The Best Igloo Dog Houses to Keep Your Pups Safe
When you think of a dog house, what comes to your mind? An isolated wooden structure standing against hail, rain, and the harsh sun? Not anymore. With igloo dog houses, your pet doesn’t need to fight against nature. Not only are these dog houses unique, but they can also make your backyard or porch look beautiful.
Additionally, igloo dog houses will allow your pooch to feel comfortable and relaxed at all times. Even if your adorable pet is sitting outdoors, he won’t feel lonely or sad. Now that you’re sure you need one for your pet, which one do you choose? More importantly, how do you decide which is the right pick for you? With us, you don’t need to worry about a thing. After research, we rounded up some of the finest igloo dog houses in 2023.
Why not a regular dog shelter, though? To put it bluntly, regular or standard dog houses aren’t fit for all dogs. Firstly, they don’t stand well against rainy weather, or the sun, or when it’s cold outside. But a canine igloo shelter will prevent droplets of rain, cold winds, and the harsh rays of the sun from getting inside. Let’s head over to our finest picks.
Buyers Guide for the Finest Igloo Dog House
That’s a good question. We don’t intend to bombard you with lots of information, so we’ll keep it simple. Igloo dog houses are popular these days for all the right reasons. But we don’t want you or your pet to suffer at the hands of a poor igloo shelter. That’s why we’re here to prepare you for the market.
We’ll provide you with the knowledge to swiftly purchase the right igloo dog house for your canine.
How to Select the Right Igloo Dog House?
First things first, let’s talk about the budget here. You don’t need to spend a fortune to buy an igloo pet shelter for your dog. But, you don’t need to purchase the cheapest one either. Finding the right one can be a bit tricky. We’ll walk you through some tips that you can keep in mind.
Outdoor vs. indoor
For what purpose do you need an igloo pet shelter? Is it to make your house look prettier? Or because your pet likes to sit outside more often? Well, no matter the purpose, make sure you pick wisely.
Why is this factor important anyway? It holds significance because outdoor shelters comprise quality materials, unlike indoor igloo houses. Moreover, this enhances their durability and stays intact for a more extended period. Secondly, outdoor igloo houses come with extra features that you won’t usually find in indoor ones. For example, an outdoor house will have a feature that allows water to drain through without staying inside.
Meanwhile, you won’t find such a feature in an indoor igloo shelter because it isn’t necessary in the first place. If your dog is sitting outside, the chances are that he will have to bear through rain, hail, and the sun. That’s why outdoor shelters are sturdy and well-built.
Construction
Speaking of design, how is the igloo dog shelter built in the first place? How spacious is the interior? What about the exterior design? These questions are essential. Even though the basic structure is of an igloo, there are plenty of variations that you will find in the market.
Now take a good look at your dog. Do you own a chihuahua? Or a german shepherd? For obvious reasons, a chihuahua might not need a vast igloo shelter, so there’s no reason why you should buy one. Your dog’s age, size, and breed play a considerable role here.
It will directly determine how spacious the interior should be. These days, you can find dog houses with cozy doors but roomy interiors. They have additional space at the back for dogs to sit with ease.
Cleaning
Dogs are notorious for making messes, and chances are the igloo shelter won’t find refuge from the pet’s onslaught as well. That’s why you need to choose the one that asks for the least amount of cleaning—this is where dog beds take the trophy from other dog houses. So if the igloo-style shelter is machine washable, there’s nothing better.
However, even if it is plastic, the cleaning part shouldn’t be that hard. Otherwise, you’ll spend most of your time scrubbing and cleaning the house’s interiors, which is a pain if you ask us.
Portability
Another aspect you’d want to look out for is the weight of the igloo canine house. Why is this important? If you’re traveling or moving from one place, you’d need the dog house to be light and travel-friendly. If it can roll up, then that’s all you need. Light-weight igloo shelters are much better because you can retrieve the shelter inside if it’s raining cats and dogs or hailing.
Extra features
When it comes to features, the more, the merrier; if the dog house has rear ventilation or a ventilation cap that allows air to pass through freely, your dog will feel much more relaxed. Compared to an igloo house with zero ventilation. Additionally, if the bottom is non-slip, that’s a huge bonus. Pups like to run around, and if the igloo house has no proper support or quality is not up to par, it can damage it.
Top Five Igloo Dog Houses in 2023
ANPPEX Igloo Dog House
– Best Overall
First up, we have an alluring dog shelter for you. ANPPEX features a wide and comfy place for your canine with an attractive starry pattern. The house has fine stitching, and it is ideal for dogs to roll around and lie straight, and unlike traditional dog houses, this one is quite roomy. On top of that, the shelter has a private enclosed mansion built for puppies to hide and have some peace. To clean the igloo shelter, just wash it in a machine with cold water. Make sure you turn on the gentle washing cycle.
Moving on, ANPPEX has a non-slip bottom. It comes with a unique feature where you can fold the roof to create a sofa, while the soft raised sides will grant extra support to your pet so that they can stretch and rest with ease. It will relieve tension, and your dog will wake up with high energy every single day with this dog house by your side. The product includes a soft thick cushion with a soft side and a fabric side for convenience.
- Easy to assemble
- Comfortable and cozy
- Enough room for a pet
- The nest is a bit flimsy
IRIS IDH- Large Igloo
– Best Ventilation
Next up, we have an igloo-shaped dog house with an adjustable ventilation cap. Through the cap, air will move freely, allowing for better air circulation. In summers, this will reduce humidity inside the igloo. The dog shelter features a durable plastic pet construction that is convenient to clean and assemble. The product’s dimensions are 37” L x 26.50” W x 24.00H.
The igloo shelter has a cozy and warm feel to it. With enough room inside, your pet can sit and relax without an ounce of worry. Once you hold the top onto the base, the house’s latch quickly secures. Meanwhile, the expanded interior design will allow your mid-sized canine to turn around and have a good night’s sleep after an active day.
- Solid and durable construction
- Ventilation allows for airflow
- The bottom piece is not flat
K&H PET Igloo Style Bed
– Best Design
The bed features a soft orthopedic foam and a free cover that utilizes only 60 watts. The temperature on the inside has thermostatic control. According to its body temperature, it automatically adjusts and creates the ideal temperature for your dog. It is perfect for pet owners who are constantly worried about their pet’s physical wellbeing.
Additionally, this igloo-style shelter is ideal for people who have sheds, barns, garages, or any area with shelter. You can conveniently fit this igloo house into your porch, garden, or garage, and the shelter will fit like it was built for that purpose. The product measures 17.5 x 30 inches, and it has a steel-wrapped cord of 5-½ feet. The bed has been certified and tested by MET labs for your pet’s safety. It also comes with a one-year warranty if you change your mind down the line.
- The interior is roomy and spacious
- Sturdy, well-built cord
- Heats up nicely
- The cover’s footing needs improvement
Petmade Indigo Dog House
– Best for Large Breeds
Do you have a medium-sized or large mutt, by any chance? Then this igloo house is for you. Whether it’s summer or winter, the pet house will grant insulation against all types of weather. The offset doorway will prevent rain from getting inside. Plus, the roof features vents that promote air circulation. It will help in balancing the temperature inside the house. The dog house has an antimicrobial protection feature that will stop the growth of bacteria inside. It will prevent odors and smells from developing inside the shelter.
With raised floors and wide moats, the pet shelter will not retain even a drop of water. Pets can sit easily inside the pet shelter thanks to its spacious interior. And with sturdy construction, you won’t have to buy a new pet house now and then. Moreover, since this product is backed by 50 years of Petmate’s experience in the market, you don’t have to worry one bit. The dimensions of their igloo house are 43.8” x 34” x 25.8. Meanwhile, the house itself weighs 50lbs.
- It offers plenty of room
- Ideal for colder states
- Made of high-quality materials
- Not recommended for pets who chew a lot
Petmade Grey Dog House
– Easiest to Assemble
Our last pick is a symbol of strength and durability. It comprises heavy-duty structural foam plastic, so you can expect it to last for a very long time. With an elevated floor and rear ventilation, the dog house features a leak-proof structural foam that will prevent it from getting wet. It will help to keep your pet warm. With a geometrical dome design, the interior is spacious for pups. They can sit, relax and sleep inside no matter the weather outside. If it’s chilly, snowing, windy, or rainy, the dog shelter will prevent your pet from feeling a thing. The dimensions of the door are 15.5” W x 20” H.
The assembly is convenient with this one. Just take a screwdriver, and you’ll be good to go. The innovative geometric design will provide ultimate safety against all types of weather. So if you live in an area with unstable weather conditions, this should be your choice.
People Also Asked
A: Since a labrador is bigger than other dogs, choosing a more extensive model would be wise. But don’t go overboard. 50 inches long and 30 inches wide that’s enough for a lab. If you opt for a huge dog house, the chances of remaining warm will reduce.
A: Yes, they are. They can keep your dogs safe from all kinds of weather. On the other hand, their traditional alternatives do not withstand most types of weather. They may leak when it's rainy, and in winters, it’ll be impossible for your pet to sleep comfortably.
A: The cleaning part depends on the model and types you have bought. You can clean Plastic houses easily with soap and water. Meanwhile, other alternatives are machine washable. The seller will let you know whether their product can be washed in machines or not.