I think if it is the animals' preference, and all efforts that have been made to try to make her/him feel comfortable in the house have been to no avail, like some of the dogs you mentioned, then that's fine. My cousin's Border Collie mix was one of those. She would willingly come inside to eat, and to make sure all her people were okay, but then she wanted OUT! How else could she check on all the other critters under her care? After all, every living creature - the pigs, chickens, even random squirrels who stopped by - NEED to be monitored every few seconds, right? YOU try convincing a determined Border Collie otherwise! She was a great dog, and I am sure is keeping everyone at the Rainbow Bridge herded into their correct spots.

But, like everyone else, "outside only" dogs that are neglected and would rather be WITH their people I find heartbreaking.