Hobbit Style Dog House

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Late last year we added two new Jack Russell terriers puppies to our family and boy are they a handful. Their latest stunt is pushing my 14-year dog out of her bed so they can have it.  So my idea for this project was to make them a little hobbit style dog house of their own.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Our dogs are spoilt rotten and sleep inside. But on the days that I work, they do have to go outside for a few hours. In Australia, it can get really cold in the winter, so I wanted somewhere warm for them to sleep. I was determined not to give in and buy them more soft beds because they have already destroyed  6. My idea was to build them a wooden dog house that they would have more trouble destroying.  To look at these two sweet puppies you would think how cute, but they are destructive little demons. lol

It is also time again for our next IBC Blogger challenge.  This month the topic is “Furever ”, I chose to make a deluxe dog house for my fur babies. More about IBC at the bottom of this post.

How to make a hobbit style dog house

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Making the base

To make the base I used a recycled coffee table which was 1150mm x 600mm.  It came with legs which I cut down to 10cm to lift the base off the floor. When we have heavy rain the water comes over the gutters and I don’t want the house getting wet.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

I used some 12mm plywood for the sides of the dog house. To draw the shape of the hobbit house I used a large wooden compass that I made.  I must also mention that I make up my projects as I go along and they don’t always go to plan, so I have to make changes to fix them up. This project was just one of those where everything went wrong because I messed up in the beginning.

My first mistake happened straight away. Instead of waiting until the base was boxed in to make the arch, I cut it first so the arch was smaller than the base and did not fit. But I did solve this issue down the line.  I used 2×4’s and framed the base.  To attach the frame to the base I used offcuts of wood that were glued and screwed to the base. The original idea was the side arches would be screwed into the 2 x 4 pieces of wood.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Cutting the sides

You can now draw your arches based on the size of the already boxed base. The plywood I used was also recycled and was in poor shape, but the paint will cover all the damage. Cut out your shape using a jigsaw or suitable saw.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

It is easier to sand the sides before they are attached to the base.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Next, drill a hole large enough for the blade of the jigsaw to fit through and cut out the door. I must have been in la la land when I cut the door because it was huge.  I must have thought I owned great Danes based on the amount of destruction they cause. A suitable size hole for Jack Russell terriers is about 25 cm. I will fix the door further down.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Carpet the base

To make the house cosier I bought some carpet tiles that I glued and stapled to the base.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

You can also add some carpet tiles to the sides to keep it warmer inside.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Attaching the walls

As I mentioned above, I had cut the sides too short to screw into the frame. So my solution was to add some brackets to the base that will screw into the sides. I added 2 brackets on each side to support the sides of the house.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

I screwed some smaller pieces of wood as supports to hold the two sides together.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Making the roof

To make the roof I cut some 2 x 4 in half lengthwise using a table saw.  I felt using 2 x 4’s would make the house too heavy and hard to move. If you want to go with the hobbit style dog house and have the astroturf on the roof you can screw them directly in between the two sides. My dogs ripped up the astroturf that was to go on the roof before I even started. Because of this, I had to change the roof and add an overhang which I thought would look better. This was more work to attach but I felt it looked better.

My dog house will be under a large well-sheltered pergola so I did not add any waterproofing before I added the roof.  If yours is going to be outside in the elements you will need to add some sort of waterproofing to prevent the inside from getting wet.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Because I used plywood for the sides it would not be possible to screw the roof slats into the sides without them splitting.  To give the roof slats something secure to screw into, I added some supports around the inside. You can also use small blocks of wood instead of full support pieces.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

You start at the bottom and work your way over, screwing the roof slats into place.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

When you get to the top of the arch you may need to cut the slats a little thinner so that they sit flush with the sides.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

View from the back

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Make the door

I had all intentions of having a door frame, so this helped me fix up the large opening I cut for the door.  I drew a circle on some plywood and cut out the middle. The circle was screwed over the door frame making the hole smaller at the same time.  The leftover piece of plywood from the middle was used to make the window. Before I added the doorframe I was able to get inside and add some carpet tiles to the inside of the roof. Yes, the whole top part of my body fit inside, that’s how big the hole was. lol

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Paint the dog house

I painted the dog house using grey acrylic paint and sealing it with 2 coats of polyurethane. I would recommend exterior varnish if your dog house is going to be exposed to the weather.  Mine will be under a sheltered pergola. The dog house was too boring for my liking, so I glued some painted offcuts of wood to the sides to give it a country cottage look.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

To give the front a fun look I went overboard and decorated it with decals that I made with my Cricut vinyl Cutter. I have used 651 vinyl decals in a few projects to add extra detail to my project as I did on this cow skull.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

Completed hobbit style dog house

The only thing left to do was to add some soft bedding and let the terrible two at it. Pepsi and Max checking out their new daytime house below.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

The look of disgust on Max’s face because my old girl took a nap in their new bed.

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

DIY wooden deluxe dog house

More about IBC

If you follow my blog you will know I am part of IBC (International Bloggers Club) which is a group of talented bloggers from around the world. We have members from Spain, South Africa, Australia, the United States, and Canada. Each month we come together and create a project with a common theme.

If you missed last month’s “Funtabulous planter ” theme here is the link to my Planter made from an old chocolate tin. The “Furever ” contributions from my fellow bloggers for this months challenge are listed below, please feel free to jump over and give them some love.

A Crafty Mix|Spun pet hair heart

Birdz of a feather| String Art Dog

IBC

Interior Frugalista|Repurposed chair seat dog leash holder

Pinterest pin

Handmade dog kennel for your pampered pooch. Unique DIY dog kennelIf you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you. Please feel free to share or leave a comment we would love to hear your thoughts.

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26 Comments

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    July 19, 2021 at 10:52 pm

    I don’t know how many times I’ve said this, Anita, but you are so creative. It always boggles my mind how you as a self-taught DIY-er can think up plans to make something and wing it as you go along. And oh my, I had to laugh at the antics that Pepsi and Max get up to 😀 Jackies are such characters, and so loving too, when they take a break from destroying the world.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 21, 2021 at 10:11 am

      Thank you so much Michelle, I have never been able to follow someone else’s plans I just seem to make a mess every time. I still have the messes my way but it is so much more fun. I do adore my terrible two and hope they will outgrow their destructive stage. lol

  • Reply
    Sara
    July 19, 2021 at 11:20 pm

    I love every bit of detail you put into this wondrous creation! It amazes me that you can create something like this on the fly.

    Your two fur babies look every bit as mischievous as my sisters’ dogs, but don’t they make our lives so much more fun!?

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 21, 2021 at 10:13 am

      Thank you so much for the great comment. I do agree dogs bring their own magic to your home. Every home should have a dog or two to liven it up.

  • Reply
    Laura L WALKER
    July 20, 2021 at 12:59 am

    This is adorable. xo Laura

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 21, 2021 at 10:14 am

      Thank you so much Laura, for the comment and for supporting my website.

  • Reply
    Marie - Interior Frugalista
    July 20, 2021 at 1:30 am

    I’ve said this before and I’m saying it again; girl, can you rock the power tools! I am a project winger too so I can appreciate how you don’t give up when things go array and tweak your plans to make it work. Your dog house idea is AWESOME and so unique (you live up to your blog name). Don’t get me started on those two cuties! Pepsi/Max – named after the soda?

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 21, 2021 at 10:15 am

      Thank you so much Marie, you always leave the kindest comments. Yes they were named after our favourite drink Pepsi max lol

  • Reply
    maria
    July 20, 2021 at 3:54 am

    Wow, you, crafty mix and Bird in a feather must be celebrating pet week, I love this, the cutest ever.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 21, 2021 at 10:15 am

      Thanks Maria, yes we had a Furever challenge this month on IBC.

  • Reply
    Deana
    July 20, 2021 at 7:21 am

    Anita those 2 spout rotten Jack Russell dogs of yours are blessed. Their home is warm and stylish. You everything fantastic.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 21, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Thank you Deana, I have to giggle because I went to all that effort and they still spend most of their time on the couch or bed. They rule our home. lol

  • Reply
    Barbara Chapman
    July 21, 2021 at 2:13 am

    Anita, this is a good-sized dog house! So adorable!!! I’m sure your buddies are enjoying their new dog house immensely. 🙂 Happily pinned for you and I’ll share on FB. 🙂

    Hugs,
    Barb 🙂

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 21, 2021 at 10:18 am

      Thanks Barbara, I think in the end my old girl will have this one and those two terrors will still pinch hers.

  • Reply
    Libbie
    July 21, 2021 at 3:46 am

    This is just adorable!!! Pinning for later.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 21, 2021 at 10:18 am

      Thank you so much for your support, Libbie.

  • Reply
    Meegan
    July 22, 2021 at 10:28 am

    Anita, This sweet dog home is perfect in everyway. My husband loves Jack Russell Terroirs. I love all the little details that show their personalities.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 23, 2021 at 11:29 am

      Thank you so much Meegan, They are the cutest even though they are so destructive. We are hoping they will grow out of it.

  • Reply
    Rachelle
    July 25, 2021 at 8:15 am

    Anita, you are one sweet mommy to your dog babies. Building them special housing that is stylish to boot. Great job!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 26, 2021 at 4:12 pm

      Thank you so much, they are too cute so do deserve it when they are being good. lol

  • Reply
    Donna @ Modern on Monticello
    July 25, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    Love love love this! Your fur babies are adorable too. I have four dogs – big dogs – so I need to convince my husband to make one to fit a 100 pound German Shepherd. LOL So glad you shared this and continue to spoil those babies.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 26, 2021 at 4:13 pm

      Thank you, he will have no problem making one. I think my first door would allow a german shepherd to get in.

  • Reply
    Rebecca Payne
    August 1, 2021 at 1:39 am

    So Creative. I love it and your cute dogs.

  • Reply
    TD Creedy
    April 4, 2022 at 8:15 am

    Hi, I loved this and although I don’t have a dog I do get hedgehogs in our garden and am toying with making one of these to help them survive. There are hedgehog house plans on line but not as nice as this and I could possibly tweak it to look like a hedgehog with an added pointedeeee nose to one side with a front to back shelf holding the feeding bowls . Do you have any advice on making the dog house more durable to U.K. weather please? Rain wind and more rain. Lol. I was toying with roofing felt?

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      April 4, 2022 at 6:26 pm

      I like the idea of the hedgehog house. I stapled carpet tiles around the whole inside of this house. Mine is undercover and is only used during the day, they sleep inside at night. You would also need to waterproof it if it is not undercover.

  • Reply
    A Crafty Mix | Spun Pet Hair Heart – A Precious Keepsake - A Crafty Mix
    January 24, 2023 at 11:18 pm

    […] I think Anita’s puppies are going to have a ball in their new hobbit styled home. […]

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