Dogtrot Houses: Everything You Need To Know

Some home styles are truly a product of its region and era, and a great example of this is a dogtrot home. These homes stand out because of the structures innovative way of keeping inhabitants cool, while also featuring a unique design unlike most homes. While the style is unique, it is also simple and modest which makes this a great option for first-time home buyers.

This type of home has a few characteristics that help define it as a dogtrot house. Let’s dive into what these are and how to know if this style is right for you.

Characteristics Of A Dogtrot Home

The first and most important characteristic of the dogtrot home is the breezeway which separates the two structures of the building. These structures could be called ‘pens’ and even though they were separated, they were connected under one roof. This was done to help increase the amount of airflow that came through the house when rooms didn’t have enough air circulation and provided the ability to sit outside and enjoy this increased air flow.

The typical floor plan would have the kitchen and dining room on one side while the other side would have the living area and bedroom; this helped keep the heat from spreading to the rest of the home. But other styles could have living areas in each pen accompanied by a kitchen or bedroom. They could also have a porch in the front and back that ran the length of the building.

Here are some other characteristics of a dogtrot home to look for:

• Size: Traditionally, these homes are smaller with less square footage. They are also typically one story, although some might have a partial second story for an attic or bedroom accessible by ladder. A large part of its square footage could be found in the breezeway or the front and back porches that ran the width of the house.
• Facade: The traditional style of these homes were log cabins and weren’t necessarily focused on intricate details or coloring for its façade. Some features would be a chimney on either or both sides of the house.
• Roof: These would typically have a single gabled roof that covers the entirety of the two-structured home, giving the illusion of one building. These roofs would have been tin in its earlier styles.

History Of Dogtrot Homes

The first dogtrot style homes were built around the 1800s and are native to the southern Appalachian areas of the United States. Because of the region’s hot and somewhat humid climate, early home builders had to find an easy way to help cool down houses before the invention of air conditioning. Their solution: A log cabin with a large breezeway that allowed better airflow through the house. This, paired with the shade from the roof, made the breezeway the coolest part of the home. The name comes from the idea that families and their dogs would want to find the coolest area in the house to get a break from the hot midday temperatures.

As we enter a more modern era, the need for a breezeway slowly diminished as houses were now air conditioned. But the idea of them is still around, although less for function and more for aesthetic. With more modern designs, you’ll be able to close off this area of the home with a screened-in porch or doors.

Pros And Cons Of Dogtrot Houses

Here are some pros and cons of a dogtrot house.

Pros

• Southern charm: Because of its origination point, these homes have a southern feel to them that is more unique than modern styles.
• Blend of indoors and outdoors: A nice feature of this house is its ability for homeowners to have the best of both indoor and outdoor spaces. Add a screened-in porch or outdoor furniture to give yourself a shaded place to relax.
• Adaptability to modern life: Like most older homes, these structures are timeless and easy to adapt to modern life. With its simple style, this type of home has all that an average homeowner could need. They could also be good candidates for solar panels, because of the region’s tendency toward sunny days.

Cons

• Less square footage: Spending time indoors wasn’t an ideal option for this region and time period, as the midday sun and lack of circulation made rooms hotter than the outside. As a result of that, these homes typically didn’t have square footage in mind when creating indoor spaces.
• Rural location: These homes are unique and made for a rural location. This style of home would be difficult to find anywhere else, especially a city. If you want a dogtrot home, you may have to find the land and have one built.
• A likelihood of pest problems: The open breezeway is one less layer of protection against pests like bugs or wildlife and if you’re in a traditional log cabin style, you could have an issue with attracting termites. 

Alternatives To Dogtrot Houses

In a fast-paced real estate market, finding the perfect dogtrot style home can be a challenge. Thankfully there are similar home styles that offer a lot of the same benefits. Below are a few alternative home styles to consider.

Bungalows – Like a dogtrot home, bungalows are typically one story, smaller in square footage and more affordable for first-time home buyers and those with mobility issues.

Cottages – These small, cozy homes prioritize function in a limited living space. Often found in rural areas like many dogtrot homes, a cottage is easy to maintain and are a great option to call home for those who enjoy the outdoors as much as the indoors.

Ranches – A ranch-style is a great option to consider if you’re a fan of the dogtrot design. Ranch homes are typically a single story with an open floor plan and a low-pitched roofline with ground level access to the outdoors.

Next Steps For Buying A Dogtrot House

So you’ve decided that a dogtrot house is right for you, now it’s time to figure out how to buy one. Here are a few tips that will help you get started:

1.  Secure financing: It’s important for anyone buying a home to make sure they have the funds to buy a house. One way to do this is to get approved for a mortgage. This will help you determine how much you can spend, but also show sellers how serious you are about buying a home.

2.  Find a real estate agent: Looking for a specific style of house can be tricky, but luckily there are thousands of real estate agents that have specialties and connections that will help you find the exact home you’re looking for.

3.  Start house hunting: Now you’re ready to start house hunting. Communicate with your real estate agent, but also look into listings and properties on your own. If you think you’ve found the one, you can submit an offer.

The Bottom Line: A Dogtrot House Could Be Right For You

With its blend of unique features and modest style, a dogtrot house has a lot to offer to the right buyer. But if a breezeway and smaller square footage isn’t exactly right for you, don’t sweat it. The best part of the housing market is how expansive and inclusive it is to all style preferences.

If you’re unsure about what type of house is best for you but serious about buying, start by visiting Rocket Mortgage^® to get approved for a mortgage, so you’re ready to hit the ground running when you find the right home.