Many breeds of dogs can live outside during the winter if they are provided with an insulated doghouse of the proper dimensions. The dimensions are directly related to the size of the dog, and are critically important if the dog is to maintain warmth in the doghouse with its own body heat. The more heavily-coated breeds will endure cold temperatures more easily than will the short-coated breeds such as Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc.

Dogs should be acclimatized to outdoor living when they are young, and also when the weather is warm. Once they have been established in outdoor accommodations, they should remain there and not be allowed to spend some nights inside and others outside; such a disrupted routine could lead to a lowered resistance and illness. Doghouse exteriors (especially the roof) should be painted black (use paint without lead) because such houses stay appreciably warmer than doghouses painted white. Conversely, in the summer and in hot regions, doghouses painted white are cooler. Changing the location of the doghouse from summer to winter will allow you to control the effects of sun, shade, and wind.

Bedding material should be put in the sleep area, and cedar or wood chips (obtainable at some feed mills), or shredded newspaper, are preferable to straw or blankets. Change bedding 1 to 2 weeks, and keep house interior clean.

A burlap or canvas outside door may be used to provide weather protection in the winter. The wall separating the hall from the sleeping area may be made removable, for maximum summer coolness.

The house may be elevated on bricks or cinder blocks to keep the floor dry, and it may then be necessary to provide a ramp or step so your dog can get over the raised sill when entering. A low base platform is preferable, and allows the dog an area off the ground on which to lie when outside the house.

If your dog is inclined to chew wood, it may be necessary to cover corners and entrance edges with metal, (dry walling corner strips) to prevent doghouse damage.

If your present doghouse has a peaked roof (unsuitable for winter use), and if it is large enough, it may be possible to install an insulated ceiling and separate hallway, in order to make it warmer for winter.