Igloo Dog House: Is It Right for Your Dog?

An igloo dog house can be a practical choice for dogs that spend time outdoors, particularly when you want a shelter that provides protection from wind, rain, snow and changing temperatures. But is an igloo-style house actually a good choice for your dog? That depends on your dog's size, climate, sleeping habits and how the shelter will be used.

Let's take a look at what makes an igloo dog house different, what to consider before buying one, and which features are most useful when choosing a shelter.

What Makes an Igloo Dog House Different?

The current Petmate Indigo design uses a dome shape, an offset doorway, rooftop ventilation, raised flooring and drainage features. The design also helps protect the interior from wind, rain and snow while providing ventilation.

One of the things I like about the igloo-style dog house is its compact, energy-efficient design. And I'll admit, I have some personal experience with this one. I bought an igloo dog house for one of my own dogs, and he absolutely loved it. It worked well for him in both warm and cold weather, which was one of the reasons I became a fan of this style of shelter. 

Another thing I loved about the igloo was how easy it was to clean. I could simply take it outside and give it a good rinse with the pressure hose, and it was ready to go again.

The igloo dog house, sometimes called a Dogloo, appeals to many owners for some practical reasons too. It's insulated, relatively low-maintenance and easy to move when you want to change its location. The rounded design is also rather charming, which certainly doesn't hurt!

These houses come in several sizes and designs, so choosing the right one for your dog is important. A properly sized shelter should give him enough room to enter, turn around, lie down comfortably and settle in without being excessively oversized.

Is an Igloo Dog House Good for Winter?

An insulated igloo-style dog house can provide useful protection from cold weather, wind and precipitation, but it shouldn't be thought of as a magic shield against winter weather. How well it works depends on the dog's size, coat, age, health, the local climate and how the shelter is positioned.

The raised floor and offset doorway can help keep rain, snow and ground moisture from entering the sleeping area, while the insulated construction can help moderate temperatures inside. Good ventilation is important too, because a shelter that is sealed too tightly can become damp from condensation and your dog's normal breathing.

For very cold weather, the goal is to create a dry, protected, appropriately sized sleeping area rather than simply choosing the biggest house available. Bedding can add comfort, but it should remain dry and be checked regularly.

Choosing the Right Igloo Dog House Size

Don't choose an igloo dog house by weight alone.

A properly sized shelter should allow your dog to:

• walk through the entrance without squeezing
• turn around comfortably
• stand and change position
• lie down fully stretched out

But it shouldn't be so enormous that it's unnecessarily difficult to keep comfortable in cold weather.

Igloo Dog House Features Worth Looking For

Insulated construction: Helps moderate temperatures and provides a barrier from outdoor conditions.

Offset doorway: Helps reduce direct exposure to wind and rain.

Raised floor: Helps keep the sleeping area above wet ground.

Ventilation: Allows air movement and helps reduce condensation.

Drainage: Useful in wet climates where rain or melting snow could otherwise collect around the shelter.

Easy cleaning: A practical advantage when the shelter is outdoors year-round.

How to Make an Igloo Dog House More Comfortable

An igloo dog house doesn't need to be elaborate to make a comfortable outdoor retreat. Start by choosing a location that is reasonably protected from prevailing wind and heavy rain, while still allowing good airflow around the shelter.

Keep the floor and bedding dry. A washable pad or other appropriate bedding can make the shelter more inviting, but check it regularly for dampness, especially after wet weather. In cold weather, dry bedding is much more useful than simply adding more of it.

During hot weather, make sure the house isn't sitting in full afternoon sun all day. The ventilation features can help, but shade and good air circulation are still important. Check the shelter periodically for cracks, damage or anything that could allow water to collect inside.

And of course, your dog should always have access to fresh water and another safe place to go. An outdoor shelter can be a wonderful retreat, but it should never be the only option available when weather becomes unsafe.

Who Is an Igloo Dog House Best For?

An igloo-style dog house can be a good choice for a dog that enjoys spending time outdoors and needs a dry, sheltered place to rest. It may be especially useful for dogs who like having their own little retreat in the yard.

These shelters aren't equally suitable for every dog, though. Puppies, elderly dogs, very short-coated breeds and dogs with health or temperature-regulation issues may need more protection, particularly in extreme weather. Your dog's individual needs and your local climate should always be considered.

Igloo Dog House Options

A note about availability: Igloo dog houses can be surprisingly hard to find, especially in the larger sizes. I've included the models I can currently locate, but inventory and pricing can change. The X-Large Indigo is particularly difficult to find, but I've been able to link up with the manufacturer to ensure you'll be able to obtain one. 

Extra Large Igloo Dog House

Best for: dogs approximately 90–125 pounds

The Petmate X-Large Indigo provides plenty of room for very large dogs while retaining the dome design, offset entrance, raised floor and rooftop ventilation that make this style of shelter appealing. The manufacturer currently lists it for dogs weighing 90–125 pounds.

Dimensions: 50.5 × 39.5 × 30 inches.

Large Indigo Igloo Dog House

Best for: dogs approximately 50–90 pounds

The Large Indigo is a practical choice for medium-to-large dogs and uses the same basic dome design, offset doorway, raised floor and ventilation system as the larger model.

Dimensions: 43.75 × 34 × 25.75 inches.

Check price on Amazon →

IRIS USA Igloo-Shaped Dog House

The IRIS is a simpler, more compact alternative to the larger Petmate Indigo. It has a durable plastic construction, an adjustable ventilation cap and a design that's easy to assemble and clean. IRIS currently describes it as suitable for mid-sized dogs such as Corgis and Beagles.

Dimensions: 37 × 26.5 × 24 inches

This waterproof shelter has a snap together construction making it easy to take apart for cleaning – something I value in an igloo shelter.

Check price on Amazon →

 Husky Dog House, Igloo-Styled

Best for: dogs up to 90 pounds

The Petmate Husky is another dome-shaped outdoor shelter worth considering. It has an elevated floor, rear ventilation, an offset entrance and heavy-duty structural-foam construction. Petmate currently lists it for dogs up to 90 pounds.

Dimensions: 33 × 32.5 × 26 inches

Check price on Amazon →

Useful Igloo Dog House Accessory

Conclusion

An igloo dog house can be a convenient, durable shelter for the right dog and the right situation, especially when you choose the correct size and pay attention to ventilation, dryness and protection from the weather. It isn't a substitute for bringing a dog indoors when conditions become unsafe, but as part of a well-planned outdoor setup, the igloo-style design has some useful advantages.

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