Importance of a Dog Costume
What’s more fun than searching for the best dog costumes? For holidays, parties, or even just for fun, dog costumes are a great way to make things a little more festive.
Of course, if your dog hates wearing things, or seems severely distressed by the costume, you should not attempt to force them to wear it. You should also never leave your dog unsupervised with a costume on, as they could potentially chew and ingest parts of the costume.
The best dog costumes fit comfortably, while also having that “fun” factor. If your dog doesn’t mind, then have at it!
Five Best Dog Costumes
As a certified dog trainer, here are the signs of distress that you should look out for when your dog is wearing a costume. A dog that continues to move stiffly for extended periods, or strenuously attempts to remove the costume, might be in distress. If your dog behaves calmly, even if it takes a few minutes, they should be good to go!
Each of these costumes has a certain scenario or feature that sets it apart from the rest: durability, all-around use, value, etc. It is difficult to provide an all-encompassing choice of which dog costume is best, but we have ranked them in terms of quality, price, versatility, ergonomy, and more.
Here is our unbiased review of the top 5 best dog costumes available!
All-Around Favorite Costume
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Review Highlights:
“… I admit it, this is not something I really NEEDED, but I really wanted it. He looked hilarious but he didn’t seem to mind… it was really fun… this was worth every penny. …”
“… LOVED IT!!! …”
“… This has been my all time favorite amazon purchase thus far. It was easy to put on, easy to tighten without harm… she got used to it really quickly… This thing is amazing. BUY IT! …”
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The key to this costume is its simplicity. For most dogs, this costume is not overly cumbersome, and shouldn’t cause too much distress. It is a great all-around choice no matter the occasion or the dog.
Feature Highlights:
- Quality materials are durable and easy to clean.
- Eye-catching costume is suitable for any event.
- Comfortable and adjustable fit.
- Fits medium and large-sized dogs.
This costume is a great choice for most dogs. However, it does not fit some smaller breeds. The material is comfortable and durable, and you can easily adjust to your dog’s size.
Without a doubt, this simple costume makes for a great head-turner. With comfortable material, your dog will quickly and easily adjust to the costume. The versatility, both for your dog and for the occasion, is what makes this product a great all-around choice. Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Pitbulls, Collies, and more.
Best Christmas Costume
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Review Highlights:
“… Such an awesome holiday costume. Took some great Christmas pics with my pup while she was wearing it. My family loved it too! …”
“… This is super cute and funny. My mom can’t stop laughing seeing my dog running around with this outfit …”
“… Great costume…big hit at fashion show for dogs. I didn’t realize there is a cut out to put leash through which is genius, otherwise a leash push Santa to the side. I have already washed it without the Santa and it washed well. …”
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This really is a great Christmas costume. It keeps your dog looking festive, and keeps your guests laughing merrily all evening long!
Feature Highlights:
- Comes in Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large sizes.
- Velcro strap is easy to adjust to your dog’s size.
- Features dual side pockets for presents.
This costume is outright hilarious. It might be a little more obstructive than some other costumes, but if your dog is unhappy with it they might fare better without the hood on the costume. The adjustable straps help ensure a snug fit that your dog can easily get used to.
You can choose from several different sizes for many different breeds of dog. Some reviewers do note that the costume runs a little small, so lean on the larger end of the scale. Overall, this costume is great for festive activities around the holidays! Recommended for: Maltese, Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and more.
Best Halloween Costume
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Review Highlights:
“… Perfect costume! It’s easy to put on – attaches at the neck and chest and is adjustable Velcro. The legs have wire inside so you can position them as needed. Love it. Buy it …”
“… This costume is hilarious. He really looks like a giant spider scampering around. It is easy to put on and lightweight. Be doesn’t seem to mind wearing it at all! …”
“… Perfect little costume. My pup eventually got used to it and loved Trick or Treating! …”
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You don’t get a better spooky Halloween costume than this spider! With fuzzy legs, this costume is one of the better choices for a “realistic” spider-dog! It’s a great choice for medium and small dog breeds.
Feature Highlights:
- Eight furry, poseable legs for ultimate spookiness!
- Adjustable velcro straps to adjust to your dog’s size.
- Lightweight, breathable material isn’t bulky or hot.
This silly little costume is a great Halloween choice for smaller dogs. However, you should measure your dog before purchasing, and remember that this costume runs a little small. When in doubt, size up to the medium!
Bend the poseable legs in any direction or angle you’d like to make your dog look a little bit creepy-crawly. This fun little costume makes for a great addition to your trick or treating. Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Golden Doodles, and more.
Best Birthday Dog Costume
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Review Highlights:
“… This was the perfect finishing touch to his birthday pictures, I absolutely loved it. I thought the hat was just going to be a paper party hat but it’s more of a soft foam which was great & more sturdy than the paper ones …”
“… Was impressed by the quality of both items. The hat especially as it’s made out a foam-type material. The string and the pom-poms are secured really well and I’m sure this will last us a long time …”
“… So cute and the hat was stretchy so it wasn’t too tight. Cute for a yearly birthday picture …”
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Celebrate your dog’s birthday with this fun little costume. The bandana alone is great for pets who do not like wearing costumes, as it is easy to adjust to. If your dog is a little more tolerant, they can wear the festive party has as well!
Feature Highlights:
- Comes in a choice of two colors to best fit your dog.
- Lightweight material doesn’t weigh down your pet.
- One size fits most breeds.
This pick is great because it is so versatile. A wide variety of different dog breeds can enjoy their birthday festivities with this costume! As usual, make sure you measure just to double-check the fit!
You can tie the bandana to any length that you’d like, so it perfectly fits your dog. The elastic on the hat is quite flexible, and the hat itself is soft and pliable, yet durable for multiple uses. Recommended for: Chihuahuas, Labrador Retrievers, Shih-Tzus, Toy Poodles, and more!
Best Costume for Large Breeds
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Review Highlights:
“… I have a large Labrador who is hard to find costumes for, this fit her very well and she was comfortable for quite some time. Very happy with this purchase! …”
“… Adorable addition to Derby Day!! Adjustable straps and harness design made a perfect fit and he didn’t even realize it was on. It was probably more comfortable than his walking harness …”
“… Fun costume for your [dog]. She got used to it after just a minute or two. …”
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Is your dog large enough to be mistaken for a horse? Then this is definitely the costume for you! This jockey costume is simple, yet effective.
Feature Highlights:
- Comes in size Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large.
- Jockey figure looks like it’s riding the dog!
- Features a ring to attach your leash to, doubling as a harness.
Sometimes large breed dogs miss out on the fun of Halloween festivities because costumes just don’t come in their size. You can find an immense variety of small costumes, but very few large ones. Thankfully, this costume is a great fit for large breed dogs without breaking the bank.
Ensure you measure before purchasing. Many reviewers recommend siding on the larger size, as the costume runs small. This costume is a great addition for many different occasions, particularly horse racing! Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, and more.
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