This Is Our Dreamiest Dog House Ever—And You Can Build It Too

We're always looking for ways to elevate our living spaces, and the same goes for those of our pets. Whether you are building for a Yorkshire Terrier or a Saint Bernard, this thoughtfully designed dog house, complete with James Hardie siding, is the perfect retreat for your furry friend.

The Inspiration

The plan was a team effort for Lake + Land Studio, the Hattiesburg, Mississippi-based residential designers behind the 2023 Southern Living Idea House, which is located in the Leiper’s Fork area of Tennessee. 

“We sat around the office table and had all done sketches and started throwing ideas over each other’s shoulders,” says Lake + Land Studio partner and lead designer Luke Sippel of their design approach. 

The team found inspiration for the pet-friendly plan in an aptly named Southern architectural style thought to have originated in the Appalachian Mountains and often associated with New Orleans. “Our dog house is going to be a dogtrot,” he says. “Because we did it for [Idea House builders] Mary and Patrick Hatcliff’s three pets, there are three bays. I don’t think anyone has ever done a dogtrot dog house.” 

The Details

At 57 square feet, Waylon’s Dogtrot SL-2102 has plenty of room for the pooches to roam. The clever design features an open-air passageway running through the center, inviting a subtle breeze to float through the structure, which also features two separate sleeping areas—ideal for the sweltering dog days of summer when pets are seeking a little extra shade.

The Lake + Land team didn’t skimp on the architectural details either, topping the dog house with a cedar shake roof that seamlessly blends into the landscape and styling the covered porch with custom Michael Carr Design planters. Combining functionality and style, this plan is the perfect addition to your backyard—and your pups are bound to love it too.