Home Best Dog Crates – Reviews 2020 Best Outdoor Dog Kennels for 2023 (Top 5) – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best Outdoor Dog Kennels for 2023 (Top 5) – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Last Updated on January 3, 2023
top rated Outdoor Dog Kennels Every pet owner wishes best for his canine babies. Dogs like to be outdoors even more than human kids. So why don’t let they enjoy being outside for as long as possible? The answer is you can’t supervise them in your yard all day. Pet parents have to go to work and do another task so they won’t be able to play with their pup for several hours a day.

There are certain concerns about dogs staying outdoors without supervision, even if you have fence around the backyard. For example, your mutt can escape from the yard and roam across the streets, meet stray animals, get lost, or get into traffic accident. You probably don’t have a 7 feet tall solid concrete fence, so don’t lay on your standard hedge very much. As a responsible pet owner, you definitely shouldn’t let your furbaby stay out on his own.

The outdoor dog kennels are here to help your canine stay outside safely. These are not small crates but larger spaces limited by wire panels, thus your pup will enjoy fresh air without a chance to escape.

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What’s the Best Outdoor Dog Kennel in 2023? – The Chart

Best
Product Review
Price
Our Rating
Best Outdoor Dog Kennel Choice Overall Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel
$$$
5 out of 5 stars
Best Portable Outdoor Dog Kennel Advantek Pet Gazebo Outdoor Metal Dog Kennel
$$
4.8 out of 5 stars
Best Outside Dog Kennel For Large Backyards Lucky Dog Modular Welded Wire Kennel
$$$$
4.9 out of 5 stars
Foldable Kennel for Pets Yaheetech Heavy Duty Pet Exercise Fence Barrier
$$
4.6 out of 5 stars
Playpen for Small Dogs BestPet 8-Panel Folding Puppy Exercise Pen
$
4.6 out of 5 stars

Outside Dog Kennels Features to Consider

Want to get an outdoor kennel but don’t know which to choose? Check these features before you make a choice:

Size – If you’re planning to leave your dog in the kennel for several hours, opt for as large one as you can afford. Your pup will want to run and jump inside. If you want to buy a kennel as a playpen for puppies, consider their adult size. Puppies can overgrow too small pen in a couple of months.

Mind the height of the walls as well, especially with a large breed mutt.

Roof – The best option for an outdoor venue for dogs is the one with a solid roof to protect the pup from elements. You should care about it in case you leave the pet outside while you’re away from home. Some kennels come with fabric roof and it’s better than nothing. Anyway, you have to provide your pet with a place to hide from the weather. The dog house inside will be the best solution for protection from elements.

Indoors/Outdoors – Some models can be used in the house or outside. They are portable and smaller than other. These are intended for smaller mutts and puppies. Think about the place where you want to use the kennel and choose the right model for your needs.

Material – The larger is your pup the more reliable must be the kennel. For large breed dogs or ones prone to escaping, opt for heavy-duty models made of galvanized steel or stainless steel. Gauge of the steel wire is important too. There are models made of chain-link or even plastic, but don’t be misled: they can serve only as playpens for puppies.

Top 5 Outdoor Dog Kennels – 2023 Individual Reviews

Here’s our picks Best Outdoor Dog Kennels.

1. Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel
– The Best Outdoor Dog Kennel Choice Overall –

The Uptown Welded Wire Kennel is our top choice due to its versatility and perfect customer feedback. It has all that is needed for medium to large pups: enough space, waterproof tent, heavy duty welded steel wires to secure the playpen. Six feet height is great for jumpers and the roof is tightly tied to the metal frame.

Except for protecting from escapes, the roof defends the pets from rain, snow, or sun. Its pitch allows snow and rain fall down that prevents them from accumulating on the roof. In any case, you would better put the dog house inside to let your canine hide from elements.

We like that this model is available in two sizes. In any case, your pup will be safe and sound in this kennel, especially if you anchor it metal panels to the floor. You can anchor it on the ground too, but keep in mind that some pups like to dig and can do it very well.

If you opt for this product, you’ll buy the versatile pen for your pup, that you will be able to use for years in many occasions. The only thing we can concern about buying this one is the pet’s size – it is definitely too large for small and toy breeds.

Our rating:
4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5)

Pros

  • Very easy to set up
  • Waterproof cover included
  • For all breeds
  • Two sizes available
  • Roof pitch allow elements to fall instead of accumulating

Cons

  • Needs ground anchoring for safety reasons

2. Advantek Pet Gazebo Outdoor Metal Dog Kennel
– Best Portable Outdoor Dog Kennel –

This Pet Gazebo is our runner up in the category. It has many pros of the #1 choice on the list except for security for larger pups. This model has lower walls and some dogs can try to turn it over. It is made of galvanized steel, therefore is durable enough to sustain chewing.

Due to its compact size, you will have less trouble with taking it to vacations or camping. The octagonal shape allows to place it in any place even in the middle of your backyard. You even can set it up at home; it’s a benefit for those parenting puppies.

This kennel has polyethylene cover on the top to protect the pets inside from direct sunlight and heat. It also can protect from slight rain. If you want this one to have better protection against elements, you can made the solid roof from plywood. The pen itself doesn’t require tools to be set up, although you may need help of another person during installing.

Our rating:
4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Unusual octagonal shape
  • Perfect for traveling
  • For pups up to 80lbs
  • No tools required

Cons

  • Needs more space than rectangular models
  • Not for large aggressive dogs

3. Lucky Dog Modular Welded Wire Kennel
– Best Outdoor Dog Kennel for Large Backyards –

The Modular Welded Wire Kennel is the product designed for mutts that need much space. It is suitable for large backyards where pups can spend all the time. You can easily put inside dog house and other supplies for your furbabies to allow them enjoy fresh air and sun all days long.

It is 10 feet high, which is more than enough for any canine. The perimeter of this kennel is larger than any other on the list; you can opt from 4 sizes depending on the space you have. We like its easy-to-assemble construction allowing anyone to set up the whole thing with minimal effort. It comes in disassembled into modular panels which have to be conjuncted together using hand tightening clamps to form a rectangular pen. You even can build several pens together to make a bigger run – without any tools at all! Plus, you are free to decide where to place the door. The seamless welding is safe for your pet.

This product is more expensive than many analogs but it’s worth the price. It’s a great alternative for leash in case of guard dogs or those pups who need to spend much time outdoors. The heavy-duty welded steel wire is strong enough to retain even extra large pups (but it’s recommended to anchor panels to the ground). The pen allows your pet to move inside freely instead of being tied with a rope. You can use this pen as a safe playground for small furbabies – just allow them to run and play inside while you do your own business in the house.

Our rating:
4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Extra strong wire panels
  • No tools assembly
  • 4 sizes
  • Several pens can form a larger run
  • Guaranteed safety

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not for small backyards

4. Yaheetech Heavy Duty Pet Exercise Fence Barrier
– Best Foldable Kennel for Pets –

The Heavy Duty Foldable Pet Exercise Fence Barrier by Yaheetech set up on the 4th place in our rating due to its unique features that other models lack. We like this product because of its versatility – there are 5 various sets of metal wire panels which can be assembled in different ways. One can form a stand alone playpen, a fence around the doorway, etc. There are 8, 16, and 32 panels sets available with heights range from 24” to 40” which means every pup parent will find the proper one for their needs. You can form multiple shapes using these panels: rectangular, octagonal, complicated angles.

This product can be used outdoors and indoors as a playpen for puppies and small dogs. The wire is rust resistant and heavy duty, so this product will serve you well for years even in the moist conditions. If you plan to use it outdoors, pay attention that there isn’t roof or cover for this model.

The panels have rounded corners to protect your pet from injuries. The pen also has hinged door with two-pieces latches for easy access and security. Eventually, this nice little kennel can be assembled without tools in a short time; and it’s easy to fold it flat as well.

We like the simple construction and multifunction of this model most of all. You can buy several sets more and build the perfect playpen for your pups or make a barriers for them to mark the safe area. The only significant downside of this product is that it’s not suitable for restraining aggressive animals.

Our rating:
4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Multi-shaped construction
  • Folds flat easily
  • 5 sets of panels and hardware available
  • Indoors/outdoors use
  • Rust resistant finish
  • Portable

Cons

  • Not for escape artists and aggressive dogs
  • Without cover

5. BestPet 8-Panel Folding Puppy Exercise Pen
– Best Playpen for Small Dogs –

This BestPet Puppy Exercise Pen is intended for puppies and small dogs, as it stated in its name. The octagonal kennel is formed from 8 metal panels with safe rounded corners. This pen is not a solution for large pups or those prone to escaping. It is great as an exercise pen for using under supervision. It doesn’t have any cover or roof, thus doesn’t protect your pets from direct sunlight or elements. Nonetheless, you can use this playpen outside without risk of rusting due to its finish.

You can connect several pens of this type to form a larger space for your pups; all panels have simple mechanism of attaching to each other for easy assembly. There are three height options offered: 24”, 32”, and 40”. Each of them can restrain pets from small to medium size without serious destructive behavior issues. In some cases you will have to anchor the pen to the ground.

What’s great about this playpen is its portability – pet parents can take it to fishing or camping and let their furry babies enjoy outdoors safely. This product has good price, besides all its features, that is a good deal for the new puppy owners.

Our rating:
4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Pros

  • Budget price
  • Various height options
  • Portability
  • Best temporary option for puppies
  • Can be used indoors

Cons

  • No roof or cover

How To Choose the Best Outdoor Dog Kennel – Buyer’s Guide

Before buying a kennel for your pet, you should consider several factors that dramatically affect your choice. First, what is your purpose regarding using it? Do you plan to keep your dog there because of destructive behaviors at home when you’re out? Or, you just want to let your pup play outside safely without constant supervision? Maybe, you need a playpen for growing puppies that you can use indoors or outdoors when necessary?

Some pet owners use such barriers at pet-boarding facilities to keep pups aside from each other. All these questions will help you to define the type of product needed. Should it be strong and escape-proof to restrict the aggressive dog or lightweight and easy-folding to let pet parents use it wherever they want.

As a rule, the size of a kennel should be no less than triple the pet’s size to let him walk or spread inside. The height is crucial too. For large pups, the higher the walls are the better. If you leave your pup outside for several hours, the construction must have roof to protect him from UF rays or rain. You have to be ready to prevent your dog from digging under the panels if you plan to leave them in the exercise pen for all day.

Remember, that your pup roaming the streets is at potential risk of missing or getting into trouble. Moreover, there are laws forbidding unsupervised canines on the streets. Therefore, if it’s your choice, be responsible for what you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an outdoor dog kennel and run?

The kennel is the place where a dog has place to sleep and feeding bowls. If it is placed outside the house, it usually looks like an area enclosed with a fence made of welded metal wire. Their dimensions depend on many factors including the recommended size and pet owner’s will.

The run is the place where dogs can play or communicate with each other safely. Usually, it is larger than a kennel, especially if it’s located in the pet shelters. All the commercial kennels there are relatively small and connected to the large run where pups can meet each other and exercise.

The household outdoor kennel can be as large as pet parents want it to be, thus can serve as a run.

Can a dog live outside?

It’s not recommended to keep your canine friends outside constantly. Nowadays, dogs are human companions and family members, so they need to communicate with their parents and spend time by their side.

Of course, there are dog breeds that like to be outside and need more space to exercise. These are Huskies, Malamutes, Cane Corsos, and other large pups. They need to move and like fresh air and even cold weather. Not every pet owner can walk these dogs for so long that they were enough, that’s when the outdoor kennels come in handy. You can let your pup spend time outside securely without need to follow them by yourself.

If you have several pups, they will entertain each other for hours while you’re out. Nonetheless, you have to let your dogs out, train them, and provide them warm place to sleep.

What size outdoor dog kennel do I need?

The size depends on the purpose and the pets. Large canines or several pups require larger kennel with higher walls. For small mutts or puppies, the 32’’ tall playpen will be enough. Think about where you want to use it – outside or inside your home, and for how long you are planning to leave your pup inside. The longer is the time, the bigger the living space has to be. Vivid and playful dogs require more space than older and quiet pets.

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