The leaves are starting to change color, and the line outside Starbucks is beginning to lengthen with pumpkin spice lovers eager to get their fix. Fall is here!
One of the best days of the season for dog owners is Halloween. There’s nothing as aggressively cute as pets in costumes. It can be challenging to find the perfect outfit for your dog, though, especially if they’re a particularly tiny pup.
Fortunately, we have you covered if you’re hunting for a small-breed costume this season. Keep reading for reviews of the best Halloween outfits available for small dogs, along with a buyer’s guide on how to get your pup to love their costume.
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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Rubie’s Costume Company |
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Best Value | Frisco Formal Dog Tuxedo |
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Premium Choice | Pet Krewe Sesame Street Oscar The Grouch |
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Frisco Front Walking Werewolf |
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California Costumes Dog Mail Carrier Costume USPS |
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The 10 Best Halloween Costumes for Small Dogs
1. Rubies DC Comics Pet Costume Wonder Woman — Best Overall
Closure Type: | Pullover |
Material: | Polyester, synthetic fabric |
Recommended Pet Weight: | 6 to 10 pounds |
The best overall Halloween costume for small dogs is this adorable Rubies DC Comics Pet Costume Wonder Woman. This officially licensed two-piece costume is perfect for the small but mighty female pup in your life. Its metallic material has the famous WW logo patch, and the classic gold belt and starry blue skirt make her outfit instantly recognizable. In addition, the costume comes with a tiara made of foam material, so it’s comfortable for your pup to wear. The pullover style is easy to get on most dogs, and the Velcro closure offers a secure fit.
There are reports of the sizing being a little off, so you must measure your dog perfectly to ensure you’re getting the right fit.
- Officially licensed product
- Easy to get on and off
- Instantly recognizable
- Comfortable to wear
- Sizing can be off
2. Frisco Formal Dog & Cat Tuxedo — Best Value
Closure Type: | Hook and loop |
Material: | Polyester, cotton, natural fabric, synthetic fabric |
Recommended Pet Weight: | 6 to 10 pounds |
You don’t need an unlimited budget to get your pup looking their best on Halloween. This dashing Frisco Formal Dog & Cat Tuxedo is the best Halloween costume for small dogs for the money. It comes in sizes from X-small to XXX-large, so there’s sure to be a size that suits your pup. It also has horizontal hook-and-loop strips that allow for some size adjustability.
The outfit comes with a leash hole so you can keep your pup within reach at all times, and it is machine washable for repeat use. There are no small or easy-to-loose pieces with this costume, as everything is sewn on.
There are reports of the Velcro not working as efficiently as it should, though.
- Affordable
- Many size options
- One-piece costume
- Machine washable
- Velcro isn’t the best quality
3. Pet Krewe Sesame Street Oscar The Grouch Dog & Cat Costume — Premium Choice
Closure Type: | Hook and loop |
Material: | Polyester, synthetic fabric |
Recommended Pet Weight: | Not specified |
This polyester Pet Krewe Sesame Street Oscar The Grouch Dog & Cat Costume is an adorable pick for any toy breed. Although the manufacturer doesn’t specify a recommended pet weight, it does suggest that it’s suitable for dogs with a chest circumference between 8 and 17 inches and a neck size between 8 and 14 inches.
This outfit is made with premium and non-toxic materials that are not only safe for pets but also comfortable for them. It comes with an Oscar the Grouch hat that’s outfitted with drawstrings for an adjustable fit. The fuzzy fasteners on the bodysuit make it easy to put on and remove.
This is a bit of a bulkier costume than some of the others on the list, however, so make sure you’re taking the right measurements.
- Easy to take off
- Premium materials
- Comfortable to wear
- Adjustable hat
- Runs a bit big
4. Frisco Front Walking Werewolf Dog & Cat Costume
Closure Type: | Hook and loop |
Material: | Polyester, cotton, natural fabric, synthetic fabric |
Recommended Pet Weight: | 6 to 10 pounds |
This Frisco Front Walking Werewolf Dog & Cat Costume is equally hilarious as it is adorable. It is a three-piece set that makes your dog look like they’re a full-on werewolf with a plaid shirt and ripped pants. The “hands” are stuffed for a fluffy look and even have felt claws. The hat has a fastener neck strap and ear holes to make it adjustable and comfortable.
This is an easy outfit to put on your pet, so it’s great for dogs that don’t particularly like getting into clothes. It comes in several sizes, so finding the right fit should be easy.
- Funny costume
- Great design details
- Comfortable hat
- Easy to put on
- Finding the right fit can be difficult
5. California Costumes Dog Mail Carrier Costume USPS
Closure Type: | Hook and loop |
Material: | Polyester |
Recommended Pet Weight: | 6 pounds and up |
This adorable California Costumes Dog Mail Carrier Costume USPS will get a few laughs and make your pup the center of attention wherever they go on Halloween. This costume comes in X-small to large, so there should be a size that fits your pet.
This outfit has stuffed arms and hands that hold a detachable box to make your dog look like they’re an official USPS worker delivering a package. The costume has the USPS logo and is considered an officially licensed product. It even comes with a cute little hat with elastics to keep it secure and your pup comfy while they’re wearing it.
- Funny costume
- Officially licensed
- Comfortable cap
- Different size options
- Pieces aren’t permanently attached (easy to lose)
6. Disney Stitch Space Suit Dog & Cat Costume
Closure Type: | Hook and loop |
Material: | Polyester |
Recommended Pet Weight: | 6 to 10 pounds |
If you’re a Disney lover, you must splurge on this adorable Disney Stitch Space Suit Dog & Cat Costume. It comes in a multitude of sizes from small to XX-large, so you’ll find a size that suits your pup just fine. This costume comes with a headpiece fashioned from Stitch’s head and a body suit that makes your dog look like they have four arms. The polyester material is comfortable for your pup to wear for long periods of time, perfect for Halloween night. It has no zippers, just Velcro closures, making it easy to adjust.
- Funny design
- Cute hat
- Adjustable fit
- Only available on Chewy
7. Frisco Squirrels & Nuts Ride-On Dog & Cat Costume
Closure Type: | Hook and loop |
Material: | Polyester |
Recommended Pet Weight: | 6 to 15 pounds |
It’s the revenge of the squirrels! This Frisco Squirrels & Nuts Ride-On Dog & Cat Costume transforms your dog into a personal chauffeur for a trio of stuffed squirrels, which ride on their back. At least your pup gets an adorable leaf-adorned acorn cap to wear, along with a tree-themed vest (after all, your dog’s “bark” is worse than their bite!).
This costume is simple to put on and take off, making it great for canines that are anxious about wearing clothes. It has two different size options, so you can likely get the perfect fit for your small pup.
The plushie squirrels, while cute, aren’t chew toys and won’t hold up to canine teeth, so keep this outfit safely stored away when not in use. Also, not all dogs will like the hat.
- Easy to put on and take off
- Adorable design
- Two size options for small dogs
- Stuffed squirrels are not dog safe
- Hat may not be tolerated
8. Rubie’s Costume Company Serape Dog & Cat Costume
Closure Type: | Velcro |
Material: | Polyester, synthetic fabric |
Recommended Pet Weight: | 6 to 10 pounds |
This Rubie’s Costume Company Serape Dog & Cat Costume comes with a traditional Mexican rainbow poncho, neck piece, and sombrero headpiece for an authentic Halloween outfit. The hat has an elastic strap under the chin to ensure that it stays on your pup’s head all night long, while the poncho is simple to take on and off without any fuss at all. This outfit is great for Halloween and events like Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or parades.
However, there are reports of the Velcro being poor quality and the chin strap breaking if pulled too far.
- Colorful design
- Three-piece outfit
- Easy to put on
- Crowd pleaser
- Poor quality Velcro
9. Gimilife Hoodie Dog Halloween Costume
Closure Type: | Velcro |
Material: | Velvet |
Recommended Pet Weight: | 6.5 to 9 pounds |
Here’s another great costume option for Stitch lovers. This Gimilife Hoodie Dog Halloween Costume doubles as a Halloween otufit and an adorable coat that your pup can wear all season long. It’s made with a comfortable velvet material that’s soft to the touch and non-irritating. It has four leg holes and Velcro closures, so it’s simple to get your puppy in and out of.
There are reports of inaccurate sizing, so ensure that you’re taking the measurements accurately. Give yourself plenty of time to order this costume before Halloween if you need to return it for a different size.
- Comfortable
- Flexible hoodie design
- Soft to the touch
- Easy to put on
- Inconsistent sizing
10. DELIFUR Funny Dog Cowboy Riding Costume
Closure Type: | Velcro |
Material: | Polyester |
Recommended Pet Weight: | 6 to 25 pounds |
This DELIFUR Funny Dog Cowboy Riding Costume is made of polyester fabric that’s both soft and breathable. It will transform your dog into a cute little horse for Halloween. The cowboy’s hat and triangle binder are removable if you wish. The hook-and-loop closure enables you to find a more customized fit for your dog’s size. This outfit is easy to put on and off and is available at an affordable price.
There are reports of the sizes running small, so if you’re in doubt, you may wish to reach out to the manufacturer for help.
- Comfortable outfit
- Easy to adjust fit
- Easy to put on
- Sizing is off
Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Small Dog Costumes for Halloween
If only choosing a Halloween costume for your small breed dog was as simple as picking the one that you think is cutest! There are a lot of factors you must consider before clicking “Add to Cart” on any of the costumes reviewed here. Keep reading to learn what you need to know.
Material
The material of your dog’s costume should be two things: breathable and comfortable. These two qualities will ensure your dog enjoys their time in the costume and won’t be clawing at it to try to escape.
When considering the material, you should take in account where you live and your plans for Halloween. If you are taking your children trick or treating with the dog, you’ll need to consider the weather. If you live in a cool climate, you’ll want an outfit made with warm materials, such as velvet.
Closure Type
The closure type can be the deciding factor in whether your dog will get into the costume or not. Some dogs don’t like things being pulled over their heads, so if your dog falls into this category, they’ll do best with a costume that they can step into or one that can be fastened with Velcro.
Your Dog’s Personality
You know your dog best, so you know what their limits are. You shouldn’t force your dog outside of their comfort zone just for a few pictures or laughs on Halloween. If your dog isn’t comfortable in outfits that make them feel claustrophobic, choose a costume that’s a little simpler versus something that you would need to squeeze your pup into.
If your dog has anxiety, you must approach clothing carefully, as anything new can be frightening.
How Can I Get My Dog to Love Their Costume?
You can’t force your pup to love their costume, no matter how much you try or how much money you spend on it. Forcing your dog to wear something that they don’t want to will not only make them uncomfortable, but it can also negatively affect your relationship. Your dog trusts you to take care of them and keep them comfortable.
You can train your dog to wear their costume, but we only recommend doing so if you’re not stepping over their boundaries.
- Start as early as you can. The sooner you get your pup accustomed to wearing clothing, the more tolerant they will be later in life. When you adopt a new puppy, teach them that wearing clothes is fun and nothing to be afraid of. If your dog is already grown, try introducing their Halloween costume well before October 31.
- Start with simple costumes. As tempting as getting your dog into tight-fitting outfits may be, not all pups will be receptive to them, especially if they’ve never worn clothes before. So, while you’re getting your dog accustomed to clothing, start with simple and easy-to-put-on accessories, like bowties or a simple vest.
- Create positive associations. You can train your dog to not only tolerate but also enjoy costume time by creating positive associations with clothing. For example, whenever you successfully put on an accessory or piece of clothing, offer your pup a treat and lots of praise.
How We Selected These Halloween Costumes for Small Dogs
This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The halloween costumes for dogs reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best halloween costumes for dogs available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with halloween costumes for dogs. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.
Conclusion
The Rubies Wonder Woman outfit is the best overall small dog Halloween costume for its attention to detail. Frisco’s Formal Tuxedo costume is perfect for dog owners on a budget, as it’s affordable and adorable. The slightly higher price tag of our premium pick, Pet Krewe’s Oscar the Grouch outfit, is offset by its extremely cute and comfortable design.
Hopefully, these reviews have helped you choose a Halloween outfit for your pup this fall. Remember to give yourself time to learn how to put the costume on and your pup time to learn how to wear it well before the holiday.
Featured Image Credit: YamaBSM, Pixabay