, though that extra-large breeds are not recommended. That being said, one unique feature is the double doors. You can open the top portion to feed or play with your pup without letting them escape. The doors are secure but benefit from a lock if you will be away for an extended period.

As mentioned, this model does fold down easily, and the 44 pounds makes it great to travel with. Be aware though, that assemble time is a little longer. Otherwise, this is a great option.

Also see the top: Outdoor dog houses of the year

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5. BestPet Outdoor Dog Kennels

Right in the middle of our reviews, we find the BestPet dog kennel. This is a long option that comes in two sizes and is recommended for larger sized pups. The durable metal frame is rust-resistant, plus the steel top comes equipped with a water-resistant cover. Be advised, however, that this model is not as easy to put together, and the top is heavier than the frame.

You also want to note that while large dogs will have enough room inside the space, more aggressive breeds will be able to get through as there is not enough room for high energy. Beyond that, the wide door makes access easy, and the cleanup process is simple.

This is a brand that will require two people to put together, and it is quite heavy at 110 pounds. Also, this is not a good product to travel with. Finally, the latch is not as secure as the rest of the model, so precaution should be used.

Different types of dog houses and their differences

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6. PawHut Outdoor Metal Dog Kennel

Up next we have another longer model that comes in one size for medium breeds. This option is also durable galvanized steel complete with the customary water-resistant cover that protects from rain, snow, and the sun’s UV rays.

One note regarding the cover, however, is it is reversible outdoor kennel. One side is for water while the other is meant for the sun. Changing the cover is annoying, plus it does not stay on securely and breaks free on a gusty day.

This brand comes in a 96” X 48” X 72” that is not hard to put together, but it is time-consuming. That being said, it can be used for travel, but the parts will wear thin after consistent use. On a brighter note, you can add additional panels as your pup grows or if you have a new larger member of the family.

The tall door can be narrow for some breeds, and the latch is not secure from the inside; meaning smart pets will make short work of getting away. Overall, however, this is a decent option.

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7. Midwest Homes Dog Kennel

The number seven option is a shorter square model that comes in your choice of five sizes to accommodate all pup sizes. The galvanized steel frame, unfortunately, is not as durable as some other outdoor kennels. The chain-link sides can easily come loose from the frame with an aggressive pup, plus it is not comfortable to lean on.

As is customary, this model does have protection from rain and the sun from the suspended cover. Although it does a credible job at keeping your pup dry and cool, the fastenings come loose often and can break. On a brighter note, the door is wide and accommodating, plus the unit is easy to clean.

A note on the doors: the push-down lever does not lock in any way, so it will be easy for an escape artist to figure out. Besides that, the 85-pound frame is not as heavy as others, but it still takes time to assemble.

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8. AmazonBasics Outdoor Wire Kennel

The AmazonBasics comes up next in our reviews as a metal wire long dog kennel that comes in three sizes. This option will be good for dogs that are small to medium in size, and not very strong. Unfortunately, the wire construction is not that durable even though the welded wire frame is strong. Also, note that the construction can break with rambunctious play, and leave the wiring exposed to scratch or otherwise hurt your pup.

As we have seen, this model comes with a water-resistant cover that protects your pet from the elements. It has feet protectors that protect flooring if you happen to need this dog kennel inside, as well. One drawback that should be mentioned is this is not the easiest to clean and can be downright difficult under the right circumstances.

Also, the door to this unit is small and not secure. The model itself is hard to put together, plus a lot of the pieces tend to go missing. With all that said, you should also be aware that it weighs a heavy 133 pounds, so an additional person will be needed for assembly.

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9. Pupzo Welded Wire Dog Kennel

In the second to last spot, we have a dog kennel that comes in two sizes and is recommended for smaller dogs. Although this is a taller structure, it does not leave a lot of wiggle room on the floor. The welded-wire metal construction is durable, but it does create some sharp edges that are not comfortable for your pup.

Besides that, the overhead cover does its job keeping the rain out, however, as the dog kennel is so narrow, the rain and sun will find their way through offering your tyke little protection for the elements.

This model is designed to be assembled fairly easily. Keep in mind, though, there are hardware and tools you will need to complete the project. It is also not recommended for travel. Finally, be advised that the door is very flimsy and will come right off if pushed. This is often that case as the door opens out.

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10. PayLessHere OutDoor Dog Kennel

The last kennel on the list is a one size 4’ X 4’ X 4.4’ model that is flimsy at 56 pounds. The steel wire construction is durable by itself, however, when assembled it easy will fall apart. Also, you want to keep any high energy pups away from this option (for obvious reasons), and it is recommended for small to small/medium breeds.

The unit comes with the standard cover that unfortunately is not water-resistant, plus it allows the sn to peak through. On top of that, the material of the cover acts as a trap for heat making this dog kennel very warm. You also want to consider that there are some sharp edges to this option, plus the door has little security.

As you may have guessed, the weak nature of the structure makes the unit hard to put together, and it is not recommended for travel. To give some credit though, the material is rust-resistant. Otherwise, this is our least favorite option on the list.

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Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Outdoor Dog Kennels

How To Choose The Right Size For Your Dog

When it comes choosing the best outdoor dog kennel, you have a little more wiggle room than you would in say an indoor crate. That being said, you want to make sure your pooch has plenty of space especially if they are going to be in the unit for long periods.

A sure-fire way to determine whether the kennel is big enough for your pup is to measure the door. Get the dimensions for the length and height. You also want to measure your pup like so:

• First, have your dog stand up. Get the dimensions from the highest point on their shoulder blades.
• Next, get the widest part of their body
• Now, measure the size of the door to get height and width.
• Additionally, you want to get the length of your pup, as well.

Once you have these numbers, you want to make sure your pet can get through the opening with a few inches to spare. Also, your pooch should be able to stretch out fully and be able to turn around without any hindrance while inside the space.

Keep in mind, however, outdoor kennels are typically made larger as a lot of dogs will spend more time in them. If this is the case, there needs to be sufficient room for your pup to lay down and relax, have a space to eat, and a space to go to the bathroom.

A canine will not relieve themselves in a small space they recognize as their bed or eating space. To that effect, be sure there is enough room for all the above to take place.

Tips When Shopping

Now that you know what size your pal needs, there are some other considerations you want to consider when choosing the best outdoor dog kennel. Take a look below to see which ones apply to you.

Strength

Some dogs are naturally strong and aggressive, while others have refined the art of escaping. When it comes to both of these personalities, you want to choose an option that is durable with a securely locking door.

Space

Although we have already touched on the size you need, you also want to think about the shape of the space. If your pup is more fond of laying down or pacing, a square longer style is a good option. If they keep themselves entertained with a tennis ball, height is in order.

Assembly

This is a good one. Some model is harder to put together than others. This probably won’t make too much of a difference if you plan to leave it where it is once it’s together. On the other hand, if you take a lot of trips where you will be totting the kennel along with you, try to a lighter folding option.

Conclusion

We hope the above reviews have helped you decide which outdoor dog kennel is right for you. We know the options are endless, so being armed with some extra information is always helpful.

If you are looking to jump in with the best, however, go with our number one choice the Advantek 23200 Pet Gazebo. If you need a more affordable option, try the Lucky Dog CL 60445 Uptown Welded Wire Kennel which is the best for the money.