Sharing your bed or sofa with your pooch is always nice because we naturally want the best for our companions to keep them warm, comfortable, and safe. Unfortunately, it is not always possible, and some pets have to slumber outdoors. Luckily, dog houses can help your dog feel at home and provide a safe and warm space for them to sleep.

The cold winters can be a concern, especially when they are harsh, and you may worry about finding the right dog house to protect your pet from the harsh elements that winter can bring. We put together a list of reviews to help you find the best haven for your dog and factors to consider when choosing the proper dog house for cold winter weather.

A Glance at Our Winners in 2024

The 10 Best Dog Houses for Cold Winter Weather

1. Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Doghouse – Best Overall

Keep your dog stylishly this winter with an insulated dog palace. The central heater and digital thermostat are adjustable to help your dog feel warm and snug. It is ideal for both warm and cooler months. The floor and door are lined with 2–4 inches of insulation, and your pup will also stay dry thanks to its drainage system and raised flooring. It includes two additional windows to allow for airflow and a double-hinged swing door that is removable. This dog palace is ideal for pets with a shoulder height of 26 inches or more and is suitable for a family of pets. Although it comes with a high price tag, your canine companion will feel like royalty in this dog palace and that’s why it’s our best overall choice.

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2. Dog Palace DP Hunter Insulated Dog House – Best Value

This cost-effective dog house will keep your friend snug thanks to its panels of foam insulation that are 1.5–3 inches thick. Your dog can decide when it wants to go in and out without you fussing because it includes a self-closing door. It is designed with a slight slope, so cleaning is a breeze. Once you have sprayed it down, the water will easily drain out. Self-storing windows can also be repositioned without the use of tools, so they can stay closed in the colder months and open during the warmer months. Its durability and low-price tag make this the best dog house for the money. It is only suitable for small breed dogs with a shoulder height under 16 inches and is not ideal if you have a large dog.

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3. Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House – Premium Choice

This dog house is constructed with a central heater to keep your dog warm. Depending on the weather, you can adjust the heat setting to your desired temperature with a remote-controlled thermostat. When the weather is warmer, the insulated panels in the floor, door, roof, and walls will keep your pup cool. It includes a drainage system and a raised floor, so your friend will stay dry in wetter weather, making cleaning more hassle-free.

It comes with a high price tag, but your dog will feel at home and is guaranteed to stay warm. Sadly, the parts are not replaceable, and that is something to keep in mind in the frigid months when the heater is necessary.

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4. Pet Life Hush Puppy Electronic Heating & Cooling Dog House – Best for Puppies

Keep your new pup warm and comfortable in this smart dog house. The house includes an integrated heating and cooling system and is designed to operate with the simple press of a button. To avoid overheating, it turns off automatically after reaching a specific temperature. It is constructed with polyester, making it easy to take down and pack up for traveling, and it includes a zippered storage pocket on the side to house the fan. Your tiny pup will be warm and even more comfortable when sleeping on the memory foam gel pad. Unfortunately, the materials are not waterproof, and this dog house must stay inside or on a sheltered porch.

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5. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Doghouse

The New Age Pet ecoFLEX is ideal for keeping your canine warm and comfortably housed. It is weatherproof, and your friend will stay dry thanks to its construction with ecoFLEX, a nontoxic wood and polymer composite. It is insulated so your pet will be cool in summer and snug in winter, and its flow through ventilation will provide fresh air while keeping dust and dirt outside. It is easy to assemble and clean and can be painted any color.

If your dog enjoys chewing on things and gets into the dog house, the material will, unfortunately, break down.

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6. Petmate Indigo Doghouse Igloo

Although this dog house looks like something that belongs in the snow, it is sure to keep your canine warm in the colder months. It is insulated to regulate temperatures to suit the climate, and the door is offset to protect your dog from rain. Your dog will also get a constant flow of fresh air thanks to the vents added to the roof. The floor is raised with added moats to ensure your dog stays dry, and its unique shape allows snow and debris to fall off easily.

Overall, this dog house is easy to assemble, weatherproof, sturdy, and easy to clean. Customers have mentioned sizing issues, and purchasing a bigger size than what you think you may need is recommended.

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7. Wooden Outdoor Weatherproof Dog House

This cabin style house is cozy enough to keep your pet warm in colder weather. It is elevated off the ground and is leakproof to make sure your dog stays warm and dry. The roof is also constructed at an angle so the rain won’t sit on the roof, another feature that will keep your dog toasty.

It is a sturdy and waterproof design that is easy to assemble with a removable floor to make cleaning easy. Your canine will feel at home in the roomy space, and its durability makes it a long-term home for your dog. There are also three sizes available so there is an option for any dog. Although the dog house is weatherproof, it is not entirely insulated, but it’s design makes it easy to insulate it yourself.

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8. All Weather Dog House with Steel Door

This medium-sized house is ideal for all weather conditions. Your dog will stay dry and warm thanks to its raised floor, slanted roof, and construction. Your dog will feel at home with the roomy interior, along with the fold-out porch. Fresh air will never be an issue because it has air ventilation slots for air circulation. It is easy to assemble and is portable thanks to its lightweight materials and steel door to keep your dog safe.

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9. Pets Imperial Norfolk Wooden Dog Kennel House

All the panels of the Pets Imperial are insulated so your canine can stay cool in summer and warm in winter. This model has many interesting and useful features, like the adjustable legs with rot-free plastic caps. It includes two extra support rails so it can handle the extra weight and a roof made of asphalt for improved durability and protection from rainwater.

The raised floor will keep your dog dry, as well as the PVC strip curtain that will also stop chilly winds and pests from entering your dog’s home. The roof opens, and along with the removable floor, it makes it easy to clean. As perfect as this dog house sounds, it must be noted that some customers were disappointed it wasn’t more durable.

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10. Petsfit Outdoor Wooden Doghouse for Small Dogs

The Petsfit Outdoor Doghouse is a moderately insulated unit that is a good choice for owners who live in areas with mild winters. Its sealed protective coating, raised floor, and slanted asphalt roof provide protection from the weather while keeping your pet comfortable and dry, and the interior door allows your dog to escape the wind and rain.

This dog house is long-lasting thanks to its durable wood and stainless-steel material. Its design includes a sweet balcony so your dog can also enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. The floor is raised to keep your pet dry and is removable for easy cleaning. The legs are also adjustable which makes it ideal for uneven ground.

Although this dog house is described as weatherproof, the wood is unvarnished, and you will need to stain it yourself.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Houses for Cold Winter Weather

Here are some things to consider when choosing the dog house for your pup.

Your Dog’s Size

A small dog naturally requires less room, but because they are small and don’t have a lot of body fat, they need a lot more warmth. This also applies to larger dogs with thin coats; they may need additional blankets to stay warm. Your dog needs to be comfortable and have enough space to move around. Consider the width, as well as the height for taller dogs. A dog house typically needs to be 25% longer and wider than the size of our dog.

Construction

You want a design that is sturdy and waterproof. It should ideally be raised off the ground and include features to prevent rain from getting in. A dog house suitable for winter weather should be insulated and shut tight to keep the harsh elements out.

Materials

Materials should be durable and able to keep out moisture. Plastic is durable, easy to clean, and less likely to get chewed up. Wood is warmer but should be treated with a sealant. Wood surfaces can be hard to sanitize and clean due the porosity of the material and need to be checked regularly for rot.

Other Considerations

A dog house in the winter can help prevent hypothermia in dogs and provide shelter from rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures, but unfortunately, they can also attract wildlife, so that is something to keep in mind.

Dog houses should also have a door to protect dogs from rain, snow, and wind. A self-closing door is a practical feature for a dog. Additional blankets may be necessary in very cold weather, so don’t rely entirely on the insulation of the house.

Dog houses with heaters are great, but be sure the temperature is regulated and that the house has good ventilation.

Conclusion

Outdoor dog houses are great for protecting your pup from the harsh elements of a cold winter. Our best overall choice is the Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Doghouse because of its ability to keep your pet warm and cozy with its adjustable heater. It is also insulated to regulate your dog’s temperature in other weather conditions. Our best choice for the money is the cost-effective Dog Palace DP Hunter Insulated Dog House that keeps your dog warm without breaking the bank, and our premium choice is the Dog Palace Insulated Heated Doghouse because of its overall high quality and weatherproof features. We hope our reviews helped you pick the best home for your furry friend to get through this winter.

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Featured Image Credit: Photocommander, Shutterstock