Illustrations by Steph Bravo
A demand for dog house designs, or the so called “barkitecture,” has pushed the creation of unique and quirky houses for the furry pets.
Different industries, such as tourism and hospitality, have found a market in dog lovers and built structures shaped like a dog.
Dog Bark Park Inn
Located in Cottonwood City, Idaho in the United States, the Dog Bark Park Inn is a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast because it takes the shape of a Beagle.
Named the Sweet Willy, the 30-foot Beagle is a one-unit inn with bathroom and loft. The property promises views of prairie grain fields, surrounding mountains and starry nights from its second story deck.
Beside the inn is the Dog Bark Park visitor center, gift shop, and artist studio where owners Dennis J. Sullivan and his wife, Frances Conklin, display their wooden canine carvings.
Big Dog building
The dog-shaped building made of corrugated iron is an attraction in the small and quirky town of Tirau in New Zealand. The “Big Dog,” also known as the Big Dog Information Center, is a center for tourists needing assistance in accommodations, attractions, and travel bookings.
The structure was built in the ’90s, along with the “Big Sheep,” which meanwhile houses a wool and craft shop.
Dog mansion
The dog house is so luxurious that it was equipped with airconditioning, heating, entertainment systems, lighting and handmade pawprint wallpaper.
According to an article of the New York Times, the dog house was created by La Petite Maison, which customizes dog houses. Owned by supermodel Rachel Hunter, it is estimated to cost around $16,000 (equivalent to approximately P832,000).
Dog trailers
The colorful and quirky dog house was patterned after a food trailer. It was made from recyclable materials such as plywood, plastic, and aluminum. The dog trailer can also be customized with lighting and wireless speakers.
Igloo dog house
Dogs will surely feel warm in this dog house that looks like an igloo in the Arctic.
It reportedly costs between $84 (about P4.368) and $200 (P10,400). The dome-shaped dog house has a roof ventilation for continual air flow and an extended doorway for rain resistance and wind protection.
Sources: nytimes.com, businessinsider.com, dogbarkpark.com, atlasobscura.com, newzealand.com, petful101.com, freshome.com