15 Best Dog Costumes for Halloween 2019
With leaves falling, pumpkins ready to carve, and cooler air nipping at my nose and Haiku’s paws, ideas as to whom my best buddy and I could disguise ourselves as this Halloween entered my thoughts.
Below, I put together a list of 15 of the best dog costumes you can buy for your pooch this Halloween.
When I started the research for this article, my friend and fellow dog writer, Laurren Darr, Founder of the Pet Fashion Guild, came to mind, so I asked for her professional opinion.
“You’ll always have classic picks like witches, superheroes, and Disney® characters. Costumes tend to follow the trends with pop culture and politics. Don’t be surprised to see dogs’ donning’ a Trump wig. Popular characters from television, like Stranger Things or Big Little Lies, will make the lists. I’m personally anticipating replicas of Rocketman costumes from the Elton John movie, and it’s fun to see people get creative with things like popular commercials. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a dog imitating ‘Cheryl’ beside a burned dog ‘she shed.’”
Laurren Darr, Pet Fashion Guild Founder
Next, I pondered, “What would pet parents chose if they were buying off the rack, not creating their look?” Superhero, princess, witch, and pirate top the lists for human attire, and it’s not a whole lot different for dogs.
The 15 best dog costumes for Halloween 2019 below include those choices (minus the princess), but also add pumpkin, hot dog, and bumblebee to the line-up.
Fascinated, I asked Laurren if she is up to her eyeballs in fabric and trim, and she replied,
“Halloween is prime time for the dog fashion industry. To me, it ranks as the busiest time of year since people love dressing up their pets and posting them on social media. It ranges from buying a simple hat from their local pet store to having lavish couture creations made for fundraising balls and pet fashion shows.”
Dog Halloween costumes are big business! According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 2019 will be a near-record year for Halloween spending. A whopping $3.2 billion will be spent on costumes, including the 29 million pet parents who plan to dress up their fur kids!
Source: CanineJournal.com
I’ve explored both the best small dog Halloween costumes and large dog costumes for big boys. Browse through these cute dog costumes to determine which are the best dog costumes your pet will love this Halloween.
A big word of advice is to measure twice before ordering. Many costumes are not returnable, and sizes vary. A little alteration may be necessary as no two dogs are alike.
Also, L and XL do not always equal a large or giant breed. Read descriptions carefully as in some brands, XL only fits up to a 20 lbs. dog.
- UPS Pal Dog Costume
- Ewok Pet Costume
- Hot Dog Pet Costume
- Beetlejuice Pet Costume
- Mogoko Dog Pumpkin Costume
- DC Comics Teen Titans Robin Pet Costume
- Mogoko Funny Dog Shark Costume
- NACOCO Pet Dog Costume Pirates of the Caribbean
- Scooby Doo Pet Suit
- Spider-Man Pet Costume
- Orange Witch Pet Costume
- Tomsenn Dog Lion Mane
- DC Comics Wonder Woman Pet Costume
- Forum Novelties, Inc, Devil Hoodie Pet Costume
- Bumblebee Pet Costume
15. Rubie’s Bumblebee Pet Costume
- Lightweight & comfortable
- Easy to put on & take off
- Wings too small & flimsy
- Antenna droop
If rummaging through the best dog Halloween costumes has you stumped, let me buzz, buzz, buzz in your ear. Any small pooch would look adorable in Rubie’s Bumblebee Pet Costume.
Sized to fit 6 up to about 45 lbs. pets, the shirt has a row of snaps that run down the chest and belly to make this costume go on and come off quickly. The leg openings are not binding, so most dogs will be comfortable, and it is lightweight for warmer climates and times of the year.
On the downside, there is no antennae headband. The yellow pom-pom tipped antennae are attached to the hood, so they flop down, giving a sad appearance.
The wings are too small and flimsy, so one pet parent mentioned finding bee wings at the dollar store to spruce up his dog’s look. I’ll put this in the category of good dog costumes if you are innovative enough to fix the flaws.
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14. Forum Novelties, Inc. Devil Hoodie Pet Costume
- No sequins
- Appears comfortable & easy to put on
- No sizing chart
- Pricier than most
Every good dog needs to show off his not-so-good side once in a while and wearing the Forum Novelties, Inc. Devil Hoodie Pet Costume will allow him to dress the part, for fun!
We chose to include this devilish costume in our 15 best dog costumes for Halloween 2019 because it did not have sequins as other devilish get-ups did.
Unfortunately, there are many sad stories of dogs chewing sequins off outfits and either choking or ending up with intestinal obstructions, so choose wisely, keep an eye on Fido, and keep him safe.
Available in small and medium, but doggone it! I can’t locate a sizing chart anywhere, so because of the photo, I feel it must be best suited for smaller breeds.
13. DC Comics Wonder Woman Pet Costume
- Large variety of sizes
- The skirt may trip dog or entangle legs
- Headband difficult to keep on
Turn your dog into a female superhero with the DC Comics Wonder Woman Pet Costume. Your pooch, however, won’t need to chase her tail and spin, like Wonder Woman, to put on the blue dress with white stars, gold belt, and tiara headpiece! Her forelegs can slip right through the armholes.
Available in 6 sizes (S-3X should fit pets from 3 to 85 lbs.), cats like it too! The skirt is long and flowing, so it may take some getting used to, and the headband may be difficult for some to keep on.
12. Tomsenn Dog Lion Mane
- Easy to put on & take off
- Fabric claims not to irritate skin
- Just a fur tube
- Tail tuft falls off
If a dog’s going to dress up like a cat, well, it’s gotta be a BIG pussy cat! So when coming up with large dog costume ideas, the Tomsenn Dog Lion Mane might be a PURRfect choice!
Made of wool fiber, to look realistic and not irritate your pet’s skin, this lion is genuinely one of the cute dog Halloween costumes that is also easy to clean. It is best for medium to large dogs with a 60 – 80 cm neck (that’s 23 5/8 – 31 ½ inches).
Easy to put on (it’s pretty much a fur tube that slides over the head), it will make your dog the center of attention, but be sure to play ringmaster keeping him in line. It also comes with a tuft for a tail, but some dogs seem to wag it right off!
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11. Rubie’s Orange Witch Pet Costume
- Iconic Halloween costume
- Hand washable
- The long skirt may be awkward for the dog
- Challenge to keep hat on dog
A witch riding a broom is the embodiment of Halloween to some, so dressing up your canine pal in Rubie’s Orange Witch Pet Costume may be the ultimate scary adventure.
The costume is a good quality for the price, and consists of a dress made in the seasonal orange and black fabric, along with a hat.
Make sure your pet can relieve herself and won’t trip on the long skirt. Keeping a hat on one of the two wiggle ends may be challenging, but otherwise, all you need is a full moon for the perfect photo op! Fits dogs with 17 – 22” chests.
10. Rubie’s Marvel Classic Spider-Man Pet Costume
- Superhero fun
- Thin, stretchy fabric that won’t easily rip
- Snug fit
- Headpiece difficult to keep on
- Ear slits may not line up depending on the dog
- Could use more Velcro
Every dog is already a superhero in our eyes, but how wondeRUFFul to let your furry pal play the part by wearing one of the 15 best dog costumes for Halloween! The Superhero category has risen 4.5% rise in popularity since last year, according to the NRF.
A snug-fitting shirt and hood can disguise your dog’s true identity, and let him transform into Spidey with this Rubie’s Marvel Classic Spider-Man Pet Costume. Available in 6 sizes, small to 3X, the large is a perfect fit for corgis and beagles, to give you some perspective on size.
Although made of a thin, stretchy fabric, most paws won’t rip through, but the headpiece is challenging to keep on. Although there are ear slits, it depends on your dog’s ear configuration as to whether or not they will align. The costume could also use a bit more Velcro to keep it in place.
9. Rubie’s Costume Company Scooby Doo Pet Suit
- Cuteness factor
- Complementary human costumes
- Velcro tabs difficult to line up
- Ear holes not best for floppy-eared breeds
- Pricey depending on size
Start up the Mystery Van, as your canine sleuth will be ready to go on the prowl in his Rubie’s Costume Company Scooby Doo Pet Suit. Humans can play the role of ‘Shaggy,’ this furry companion’s sidekick, in a complementary costume.
The cape and collar attach to the step-in bodysuit with 2 Velcro tabs that can be a bit tricky to line up. The ear holes may be awkward for floppy-eared breeds, and the costume may best fit shorter-legged canines.
Any struggles, though, are well worth the GRRReat photos you’ll capture. Just be sure to have plenty of Scooby Snacks on hand to entertain your pup while you’re getting him ready for his close-up! The cuteness factor is off the charts.
8. NACOCO Pet Dog Costume Pirates of the Caribbean
- Adorable watching dog sway his hook
- Reasonably priced
- Ears can’t fit through the hat
- Cape tends to slide to one side
Made of soft, washable cotton fabric, the NACOCO Pet Dog Costume Pirates of the Caribbean comes in 3 sizes, fitting dogs with necks 12.6 – 21.3” round. This awesome dog costume fits on your dog’s forelegs and head, while the “hook” sways with every step he takes.
The hat allows ears to slip through, and a little Velcro under the chin helps keep it on if your dog doesn’t shake too much. The cape tends to slide to one side, so you may need to be creative to keep it in place.
Be on guard as you may have to remind your matey to mind his manners in this funny dog Halloween costume while he might be tempted to change his bark to an “Argh” or a “Yo ho ho!”
7. Mogoko Funny Dog Shark Costume
- Soft & warm
- Headpiece does not obscure view
- Easy to put on & take off
- Machine washable
- Variety of sizes
- Can be too warm depending on climate
- Not anatomically correct
One of the new ideas in doggie wear this season. Between the smooth velvet exterior and the soft fleece lining, your dog will be cozy in this Mogoko Funny Dog Shark Costume. Just make sure the environment is cool so that your pooch doesn’t overheat!
The jaws headpiece does not obscure the view or get in the dog’s face, while the body fin turns your canine into a land shark! One pet parent did point out, however, that it is not anatomically correct – the fin is horizontal, like a whale’s, rather than positioned vertically, like a shark’s.
However, this funny dog Halloween costume is still a hit! Four buttons and elastic make it easy to put on and take off, and it is machine washable.
Available in 6 sizes that will fit doggies with chests ranging from 13.3” to 24.8”. For safety’s sake, keep your dog’s collar on and clip a leash to the collar ring through the hole in the costume.
6. DC Comics Teen Titans Robin Pet Costume
- Corresponding human costume
- The dog really looks like a superhero
- Sleeves & cap run long
- Eye holes in mask don’t line up for all & may be difficult to keep on
If you have a large breed who likes to play dress-up, or will at least humor you into thinking he does, the DC Comics Teen Titans Robin Pet Costume is one of the best large dog costume ideas we have seen. Lightweight and easy to put on, the colors are bright, making your dog more visible in subdued light.
A few tweaks may be needed depending on leg length (i.e., shortening sleeves or cape), but this Halloween outfit is well made.
The mask might not work for every canine pal. Depending on the distance between your dog’s eyes, the holes may not line up, and you want to take care not to obstruct his view. Pet parents claim, even without the mask, this is a good dog costume indeed.
Thanks to the availability of complementary human costumes, you and your dog can roam the night as the dynamic duo! One of the cool dog costumes you’ll wanna buy.
5. Mogoko Dog Pumpkin Costume
- Reversible so the dog can wear it as a jacket
- Machine washable
- Easy to put on & take off
- Adjustable
- Hoodie may not reach top of all dogs’ heads
The Mogoko Dog Halloween Costume is on our list of cute puppy Halloween costumes for sure! Available in 4 sizes, it will fit dogs (cats too) 5 lbs. to 23 lbs., so small breeds and large breed puppies. As with most clothing, if your pet is in between sizes, choose the next larger size.
Talk about cute Halloween outfits for dogs, this pumpkin costume is as soft as a baby’s sleeper, made of microfiber and velvet to keep your dog snuggly warm in colder weather. Not only a good dog costume but also a hoodie coat for those chilly autumn days!
The four buttons and elastic make it easy to put on and take off. The costume is machine washable so that your little punkin’ can wear it all month long.
The only downside is the hoodie may not be long enough to reach the top of your dog’s head, as each dog is uniquely sized. An added bonus is that it reverses to solid orange with white polka dots, so your dog can wear it into November.
4. Rubie’s Beetlejuice Pet Costume
- A real hit of a costume
- Shorter on the belly so the dog can go potty
- Easy to step into
- It takes some effort to prepare the wig
- Keeping wig on is difficult
- Only for smaller breeds
In the words of Betelgeuse himself, you can proclaim, “It’s showtime!” as your dog steps out in this striped jacket with attached dickie to become the hit of the party!
Get out your mousse and hairspray to give the wig that wild, spiked look, but of course, the more significant feat may be getting the wig to stay on the dog!
Shorter on the belly than the back, dogs can answer nature’s call without taking off this cute Halloween outfit. Step-in sleeves and Velcro closures help it stay on most smaller pups as XL in this costume fits a Beagle or Shiba Inu-sized dog.
3. Rubie’s Hot Dog Pet Costume
- Doggone adorable
- Soft pull-on body suit
- Runs big so may need adjustments
- Slides on some dogs
- Higher priced but worth it
Your dog will be the talk of the ballpark, neighborhood, or wherever he travels, in this Rubie’s Hot Dog Pet Costume! The bodysuit, in the shape of your favorite ballgame delight, is a soft pull-on bodysuit topped with mustard.
The material is durable and has several adjustable straps to give your dog his best fit around the neck, mid-section, and back. On some pooches, it does tend to slide, but tying it to a collar might improve the situation.
Some pet parents have found sizing to run bigger than described in the chart, but every dog’s unique shape might require a tweak or two. Just enjoy the comments your pooch will get as he masquerades as a wiener dog, regardless of his breed.
2. Rubie’s Star Wars Ewok Pet Costume
- Complementary human costumes
- Easy to put on
- Super fun
- May need to alter headpiece for ears
- Quite warm
- Fits small to medium breeds only
In this officially licensed Star Wars pet costume, a trademark of Disney and Lucasfilm, your canine trick-or-treater will look like he came from a galaxy far, far away!
Many complementary Star Wars character costumes are available to fit both dogs and humans so that you can create a theme. The Ewok shirt is easy to slip your dog’s paws through, while the headpiece has attached ears and drawstring to turn the cutest pet into the fiercest little warrior from Endor.
This is truly one of the best small dog costumes around. Some pet parents may wish to alter the headpiece to allow their dog’s ears to poke through. The costume is quite warm, though, so make sure the weather is cold enough for your pet not to overheat!
Available in sizes S – XL, but check the size chart as the Rubie’s Star Wars Ewok Pet Costume best fits dogs with necks 12 – 20” and that typically weigh 6 – 45 lbs.
1. California Costume Collections UPS Pal Dog Costume
- Totally awesome costume
- Amazing photo ops
- May help your dog make friends with the real UPS guy or gal
- Box may detach from Velcro
- Cutting & assembly of box is tedious for some
What dog doesn’t idolize, or is that terrorize, the UPS guy? Here’s the chance to let your dog walk in your delivery man or woman’s shoes with one of the best dog costumes ever!
This cool dog costume sports the recognizable brown shirt, stuffed with attached arms, a cap, and a cardboard box. Pet parents who purchase the California Costume Collections UPS Pal Dog Costume may get a kick out of having their dog pose with their actual delivery person. What an excellent way for your dog to make a new friend! Fits lapdogs on up to retriever-sized breeds.
The box requires cutting and assembly, so there is a bit of work involved for dog moms and dads, but it then attaches to the arms with Velcro. An excitable dog may send the box flying, so let guests know to expect an airmail delivery LOL.
Conclusion
Every dog is unique, and some just don’t take to wearing clothes. If your pooch, however, will tolerate apparel long enough for a photo op, or actually wear it out and about, you can have great fun and rejoice in the retweets and likes he’ll get in any of these 15 best dog costumes for Halloween!
According to the Canine Journal, the South and East Coast are more inclined to have their dog disguised at this ghoulish time of year. Midwesterners? Not so much, while folks in New England go all out!
If you want to get in the spirit, but dress-up is not your dog’s speed, keep it simple with a candy corn sweater, doggie bow tie, or Halloween bandana for dogs!
Whatever you choose, keep your pet safely by your side, and:
- Practice wearing the cute dog costume days in advance for short periods. Make sure nothing obstructs your pet’s vision or ability to use the bathroom, that the costume won’t cause him to trip or entangle his legs or tail, and that the elastic isn’t binding.
- Never leave your pet unsupervised while in a costume, and make sure he doesn’t consume any of the parts!
- If your dog is timid, don’t take him out when hobgoblins are shrieking. Settle for a quiet photo op at home.
- If you do take your pet out in full attire, make sure you’ve created a way to keep his collar/harness and leash securely attached, underneath the costume, to you!
- By all means, watch your dog to be sure he doesn’t consume Halloween candy. Find a pet-safe treat to reward him for his kindness of humoring you!
What are your dog Halloween costume ideas? Will you choose something for yourself that matches one of these awesome dog costumes? Did your fav pick not make this list? Please share.
DENISE FLECK is an award-winning author, animal care instructor and radio show host. She was named one of Pet Age Magazine’s “Women of Influence” for 2018, a “Most Inspiring Story” in 2017 by Voyage Atlanta Magazine and has been nominated for 6 Dog Writers Awards to be announced in early 2019.
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