Bob Vila's "Best in Show" Doghouse Contest has come to a close—it's time to announce our winner! Click through to see the submissions from the runners-up in our competition, plus the magnificent puppy palace we chose to honor with the title "Best in Show".
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Runners Up
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Biggest Doghouse
Megan Crisp
Dubbed a "rustic mansion for country dogs" by owner Megan, what this doghouse lacks in sophistication, it makes up for in sheer size. And if this picture is any indication, the giant shelter is a big hit with its residents.
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Most Easily Cleaned
Ken Swanson
Ken's homemade doggie den is a dream come true for his pooch, Toto. It has "an insulated floor with easy-to-change carpet, a covered porch with Trex decking, and—to make it easy to clean inside—the whole house lifts off its base", Ken boasts.
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Best of the Classics
Nicholas Rice
In his first major building project, dog owner Nicholas constructed this basic wood backyard house for his dog, Mai. The classic design boasts an added feature: "On the side of the house is a place for her water and food so the birds don't eat/drink it," he tells us.
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Best Complement
Greg Maiorano
This cottage-style doghouse is the perfect size for a larger dog, featuring a "sliding window system with screens to ventilate". And to make the doghouse complement its surroundings, Gene, the dog owner, painted the exterior to match the siding and trim color of the main house!
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Most Creative Paint Job
Melissa Leinhart
This is a doghouse that refuses to blend in with the others. Toto will never forget which house is his, even if he's tired from exercising all day!
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Best Picture
Christine Hartz
We couldn't help but smile when we saw this picture of the adorable Karlie and the modest home she clearly loves. Owner Christine says her Australian shepherd and border collie mix isn't particular, "as long as she can watch the people and cars going by, she's happy!"
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Best Use of Unexpected Materials
Anthony Schartner
This beagle couldn't be happier in its unique, indoor shelter made from an old TV set. Upcycling at its finest!
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And now... Our Winner!
Dan Giordano
This intricate, elaborate doghouse is our hands-down winner of "Best in Show". Dog owner Dan and his girlfriend started building it in 2009 and found they couldn't stop adding on...
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Best in Show
Dan Giordano
"It has a dormer, bay window, wall-to-wall carpeting, lighting (solar & electric), front door, pictures on the wall, drapes, flowerbox, awning, mailbox and address plate." What more could a dog need?!
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Best in Show, Cont'd
Dan Giordano
It even has a skylight and a birdhouse. Though Nikki is primarily an inside dog, Dan tells us that she likes to hang in her personal palace whenever people are in the yard. Congratulations to Dan and Nikki, winners of Bob Vila's "Best in Show" Doghouse Contest!
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For More...
If you're looking for more on doghouses, consider:
10 Luxurious Doghouses for Your Pampered Pet
The Doghouse Frank Lloyd Wright Built
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