The Best Heated Dog House — Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Ashley Haugen
Updated: December 12, 2022
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When the temperature dips, it is important to put on layers of clothing, a puffy down coat, and insulated boots in order to protect yourself from the arctic weather. Unlike you, your dog, however, probably does not have such a comprehensive winter wardrobe as you do. There are several breeds that have naturally dense, protective winter coats. However, even they cannot remain outside for an extended period in freezing weather. Those with shorter fur, hairless varieties, and short legs with bellies close to the ground will suffer even more without proper shelter. This is where heated dog houses come into the picture!

Dog houses were traditionally homemade wooden structures built to provide shelter for dogs. With today’s technology, you can purchase a heated dog house with insulation, central heat with a thermostat, heating pads, and so much more. In addition, many come with substantial insulation and a raised floor so your pup won’t be exposed to the cold.

To help you pick the right heated dog house for your pet, we’ve compiled the top heated dog houses.

  1. Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House
    • For large- and medium-size dogs
    • Insulated walls ensure your dog stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer
    • Includes a heater with digital thermostat
    • Raised floor and drainage system keep dogs dry
    • Available in two attractive color schemes
    Check Chewy
  2. Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House
    • Designed for large and extra-large dog breeds
    • Insulation keeps dogs cool in the summer and warm in the winter
    • Featured a central heater with thermostat
    • Swinging door and two easy-open windows provide maximum ventilation
    • Raised floor keeps dogs dry
    Check Chewy
  3. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House
    • The heated house measures 21.5" x 26" x 15.5"
    • The door flaps on both exits can be removed
    • Designed for small pets in mind
    • Provides protection from rain, wind, and snow
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Petmate Indigo All-Weather Dog House
    • Available in three sizes
    • Durable, heavy-duty construction
    • Extended doorway to provide extra protection from the elements
    • Vented top promoted ventilation
    • Stands up to high winds
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Heated Dog Houses Today

#1. Best Overall: Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House

Among all heated dog houses, the Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House is the best. Dogs between the sizes of medium and large will benefit from this insulated outdoor shelter. Your pup will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer with two to four inches of insulation on each wall. 

Also included is a heater to keep your dog warm during the colder months. You can also set the desired temperature with the Central Heater’s digital thermostat and remote control.

As it measures 47.5″ x 31.5″ x 38.5″, this heated dog house is perfect for medium and large dogs with a shoulder height of 26.5 inches or less. You can keep your puppy dry and make cleanup a breeze with the raised flooring and drainage system! Early stages of training can be accomplished by removing the swinging double-hinged door. There are also two colors available: brown/tan and gray/taupe.

Many people complain about the dog house’s heater being controlled only by remote control. You will no longer be able to set the temperature if your dog chews up the remote.

Pros and Cons of the Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House

ProsCons
This size is ideal for medium and large dogs whose shoulders are under 26.5 inches in height.The heater in the dog house can only be controlled remotely.
Insulation is used in the walls, roof, floor, and door to keep your dog warm or cool throughout the year.
There is a Palace Central Heater with a remote control and a digital thermostat included.
Best Overall
Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House
  • For large- and medium-size dogs
  • Insulated walls ensure your dog stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer
  • Includes a heater with digital thermostat
  • Raised floor and drainage system keep dogs dry
  • Available in two attractive color schemes
Check Chewy

2. Best Heated Dog House for Extra Large Dogs: Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House

You don’t have to look any further if you have an extra-large dog, as the Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House is just what you need. 

Designed for dogs with a shoulder height of 26.5 inches or more, it is suitable for large and giant breeds. Additionally, it’s the perfect hideaway for more than one pet! 

With its dimensions of 45″ x 45″ x 46″, this insulated, heated outdoor shelter is ideal for extra-large dogs. During the winter, she will be kept warm and cool by two to four inches of insulation. Additionally, it has a Central Heater for extra warmth during cold weather. Using the remote control, you can easily adjust the temperature. 

Other features include a swinging door for easy access, raised flooring, and a drainage system to make cleaning easy and keep your pet dry. Additionally, the easy-open windows will provide additional airflow during good weather. A brown/tan color, as well as a gray/taupe color, are available.

It has been reported that some owners’ dogs can pull the cable connection loose from the back of the heater. A new electrical connection had to be installed in the heater, which meant taking the heater apart. 

 Pros and Cons of the Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House

ProsCons
It will be comfortable for dogs who are over 26.5 inches tall at the shoulder.Dogs can pull the cable connection from the back of the heater by pulling on it.
Due to its size, this heated dog house can accommodate more than one dog at a time.
In cold weather, there is a central heater to keep your dog warm.
Best for Extra Large Dogs
Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House
  • Designed for large and extra-large dog breeds
  • Insulation keeps dogs cool in the summer and warm in the winter
  • Featured a central heater with thermostat
  • Swinging door and two easy-open windows provide maximum ventilation
  • Raised floor keeps dogs dry
Check Chewy

3. Best Heated Dog House for Small Dogs: K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House

In the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House, your small or toy-sized dog will enjoy warming up.

Though this heated outdoor house is technically meant for cats, it would also be great for small dogs. Heavy-denier polyester is used to construct the structure, which features a generous layer of insulation to keep pets warm in the winter. Your pet can choose whether he wants the heat on or off, and there are removable clear plastic flaps to cover the door openings. It comes with a fleece-lined heating pad covering half the floor. There are two exits in the house, each with removable flaps.

In addition to coming in several colors, this heated pet house is quick and easy to assemble without the use of any tools. Despite the fact that the roof zips off for easy cleaning, it’s not fully waterproof, so it should be placed under cover.

Pros and Cons of the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House

ProsCons
Doors with removable flaps feature two exits.The house is not fully waterproof.
For small dogs, it is a great option since it keeps them warm and snuggly.
Warmth is provided by a fleece-lined heating pad.
Best for Small Dogs
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House
  • The heated house measures 21.5" x 26" x 15.5"
  • The door flaps on both exits can be removed
  • Designed for small pets in mind
  • Provides protection from rain, wind, and snow
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Insulated Dog House: Petmate Indigo All-Weather Dog House 

The Petmate Indigo All-Weather Dog House offers reliable protection against the elements without the need for a power cord if a heated dog house isn’t feasible. Providing insulation against both cold and hot weather, this outdoor dog house is durable and heavy-duty.

You can shield your dog from wind, rain, and snow with the extended, offset doorway of the dog house. The vented top of this dog igloo circulates fresh air to promote airflow. Moats on the side of the raised floors drain moisture away from the floors and keep them dry for your pet. As a result of its patented dome design, it remains stable even during high winds. 

Three sizes are available for dogs weighing 25 to 175 pounds in this taupe/black dog house. A lack of heating is obviously one of the downsides. In particularly cold weather, you’ll need to be careful sheltering your dog here as it won’t be warm enough for them in this outdoor dog house.

Pros and Cons of the Petmate Indigo All-Weather Dog House

ProsCons
The dog house insulates against hot and cold temperatures.It is only insulated and does not come with a heating option.
Pets are kept dry with the raised floors and side moats of the pet house.
Pets are protected from rain by offset doorways.
Best Insulated
Petmate Indigo All-Weather Dog House
  • Available in three sizes
  • Durable, heavy-duty construction
  • Extended doorway to provide extra protection from the elements
  • Vented top promoted ventilation
  • Stands up to high winds
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Heated Dog House

In response to changes in climate, dogs are capable of self-regulating their body temperature. On particularly brutal winter days, however, extra warmth is important to ensure they’re comfortable and safe. The majority of dogs do not do well living outside during the winter. In some cases, a heated doghouse proves useful. Long periods spent indoors can be broken up by outdoor activities, for example. There is, however, a wide range of heated dog houses available on the market. When you are trying to figure out which one will work best for your pup, it can start to feel overwhelming. 

Three factors should be considered when choosing a heated dog bed:

  • Price 
  • Design 
  • Durability

In the following sections, we will examine each of these factors in more detail:

Price

Depending on the size of the dog house, the materials which are used, and the quality of the craftsmanship, most heated dog houses cost between $185 and $500. Despite the fact that these prices may appear high, it is worth keeping in mind that a quality heated dog house will protect your dog from the elements for many years to come.

Design

A heated dog house is available in a variety of sizes to accommodate dogs of all breeds and sizes. Choose one that will provide your pup with enough space to turn around comfortably while feeling cozy enough to feel like a den. To keep your dog dry, it should be insulated and have a raised floor. Waterproof construction is also essential. As a final precaution, if your dog chews, keep all electrical components out of reach.

Durability

Make sure your heated dog houses are built from durable materials by comparing them. The most common materials they’re made from are plastic, metal, and insulation of high quality. To find out if a product will hold up in similar weather conditions to yours, look at the manufacturer’s warranty and read reviews.

The 2 Different Types of Heated Dog Houses

The first step to choosing the best heated dog house is understanding the different types. It’s possible to buy a heated dog house without a heating pad or a heated dog house with a heating pad that can be removed. Considering that not all dog owners have access to power units, we will also discuss insulated dog houses without heaters. Each type has pros and cons that are appropriate for different use cases. 

Each type has its pros and cons, so let’s take a look at them:

  • Heated dog house. — You won’t need to remove the heating unit to clean the shelter’s floor because it is integrated into the dog house. Thermostats and remote controls are usually digital and can be controlled without stepping outside. Tend to be the most expensive option. The majority of them are designed for medium-sized to giant dogs, not for small ones. If the heating unit malfunctions, it may be difficult to replace. 
  • Heated dog house with a removable heating pad. — It is suitable for dogs of all sizes, including small breeds. It is less expensive than dog houses with integrated heating units. The heating unit is removable, so it can be easily replaced if it malfunctions. Not an option for dogs that chew on bedding or wires. Heating units must be protected from moisture on shelter floors — snow, rain, urine, etc. There is no remote included, so you will have to leave your house to adjust the temperature.
  • (Unheated) insulated dog house. — This is the least expensive option. Good option if providing electricity to your dog’s house isn’t feasible. Because they do not include an electric heating unit, they are not as warm as heated dog shelters.

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About the Author

Ashley Haugen is a lifelong animal lover and professional writer and editor. When she's not immersed in A-Z-Animals.com, she can be found hanging out with her dogs and birds.

The Best Heated Dog House — Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much warmer is an insulated dog house?

An insulated dog house will be warmer than one not protected from the elements, but how much warmer is unclear. The difference in temperature depends on the dog house’s insulation, the weather outside, how much heat your dog’s body emits, and even how well it is insulated. Even how the shelter’s entrance is positioned matters. The extended, offset doorway of an insulated dog house will help shield your dog from wind, rain, and snow, for example.

A dog house that is insulated should be viewed as a temporary, short-term shelter. Dogs should not be kept warm overnight or for long periods of time with them.

What is the best outdoor heated dog house? 

You should look for outdoor heated dog houses that are insulated, have raised floors, have digital thermostats and remote controls, and are made of durable materials. In addition to these considerations, you should make sure that the outdoor heated dog house you choose fits your pup’s size. She won’t feel as comfortable in a house that’s too big or too small as she will in one that’s just right. She needs a just-right one, like Goldilocks.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.