The Top Dog Costumes: Reviewed

Written by Ashley Haugen
Updated: November 18, 2022
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Do you remember how fun it was to dress up for Halloween? There were the obvious scarier choices like a ghost, skeleton, witch, or pumpkin….or cutesier options like a teddy bear, cat, or Raggedy Ann. But then again, you could go further with a favorite character from a cartoon, TV show, or movie. The options were endless!

Well, here at A-Z-Animals.com, we know that our readers get just as excited over planning how their pets will dress for Halloween! And with the spookiest of days right around the corner, it’s not too early to start thinking about the best Halloween costume for your dog. From pumpkins and pirates to the Grinch and Olaf, we’ve reviewed and verified countless costumes portraying the most popular characters people and their pooches love to portray.

  1. California Costumes Pet Spider Pup Dog Costume
    • Full-body design
    • Features hood with 4 yellow eyes
    • All 8 legs have fuzzy orange fur
    • Available in 4 sizes
    Check Amazon
  2. Petitebella Little Ghost Puppy Dog Dress
    • Designed like a dog dress
    • The ghost's face goes over your dog's back and features a gaping, surprised mouth
    • The skirt features black and white stripes and a small black bow
    • Lightweight cotton
    • 7 sizes available
    Check Amazon
  3. California Costume Collections UPS Dog Costume

    •Step-in UPS costume for dogs

    •Package is removable

    •S-L sizes


    Check Amazon
  4. 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
  5. RWM Dog Lion Mane Costume

    •Slip-on lion's mane costume

    •Medium-Large sizing

    •Tail puff optional

    Check Amazon
  6. California Costumes Pet Pupasaurus Rex Dog Costume Costume

    •2-piece dinosaur costume

    •Padded body section, head section separate

    •Comfortable & cute

    •Various sizes

    Check Amazon
  7. Dr.NONO Tiger Costume for Dogs

    •Eye-catching dog tiger costume

    •Various sizes

    •Warm, soft fabric

    Check Amazon
  8. DC Comics Batman Harness for Dogs

    •Batman-themed harness for dogs

    •S-L sizes

    •Double-logo

    Check Amazon
  9. Coomour Halloween Dog Costume

    •Harry Potter cape & tie costume for pets

    •Glasses & bowtie included

    •S-XL sizes

    Check Amazon
  10. California Costumes Pet Deadly Doll Dog Costume Costume

    •Signature Chucky doll dog costume

    •Face-framing for realism

    •Easy wear

    •XS-M sizes

    Check Amazon
  11. Zoo Snoods Baby Yoda Dog Costume

    •Yoda headpiece costume for dogs

    •Simple, comfortable design

    •S-L sizes

    Check Amazon

#1 Best Overall Costume: California Costumes Dog Spider Costume

California Costumes Dog Spider Costume is our choice for the #1 Best Overall dog Halloween costume because transforms cute and cuddly pups into ferocious, hairy spiders!

The full-body design features a hood with four scary yellow eyes. Compared to other costumes that just make a dog look like a big spider is on its back, your entire dog will look like a spider with this costume. Each of the eight spider legs also has fuzzy orange fur for an even creepier look.

This costume is available in four different size options: extra-small, small, medium, and large. The extra-small is suitable for dogs with a chest girth between 12 and 16 inches and neck girth between 10 and 12 inches, and the large is best for dogs with a chest girth between 24 and 28 inches and a neck girth between 16 and 20 inches. You can reference the size chart if your dog’s measurements fall between these two sizes.

Most negative customer reviews had to do with the costume running too big or too small. A few buyers also had complaints about quality, such as the spider’s legs not being filled out enough and pieces, including eyeballs, falling off.

Pros and Cons of the California Costumes Dog Spider Costume

ProsCons
This full-body design includes a hood with four yellow eyes.Some purchasers said that the costume was too big or too small.
The legs are enhanced with fuzzy orange fur for an even creepier look.Quality issues included the legs not being “filled out” enough and pieces, such as the eyeballs, falling off.
This spider costume is available in four sizes: extra-small, small, medium, and large.
Best Spider Costume
California Costumes Pet Spider Pup Dog Costume
  • Full-body design
  • Features hood with 4 yellow eyes
  • All 8 legs have fuzzy orange fur
  • Available in 4 sizes
Check Amazon

2. Best Ghost Costume: Petitebella Little Ghost Puppy Dog Dress

Your dog will be the cutest pooch around on Halloween in this Petitebella Little Ghost Puppy Dog Dress. The black, white, and silver costume is designed like a dog dress, and a smiling white ghost goes over your dog’s back. The cute skirt features silver spider webs and a silver bow.

The cotton and polyester material means it’s super soft and comfortable against your dog’s skin. It is also lightweight and a much better option for warmer climates than many other heavier costumes.

With seven different sizes available, you should be able to find the perfect fit for your pooch. The seven sizes (X-small, small, medium, large, X-large, XX-large, and XXX-large) fit dogs with a chest girth between 11.4 and 27.5 inches, a neck girth between 7.1 and 16.5 inches, and a back length between 7.5 and 21.3 inches. Some buyers said that it runs small.

Pros and Cons of the Petitebella Little Ghost Puppy Dog Dress

ProsCons
This cotton and polyester costume is designed like a dog dress.It may run small.
The dress is black with a white ghost on the dog’s back and the skirt features silver spider webs and a silver bow.
It’s available in seven sizes — X-small, small, medium, large, X-large, XX-large, and XXX-large — based on your dog’s measurements.
Best Ghost Costume
Petitebella Little Ghost Puppy Dog Dress
  • Designed like a dog dress
  • The ghost's face goes over your dog's back and features a gaping, surprised mouth
  • The skirt features black and white stripes and a small black bow
  • Lightweight cotton
  • 7 sizes available
Check Amazon

3. Best UPS Dog Costume: California Costumes UPS Delivery Driver

With this California Costumes UPS Delivery Driver costume, your pup will look just like a UPS delivery driver ready to make a special delivery. The step-in outfit is the same brown color that UPS carriers wear and even includes sewn-on arms holding a small box with the UPS logo. A brown UPS hat is also included with the costume for a more complete look.

The outfit secures around a dog’s neck to keep it in place. You can also remove the package from the dog’s “hands.”

Choose from small, medium, and large sizes for this costume. Dogs with a neck circumference between 12 and 14 inches and a chest circumference between 16 and 20 inches should fit in the size small, dogs with a neck circumference between 14 and 16 inches and a chest circumference between 20 and 24 inches should fit in a medium, and dogs with a neck circumference between 18 and 20 inches and a chest circumference between 24 and 28 inches should fit in a large. Some buyers claim that this costume runs too small, but others say that it runs too large.

Pros and Cons of the California Costumes UPS Delivery Driver

ProsCons
This step-in costume is crafted in UPS’s signature brown, and it secures around a dog’s neck.Some buyers say that this costume runs too small, while others say that it runs too large.
It features a UPS hat and sewn-in arms holding a small, removable UPS package.
This costume is available in small, medium, and large.
Best UPS Costume
California Costume Collections UPS Dog Costume

•Step-in UPS costume for dogs

•Package is removable

•S-L sizes


Check Amazon

4. Best Shark Costume: Mogoko Dog Shark Costume

This Mogoko Dog Shark Costume 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. Some buyers said that this costume isn’t sized correctly.

Pros and Cons of the Mogoko Dog Shark Costume

ProsCons
This costume is available in gray or blue and it features a hood so your dog will look like it has real shark teeth.Because it’s lined with microfiber, this costume may be too hot for warmer climates.
This shark outfit is lined with microfiber for comfort and has a soft velvet material on the outside.Some pet parents said that this outfit isn’t sized correctly.
It features elastic and button closures so it’s easy to put on and take off.
It’s available in eight sizes based on dogs’ neck and chest girth.
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

5. Overall Best Dog Lion Costume: RWM Dog Lion Mane Costume

This simple RWM Dog Lion Mane Costume can quickly transform your dog from Fido to ferocious. The mane simply slips over a dog’s head and has an adjustable elastic strap to ensure a secure strap. It is designed to fit medium- to large-breed dogs with a neck circumference between 15.75 and 30 inches. Unfortunately, this means that it won’t fit smaller breeds.

This golden-colored wig looks very realistic. Two ears are also integrated into the design for an even more realistic look. RWM also includes a free tail puff with each mane to make a dog’s tail look more like a lion’s tail, though some buyers say that it doesn’t stay attached well.

RWM used top-quality materials and kept safety in mind when making this wig. It is crafted using non-toxic materials.

Pros and Cons of the RWM Dog Lion Mane Costume

ProsCons
This mane slips on and secures with an adjustable elastic strap.The lion’s tail (included) doesn’t stay attached very well.
It’s crafted from top-quality, non-toxic materials.This costume won’t fit smaller dogs.
This mane costume is designed to fit medium and large breed dogs.
Best Lion Costume
RWM Dog Lion Mane Costume

•Slip-on lion's mane costume

•Medium-Large sizing

•Tail puff optional

Check Amazon

6. Best Dinosaur Costume: California Costumes Dog Pupasaurus Costume

The Pupasaurus Rex costume from California Costume Collections is our top pick. This costume will transform your cuddly canine into a ferocious, but still cute, raptor!

This is a two-piece set that includes a whole-body, foam-padded dinosaur costume with a long raptor tail and a separate raptor headpiece.

The Pupasaurus Rex costume is available in small, medium, and large sizes to fit dogs between 12 and 20 inches long with a neck circumference between 12 and 20 inches and a chest circumference between 16 and 28 inches. Some buyers said that the headpiece was a little bulky and didn’t stay up very well. And the foam padding may be too hot for dogs.

Pros and Cons of the California Costumes Dog Pupasaurus Costume

ProsCons
This dinosaur costume features a separate body and headpiece.The headpiece is bulky and may not stay upright well.
The foam padding ensures a comfortable fit.The foam padding may be too hot for some dogs or in certain climates.
It’s available in small, medium, and large to accommodate dogs of various sizes.
Best Dinosaur Costume
California Costumes Pet Pupasaurus Rex Dog Costume Costume

•2-piece dinosaur costume

•Padded body section, head section separate

•Comfortable & cute

•Various sizes

Check Amazon

7. Best Dog Tiger Costume: Dr. NONO Dog Tiger Costume

This Dr. NONO Dog Tiger Costume is our top choice for a few different reasons. First, we love the orange color and realistic-looking tiger print. We also really like the hoodie design that gives the dog tiger ears without fully covering its face and making it uncomfortable.

Another thing we really like about this option is the soft velvet and polyester fabrics that were chosen for the costume. Not only does the costume feel like it will be comfortable for a dog to wear, but it also feels well-made to withstand the test of time.

This costume can be hand-washed or cleaned in the washing machine, which certainly makes things easier. It comes in a size medium, which is designed to fit dogs who weigh between 5.5 and 8.5 pounds, with a back length of around 12.2 inches, a chest girth of around 18.5 inches, and a neck girth of around 14.1 inches. However, some dog parents have mentioned that this costume runs small, so you may want to order a size up.

Pros and Cons of the Dr. NONO Dog Tiger Costume

ProsCons
This fierce tiger costume is made from super soft polyester and velvet fabric, which is comfy for dogs to wear.According to some buyers, this costume runs small.
It’s available in small, medium, and large.
The hoodie design allows your dog to have tiger ears without obscuring their face.
Best Tiger Costume
Dr.NONO Tiger Costume for Dogs

•Eye-catching dog tiger costume

•Various sizes

•Warm, soft fabric

Check Amazon

8. Best Dog Batman Costume: DC Comics Batman Harness

With this DC Comics Batman Harness, not only can you dress your dog up as Batman, but you can also easily keep your pup on their leash while you’re out. This is a harness that doubles as a Batman costume with its black cape and signature yellow Batman logo. There is an additional Batman logo on the front of the harness that will be displayed on the dog’s chest when they’re wearing it.

The harness is made from a heavy-duty, yet lightweight and comfortable fabric. It also has a mesh lining to keep dogs from getting too warm.

The metal D-ring is strong and secure to keep your pup safely hooked to their leash. This harness is available in three different sizes (small, medium, and large) for dogs with a neck circumference between 6.5 and 10 inches, a chest circumference between 15 and 24 inches, and a back length between 9 and 17 inches. However, buyer’s feedback regarding sizing is mixed, with some claiming that the harness runs too large and others stating that it runs too small.

Pros and Cons of the DC Comics Batman Harness

ProsCons
This harness, which doubles as a Batman costume, has a strong, secure metal D-ring to secure your dog to its leash.Determining the correct size may be difficult since some buyers say that it runs too large while others claim that it runs too small.
The costume features a black cape and the superhero’s signature yellow logo.
It’s crafted from heavy duty, lightweight fabric with a mesh lining that will keep your dog from from overheating.
It’s available in small, medium, and large
Best Batman Costume
DC Comics Batman Harness for Dogs

•Batman-themed harness for dogs

•S-L sizes

•Double-logo

Check Amazon

9. Best Harry Potter Dog Costume: Coomour Pet Wizard Costume

Your pup will look just like the famous wizard himself in this adorable Coomour Pet Wizard Costume. The costume features a black cape with an attached tie to go around your dog’s neck. A pair of signature Harry Potter glasses are also included, though some buyers report that they slip and fall off because there’s no way to secure them in place.

If you’d prefer to make your dog look like one of the other wizards from the movie, such as Draco Malfoy from the Slytherin House, there are multiple tie color options available. Choose from various red, blue, green, and yellow ties.

There are four different costume sizes available: small, medium, large, and extra-large. The sizing guide from the manufacturer can help you select the right fit for dogs with a neck circumference between 14.4 and 23.6 inches and a back length between 11.8 and 23.6 inches.

Some buyers reported that the material isn’t durable.

Pros and Cons of the Coomour Pet Wizard Costume

ProsCons
This wizard costume includes a cape, tie, and pair of glasses.The glasses tend to slip and fall off since there’s nothing to hold them in place.
The tie is available in four different colors.Some buyers stated that the material isn’t durable.
It’s available in four sizes to accommodate most dogs.
Best Harry Potter Costume
Coomour Halloween Dog Costume

•Harry Potter cape & tie costume for pets

•Glasses & bowtie included

•S-XL sizes

Check Amazon

10. Best Chucky Dog Costume: Chucky Doll Costume from California Costumes

Your dog will look just like everyone’s knife-wielding nightmare in this Chucky Doll Costume from California Costumes. The outfit’s step-in design will make it quick and easy to get your dog dressed and ready to go trick-or-treating or to a costume party. The two ties at the top of Chucky’s shirt fasten around the back of your pup’s neck to keep it up and secure.

Chucky is dressed in his signature red and white striped shirt with blue overalls. Padded “arms” are attached to the top of the shirt, and one of the hands is holding a bloody knife. The knife is held in place with hook-and-loop material that can be removed if you’d like. An orange wig with an elastic band is also included with each outfit.

You can use the sizing guide provided by California Costumes to decide whether an extra-small, small, or medium costume will be the best fit. These three sizes should accommodate dogs with a chest girth between 12 and 24 inches, a neck girth between 10 and 16 inches, and a neck-to-tail length between 8 and 16.

Some pet parents reported that this costume runs small, and others said that the arms were too floppy.

Pros and Cons of the Chucky Doll Costume from California Costumes

ProsCons
This costume features a step-in design and fastens with two ties at the back of the neck.The costume may run small.
The knife is help in place with a hook-and-loop fastening, but can be removed it desired.Some buyers say that the arms are too floppy.
The orange wig is held in place with elastic.
It’s available in three sizes.
Best Chucky Costume
California Costumes Pet Deadly Doll Dog Costume Costume

•Signature Chucky doll dog costume

•Face-framing for realism

•Easy wear

•XS-M sizes

Check Amazon

11. Best Baby Alien: Zoo Snoods Baby Alien Dog Costume

The Zoo Snoods Baby Alien Costume is a hand-knitted neck and ear warmer in a brilliant shade of alien green. The company probably can’t use the name “Baby Yoda” because it’s trademarked, but it’s clear the warmer was inspired by that favorite green character.

This is a beautiful, high-quality item that will help your pup stay warm on cold days. Acrylic yarn is incredibly soft and comfortable. It’s also easy to clean.

This adorable costume is perfect for Halloween, Star Wars conventions, or any chilly day. Why wait for a special occasion to dress up your dog like everyone’s favorite baby alien?

Zoo Snoods is a California company that specializes in handmade ear-warmers for dogs. This costume contains no buttons, zippers, or strings that might hurt your dog. It’s only one piece, which makes it easy to put on any dog.

It comes in three sizes, and we recommend you use the manufacturer’s size guide to get the right one for your pet. Some buyers said that it runs too small.

Pros and Cons of the Zoo Snoods Baby Alien Dog Costume

ProsCons
This one-piece ear warmer is hand knitted from 100% acrylic yarn.Some pet parents said that this costume runs small.
It’s easy to put on and remove and comfortable for your dog to wear.
It’s available in three sizes.
Best Yoda Costume
Zoo Snoods Baby Yoda Dog Costume

•Yoda headpiece costume for dogs

•Simple, comfortable design

•S-L sizes

Check Amazon

Tips For Choosing the Best Dog Costume

Color and Design

It’s Halloween night, and you’re walking your dog down a dark, scary street….mobbed with other neighborhood trick-or-treaters! Chances are (whether your dog cares or not), you’d enjoy it if your dog stood out in the crowd. If attention is what you seek, there are many costumes, even classic black ones, that include some kind of eye-catching color. When you’re shopping, think about color, and how it may enhance, or detract, from your dog’s overall appearance.

The design of the costume is a very important factor to take into account. While some costumes may look really cool in the product photos, they may only be suitable for still portraits. There have been many reviews from unhappy customers who ordered a dog costume, only to find that their dog couldn’t walk or run in it without issues. With our recommendations for the best dog costumes, we’ve taken how well or not the costume is designed into account to insure that your dog enjoys its evening without tripping all over himself.

Size

For any dog costume to fit properly, the manufacturer needs to include an accurate sizing chart, preferably with measurement ranges for a dog’s neck girth, body length, height, weight, etc. Rather than guessing, you should definitely get out your tape measure and jot down your dog’s measurements before placing an order for a costume.

Have you ever ordered clothing from an online retailer, and when you received it, you found that it ran smaller or bigger than their measuring charts indicated? Well, unfortunately, the same thing can happen when ordering a dog costume. It’s prudent that you look for customer feedback on any costume you are considering to see if there are many complaints about the necessity to size up or down, and adjust your choice in size for your dog if you think it’s necessary.

Comfort and Materials

Your dog will likely be very excited to walk among so many colorful characters, and may even get frisky! So it’s important to choose a quality costume where the construction will hold up to brisk walking, running, or horseplay. At the same time, consider the practicality of the costume. Some costume creators forsake comfort for appearance when they design. That can cause issues if your pet does not like dressing up. If you have a small or delicate dog, look for costumes that won’t place unneeded burdens on its back or head.

Dogs can also get overheated easily. Costumes made of thick material may be more durable, but also may cause your dog to sweat. Do you live in a warm or cold climate? A thicker costume might do well on a cold, windy autumn night. But in a hot, arid climate, you should choose a costume made of lightweight material to keep your pup as cool as possible.

Safety

You want your dog to be safe in its costume. Look for potential choking hazards on the costumes you are considering. If you read customer complaints of their dogs destroying the costume in minutes, reconsider. And make sure the costume is practical enough that you can still have your dog on a secure lead when walking outdoors.

Up Next…

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 Top Dog Costumes: Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Where can I buy dog costumes?

You may be able to find some costumes locally, but they won’t offer the variety of characters and sizes that you’ll find online.

Major online retailers carry a mind boggling assortment of costumes. A-Z Animals researches, ranks, and reviews the best from virtually every category so you can pick the one that’s right for your dog quickly and without stress.

Should dogs wear Halloween costumes?

The answer depends on the dog. If your dog enjoys getting dressed in sweaters, dresses, pajamas, etc., then they’ll probably be delighted to wear a Halloween costume.

If your dog doesn’t like wearing clothes, then they’ll probably be miserable wearing a Halloween costume — if you can get them into one at all.

Nobody likes to be forced to do something they don’t want to, and that includes dogs. So if your canine companion would rather “go naked” on Halloween, let them. You’ll both be happier in the long run.

What's the most popular dog costume for Halloween?

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans like to dress their dogs and cats as pumpkins, hot dogs, super heroes, cats, and bumble bees.

We’re guessing that some pet parents dress their dogs as cats because, a cat dressed as a cat simply wouldn’t be very funny.

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