Check Out the Best Dog Shark Costumes

Written by Judie Sigdel
Updated: November 15, 2022
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Duuuun duun….duuun dun…duuun duun…. dun dun dun dun dun dun! Watch out! Here comes shark dog! If you’re looking for the perfect costume to help your dog celebrate Halloween or another special occasion, you can’t go wrong with dressing them up as a shark. Despite how scary and fierce real sharks are, many shark costumes are actually quite cute.

If you’re looking for the best shark costume for dogs, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve reviewed some of the top costumes on the market to help you select the best one to match your dog’s size and personality, while also keeping them comfortable and happy!

  1. Mogoko Funny Dog Shark Costume
    • Available in gray or blue
    • The hood pulls down to make it look like your dog has real shark teeth
    • Features inner microfiber for comfort
    • Outer material is soft velvet
    • Easy to put on with elastic and button closures
    Check Amazon
  2. Queenmore Dog Life Jacket Ripstop Dog Safety Vest with Shark Fin
    • This functional life jacket is also a shark costume that is available in 4 colors
    • Made from waterproof, durable Oxford cloth and polyethylene foam
    • It features a breathable mesh lining to keep your dog dry and comfortable after a dip in the water
    • The shark fin on the back of the vest will bring a smile to everyone's face
    • The jacket also features a D-ring so you can connect your dog's leash,a grabbing handle to help keep your dog safe, adjustable straps, and quick-release buckles
    Check Amazon
  3. CooShou Pet Halloween Costume Dog Shark Hat Dog Shark Headgear
    • This hat makes it look like a shark is swallowing your pup...chomp, chomp, chomp...
    • Made of soft outer fleece
    • The filling is safe, lightweight polyester
    • Affixes to your dog's head with a long Velcro strap under the neck and an additional strap behind its neck
    • Available in small and large
    Check Amazon

The Top Picks for the Best Dog Shark Costume: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: Mogoko Funny Dog Shark Costume

Our best overall pick for a dog shark costume from Mogoko is sure to transform your dog into the cutest shark in the neighborhood. It is available with either a blue or gray color for a customized look that will coordinate with your dog’s fur color and/or the costumes of other family members. The jaws hood pulls over a dog’s head to make them look like they have real shark teeth.

The costume features an inner microfiber material to ensure comfort against a dog’s skin and outer soft velvet material. These materials are both warm and cozy, making this costume a better choice for cooler fall or winter weather.

You’ll find that this costume is easy to put on your dog. It is designed with elastic and four button closures, so you’ll be able to get your pup dressed quickly and get them out of the costume when they’ve had enough.

This shark costume comes in eight different sizes to fit dogs with a neck girth between 9.4 and 21.2 inches and a chest girth between 13 and 30.3 inches.

The majority of customer complaints had to do with sizing. We recommend that you read the product reviews to help you determine which size to purchase for your baby shark.

Pros and Cons of the Mogoko Funny Dog Shark Costume

ProsCons
This shark costume is available in blue or gray.This microfiber-lined costume may be too hot for warmer climates.
The hood is designed to pull over your dog’s head so it looks like it has real shark teeth.Some customers said that the costume wasn’t sized correctly.
The costume is lined with microfiber for cozy comfort and it has a soft velvet material on the outside.
It features elastic and four button closures so it’s easy to put on and take off.
This adorable costume is available in eight sizes.
Overall Best
Mogoko Funny Dog Shark Costume
  • Available in gray or blue
  • The hood pulls down to make it look like your dog has real shark teeth
  • Features inner microfiber for comfort
  • Outer material is soft velvet
  • Easy to put on with elastic and button closures
Check Amazon

2. Best Fin:Rubie’s Shark Fin Dog Costume

If you’re looking for a simpler shark costume for your dog or don’t think your pup will tolerate a full-body costume, this shark fin from Rubie’s Costumes is a great pick. The vest style of this costume means it may be much more comfortable for some dogs to wear, especially those who don’t like being covered completely.

While this is a simpler costume, the large, attached fin leaves no question that your dog is dressed up as a shark. The vest and fin are also gray in color to closely resemble a real shark.

The vest has a V-neck design and is made from polyester. You can choose from a small/medium or medium/large size for this fin.

The number one customer complaint was that this costume runs small.

Pros and Cons of Rubie’s Shark Fin Dog Costume

ProsCons
This design is perfect for dogs that won’t tolerate a full-body costume.According to some buyers, this costume runs small.
The design is simple, but it leaves no question that your dog is dressed as a shark.
The costume features a V-neck design and is made from polyester.
This shark costume is available in small/medium or medium/large.

3. Best Shark Life Jacket:Queenmore Shark Fin Dog Life Jacket

If spending the day by the water while keeping your dog safe and stylish is your idea of the perfect Halloween, the Queenmore Shark Fin Dog Life Jacket is definitely for you!

The life jacket is made from durable and waterproof Oxford cloth and polyethylene foam. It also features a breathable mesh lining to keep dogs comfortable and help them dry quickly after swimming in the water.

The shark fin on the back of the vest is sure to give everyone a good laugh as they see “Jaws” swimming towards them. The life jacket is also designed with a heavy-duty grabbing handle to help you keep your dog safe, quick-release buckles, and adjustable straps. There is also a D-ring hook on the back of the jacket where you can connect your dog’s leash. Please err on the side of safety and monitor your dog closely while they’re in the water, because some buyers reported that this shark fin life jacket isn’t buoyant enough.

You can make your dog a traditional gray shark with this jacket. Or you may also choose to make them stand out more like a pink, green, or fuchsia shark. This life jacket is available in six sizes to fit dogs weighing between 5.5 and 121 pounds.

Pros and Cons of the Queenmore Shark Fin Dog Life Jacket

ProsCons
This shark fin dog life jacket is made of durable, waterproof Oxford cloth and polyethylene foam.It may not be buoyant enough to keep your dog afloat in the water.
It features a quick-dry, breathable mesh lining for comfort.
You can grasp the life jacket’s heavy-duty grabbing handle to fish your dog out of the water.
This costume/life jacket also has a D-ring on the back where you can attach your dog’s leash.
It’s available in six colors and six sizes to fit dogs weighing from 5.5 to 121 pounds.
Best Shark Life Jacket
Queenmore Dog Life Jacket Ripstop Dog Safety Vest with Shark Fin
  • This functional life jacket is also a shark costume that is available in 4 colors
  • Made from waterproof, durable Oxford cloth and polyethylene foam
  • It features a breathable mesh lining to keep your dog dry and comfortable after a dip in the water
  • The shark fin on the back of the vest will bring a smile to everyone's face
  • The jacket also features a D-ring so you can connect your dog's leash,a grabbing handle to help keep your dog safe, adjustable straps, and quick-release buckles
Check Amazon

4. Best Shark Hat: CooShou Pet Halloween Costume Dog Shark Hat

The CooShou Pet Halloween Costume Dog Shark Hat is a great way to get your pooch gussied up for Halloween even if it hates full-body outfits! This dog shark hat gives the appearance that a shark is swallowing your baby whole! It’s made of soft outer fleece and safe, lightweight polyester filling. The hat is held in place two ways. There’s a long Velcro strap that fixes under the neck for varied widths, and an additional elastic strap at the back of the neck to keep the hat in place.

The hat comes in two sizes small and large. The small version fits a neck circumference of 7.8″ – 11.8″. This size is recommended for small dogs and cats. The medium hat fits a neck circumference of 10.2″ – 13.4″, best for small to medium dogs. You should measure your dog’s neck before purchasing this hat, and be aware, it’s recommended for small to medium dogs.

Pros and Cons of the CooShou Pet Halloween Costume Dog Shark Hat

ProsCons
This hat is the perfect costume for dogs that won’t tolerate clothing on their bodies.It’s only recommended for small to medium dogs.
The hat features soft outer fleece on the outside and safe, lightweight polyester filling.
A long Velcro strap acts as a chin strap and an elastic strap secures the hat at the back of your pup’s neck.
It’s available in small (7.8″ – 11.8″) and large (10.2″ – 13.4″).
Best Shark Hat
CooShou Pet Halloween Costume Dog Shark Hat Dog Shark Headgear
  • This hat makes it look like a shark is swallowing your pup...chomp, chomp, chomp...
  • Made of soft outer fleece
  • The filling is safe, lightweight polyester
  • Affixes to your dog's head with a long Velcro strap under the neck and an additional strap behind its neck
  • Available in small and large
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Dog Shark Costume

Before you purchase a new shark costume for your dog, there are a few different features you’ll want to consider. Evaluating these features can help ensure that both you and your pup will love the costume you select.

Size

Choosing a costume that is the proper size for your dog is important. Manufacturers should post a sizing chart to help you confirm whether a costume should fit your pup. Depending on the design of the specific shark costume you’re looking at, you may need to measure your dog’s neck, chest, or overall lengths. Many sizing charts also include a weight range to provide you with additional information to ensure a proper fit. Also do a little research on customer ratings at sites where the costume was purchased to get an idea of whether the costume runs bigger or smaller than the chart indicates.

Bulkiness

In addition to paying attention to the size and measurements of each shark costume, also consider how bulky each option is. If a costume is overly bulky, it may not be comfortable for your dog to wear for an extended period, since it may make it more difficult for them to walk or lie down. Additionally, if you’re planning on bringing your dog anywhere in the car, a bulkier costume may make that more challenging.

Materials

Choose a shark costume made from comfortable materials that aren’t likely to irritate your dog’s skin. You should also look for costumes made from lightweight fabrics. Dogs already have a fur coat, so adding too much weight on top of their coat may cause them to overheat, especially if you’re taking them out on a warm and sunny day in their costume.

Safety

As we mentioned above, various components of a costume could become a choking hazard. Closely evaluate each costume for any smaller parts that may be easy for a dog to remove and try to chew on. This is true for all dogs, but even more important if your pup is known for chewing on items.

Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy in Its Shark Costume

Use these safety tips to watch out for your dog when he is wearing his shark costume:

  • Check the costume for any potential choke hazards and inspect it carefully again before you put it on your dog.
  • Keep your dog within your sight while he’s wearing his costume. This will ensure timely intervention should your dog get stuck on something he walks by or chew off a piece of the costume.
  • Don’t make your dog wear his costume if it appears to make him anxious. Some dogs like dressing up, others don’t. It isn’t worth causing your dog stress or anxiety to make him wear his costume.

Our Criteria and Experience — How We Chose the Best

We want nothing more than for your dog to enjoy his experience as the king of the deep! When we chose our top recommendations for shark costumes, we took into account the quality of the materials used, the durability of the costume for short-term wear, how well it fits (and if the sizing chart seemed to line up with how the product actually fit), and reviews from customers. Here are some notes for you to consider:

  • Our #1 Best Overall pick is a great choice for a full-bodied option. The combination of fleece and velvet is soft and comfortable for your dog. It can also be warm, so keep your climate in mind when you take your dog out for any extended time in this costume. We liked the plastic snap features to aid in getting your dog in and out of the costume fairly easy. Do note that customers found that the costume seemed to run a bit small based on how it fit on their dogs.
  • The #2 shark fin is actually a piece made not only for pets but also for humans! The soft velvety chest strap is stretchy to fit your dog comfortably. We liked the fact the fin is an easy sell for the more fussy dog, but some customers said it ran small, so take that in mind when seeking the correct size.
  • We think a swimming life vest like our #3 pick is a great option for the canine water lover! The shark fin on this dog jacket adds style to safety, and the jacket is constructed from durable and high-quality materials. The smaller sizes of the life jacket may be a bit bulky for small breeds, though, so be aware. And it may not be buoyant enough to keep your pup afloat, so watch them carefully if they go in the water.
  • We had to include a hat option, and we found our #4 pick to be a hilarious show-stopper! While we’re sad it doesn’t run large enough to fit all sizes of dogs, it’s a great choice for your small or medium-sized dog.

Up Next…

About the Author

My passion is writing about animals. I’ve published articles on pet parrots, birds, and small animal care and reviews about pet food and products. I have an ever-evolving aviary and menagerie that has included cockatiels, parakeets, conures, European starlings, a chukar partridge, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. I’m also the author of Faith without Labels: a Guide to Eclectic Spirituality.

Check Out the Best Dog Shark Costumes FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How do I know what size costume to buy for my dog?

Finding the right size dog costume should be pretty simple. Most manufacturers include a sizing chart to help you get the right fit. Depending on the costume you select, you may need to take measurements of your dog’s neck, chest, and/or overall length. Many sizing charts also include a recommended weight for each costume size. Checking customer reviews can keep you from buying the wrong size if the costume runs small or large.

Is a shark a good costume for a dog?

Sure! You can find shark costumes that will make your dog look cute, as well as ones that will make them look more ferocious. The choice is really yours depending on what you’re looking for.

Where can you buy a dog shark costume?

While you may be able to find some shark dog costumes in store, your selection will likely be more limited, and you may not be able to find the correct size for your dog. Buying online from a reputable company, such as Amazon, will offer you a much larger selection of shark costumes available in a wide range of sizes.

Should I get my dog a full shark costume or just a shark fin?

The answer to this question depends on both your preferences as well as your dog’s preferences. Think about whether your dog will tolerate wearing a whole-body costume, or whether they may be more comfortable in just a shark fin that straps around their body. You can also think about the overall look you’re after and whether you’re trying to coordinate your dog’s costume with what you’ll be wearing or what others in the family will wear.

What should I do if my dog won’t wear his shark costume?

While some dogs enjoy getting dressed up, others don’t like wearing a costume. If your dog doesn’t want to wear a costume, you shouldn’t force it. It may cause unnecessary anxiety, which could lead to other health issues down the line.

If your dog seems nervous, you can try leaving the costume on the ground for them to sniff and see if that helps improve their comfort level. But, if they still seem hesitant after that, forcing them into the costume just to get some cute pictures or comments for others isn’t worth the risk to your dog’s health and happiness.

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