The Petmate Igloo Dog House – Pros & Cons and How to Choose the Right One for Your Dog

We love our canine companions like our own children, and we want them to be comfortable. Of course, we probably wouldn’t make our human kids sleep outside, but your dog probably won’t mind – as long as he has a decent shelter to protect him from the elements.

A dog house is a great way to keep your dog comfortable and safe while he’s outside. Whether you have a dog that spends most of the time outside, or one that just goes out for a little bit at a time, a dog house can be an attractive and functional addition to your yard.

The dog house you choose should depend on the quality of construction, as well as the materials, durability, size, appearance, and price. To help you with the choice, we looked at the top competitors on the market. We considered all the factors mentioned above in addition to overall value and reviews from real customers.

In this review, we’re going to be talking about the ever-popular igloo dog house from Petmate. There are actually a couple different igloo dog house models available – the Indigo Dog House and the Dogloo. We chose these to feature because they’re great looking, come in multiple sizes, offer excellent protection and comfort, and should last pretty much forever.

About the Company

The Petmate brand has been around for half a century – 50 years ago they built their first dog kennel at a home office in Arlington, Texas, U.S.A. The company originally focused on kennels, and eventually expanded their product line to include lots of different products for pets and their owners. Much of their manufacturing operation is still based in the U.S., with a manufacturing plant and a plastics facility located in Arlington. In addition to kennels, products include orthopedic pet beds, automatic feeders and waterers, soft-sided carriers, toys, and more.

Petmate Indigo Dog House

The Petmate Indigo Doghouse with Microban is an igloo dog house constructed from heavy-duty structural foam. The construction is extremely durable. This dog house would never collapse, and it should not lose its structural integrity over time. It’s also designed to be very stable, so a gust of wind won’t blow it over, unless you’re talking about a hurricane or tornado.

Petmate Indigo Dog House with Microban

This is a top of the line igloo shaped dog house that features extended, offset doorway for rain resistance and enhanced wind protection. Check Price on Amazon!

The igloo shape is multifunctional. First, it makes the structure extra strong. Second, it eliminates the need for a lot of parts – this dog house is very simple to put together. Third, it offers extra protection from the elements. The extended, offset doorway helps to keep wind and rain out, while letting your dog get in easily.

The interior of the igloo offers a comfortable shelter. A roof vent facilitates continuous air flow, allowing your dog to breathe easy and preventing odors. There’s a good reason why so many vets and kennels use igloo dog houses – they’re functional, easy to care for, and they tend not to retain smells.

Pros:

• Warm in winter, cool in summer
• Raised interior floors with channeled edges, allowing liquids to drain to edge
• Very east to assemble – no tools required!
• Comes in 3 sizes to fit dogs between 25 and 125 lbs.
• Snow and rain slide easily off the domed top
• Microban inhibits bacterial growth, preventing stains and odors
• Stable even in strong winds
• Strength of structural foam makes the igloo extremely sturdy and durable

Cons:

• Sizing can be an area of confusion – pay special attention when ordering
• In heavy rain, some liquid may make it in through the tunnel entrance
• Not all dogs will use the tunnel entrance – depends on dog’s breed and temperament
• Not the easiest to carry – especially the larger sizes

Petmate Dogloo XT Igloo Dog House

Another variation on the igloo dog house, Petmate also makes the Dogloo. In terms of materials, construction, and appearance, the two are very similar. The main difference is the entrance. Instead of a long, low tunnel-like entrance, the Dogloo XT has a closer, slightly higher and more open entrance. The advantage of this style is that it may be more inviting to some dogs who don’t like the close quarters of the tunnel entrance. It also makes it easier to get your dog out, in case you need to physically remove her.

The downside of the Dogloo’s entrance is that it is more likely to let in wind and rain. You’ll have to decide based on what you and your dog prefer. Aside from the entrance, the Indigo Dog House and the Dogloo are virtually the same. The Dogloo does have a slightly different type of vent, but both are breathable, constructed of strong structural foam, and have Microban to protect against stains and stink.

Pros:

• Warm in winter, cool in summer
• Easy to assemble – simply snaps together
• Domed top deflects rain, snow, and wind
• Microban inhibits the growth of bacteria that might cause stains and odor
• Higher, closer entrance (vs. Indigo Dog House) may be easier for you and your dog to access
• Structural foam for strength and durability

Cons:

• The absence of an extended tunnel-type entrance (as in the Indigo Dog House) means there’s a greater chance of rain and wind getting in
• Some owners find that the Dogloo runs small for specified weight range – consider your dog’s breed and height in addition to weight
• Can be difficult to move from place to place, particularly if you have one of the larger sizes

Getting the Right Size Igloo Dog House for Your Dog

Most everything about both types of igloo dog bed is great. However, it is important to get your dog the right size for several reasons.

If you get the Petmate Indigo Dog House, the tunnel entrance is intended to keep the elements out. However, if you get a larger size than your dog needs, the extra room at the entrance could expose her to wind and rain unnecessarily.

On the other hand, if you get your Indigo Dog House too small, your dog may not be able to squeeze into the tunnel. Or, she may refuse to enter if the space is too small for her liking.

The entrance space is less of an issue with the Dogloo, where the entrance is higher and closer, but you still want to make sure your dog has enough room inside the igloo.

The following sizes are available for the Petmate Indigo Dog House and the Dogloo igloo dog house:

• Medium – fits 25-50 lbs
• Large – fits 50-90 lbs
• Extra Large – fits 90-125 lbs

However, we advise you to consider more than just your dog’s weight when ordering. Think about his breed, his height (or expected height, if he’s a puppy), and his temperament. Since the entrance to both of Petmate’s igloo dog houses is lower than the house itself, you must make sure that the dog will be able to walk comfortably into the opening.

Additionally, not all dogs are comfortable walking through a low opening or tunnel, so ensure that your dog is okay with small spaces before ordering. Please also consider that some owners report that these houses run small for the suggested weight range. Of course this is subjective, but if you have questions it’s always a good idea to run them by the manufacturer.

The Bottom Line

Overall, these are great dog houses – some of the best, if not the best, out there. They keep your dog warm when it’s cold, cool when it’s hot, and always protected. The structural foam and Microban give the igloo dog house longevity. And dogs love the igloo shape because it keeps them secure and protected. If you’re not sure which dog house to choose, this is one we would not hesitate to recommend.