The housing market has gone to the dogs.
While the nation observes one foreclosure after another and short sales have hit an all-time high, custom dog houses — some with heating and cooling systems — have become a hot commodity.
Here are five of the trendiest dog houses on the market.
Architecture’s Delight
If you’re a fan of architectural design, your (and your pet) will appreciate this mid-century dog dwelling. Inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, this pet house is designed for dogs and cats. Slatted walls on two sides provide excellent ventilation and a fun place for pets to hide but still see what's going on around them.
Pre-Fab-Pets will make one for your dog or cat, customized for indoor or outdoor use in a variety of sizes. This one-of-a-kind pet house starts at $349 for small pets, and tops off at $949 for larger pets.
Your dog prefers sleeping in a kennel but you (or your significant other) loathe the bulky, unattractive crate exterior.
Here’s the answer, then, to your aesthetically-challenged environment: Denhaus skillfully crafts wood dog crate furniture that brings both style and comfort to your home and doubles as a den for your pet.
Their popular TownHaus dog crate features a hardwood frame, paneled sides and two finishes, plus a cozy interior to keep your pet safe and snug, with a removable door to allow pets to come and go freely. Prices range from $399 to $499 with free shipping.
Dogs Can Be Zen, Too
Perfect for the modern mutt, this “ZenHaus” is handcrafted by artisans in polished fiberglass, and topped with opaque, shatterproof glass that brings in light.
The swinging door can be removed to facilitate your pup’s comings and goings and the vents on all sides provide ventilation and a 360 degree view for your companion inside. Prices start at $525 with free shipping.
Doggy Dream Homes
Your neighbor’s pet will have house envy when he sees this pup-mansion parked in your backyard.
Sullivan Construction will build a mini version of your own home or you can choose from one of their unique designs. All homes are climate controlled and insulated, and if you opt for one of the Decorative Doggy Doors, your dog can come and go as he pleases. And so can you; there’s enough space inside for you to hang out with your pet in case you need a break from your own humble abode.
Did we mention you can even have a doggy pool built adjacent to the house? This luxury pet house will set you back $7200.
Proper Property
For the more discerning dog — or cat, an English cottage may be suitable. For upwards of $5000, The Well Appointed House will customize your pet’s house to match your own, or you can buy a pre-fab model designed like a Swiss chalet, a colonial mansion or a French chateau.
The Ultimate Dog House
Paris Hilton recently shared photos of her new designer doghouse on Twitter. Money being no object, she spent a cool $325,000 on the two-story dog house, which was designed to resemble Hilton's own home.
The mini-mansion, outfitted by interior decorator Faye Resnick, includes miniature Philippe Starck furniture, heat, air conditioning and even a black crystal chandelier and black ceiling moldings.
Hilton’s dogs can romp around in the downstairs living room, and stash their snazzy outfits in the upstairs bedroom closet.
No matter that we’re in a recession; it’s a buyer’s market for pets. These luxury, custom-made pet houses bring new meaning to being sent to the dog house. Suddenly, it doesn’t seem like such a bad thing.
