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Cute dog costumes are easy to find. Who doesn’t like the idea of a dog dressed as a fairy, ladybug, or strawberry? Some of us, however, don’t have a dog that does cute. They’re the canine ghouls and goblins of Halloween, and who are we to stifle their need to terrorize the neighborhood? Lucky for us, there are plenty of scary dog costumes out there.
Note: When shopping for a Halloween costume for your dog, the most important consideration is size. Because dog costumes are not all manufactured in the same way, your pet could be a medium in one costume and an extra-large in another. Be sure to measure your dog and use your pet’s measurements and the product size chart to guide you to their best fit.
12 Scary Dog Costumes for Halloween
Read on to get inspired and help your dog be the scary (cuddle) monster you know they can be.
Verified Rover Pick: Tarantula Scary Dog Costume
Thanks to the famous viral video from a few years ago, dressing your dog up as a scary spider is a popular choice. This creepy-crawly option comes in multiple sizes, from small to large; we tried size medium on a number of office dogs, including Dosha the Beagle and Shirley the Pug.
While neither pup was overly enthusiastic about the outfit, the costume itself was easy to put on via two front leg sleeves and a simple Velcro waistband. The fit was very good: not so tight it constricted movement or cut off circulation, and it stayed on both dogs securely. So for Beagles, Pugs, and other small or medium dog breeds, the costume in medium runs true to size. (They both wore it well!)
The tarantula was also one of the better-designed options we’ve encountered in the world of dog costumes: an easy-to-wear one-piece made of plush polyester and realistic-looking spidery details that weren’t too heavy or complicated. Squeezable plush legs with an inner wire can be bent and shaped into the perfect creeping spider silhouette, and further details such as spider “hair” and a hood with fangs help complete the look.
So even if your pup might feel lukewarm about this outfit, you can feel good that its uncomplicated design won’t hurt or overly stress your dog—and will no doubt delight your family and guests.
Shop on Amazon2. Dog Scorpion Costume
As long as we’re looking at creepy-crawlies, check out this menacing scorpion costume for dogs. It’s perfect for desert dwellers and entomologists alike and is sure to make at least one person jump when your dog comes into the room.
Features:
- Sectioned plush body with pinchers and spiked tail for a realistic scorpion look
- Velcro neck and belly straps for a secure fit
- Reviewers note it runs a bit small, so check measurements before you order, and consider sizing up if you’re on the fence
3. Freddy Krueger Pet Costume
Dress your dog up like one of the scariest slashers in horror films with this creepily accurate Freddy Krueger costume. The striped sweater, brown hat, and dog-safe “razor” (fabric) cuff will have you screaming in terror…or delight.
Features:
- Officially licensed Nightmare on Elm Street costume
- Sweater is a bit stretchy to accommodate a dog tummy
- Some reviewers said their dog didn’t like the cuff, but the costume works without it
4. Friday The 13th Jason Pet Costume
If your alliances swing more Voorhies than Krueger, don’t pass up this Jason costume for dogs. The costume comes complete with a hockey mask and jersey with Jason’s name on the back. All you need to add is an axe.
Features:
- Lightweight mesh hockey jersey stays on with Velcro
- Mask is made from soft foam
- Option (per a few reviewers) to tie the mask to the dog’s collar rather than use the elastic strap
5. Skeleton Dog Hoodie
If you’re going scary, why not go classic? This skeleton hoodie shows off your pup’s spooky insides. Best of all, it’s made of super comfy fabric and easy to put on and take off.
Features:
- Easy option for dogs already comfortable with basic shirts or sweaters
- Large underside opening allows your dog to move around (and pee) easily
- Some reviewers note that the hoodie runs small, so if you’re on the fence, size up
6. Spooky Ghost Dog Shirt
Staying in the realm of old-fashioned scary stuff, this white T-shirt with a ghostly face hearkens back to Halloween’s past. The ribbed sleeves, neck, and waistband help keep this dog shirt in place, while the white material makes sure your pet stays visible in dim light.
Features:
- Shirt can be machine-washed; just toss it in on the gentle cycle
- Sized for extra-small breeds
- Use fabric markers or paint to add custom features
7. Frisco Front Walking Killer Doll Dog
If the Chucky movies gave you nightmares, there might not be a scarier dog costume than this killer doll option. It’s easy to put on and includes a frontwalking body piece and a separate hair piece.
Features:
- Velcro helps pieces stay on
- Available in six sizes to suit a variety of breeds
8. Dog Bat Costume
An easy costume for a dog that doesn’t feel like wearing much more than a harness, this bat costume says “terror of the night” while still being comfortable.
Features:
- Black felt material is lightweight
- Fastens with Velcro at the neck and chest
- Spruce up your dog’s wings with glitter paint or blood-red lines for extra horror!
9. Dog Vampire Costume
We can’t include a Halloween bat without a Dracula! Transform your bat dog into a very fearsome vampire with this black and red cloak. It’s a two-piece scary dog costume that won’t drag your dog down as they mysteriously disappear and reappear on Halloween night. The cape can stay on for an authentic Dracula look or be removed if your pet prefers.
Features:
- Easy to put on and take off
- Comes with optional head piece
- Available in dog and cat sizes
10. Axe Headpiece
Add some creepiness to your dog’s Halloween look with this funny, scary headpiece. The lightweight fabric construction makes it comfortable for your dog. It’s a great costume for pups who won’t wear clothes but will happily prance around with a hat on.
Features:
- Designed with elastic straps and adjustable toggle
- Quick and easy to get on your dog
- Comes in three sizes to better fit a range of breeds
11. Killer Clown Dog Costume
This killer clown costume makes for a horrifying Halloween photo-op, and its one-piece design is easy to put on your dog. Giant clown shoes and unsettling laugh not included.
Features:
- One-piece design
- Available in six sizes
- We all agree clowns are terrifying, right?
12. Pennywise Scary Dog Costume
OK, now this clown I think we can all agree is very, very scary. It’s Pennywise from Steven King’s It, and it’s a truly unsettling Halloween look for your dog. This scary dog costume covers the front half of your dog’s body and makes them look like a tall-walking, sadistic clown. Yikes.
Features:
- Attached arms, plush red balloon, and wig cap included
- Officially licensed Warner Bros It movie product
- Step-in shirt is easy to put on and take off your dog
- Seriously though. Clowns. Shudder.
And If All Else Fails…
Scary dog costumes don’t always have to be intentionally scary—as you can see. You can always dress your dog up as something cute and let their spooky side come out on its own.