How cold is too cold?
Hello,/>
Max Jr. is an in/outdoor dog which means that he sleeps inside ( in his crate) and when we are home he can come and go as he wants, i.e. he goes out when he feels like it and comes back in when he wants.
We live on 10 acres and one of our pastures are fully fenced in. Max spends most days while we are at work outside in “his†paddock where he has an igloo dog house to protect him from the elements and he has access to water. His dog walker comes once a day to take him for a walk. We walk him in evenings and weekends.
Now, to my question - of late it has been quite cold in the morning here in NC, down to low 30’s.
I feel that the first couple of hours of the day (07:00-10:00) might be too cold for Max to be outside.
What do you folks think is an acceptable temperature for a Bullie to be left outdoors?
I prefer (and think he does) to leave him outdoor rather than in his crate during the day.
I am thinking of purchasing a larger kennel - https://www.myamishgoods.com/product-details/Dog-Kennels/6-x-10-Dog-Kennel- and installing a heating furnace.
/Jorgen
Comments
As you probably already know, the Bull Terrier breed is a very strong dog that's adaptable in different climates. Yes, they are a short haired dog and may not have the ability to withstand drastically cold temperatures like a Husky or Saint Bernard but for the normal weather in North Carolina and surrounding regions they will do perfecctly fine outdoors if setup with a proper kennel or dog house.
I too, reside in NC and my Bullies do great outside. However, I have very nice dog houses for them that are much better than 99% of normal dog houses. The igloo you're currently using provides no warmth and the dogs body temperature can't be utilized to retain heat in a well contained and proper sized dog house.
The larger kennel that you're looking to purchase is very costly and although it has a great appearance I don't think it will be very effective for warmth due to the size of the interior enclosure. Bull Terriers would rather a small proper sized den that they can get into and gather heat by use of their own body heat.
I would recommend that you invest in a really good dog house and possibly a good quality Kennel run.
This is the insulated Dog Houses I use:
This is a newer model that looks superior to what I'm using:
Here's the website where you can order one of these dog houses: http://www.gundogsupply.com/doghouses1.html?source=html-email&publish=1350329111
You won't have any problems with either of these dog houses and if you setup a 5x10 run or 5x15 run to enclose him you'll have a perfect setup which will allow him more room to run around, keep him warmer in the dog house, and save you money compared to what your looking at purchasing for over $2000.
Here's a post on Dog Kennels: http://www.bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/discussion/119/who-makes-the-best-dog-kennels#Item_12
Here's another post on Dog Houses: http://www.bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/discussion/121/recommended-dog-houses#Item_1
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
Steve and Zerlett, thanks for you advice.
Yes, they are strong dogs. That said, young Max is not loving going outside to take a leak at 6 in the morning when it is 30F...
Since Max has a fully fenced in (dog proof) 2 acre pasture, he does not really need a kennel with a run.
He's got a very large run ;-)
I totally understand the concept with a small dog house so the dogs body heat can warm up the air.
The only reason I was thinking abot getting a larger house / kennel as per the link is so that I can install a heater / furnace and not have to worry about him being cold. It would also have enough room for the buddy we intend/hope to get for Max.
The dog house you recommend looks very good!
The first house I bought for Max was made of cheap cedar and he had that chewed up and demolished in a couple of day. Then I bought the igloo, seems to be sturdy enough but no insulation to speak of.
$2K is a lot for the "amish" dog house / kennel... maybe I'll see if someone can build me one ( I have very little time...)... Or I'll go with the house that Steve recommends.