Canterbury sheep farmer Tony Prentice came up with the idea of a insulated kennel to improve the performance of working dogs.
Prentice said Kelvin − The Thermokennel was aimed at providing a warm home for the thousands of working dogs, who slept outside during the winter months.
He said the product was "not just for working dogs [but] for all dogs that sleep outside".
"We believe the Thermokennel could seriously improve the productivity of New Zealand farms and give these dogs a better life."
His backyard invention had now been carried on by his granddaughter Rosie Todhunter, who hopes to put the kennel on the market.
"I thought it was a good idea, so I carried it on," she said.
The Kelvin Thermokennel should be launched by January next year.