Double Dog House Designs for Multi-Dog Families | Best Guide

Ever try to convince two dogs to share a tiny dog house? Yeah… it goes about as well as trying to share fries when you swear you’re not hungry. I learned this the hard way when my two pups stared at each other like gladiators battling for territory. That’s when I realized something important: double dog houses don’t just make life easier—they save your sanity.

So if you live with more than one furry roommate and want peace in your backyard, you’ll love exploring the world of double dog house designs. Let’s walk through the smartest, most practical, and honestly the coolest setups I’ve discovered after years of testing and tweaking.

Why Double Dog House Designs Make Life Easier for Multi-Dog Families

If you’ve ever watched two dogs claim opposite ends of your couch like it’s an invisible treaty, you already understand the appeal of separate-yet-connected spaces. I see double dog houses as the perfect middle ground because they:

• Give each dog personal space (yes, even dogs need boundaries).
• Create harmony when their personalities clash.
• Let you control temperature and comfort more efficiently.
• Make your backyard look more organized and professional.

Sounds good, right? But what design works best for you?

And if you’re building a larger outdoor setup, you’ll love pairing it with healthy treats from my Homemade Chicken & Rice Dog Treats recipe to reward your pups during training sessions.

Understanding Different Double Dog House Styles

Side-By-Side Double Dog Houses

My first double dog house setup used the classic side-by-side layout, and honestly, it never failed me. Both dogs got their own entry, their own flooring, and their own cozy corners.

Why side-by-side designs work well:

• They help dogs feel equal.
• They make cleaning easier because everything sits in a straight line.
• They fit nicely along fences or backyard walls.

Ever wondered why dogs love symmetry so much? I swear mine walk into the unit that’s closest to their food bowl like it’s assigned seating.

If your dogs get a little competitive, the KONG Classic Dog Toy works wonders to keep them happily distracted in their own spaces.

Duplex Dog Houses With a Shared Wall

This option usually comes with one roof but two separate rooms. Think of it like a tiny duplex for dogs—kind of adorable.

Benefits of a shared-wall duplex:

• Better insulation because heat transfers between the two rooms.
• A cleaner, more compact footprint.
• A more stylish, unified look.

I used this style during winter, and both my dogs stayed warmer without any heated pads. The shared interior wall trapped warmth better than I expected.

If your dogs love bonding moments, you can support that connection further with calming nutrition like Beef Bone Broth for Dogs, which my dogs absolutely adore during colder months

Split-Level Double Dog Houses

Now, here’s the design that made me say “Okay, this is fancy.” A split-level setup uses vertical space, giving one dog a lower room and another a raised one.

Why choose it?

• Great for uneven backyard terrain
• Helps separate dogs with clashing personalities
• Gives your yard a more modern, structured look

Does it sound like a lot? Maybe. But once you see your dogs treat it like a penthouse and a downstairs suite, you’ll get the hype.

I usually recommend a side-by-side style for energetic, playful breeds, especially when paired with basic training routines like the ones I share in Dog Training Tips to help both dogs respect their space.

Key Features to Look For in a Double Dog House

Before you pick a model or plan your DIY build, think through the features that make a double dog house actually work long-term.

Weather-Resistant Materials

Your dog house needs to handle everything—rain, wind, heat, and your dog’s questionable chewing habits.

Look for:

• Solid cedar or fir wood
• Heavy-duty plastic composites
• Weatherproof asphalt or metal roofing
• Moisture-resistant flooring

I once made the mistake of buying a cute but cheap pine setup. One rainy weekend later, it turned into a sad, soggy pile of regrets. Never again.

If your dog chews everything, the Nylabone Power Chew becomes a lifesaver for protecting your investment.

Proper Ventilation

Fresh air matters more than most people realize. Dogs heat up fast, and two dogs in one structure? Even faster.

You’ll want:

• Roof vents
• Side vents
• Elevated flooring to encourage airflow
• Optional rear ventilation panels

Ever noticed how your dogs try to sleep near open windows even in winter? That should tell us something.

Insulation and Temperature Control

Insulation makes a world of difference, especially if you live somewhere with true seasons. Your dogs will thank you.

Ideal upgrades include:

• Foam or reflective insulation panels
• Double-walled construction
• Removable winter door flaps
• Cooling mats or elevated mesh beds for summer

I insulated my duplex house two years ago, and suddenly both dogs refused to come inside the main house during the day. That’s how I knew it worked.

For hot climates, the Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed keeps airflow moving and prevents overheating inside the house.

Matching Dog House Size to Your Dogs (This Part Matters!)

Getting the Measurements Right

Here’s the secret to creating a dog house your pups will actually use: measure them. Guessing doesn’t cut it.

Use this checklist:

Dog House Interior Height:

• Should be at least 25% taller than your tallest dog.

Interior Length:

• Your dog should be able to lie fully stretched out.

Door Size:

• Height: ~75% of your dog’s shoulder height
• Width: just wide enough for comfortable entry
  (If it’s too big, you lose warmth.)

Ever seen a dog refuse to enter a house you bought? Yeah, me too. Turns out my entry was so short that my big dog had to crouch like he was sneaking into a fort.

Matching the Two Units for Fairness

If your dogs differ in size, you may wonder, “Do I make both units the same size?” Honestly? You usually should. Dogs care about equality more than we think, and having one “big room” and one “tiny room” creates unnecessary drama.

But if there’s a significant size difference, keep both units equal in comfort level and add only minimal adjustments.

Smart Add-Ons That Transform a Double Dog House

These extras can take a basic setup and turn it into something your dogs treat like a deluxe resort.

Removable Roof

A removable roof makes cleaning so much easier, especially if you deal with shedding season (so… always).

Built-In Storage

Hidden storage lets you keep:

• Leashes
• Toys
• Treats
• Grooming supplies

Everything stays nearby and tidy.

Porch or Overhang

Dogs love lounging outside their house like tiny retirees. A porch gives shade, comfort, and rain protection.

Divider With Optional Opening

I call this the best-of-both-worlds upgrade. When your dogs feel cuddly, you open the divider. When they need distance, you close it.

Raised Flooring

Raised floors provide:

• Better airflow
• Drier interior
• Fewer pests

This one small change keeps things cleaner and more comfortable year-round.

Exterior Camera Attachment

This might sound extra, but attaching a small outdoor camera keeps you aware of who’s hogging whose space. The day I caught my smaller dog stealing the bigger unit for afternoon naps, I nearly spit out my coffee from laughing.

DIY vs. Store-Bought Double Dog Houses

When a DIY Build Makes Sense

Build your own if you:

• Want complete customization
• Have non-standard backyard space
• Need specific insulation or ventilation adjustments
• Like saving money
• Enjoy woodworking projects

Whenever I build my own models, I feel proud watching the dogs use them. It’s like crafting furniture they actually appreciate—unlike humans who ignore half the chairs in the house.

When Store-Bought Saves the Day

Sometimes buying is smarter because you get:

• Pre-tested designs
• Faster setup
• Weatherproofing you don’t need to engineer yourself
• Warranty protection

And let’s be honest, not everyone wants to spend their weekend playing architect.

Choosing a Design Based on Your Dogs’ Personalities

For Dogs Who Love to Cuddle

Pick a duplex with a divider you can open. My own dogs cuddle only 20% of the time, but when they do, they act like they invented affection.

For Territorial Dogs

Choose two completely separate units with no shared interior space. Prevent arguments before they happen.

For High-Energy Dogs

Pick a setup with:

• A porch
• Play space
• Durable materials

Active dogs will beat up a cheap dog house faster than you can say “woof.”

For Anxious Dogs

Get a design with:

• Low entryways
• Cozy interiors
• Insulation
• Soft bedding

Ever notice how anxious dogs hide under blankets? A secure double house gives them a safe retreat.

Backyard Placement Tips for Maximum Comfort

Location matters more than you think. You’ll want a spot that gives shade, wind protection, and drainage.

Place the House Facing Away From Wind

If you don’t know your wind direction, check how your plants lean or where debris usually collects.

Avoid Low Spots

Moisture builds up fast in dips in your yard, and nothing ruins a dog house quicker than constant dampness.

Give Them a View

Dogs love overseeing territory. A dog house facing the yard or gate gives them entertainment all day long.

Conclusion: Build a Space Your Dogs Actually Love

When you pick the right double dog house design, you give your dogs something more meaningful than shelter—you give them comfort, fairness, and their own place in the world. I’ve tried everything, from basic wood boxes to split-level suites, and I always come back to the same idea: dogs thrive when they feel secure and respected.

So think about what works best for your dogs. Do they need more space? More warmth? More privacy? Whatever the answer, you’ll find a double dog house style that fits your backyard and your pack’s personality. And once they settle into their new setup, you’ll wonder why you didn’t build it sooner.

Now go give your pups the kind of home that makes their tails wag the moment they step in.