Doghouses – Then and Now

Doghouses have really changed over the years.

As we continue to embrace our pets as family members we naturally respond to those who question our devotion with “Why shouldn’t my dog have it good? They stick with me through thick and thin and I owe it to them.” Too true. We want to give them the best, the most clever, the most grand. The old saying “It’s a Dog’s Life” is reaching ever new creative heights!

Check out these joints.

Some are beautiful in their simplicity while others are amazingly complex.

The Classic Doghouse

This is Dash, owned by First Lady Caroline Harrison. Isn’t he handsome? Even “top-level” dogs of Washington back in the day lived in basic doghouses; nicer paint of course and they probably slept in the owner’s house at night, but it was still the classic shape. Although this photo was taken in the early 1900’s, the traditional doghouse has continued well into the present, Good design is… well… good! While this style doghouse still exists and is quite functional, there’s always someone expanding on the basic design to make dogs even more comfortable if not downright spoiled!

“Dash” Photo by Library of Congress Photographer Frances Benjamin Johnston

Modern Architectural Doghouse

KPF is best known for transforming cities with super tall towers,  but for the firm’s founding Design Partner and Principal, William Pedersen, there’s no scale that should be left unchallenged. Pedersen teamed up with fellow KPF architect Trent Tesch to create the One Jackson Square (OJS) Doghouse, a pint-sized structure for pets that boasts a striking curved form. According to the KPF pair, the OJS is “designed for the city dog, the country dog, and the spoiled dog,”  read more…

KPF’s William Pedersen Designs and Ultra-Modern Doghouse With Green Roof

Ultra-Modern (and Expensive) Doghouse in the UK

Here’s a doghouse that’s truly amazing. An anonymous surgeon in Gloucestershire in the UK commissioned top UK architect, Andy Ramus to design this pricy $400K high-tech doghouse for their two Great Danes. Built-in features include: Retina scan entry for the dogs, a 52″ plasma screen tv, a temperature controlled dog spa, automated food and water dispensers (with self-cleaning bowls), and so much more!

Source:http://hubpages.com/animals/Worlds-Most-Expensive-Doghouse#

Source:http://www.dogingtonpost.com/barkitecture-worlds-most-expensive-doghouse/

Doghouse in Australia

Here’s and example of a simple building project going above and beyond its original intention. Sean Longhurst’s wife only wanted her husband to build a doghouse and this is what they ended up with!  “I started out building a small structure to keep them warm in the colder months and I got a bit carried away” he said.  “After a few weeks I put in a second level and started getting really creative. I just wanted my dogs to be comfortable and I don’t like them in the house.”  read more…

Sean Longhurst – Doghouse Builder | Photo: Goldcoastbulletin.com.au

Ranch Style Doghouse

Here’s a home show I’d love to go to!

Ranch Style Doghouse | Pinterest

Armenian Mosaic Doghouse

I love the mosaic designs this owner has incorporated into the traditional doghouse making it a bit more special.

Armenian Doghouse | Photo: http://top-news.am/8/8/news/6977.html

Doghouse in Switzerland

This traditional doghouse in Switzerland exudes simple elegance. Something tells me that the open window has a nice view for their on-duty watchdog.

Photo: © Roland Fischer, Zürich (Switzerland)

1960’s Recycled Bottle Doghouse in Australia

This doghouse has become a roadside attraction. It was built sometime in the 1960’s. Interesting use of recycle materials.

Australian Bottle Doghouse | Photo: By Curtis Forman

Doghouse with a Pool

It’s more of a cottage really – lol. Nice doggy touches with bones on the window shutters, paw-print welcome mat at the front door and don’t forget to check out the pool!

Doghouse w a Pool Front| Pinterest

Doghouse w a Pool Front| Pinterest

As you can see,

 There’s no limit to what can be done with the doghouse. It’s just a matter of having the imagination, the time, and some extra cash!