Who Makes the Best Dog Kennels?

BulliesofNC

Who Makes the Best Dog Kennels? 

In the market for a quality dog kennel that will not only securely and safely hold your dog (or dogs) but will also last for many years? Many kennels look nice when they’re new but most will not last longer than 3 years without rusting and in need of repair or replacement. With the cost of kennels being so high it’s important to conduct thorough research before investing a lot of money.

Due to the extensive research I’ve conducted on this subject along with my experience with particular kennels over the years I thought I’d initiate a post solely on kennels.

Years ago I learned my lesson quickly that the use of heavy grade chain link for kenneling Bull Terriers was no better than someone using chicken wire. I guess for many breeds of dogs it would suffice but if a Bull Terrier wants to get out of a kennel made from any type of chain link he will. After having one of my females bite her way out of a standard dog kennel I set up in the backyard for her, I ripped all the chain link down and paid a visit to a local fence company which made some thick (unbendable) chain link in which they assured me no dog would destroy and escape from. With that kind of reassurance I bought it and wrapped the kennel with some real thick chain link. My excitement of having an escape proof kennel came to a screeching halt about two hours later when my female Bull Terrier was clawing at the back door wanting to come in and play. I was amazed she was able to get out but she did. Not all dogs will devote themselves to escaping like this particular Bullie. However, if there is any play or give to a kennel and you own a dog that wants to escape he or she will continue working on it with pure dedication. With this said, I do not recommend any type of chain link fence for kenneling dogs.

A good quality dog kennel should be made with thick gauged wire mesh. The gates should be built with handles in which a smart dog can’t manipulate and open from inside. There are many kennels that look really good and even have great gate handles. However, their quality will not stand the time of the elements of weather, cleaning solutions, urine, etc.

Most kennels look very similar. However, if you actually look at each companies kennel specs side by side you’ll soon find out the differences. Pay careful attention to the gauge size of both the poles and wire mesh. Many companies like to harp on their powder coating. That’s all great and all but if it’s going over thin galvanized steel any scratch will begin the process of rust and decay and with thin, cheap materials it won’t be long until rust holes form and panel replacements are necessary. Power coating also scratches very easy and the overall appearance soon becomes old, scratched, and unpleasant to the eye.

Most Common Canine Kennels: (Not Recommended)

• Options Plus. This is probably the most common kennel you can find all over the internet as well many feed stores throughout the country. It’s cheaply made with very thin gauged mesh wire and poles. It’s made in China and widely distributed throughout America. It only has a one year warranty. We used this kennel before and ended up replacing it after 3 years due to serious rust and deterioration. This particular kennel has many other names so don’t be fooled because they are listed with other decals on them like:
  

                     - AKC Kennels

                     - Lucky Dog Kennels
                

•  K9 Kennels. This is another kennel system much like the one just mentioned. Poorly made with thin cheap galvanized metal. Once again, another company that will only warranty their kennels for 1 year.

 

• Priefert Kennels. This company offers a slightly better product than the other kennels listed above. However, the materials used are still thin and doesn’t hold up against rust and premature wear. There are many complaints on the internet on this company due to people angered at paying a lot of money for kennels that rusted up within 3 years of use. They claim to have changed their design and manufacturing process. However, their materials remain thin and weak. Just another company offering a pathetic 1 year warranty as well. I called this Company a while back asking if they’d stand by their product with confidence by offering a better warranty to match some of their competitors. They refused to step up their warranty which is true indicator of just how much confidence they have within their own product. 

 

High End, Quality Kennels: (Recommended)

• Mason Kennels. These are probably the best kennels that can be found. However, they are extremely expensive and you won’t see too many breeders utilizing these types of kennels. These types of kennels can be found in various Doggie Day Camps, Veterinarian Offices, or other substantial businesses. Extremely good quality kennels that come with a 10 year warranty.

 

• L Bar M Ranch Kennels. These are my choice of kennels. The materials they use are a lot thicker than the other kennels and their galvanized process is superior. These kennels are expensive but not nearly as much as the Mason Kennels. Additionally, they are more than willing to custom make kennels to your specifications. I actually had them make my kennels with vertical and bottom poles twice as thick as their normal materials. Each 5’ x 6’ panel weighs approximately 80 lbs. Each panel is also reinforced with an additional cross member. These kennels are extremely strong and made with quality in mind. They provided me with a 5 year warranty and had the confidence of claiming these kennels to last 20+ years. We’ll see how true that it in the years to come. Their customer service was great and it’s evident they take pride in their product. I’m very impressed with these new kennels and don’t see myself investing my money on replacing kennels anytime in the near future.
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Zerlett

that is so awesome, how much did the whole set up cost you?

orizo

Do you have any pics up close? I would love to see the details you were talking about! : )

BulliesofNC

Daneille for 10 kennels 5' x 15' it was a little less than $10,000.

 

I just set up the kennels last week and need to take some good photos. I'll take some this weekend and post them.

 

BulliesofNC

Here's a couple taken with my cell phone up close...

 

orizo

Very nice!! How much land are you on? I would love to get a better setup but dont have the room yet

BulliesofNC

I'm on 8 acres but 3 acres are on wooded area which I'm in the process of clearing. There's plenty of room here for the dogs to roam. Behind us is 35 acres which we have access to which has two huge ponds. It's a great area for raising Bullies!

I know what you mean by saying not having enough room. Prior to moving here 5 years ago we were real close to neighbors with limited yard space to take advantage of. Our dogs enjoyed it but not nearly like they do here with freedom to venture and run a muck. 

Zerlett

OMG thats a lot of money, Ivy, we need to save up! Get on it and get us the land first Ivy geez your always slacking!! Hahah I'll sell my kidney for the kennel set up.

BulliesofNC

It is a lot of money but in order to provide a proper facility to raise multiple Bull Terriers it takes commitment and investment. $10K was just for the kennels. You don't want to know how much was invested into the actual building with electric, water, drainage, etc.  Heck even their insulated dog houses were $250 each. Not a bad price for awesome dog houses but when you provide one in all 10 runs it gets costly.

Expensive - Yes. However, everyone who comes here and personally see's our setup is thorughly impressed not just with the size and comfort offered but by quailty of build and cleanliness. Even the attached fenced in run is huge. The fenced in area is great during breeding and when people come over with their dogs for stud service. Otherwise I may have to chase peoples dogs, who aren't used to running freely, all over our property.

Leslie

Very professional and clean nice kennels Steve.

BulliesofNC

Thanks Leslie. :-bd

orizo

I was on 2 acres with access to 60 acres behind us before I moved here and boy do I miss the room to run!! Now I have to worry about keeping every one quiet so my neighbors dont complain!

So hurry up and move down here Danielle! That way we can save TOGETHER!  : )