Outdoor Dog Kennel Runs - Backyard Dog Kennels - A Dog House Or A Dog Kennel

Dog house or outdoor dog kennel runs -- what's the difference? Both are permanent structures used by generations of "dog people" to house their dogs. Both are structures typically built for outside use and both typically house one dog at a time in the backyard. Although the terms "dog house" and "dog kennel" are sometimes used almost interchangeably, however, there are significant differences between the two. In part, the differences are 1) in size, 2) the construction material used, and 3) the purpose of the structure.

A dog house is typically a small structure, designed to house a single dog on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. A dog house is usually enclosed within a fence of some kind, to allow the dog room to run outside of its house. In most cases, dog houses are intended to be shelters, not necessarily residences. Because they are intended to shelter the dog from the elements, they are usually made of wood or other solid siding. Dog houses are often built to be as decorative as they are useful, sometimes being built to mirror the appearance of the dog owner's home.

Backyard dog kennels are typically medium-sized to large structures. Like the dog house, they typically house one dog each, although two or more dogs occasionally share one dog kennel building. In general, there are two forms of outdoor dog kennel. One form of outdoor dog kennel consists of four or more metal and chain link frames that create an enclosure. This kind of kennel is at times referred to as a "dog pen" or a "dog run." The four metal mesh walls of the dog pen often enclose a dog house. The dog or dogs may not live within this structure on a permanent basis.

The second form of outdoor dog kennel also consists chain link walls; however, this kind of kennel is attached to a house-like structure in which the dog has a smaller "room" of its own. The inner room is separated from the run by the outer wall of the larger building; the dog gains access to the run through a short dog door cut into the side of the building. This small area often opens onto a central corridor in this building. The entire kennel building frequently consists of 10 to 20 of these units, each of which is called a "kennel."

At times, people refer to a dog's inside sleeping area as a kennel. Although the term "kennel" is frequently used in reference to this kind of crate, this use is not an accurate one. In reality, a wire crate or similar carrier acts only as a bed or "den" inside as a "kennel." This misnomer is often used to refer to the dog's wire crate, which most resembles small outdoor dog kennel. Because it is not intended to permanently house a dog for log periods, this kind of item is more properly referred to as a "crate" or "box."

Next article: Why And When Is A Dog Kennel Necessary

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