Top 10 Best Dog Houses for Winter

Most dog owners prefer to have their pets living in their house especially during the winter. However; some dog owners may prefer to have a comfortable dog house where their dog can stay when he is outdoors. A quality winter dog house is important whether you prefer your dog to stay in your house or outdoor.

The best dog house for winter should keep your dog warm and comfortable even when it is extremely cold outside. A standard dog house may be good for your dog during the summer or autumn seasons but may not protect your dog from cold during the winter. Dog houses for winter are insulated to keep the dog warm and keep off the cold.

Identifying the best dog house for winter can be challenging especially if you are buying a winter dog house for the first time. Proper research is needed to identify a dog house that is ideal for winters. The good news is that you do not need to do the research since we have carried out the research for you and provided you with reviews of some of the best dog houses for winter.

Features of the Best dog House for Winter

Dog houses for winter come in different sizes and with different features and designs. It is important to ensure that the dog house you select for your dog suits their size and they needs. To make it easier for you to choose the best dog house for winter, we have provided you with features that you need to look out for in a winter dog house. Here are some of the features to look out for.

Sturdy, safe and well-built

When shopping for the best dog house for winter, it is important to ensure that the house you select is study and safe for your dog. The safety of your pet should always be a priority. Dog houses can be made of wood or plastic. The material used should be solid and sturdy enough to house your dog safely.

The best dog house for winter should adequately block the wind and other elements to keep your dog warm and comfortable. Avoid a dog house that has large gaps in the house to ensure that it is well insulated to prevent cold air and wind. Consider dog houses with double plastic flap doors to keep the cold air out and warm air in.

Size

Dog winter houses come in different sizes to suit different dog breeds. When shopping for the best dog house for winter, ensure that the house you choose provides your dog with enough amount of space to lay and stand comfortably inside the house. The house should not be so large since a larger house will be hard to retain heat and feel warm. The house should be large enough for you dog to stand and turn around when inside.

You dog should also be able to enter and exit easily. Most dogs will be reluctant to enter in an entrance that they have trouble using. Measure your dog and compare his height and width against the size of the door of the dog house of your choice.

Keeps your dog dry

The best dog house for winter should not only be solid and sturdy but it should also keep your dog dry. It should have a solid and stable roof to shelter your dog from rain. The roof should not leak or allow water to splash or drip in from the door.

Adjustable Feet

A dog house with adjustable feet allow you to raise the floor of the house off the ground to prevent cold, water and also prevent the floor rotting quickly. When the floor is directly against the ground, the house becomes colder than when it raised a few inches above the ground.

Adjustable feet also let you keep the house leveled on uneven ground. For dog owners who opt for dog houses that don’t have feet, you need to ensure there is a thick piece of plastic under the house floor to prevent moisture from getting inside the house.

We understand how challenging it can be to identify the most reliable winter dog house for your pooch as a new dog owner. We have provided you with reviews of some of the dog houses that are ideal for winters. The dog houses we have reviewed are designed for winter thus they will keep your canine friend warm, dry and comfortable. Here are reviews for the best dog houses for winter.

#1) Dog Palace Large Dog House

Dog Palace Large Dog House is a quality winter dog house made of rotationally-molded plastic panels that are strong and durable. It comes with an easy-push, auto-shutoff door. All panels are filled with insulating foam to keep your dog warm and comfortable even when it is extremely cold outside. The dog house has triangular windows for ventilation during the summer.

The window panes can be closed to retain heat during winter. It has 4”raised floor from the base, and comes with a floor drain to keep the floor dry and make it easy to clean the house. The dog house provides your pooch with 24” width, 35.5” depth and 30.5” height of usable interior space to ensure your dog can turn and stand comfortably. The door measures 15.5” wide and 18” high, and is 11” from the floor. It is hinged to the top half, but can be removed during training.

Pros

The dog house is insulated thus the interior temperature of the house gradually increases with your dog’s natural body temperature.
It is rotationally-molded plastic panels for durability.
The house is very spacious inside to allow your dog to stand and turn around comfortably.
It has triangular windows for ventilation during the summer and can be closed during the winter to retain heat.
The floor of the house is 4”raised from the base, and has a floor drain to keep the floor dry and make it easy to clean.

Cons

Dogs take time to learn to use the dog house.
It may be smaller for large dogs.

#2) Indigo Dog House with Microban

The Indigo Dog House is a well-built dog house by Petmate. It is a popular winter dog house that is loved by most dog owners. It features an igloo-inspired design and is made of structural foam together with the Microban technology to deter the growth of microorganisms that can cause odor and stain.

The dog house features a small roof vent that helps in air circulation inside the dog house. It has an extended, offset doorway for rain resistance, wind protection and snow cover. The house is available in 3 sizes to let you choose what suits your dog size. The largest dog house measures 51.5×39.3×30. It is designed for dogs that are less than 42” long from nose to rump and less than 31” tall.

Pros

The dog house comes with a small roof vent that helps in air circulation in the house.
It comes in 3 sizes to let you choose the size that suits your dog breed.
Indigo Dog House includes Microban technology to prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause odor and stain.
It features a structural foam frame that is solid, sturdy and durable to ensure reliability.
The winter dog house includes an extended, offset doorway to protect your pooch from rain, wind and snow.

Cons

The largest dog house size cannot house extra-large dog breeds.

#3) Pet Waterproof Plastic Outdoor Winter House

Pet Waterproof Plastic Outdoor Winter House is a solid and stable dog house that is made from durable molded plastic. It features a simple design with a pitched roof, front opening, ample headroom, and large interior space to ensure the comfort of your dog. The house is waterproof and is therefore easy to clean and maintain.

The winter house is available in 3 sizes to choose from, letting you choose the size that suits your dog. The largest size measures 14.1” wide and 24.6” high, while the space inside measures 41.3” x 38” x 38.7”. It does not have a door cover to keep the cold and rain out. The dog house has a front opening that is easy for your dog to get in and out.

Pros

The dog house is waterproof.
It is made from durable molded plastic.
The winter dog house is easy to clean and maintain.
It comes in 3 sizes to allow you to choose the size that suits your dog.
The house has ample front opening that make it easy for your dog to enter and exit the dog house.
It is a spacious dog house that not only keeps your dog warm but also keeps him comfortable.

Cons

It does not have windows for ventilation.
The dog house does not come with a door cover to keep the cold and rain out.

#4) Outdoor Pet House

The Outdoor Pet House by K&H Pet Products is a quality pet house that was initially designed for cats. It is however ideal for puppies or toy breed dogs. The pet house is made of 600-denier polyester fabric with vinyl waterproof backing. It is a durable dog house that protects your dog from cold, rain and wind.

The dog house is spacious enough to accommodate small pets. It measures 14” wide, 18” deep, and 16” high. The house has openings at the front and back that the dog can use as the entrance or to exit the house. It has vent hole above the entryway for ventilation and includes extended roof to protect from precipitation. The house comes with Lectro-Soft heated pad and two door flaps to cover the openings.

Pros

It is a spacious pet house is made of 600-denier polyester fabric with vinyl waterproof for improved durability.
The dog house has vent hole above the entryway for ventilation.
It comes with extended roof for protection against rain.
Outdoor Pet House includes Lectro-Soft heated pad and two door flaps to cover the openings.
It has openings at the front and back that your dog can use as the entrance or exit the house.

Cons

The dog house is only ideal for toy breeds and very small dogs
The material used to make the dog house is very lightweight, so it might not be good for winter in extremely cold climates.

#5) DH350 Dog House

DH350 Dog House is an affordable dog house by Suncast. It features a compact, pitched roof design and durable plastic construction. The dog house is very easy to assemble because the parts are made to click together and lock in place. It comes with a removable roof that can be removed without the need to take everything apart.

Its floor slopes and drains to a channel along the interior perimeter for easy cleaning. The dog house comes with a vinyl door to keep moisture away and personalized letters for your dog’s name. It is a leak-proof house that will keep off rain, wind and snow. The house is not as durable as it looks; it degrades with constant UV exposure and become brittle in cold temperatures. It measures 33”x38.5”x32” and may therefore not be ideal for extra-large dog breeds.

Pros

It includes a removable roof that can be easily removed.
The Dog house is very affordable.
It has a vinyl door to keep moisture away from entering the house.
DH350 Dog House is easy to assemble.
The house has a sloped floor and drains to a channel along the interior perimeter to make it easy to clean and keep the house dry.

Cons

The door flap may not be reliable in keeping wind and other elements out of the house.

#6) Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace with Floor Heater

The Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace is a quality dog house that is designed to provide your dog with adequate warmth to keep your dog comfortable even when it is extremely cold. It features EPS foam insulation on all panels to maintain warmth, self-closing door, triangular peep-holes, and large interior space.

The dog palace comes with 40-watt floor heater and fleece bed to make the dog house more comfortable for your dog during the winter. The triangular peep-holes act as ventilations to ensure air flow in the house. You can also remove the panels to let the breeze in if it becomes too hot for the dog. The dog house is made of rotationally-molded plastic panels that are durable and reliable.

Pros

The dog house is made of rotationally-molded plastic panels with 2-4 inches of foam insulation to keep your dog warm and comfortable during the winter.
It includes 40-watt floor heater and fleece bed for added comfort for your dog.
Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace has an easy pass-through, self-closing, well-fitted insulated door that makes it easy for your dog to enter and exit the house.
It has triangular peep-holes that let curious dogs see what is going on outside and act as ventilation.

Cons

The dog house is not ideal for heavy chewers.
The insulation settles after sometime, leaving some parts uninsulated.

# 7) Outback Log Exterior Dog House

Outback Log Exterior Dog House is an affordable wood dog house. Most winter wood dog houses are expensive but this one is budget-friendly. It is a shed-type dog house with log-style cedar-stained wood paneling. The dog house features has a slanted asphalt roof and black-brown trim that give the house a great look.

The rustic log-cabin dog house comes with plastic feet that keep the floor of the dog house off the ground to prevent moisture and cold. The wood panels used to make the house are treated for weather-proofing to prevent the rain from soaking the wood. It measures 45.5”x33”x33” and is designed for pets 70-95 pounds in weight. The roof is screwed together for stability and longevity. The dog house door is located off to one side to allow your dog to snuggle up away from the opening and get away from the wind, weather and cold.

Pros

It is an affordable wooden dog house.
The dog house has weather-proof treated panels to prevent the rain soaking the house.
It has plastic feet that keep the floor of the dog house off the ground to protect the floor from cold and moisture.
The Outback Log Exterior Dog House a slanted asphalt roof that is screwed together for sturdiness and stability.
It comes with a door situated off one side of the house to allow your dog to snuggle up away from the opening and get away from the wind, weather and cold.

Cons

The treated wood panels may eventually soak especially when it snows.

#8) DH250 Dog House

DH250 Dog House is a reliable dog house made from synthetic resin molded into durable panels that snap together easily to form a leak-proof dog house. It features a crowned floor that is slightly raised sloping downward to the edges to drain water or any liquid to the sides and onto the channel that runs along the inner perimeter of the dog house.

The floor dimension is 27”x35” and height is 29.5”. It is designed for 70-lb dogs. The dog house is easy to assemble, resistant to moisture, and its roof panel snaps on and off very easily. It is a compact dog house that is sealed from three sides, but it is not completely insulated thus you need to add a heater and dog blanket in extreme winters. It includes a vinyl door flap that prevents wind, rain and other elements getting in the house.

Pros

It is a lightweight winter dog house that is easy to relocate and transport.
The dog house comes with a vinyl door flap that prevents wind, rain and snow entering inside.
It is easy to assemble and resistant to moisture.
The dog house includes a crowned floor that is slightly raised sloping downward to the edges to drain water and other liquids to keep your dog dry and make it easy to clean.
It made from synthetic resin molded into durable panels that snap together easily.

Cons

It is only ideal for dogs weighing less than 70 pounds.
The flap door may not be able to effectively keep the wind and elements out.

#9) Outdoor Dog House

The Outdoor Dog House is a reliable winter house for small pets. It features an extended roof that is farther away from the doorway, providing ample cover to keep rain from dripping inside. The dog house comes with a hinged roof that you can easily detach when you need to clean the floor.

The house has adjustable feet that help you keep the floor raised to prevent moisture and cold. It has waterproof asphalt roofing to protect from the rain. Outdoor Dog House includes windows for added ventilation and air circulation. The walls are made of kiln-dried cedar to retain heat and keep your dog comfortable. It is available in only one size, 33” x 25” x 23”. The inside is 16.5”x18”x16”, and is therefore only ideal for small pets.

Pros

The dog house features a slatted floor that allows for lots of ventilation to keep the house aerated.
It comes with an extended roof that extends past doorway for extra protection from the weather.
Outdoor Dog House comes with a hinged roof for easy cleaning.
It is equipped with adjustable feet and waterproof asphalt roofing to prevent moisture and cold.
The house has windows for added ventilation.
The walls of the dog house are made of kiln-dried cedar to retain heat and keep your dog comfortable.

Cons

It is only available in one size which is only suitable for small breeds.
The dog house is not as sturdy as most people expect.

#10) Cozy Cottage Durable Plastic Dog House

The Cozy Cottage Durable Plastic Dog House is a compact plastic house that is very affordable. It is not filled with foam or any insulating material. The dog house has double walls that provide some degree of insulation, but not heat-intensifying quality. It has a removable roof that can be removed for easy cleaning.

The dog house is made of durable plastic for dogs weighing up to 75 pounds. It is easy to set up the dog house since it is very compact. The walls, roof and floor come as single molded plastic panels that easily rock in place without the need for tools. It is a lightweight dog house that is easy to relocate and transport. The interior dimensions of the dog house are 23”W x 28”D x 20.25”H.

Pros

The dog house is easy to set up since the walls, roof and floor come as single molded plastic panels that easily rock in place without the need for tools.
It includes double walls that provide some degree of insulation to keep your dog warm and comfortable.
The dog house is lightweight, making it easy to carry and relocate.
It comes with a removable roof that can be removed for easy cleaning and ventilation.
The dog house is very affordable.

Cons

It has a small interior and may therefore not be ideal for large pets.
The dog house is lightweight, so it can be easily turned over by strong wind.

Conclusion

The best dog house for winter should be sturdy and should keep your dog warm and comfortable even when it is very cold outside. Look for durability and safety when shopping for the best dog house for winter. The reviews of the dog houses we have provided are some of the reliable and durable dog houses available in the market today.

We hope that you have found a dog house that suits your dog’s needs and one that keeps your dog comfortable and warm during the winter. Let us know which dog house from the ones we have reviewed is ideal for your situation.

Features of the Best dog House for Winter

Sturdy, safe and well-built

Size

Keeps your dog dry

Adjustable Feet