Choosing the best kennel for your pup can be a deceptively difficult ordeal. Each type may fundamentally serve the same purpose, but your dog’s breed and lifestyle can play a major influence in deciding which dog kennel type is most suitable for them.

You may be led to think that being so nitpicky over your pet’s kennel type doesn’t really matter. But that’s not the case. By choosing the best-fitting dog kennel type, your dog can enjoy a safe space where they can relax and play in a way that’s most optimal for their breed and temperament.

Furthermore, there are several key advantages and risks when choosing one over another—and it’s in your best interest as your pet’s primary caretaker to pick a dog kennel that gives your dog the best quality of life.

With that said, what is the difference between an indoor dog kennel and an outdoor dog kennel? Is there a right or wrong type for your dog's breed and temperament? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each type and see which one might be best for your pup.

What is A Dog Kennel? 

Dog kennels are a type of enclosure used to provide dogs a place to play, eat, and relax. These kennels come in a wide range of sizes and constructions, making them easily customizable for your dog’s distinct needs.

Dogs need an appropriate-sized dog kennel to accommodate them comfortably. Small dogs can do well with small to medium-sized dog kennels, as their tiny stature doesn’t need the excess space of big enclosures. Big dogs, conversely, would need big kennels.

Besides keeping dogs safe from external threats, another essential utility of a kennel is its use as a training aid for bladder control. It also helps keep them safe from destroying property or getting into trouble themselves.

With its variety of purposes, dog kennels are a must-have for any pet-owning household. That said, selecting the right one will require a bit of mind-crunching on your part. 

Key Differences Between an Indoor and Outdoor Dog Kennel

The primary difference between indoor and outdoor kennels is where they’re situated in the household.

Indoor kennels are meant for pet dogs kept indoors. They’re often found in the living room, hallway, or in a dedicated section of the house. Outdoor dog kennels are found outside the main house, usually under an outcropping of the roof or beside the exterior wall of the house.

Dog kennels also come in different material types. 

Metal wires are a popular type of construction for indoor kennel setups. Plastic is another common one, featuring unparalleled portability due to its lightweight nature.

On the other hand, outdoor dog kennel setups typically feature more durable material to house the dog and protect it from the elements. Chain link, wooden, and steel kennels are some popular ones used for outdoor kennels.

There are many small and big dog kennels, too, but the majority of big kennels are meant for outdoor use, whereas the majority of small to medium-sized kennels are for the inside.

In any case, you’re sure to find high-quality dog kennels in both an indoor and outdoor setup. They can be great fits depending on your dog’s breed, temperament, and preference. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s dive into the specific pros and cons of each dog kennel setup!

Pros of Indoor Dog Kennels

1. Easy Monitoring

If you own a dog that needs constant monitoring, then an indoor dog kennel may be the best choice for you. This is because this indoor dog kennel is built to be placed indoors, making it easier for you to check up on them whenever you’re inside the house. This is because you can see and hear them clearly.

This close supervision is particularly relevant for owners of puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with special needs. When you’re in close vicinity to your dogs, you can address their needs more urgently, which helps in keeping them safe and healthy.

2. Easier to Clean

Another perk of an indoor kennel is its more convenient sanitation options. 

Indoor kennels typically have trays underneath that can catch spills and leftovers that a dog may leave behind while they’re in the kennel. The fact that all these accidents are readily contained helps streamline the cleanup process efficiently.

Furthermore, the kennel being situated indoors also helps keep it safe from external dirt and bacterial accumulation. This helps reduce outside threats and keeps the dog free from more risks.

3. Enhanced Safety

Safety is also much better for dogs in indoor kennels. This is because if a pet dog does manage to escape, they’ll still be confined within the house and will likely not be able to roam outside the premises.

This is not the case for outdoor dog kennels, as unlocked doors can lead to dogs escaping and wandering outside your home, endangering themselves in the process. So, if you worry about your dogs escaping your property, then an indoor dog kennel may be the most optimal choice for your needs.

Cons of Indoor Dog Kennels

1. Limited Space

If you own a big dog or an active working dog like an Australian Shepherd, then indoor dog kennels are largely a bad choice. Indoor dog kennels are generally small and compact, preventing dogs from roaming around or playing with toys easily.

A large or active dog that’s confined in an indoor dog kennel may adopt aggressive tendencies, as their energy needs are unmet. Furthermore, long hours of confinement can also make them more prone to being bored and depressed compared to smaller dog breeds, reducing their quality of life significantly.

2. Could Produce Odors in the House

Accidents, spilled food, or damp bedding can quickly create foul smells that linger in your living space. This is especially true if you fail to properly ventilate or sanitise the kennel regularly.

The best way to remedy this is by cleaning and drying the kennel regularly. While this takes out some time of your day, it can keep foul smells at bay, making your home more livable for everyone in the household.

Pros of Outdoor Dog Kennels

1. Fresh Air And Sunlight

Dogs love basking under the sun and breathing fresh morning air whenever they get the chance. And with an outdoor kennel, this means they can do it when it’s playtime if the kennel is underneath warm sunlight.

Sunlight and fresh air aren’t only pleasant for dogs, but they can also be good for boosting their health. Morning sunlight increases a dog’s Vitamin D levels, helping strengthen their bones and heart health. Their mood-boosting properties also make your dog feel happier and more engaged too.

2. Home Protection

An outdoor kennel can help guard dogs like Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds do their job optimally, which is to alert the home’s dwellers of any guests. 

A securely fenced kennel ensures they can guard your property without risking themselves.  This helps them stay within your property while also being active enough to stop threats from getting too close, lest they want to get barked at incessantly.

Cons of Outdoor Dog Kennels

1. You’ll Still Need an Indoor Dog Habitat 

Leaving dogs in outdoor kennels for an extended period is something we can’t stand by, as this can make your canine friend unhappy and unhealthy. 

If you just want to have a space to house your dog to protect your property, then you’ll still need to consider getting an indoor kennel to ensure that they have a cool place to relax and rest.

So in most cases, an indoor kennel is a priority addition to the household, and an outdoor dog kennel is a supportive option to give larger breeds a chance to play around safely with supervision.

2. Weather Risks

A downside of outdoor kennels is their exposure to the temperature and weather outside. Outdoor kennels typically have roofing materials to shade the dog, but this is typically not enough to handle heavy rain, snowfall, or extreme heat.

Unless you have a dedicated area in the house that’s well-shaded and temperature-regulated for your dog’s comfort, then people from regions with volatile weather may not find an outdoor dog kennel suitable for their needs.

3. Vulnerable to Outside Factors

Another major downside of outdoor dog kennels is their inherent exposure to external conditions. Dogs are sensitive to extreme weather conditions, and if you fail to notice a sudden change in temperature during a dog’s playtime, they can suffer from health risks.

For instance, pests like insects and rodents can squeeze through the tiny openings in the dog kennel and try to eat the dog’s leftovers. Mites and fleas can also enter easily and potentially give your dog a bad case of itchiness. In some cases, these parasites can carry bacteria and illnesses that can harm your dog’s health.

While there are ways to reduce this risk, like cleaning the kennel regularly, it’s not an outright eliminator of the risk. As such, if your region is particularly prone to harbouring insects and pests, then it may be worth considering feeding your dog inside the house in the meantime.

Best Dog Kennel for Your Pup

As seen above, a few variables can make either an indoor or outdoor dog kennel stand out as your top pick. 

Generally, if you own a small to medium-sized dog breed, a puppy, a senior dog, or a dog with special needs, an indoor dog kennel works best. On the other hand, if your dog is large, active, and not very sensitive to weather, then an outdoor dog kennel is typically the better choice.

Of course, the best dog kennel will vary from dog to dog, and it’s more than possible for dogs to adjust to their so-called non-preferred kennel. 

But if you want your furry pals to remain happy and healthy, then choosing the optimal dog kennel can help them achieve that state of happiness they rightfully deserve.

We hope we’ve helped you narrow down your kennel pick!