10 Best Halloween Costumes for Small Dogs in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

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. Whether we want to admit it or not, fall is near.

One of the best days of the season for dog owners is Halloween. There’s nothing as cuteness-aggression-inducing as pets in costumes. It can be challenging to find the perfect outfit for your dog, though, especially if it’s an excessively large or small breed.

We have you covered if you’re hunting for the best small-breed dog costume this season. Keep reading to find our reviews of the ten best small dog Halloween costumes available this year. Read to the end to learn how to choose the best outfit and our tips on how to get your pup to love its costume.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

The 10 Best Small Dog Halloween Costumes

The best overall small dog Halloween costume is this adorable Rubie’s Costume Company. 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, plus the classic gold belt and starry blue skirt to make her outfit instantly recognizable. In addition, the costume comes with a metallic 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.

You don’t need an unlimited budget to get your pup looking its best on Halloween. This dashing tuxedo outfit from Frisco is the best small dog Halloween costume for the money. It comes in sizes from X-Small to XXX-Large, so there’s sure to be a size that suits your dog. It has horizontal hook and loop strips that allow for some size adjustability, though.

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.

This polyester Oscar the Grouch costume is an adorable pick for any toy breed. Though the manufacturer doesn’t specify a recommended pet weight, they do suggest it’s suitable for dogs with a chest circumference between eight and 17 inches and a neck size between eight and 14 inches.

This outfit is made with premium and non-toxic materials that are not only safe for pets but comfortable for them, too. 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.

This walking werewolf outfit from Frisco is equally hilarious as it is adorable. It is a three-piece set that makes your dog look like he’s a full-on werewolf with its 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 who don’t particularly like getting into clothes. It comes in several sizes, so finding the right fit should be easy.

This adorable UPS delivery driver costume will get some laughs and make your pup the center of attention wherever it goes on Halloween. This costume comes in sizes X-Small to Large, so there should be a size that fits your pet.

This outfit has stuffed arms and hands that hold the detachable box in place to make your dog look like he’s an official UPS worker delivering a package. The costume has the UPS logo and is considered an officially-licensed product. It even comes with a sweet little hat with elastics to keep your pup comfy while wearing it.

If you’re a Disney lover, you must splurge on this adorable Stitch space suit outfit. It comes in a multitude of sizes from X-Small to XXX-Large, so you’ll find a size that suits your pooch just fine. This costume comes with a headpiece fashioned from Stitch’s head and a body suit that makes your dog look like it has four arms. Its polyester material is comfortable for your dog to wear for long periods of time, perfect for Halloween night. It has no zippers, just Velcro closures, making it very easy to adjust to suit your dog’s size.

You’ll love this costume if you’ve always been a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus. Your dog will be transformed into Sarah, Winifred, and Mary’s personal chauffeur as they ride upon its back. This officially licensed costume is simple to put on and take off, making it great for dogs who are anxious about wearing clothes. It has three different size options to get the perfect fit for your small pooch.

The sizing for this outfit is a little off, so you might want to read online reviews or triple-check your dog’s measurements before buying.

This adorable 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 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 such as Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or parades.

There are reports of the Velcro being poor quality and the chin strap breaking if pulled too far.

Here’s another great costume option for Stitch lovers. This dog hoodie doubles as a Halloween costume and an adorable coat your pooch 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 you’re taking the correct measurements accurately. Give yourself plenty of time to order this costume before Halloween if you need to return it for a different size.

This adorable cowboy rider 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 allows 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.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Dog Costumes For Halloween

If only choosing a Halloween costume for your small breed dog was as simple as picking the one you think is cutest. There are a lot of factors you must consider before clicking Add to Cart on any of the costumes we reviewed above. Keep reading to learn what you need to know before you squeeze your dog into his Halloween costume this year.

Material

The material of your dog’s costume should be two things: breathable and comfortable. These two qualities will ensure your dog enjoys its time in its costume and won’t be clawing at it to try and escape.

When considering the material, you might also consider where you live and your plans for Halloween. If you are taking your children trick or treating with your 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 your dog’s deciding factor in whether it’ll 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, it’ll do best with a costume that it can step in or one that can be fastened with Velcro.

Your Dog’s Personality

You know your dog best, so you know what its limits are. You shouldn’t force your dog outside of its comfort zone just for a few pictures or laughs on Halloween.

If your dog isn’t comfortable in outfits that make it feel claustrophobic, choose a costume that’s a little simpler versus something you need to squeeze your pup into.

If your dog has anxiety, you must approach clothing carefully as anything new can be frightening for anxious pups.

How Can I Get My Dog to Love Its Costume?

You can’t force your pup to love its costume, no matter how much you try or how much money you spend on it. Forcing your dog to wear something it doesn’t want to will not only make it uncomfortable, but it can also negatively affect your relationship. Your dog trusts you to take care of it and put it into positions only when it’s comfortable with them.

You can train your dog to wear its costume, however, we only recommend doing so when you’re not stepping over their boundaries.

Conclusion

Rubie’s 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, our 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 Halloween.

Featured Image Credit: YamaBSM, Pixabay