Many use the terms ‘kennel’ and ‘dog house’ synonymously. While they both refer to outdoor dog shelters, there are some vital differences between them. Kennels are typically larger than dog houses because they can accommodate multiple dogs. Doghouses are usually for one or two dogs at most. Kennels typically serve commercial purposes, such as by breeders or pet boarding facilities: owners use dog houses as an outdoor retreat for their pets. Kennels are often made from metal fencing or chain link, while dog houses are usually wood, like timber. Kennels are typically open-air enclosures with no roof, while dog houses usually have a roof to protect the dog from the elements.