I’m sure that you have had the pleasure of hosting a gathering and your dog races through the back door with it’s paws caked in mud, wagging its tail madly. And you stand there frozen in slow motion unable to stop it.
I did that just the other day at my cousins house. A total mess!
Turns out that her whole issue is because she doesn’t have a dog door for her dogs, just her. She has to get up every ten minutes.
That’s what happens when your dog door idea is the right one! You get an afternoon to yourself without having to chase after your muddy pup.
So after pulling together 14 of the best dog doors I could find and testing them in the field with my own dogs in my own home and dealing with dog mess I’m pretty sure you’ll find one of these great dog doors to be the best dog door to buy for your dog!
#1: Green Dutch Door Dog Gate With Diamond-Mesh Panel
Okay, so let’s say you are trying to keep your golden out of the living room while you mop the floors. The sad, beige, plastic baby gate is wedged in the doorway and she’s just staring at you.
This setup is the opposite of that.
A forest-green painted wooden gate with a diamond-pattern wire mesh panel sits right inside the mudroom entryway. The terra cotta tile floor underneath it takes the mud, paw prints, water bowl splashes and everything else and does not flinch. The gate is mounted with black iron hardware to keep the look intentional.
To make mine I took a pre-hung interior door blank and cut a square hole for the mesh insert. I used 16-gauge galvanized wire mesh stapled and trim-capped around the edges, and then painted it to match the rest of the millwork.
This lets your dog see you which also reduces the whining and scratching because your dog doesn’t feel like she is cut off from you.
Size the gate to be at least 36 inches tall, so your large breed dog can’t easily hop over it. Make sure you mount the gate properly with hinges, not with a tension rod, so it feels like part of the home, and not a temporary fix.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, 7 Cozy DIY Indoor Dog Kennel Ideas is a great place to start.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @_rockpaperhammer
#2: Built-In Wall Dog Door with Backyard Access
Picture this: your golden is losing her mind at the back door, scratching nails into the hardwood, whipping her tail across your coffee table. you get up again. for the tenth time today.
That’s the exact hell this setup solves.
The dog door is framed and mounted on the wall. It is fairly low on the wall, sitting on a white painted corner on the drywall. I painted the walls a neutral color, but left the carpeting gray and the white baseboard trim. It opens into a concrete patio and the back yard. It doesn’t look like a “dog house” with the black frame windows.
If you want to do it, you will need a wall-mounted pet door like the one in the picture (it looks like the Endura Flap Wall Kit, medium to large size). You will need some basic drywall tools and probably a weekend. I’m not sure you could do it any easier than this!
The clear flap seals tight between trips so your pup gets some freedom and you get zero door-duty interruptions.
If your layout does not allow for this though, then 7 budget-friendly outdoor DIY dog kennel ideas might be a better place to start.
A better placement is at your dog’s shoulder height. Not too high, not too low. That way, your dog walks through it comfortably and it looks intentional, not like a band-aid.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @northtexasdogdoors
#3: Built-In Wine Fridge Turned Dog Door Station With Brick Floor Nook
You know that moment when your golden rushes into the back door, paws soaked, and you’re already too late to stop the muddy chaos? Well, this is basically the anthill version of that.
I love this little nook. It has a brick herringbone floor and a built in dog door with black frame and glass panel. And that moody blue green wall. It all feels on purpose. And the two stainless steel bowls sitting on the brick. Chef’s kiss.
Start with reclaimed brick tile in herringbone pattern (it hides dirt better than any light-colored floor ever could). Layer on a framed pet door with a glass insert (so you can see your pup, but the seal flap stays out of sight). Finish it with dark walnut cabinetry nearby to ground the space.
Real talk: Brick floors near the doggy door. My favorite part of the new house. They’re easy to clean, grippy on wet paws, and they cover the mud you know your dog’s going to track inside!
Keep a small basket tucked beside the cabinetry to hold towels. A hook for the basket completes the system.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @northtexasdogdoors
#4: Triple Topiary Porch Entrance With a Dutch Door
Okay but this porch? Chefs kiss. White walls with boards, moody black barn pendant light, and a Dutch door with glass panels that allow you to see inside it (which gives off a “I have my life together” type of vibe) and I am here for it.
Also, those adorable triple ball topiaries in the white square planters on each side of the door? Well, your golden is definitely going to sniff each and every one of them.
To get this look, you need to a Dutch door (the kind where you can leave the top open and Goldie can’t bolt outside) and two tall square ceramic or fiberglass planters. Plus triple boxwood topiaries. Plus small stone owl garden figures on each side. Plus a striped gray-and-white flat-weave doormat.
The Dutch door thing is amazing. We have the open top, close bottom, so fresh air in the house but the dog stays safely on the porch. Less heart attacks when the doorbell rings!
If your dog tends to be a chewer, make sure you trim the tops of the shrubs. They can become toys for the dog if left a bit long. I’ve read that boxwood is non-toxic to dogs so you shouldn’t have to worry about your dog getting sick.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @jillbmorgan
#5: The Mudroom-to-Kitchen Doorway That Makes Coming Home Feel Like a Sigh of Relief
If you have a golden coming in from outside the house, then you know that moment the sneakers are kicked off and the whole entry way is just chaos. This set up was designed for that moment.
The mudroom is a light blue-gray, and a nice, crisp white doorway shows off the built-in cabinetry, bench with drawer storage underneath, and brass hardware. The floors change from warm oak hardwood to light stone tile right at the threshold of the doorway, so when your dog comes in from getting muddy, you can clean his paws.
To complete the look, we started with shaker style built-ins painted a soft dusty blue. A wood topped bench with a brass base. For lighting we went with globe flush mount ceiling lights with brass bases – the one I found was one of those classic schoolhouse style that has been all over Pinterest lately.
That tile to hardwood transition floor is a game changer! It also defines the drop zone so that the mess stays contained. A dog door built into your mudroom wall would also make this space work even harder for you both.
I like it simple, especially when it comes to walls. I always have one piece of art hanging on a wall in my house. Recently I purchased this beautiful mountain landscape painting in a wonderful warm terracotta colour and I absolutely love it.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @kerimurrayarchitecture
#6: The Dutch Door Mudroom With a Secret Dog Door Built Right In
Picture this: your golden comes barreling into the house from the backyard with muddy paws and a wild tail, and you’re standing there with the door open like a hostage while she tracks mud all over your floors.
This room gets it.
The front of the entry is framed by a split Dutch door painted crisp white and accented with black iron hardware and a little arched window cut into the bottom half that becomes the dog door, the most charming thing I’ve ever seen. Red star wallpaper wraps the walls above the white beadboard paneling, and the reclaimed brick floor is laid in a running bond pattern that’s practically impossible to ruin.
And to pull this off, you need a custom Dutch door with a built-in pet panel (lower half of door swings open), white Shaker style built-ins, and a wrought iron cage pendant!
It has a brick floor which hides dirt, handles wet paws well and is easier to keep clean than tiles. And every muddy retriever moment adds character, not stress.
Before using your brick floor, you should seal it with a penetrating stone sealer to avoid penetration of water and mud without changing its texture and color.
Whether you rent or just do not want to cut a hole in your door for a built-in dog door, an excellent alternative is to use a freestanding Dutch door screen.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @cullenconstruction
#7: Dutch Door Entry With a Golden Retriever Peeking Over the Top
I open the front door and my golden immediately props both paws up on the lower half of the door, her tail going wild, staring at whoever just knocked. It’s so adorable, but also kind of chaos if you don’t have a setup that actually works for that energy.
This look features a black Dutch door with brass hardware flanked by two white ribbed ceramic planters holding trimmed boxwood topiaries. Inside, we get a glimpse of wood-stair treads, blue-gray shiplap walls and a pendant light. Outside, the natural fiber coir doormat finishes off the look.
i think the dutch door is the answer to your problem. it keeps your girls out of the kitchen without them feeling like they are locked out. because of the split door, the girls will have airflow as well as the ability to look into the kitchen. i know my cousin has one and she said it has changed her mornings. hope this helps.
Paint the door a deep charcoal or matte black. Add some satin brass hinges and knob for a contrast. Keep the planters symmetrical and about 18-24 inches tall. See how easy that is?
However, if you’re trying to do-it-yourself, have your lumber yard cut an existing solid-core door in half horizontally. Add a slide bolt latch inside on the two halves where they meet.
And if you add some cute dog accessories ideas like a hook for the leash, and a little basket for toys by the front door your entryway will be not only pretty but also functional!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @countryhomemagazine
#8: The Steel-Frame Pet Door Built Into a Kitchen Door
This happened to my dog so much that she was always at the back door whining and pawing to go out and just while I was making coffee. I would let her out, let her in, then let her out again.
This kitchen in Nashville is exactly the kind of setup that might help with that. The swing panel is built right into the bottom of the bottom of a black steel-frame glass door, so that your dog can go in and out as he pleases while the main door remains closed.
If you’d like to emulate this kitchen, you’ll need a steel-frame interior door with a built-in lower pet panel, which can be custom ordered (and is totally worth it). Add some white shaker cabinets, marble countertops, and dark hardwood floors for a sleek, high-contrast kitchen.
The pet door panel swings inward and latches shut to keep cold drafts from blowing in after your dog runs through.
Also, the goldendoodle sitting in the doorway makes the image as well. She looks exactly like she belongs there with her fluffy, happy self.
I’d recommend keeping the rug by the door a low-pile, washable type. Maybe muddy paws after the kids run around in the backyard getting their zoomies out.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @homeonanashvillehill
#9: The Dutch Door Lookout Spot Your Dog Will Claim Immediately
Probably your golden has done this, pawing at the front door, whining, desperate to see what’s going on outside. Ours used to scratch the paint right off the doorframe.
This setup? It fixes that.
We also have a dutch door. This type of door has a top half that can swing open but not the bottom so it gives the dog access to the street without the risk of him escaping. Our dutch door has a light wood-grain finish with matte black hardware and it’s actually not too hard to find. I got ours at our local home improvement store.
Pair it with a matching upper kitchen cabinets to tie the whole entryway together. The color palette is a warm greige with black accents. Muddy-paws will forgive you.
Wrap the door column in vintage-style multicolor string lights for that cozy holiday touch.
What this means for you: Keeping the bottom half of the gate latched, your dog gets her window to the world, and your floors stay clean because she’s actually entertained.
Lay a scratch-resistant kick plate on the bottom panel (retrievers will test it).
If you’re already customizing your entryway, you might love these personalized unique items that are made just for your dog to complete the space.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @belovedbernedoodles
#10: The Built-In Dog Station with a Under-Counter Sleeping Nook
You know the feeling when your goldens food bag accidentally tips over and kibble goes all over the kitchen floor? This setup was designed to end that scenario once and for all.
This dog room has it all: cream-painted shaker-style cabinetry, and a dark slate countertop. Plus the cutest little arched sleeping nook underneath with a red-and-white striped dog bed. The wallpaper with little dog silhouettes are a chef’s kiss. The wall-mounted leash hooks are cute and keep things from looking cluttered.
You’ll need large glass apothecary jars to store food and treats as they look great on the counter. You’ll also need a built-in cabinet unit (IKEA hacks work well here), corbel brackets for the nook arch and a metal-frame dog crate to match. A dog print wallpaper like this one finishes the look.
Want to save your dog’s kibble longer? Make sure to keep the jars airtight. Plus, they make great decor! If you love this look, 12 Creative Dog Room Ideas for Your Furry Friend has more great ideas.
Hooks for leashes should be mounted at eye level near the door so you don’t have to scramble for the leashes before a walk.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @belledecor_and_design
#11: Mini Sliding Barn Door Built Into a Doorway for Dogs
I know your golden has that one spot she squeezes through every time… the hallway… the laundry room… wherever she’s not supposed to be. You’re tired of dragging around that clunky baby gate like it’s 2012.
This is a miniature barn-style sliding door that is built into an existing doorway. It is made of stained pine wood with a Z-brace detail, a matte black sliding track rail, and a small black iron pull handle. It stands only 18 inches tall and covers only the bottom portion of the door frame, so it blocks your dog without making the space feel closed off.
The door slides along the rail so there’s no problem with it hitting the floor, it also means you don’t trip over the hinges. The door is mounted low on the frame so you can see over it easily into the next room while your girl stays put.
A better way: stain your wood just a shade darker than your door trim. It looks intentional, not patched together.
My cousin built one of these for her corgi last summer, and it looked like it was sourced from a design blog. She used 6-foot hardware store pine boards and a mini barn door kit from Amazon (less than $80).
Make sure the bottom track guide is flush with the baseboard so the door won’t wobble if your dog pushes against it.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @doors4mutts
#12: The Dutch Door Dog Portal That Makes Every Arrival the Best Part of Your Day
You know that moment when your golden shoves her nose through the blinds the second she hears your car? That energy, but make it architectural.
The door has a Dutch door setup with a nice warm natural oak color. It has a black-framed pet door built in right at eye level for your dog. The bottom of the door stays closed and the top half opens. Your dog will get her own little window to the world. And the cutest front door I’ve ever seen.
I have been looking at Dutch doors for quite some time now and finally decided to just make one. You will need a solid wood Dutch door (oak or pine), a framed pet door insert with a black metal surround and a “hello” doormat for a finishing touch. I made my doggie door without the flap in it because my dog is just too big to fit out the doggie door, but you can leave it in if you have a small dog.
And…best part of all, the pet door sits at the small-to-medium dog height level so she doesn’t have to see you coming and scratch up the door trim. Win, win. feature: built in portal. benefit: scratches. payoff: my door survives another year.
Sand the edges of the pet door so they are smooth. Those edges can get splintered quickly with excited paws.
If you love creating dedicated spaces for your dog throughout your home, then 12 Dog Spaces in House Design Ideas You’ll Want to Steal! is packed with some seriously good inspo.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @cockburnjoinerymyaree
#13: Wire Mesh Pet Gate Built Into Staircase Landing
You know that moment when your golden is just standing there, tail wagging, staring you down through the baby gate you zip-tied to the banister? Yeah, me too.
As it should be. A white wood-framed wire mesh gate flush against a staircase landing that is blocking the way between the tiled entryway and the warm hardwood space beyond. It is built-in. It always has been. And it always will be.
To recreate, I suggest a custom-sized white-painted wood frame with the wire mesh panels screwed into each corner of the frame. It mounts directly into the wall studs on both sides so it does not wobble, even when the birds are taking off or flapping around. I paired it with some terracotta tile flooring and natural wood stair treads to get that same earthy, collected look.
Wire mesh panels that can be seen through on the other side of the barrier so your dog won’t be so anxious and scratch or whine. Having it built into a frame means that there’s no chance of it tipping over and there is no gap in the barrier that can be squeezed through. If you love this idea, check out 11 Genius Dog Barrier Ideas Every Pet Owner Needs to Try! for more concepts like this.
Measure your frame 2-3 inches taller than the standing height of your dog. This extra height will allow even the jumpiest dog to always stay inside.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @_rockpaperhammer
#14: The “Let Me In” Glass Door Moment Every Dog Owner Knows
You know that exact second when you’re inside, cozy, and you hear a thud of paws on glass? You look up and there’s your dog – nose smashed against the door, big eyes staring at you like you’ve personally betrayed them.
This photo is my favorite – the sleek black steel-framed glass door with a grid panel design catches a golden-hour sunset glow outside, and one very determined dog is staging a one-pup protest at the entrance.
Start by going for a steel or aluminum multi-pane glass door, in a matte black color (around $800-$2000 installed). Pair it with herringbone brick pavers on the exterior landing that leads to the door for a more Pinterest worthy look.
The tempered glass panels of the screen will not scratch, and when wiped down after every “greeting session” with a damp microfiber cloth, will never show nose smudges or paw prints.
Or install a low-profile door handle lever so it’s easier for you to open fast when your dog is putting on a show.
Keep the outside landscaping minimal. A little patch of grass and a low shrub work fine – this way the dog is the star, not the yard.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @wellbornwright
The One Measurement Mistake That’ll Cost You a Full Replacement
The biggest mistake dog owners make when buying a dog door is measuring their dog’s current size. It’s a big mistake. Don’t do that.
Measure your golden’s shoulders and add two inches on either side. Golden retrievers are bulky dogs, and a door that fits your 50 pound pup can become a daily wrestling match for your 70 pound dog.
Always check the thickness of the flap on a dog door. Many times I’ve purchased a dog door only to find out it has a very thin flap. This will let drafts and bugs into the house. A dog will often refuse to go out the door when cold air is blasting into their face. Ask me how I know. My dog spent the entire winter standing at the back door with the saddest eyes waiting for me to figure out why she wouldn’t go out the door. (hint: thin flap)
Double-flap doors are nice too. I love them. They have a tiny air pocket between the flaps that saves on the heating bill.
And if you’re a person who loves a put-together home, then you should know about these! They don’t require cutting into your walls and look way less chaotic than regular sliding glass door panel installations. I wish I would have known that before I destroyed the panel on my rental’s back door.
Your Golden Deserves a Clean Home Too
But the good news is that you don’t have to choose between loving your dog and loving your home. Both can coexist – and beautifully.
Try one of these products from the list and see what I mean. You don’t have to do them all at once (I started with one washable throw and within a week my whole living room had that new home smell).
Your golden brings so much joy into your space, the least we can do is protect it a little. And, if you’re already thinking about your dog crate’s placement, then you might like these stylish DIY dog crate furniture ideas.
Which product are you grabbing first? 🐾
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
