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8 frighteningly (or adorbs) amazing large dog Halloween costume ideas to try this October

Spooky, adorable, and easy-to-make large dog Halloween costumes

Border collie in a skeleton shirt sits in a pile of autumn leaves
OlgaOvcharenko / Shutterstock

The spookiest night of the year is almost upon us, which means it’s time to plan everyone’s festive outfits — including your pup’s! With these large dog Halloween costumes, even your big beastie can be part of the frightening fun. And here’s the best part: You don’t have to spend a ton on these dog Halloween costume ideas, either.

Not only are they all reasonably priced (especially compared with Halloween costumes for people), but some are completely DIY-able, too. It’s a crafter’s dream! How you ultimately decide to dress up your dog is totally up to you — they’re going to be the star of the show this Halloween, no matter what. Just don’t make them look too spooky!

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A lion mane for dogs can be an easy and fun way to dress them up for Halloween

Lion mane dog costume
TOMSENN

For larger breeds with light coloring, like Labs and golden retrievers, a lion mane wig for dogs will look almost like the real thing. This mane for dogs is made of skin-safe material in multiple sizes that will get just as many double takes as compliments. Someone might think your pup is the real thing.

A naughty dog prisoner costume will show your fur baby’s rambunctious side

A bull terrier dressed as a prisoner
Katie Bernotsky / Unsplash

If your pup tends to cause trouble, this prisoner outfit for dogs will be the perfect costume for them. A striped shirt will help your pet look like the treat thief they already are, while the matching hat seals the deal. It even comes with a customizable “bad pet” sign, so you can write in your dog’s proper charges. With a face like theirs, though, who knows what else they can get away with? As long as they don’t steal the candy (sugar and candy ingredients are not good for dogs), that is.

A dinosaur costume will make any pupper look prehistoric

A dog in a dinosaur costume
Frisco

The best part about this costume is that it’s a lot easier to put on than you would think first glance. This two-piece will slip easily on and off for Halloween trick-or-treating or any other time of year (some reviewers claim their dog never wants to take it off).

Both the main material and eyes work well to combine into practically a replica of a real stegosaurus. For a DIY option, use a hoody as your base and simply glue the back plates down it. Add either fabric stick on eyes or draw some onto the hood part, which when flipped up completes the ensemble.

Bat costumes for dogs are simple yet so effective for Halloween

A German shepherd wearing bat wings sits next to a little girl in a witch costume
Аrtranq / Adobe Stock

Whether you make this costume for your dog or purchase something ready to wear, your furry friend will certainly be the center of attention dressed as a bat. After all, it’s a classic Halloween critter, and who better to pull that off than your beloved pup?

You can DIY a pair of bat wings out of felt and pipe cleaners, just like this tutorial from the American Kennel Club. Of course, you can make this project all your own with any other materials you have lying around, or you can indulge in this adorable bat wing harness for your pup.

Flower dog cone DIYs are a great way to make any cone more festive

Big dog with flower cone costume
DesignTop / Shutterstock

If your sweet dog has to wear a cone when Halloween rolls around, you can always decorate the cone for an adorable and easy costume. You can get creative with a number of cone costumes, but flowers are always a favorite choice.

All you’ll need are scissors, Scotch tape, and construction paper. Just cut out large petals, place them in a circle around the cone with your pup’s head at the center of the flower, and secure them with a little piece of tape. Flower dog collar cone for dogs who don’t mind wearing this fun look for a while. How cute.

A cowboy “rider” costume for dogs guarantees a laugh anywhere you go

Big dog with ride-on cowboy costume
BluIz70 / Shutterstock

Fun illusion costumes like this have been gaining popularity in recent years, and this cowboy rider costume for dogs is included. You and your pup are sure to get tons of laughs on Halloween, especially as the little cowboy on top bobs and leans — just don’t be surprised when others around you start giggling, too! This costume fits like a lightweight harness, so your dog won’t mind wearing it, and it’s easy to take on and off.

An Ewok Star Wars dog costume will be paw-sitively precious on any pup

dog with Ewok costume
LBeckett / Shutterstock

Plenty of Ewok costumes for dogs are available for purchase online and in pet stores, though it’s possible to make this costume at home. If you want to follow this tutorial, all you’ll really need is brown fabric, some twine, and a pair of scissors. It’s a no-sew tutorial, too — it can’t get much easier than that! If you prefer to purchase a Halloween costume for your dog, you can find an Ewok outfit easily online. The Force will be strong with your furry Jedi.

Spider costumes for canines can look surprisingly realistic

A Staffordshire bull terrier wears a spider costume
cynoclub / Adobe Stock

Although a few people might jump at the sight of a giant spider walking around, it’s sure to get a lot of laughs, too. You can certainly try making this costume at home, though something this large and complex can be time-consuming. Instead, try purchasing one of the highly rated spider dog costumes. Just remember to give them a little space while you’re walking your pup on a leash so neither of you trips over it.

For Disney fans, this Hocus Pocus Ride-On Sanderson Sisters shirt will put a spell on you

A small white dog wears a black shirt that looks like the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus are riding on it
Disney

Not all dogs love wearing hats or accessories on their heads, but there are plenty of costumes that will feel more like a shirt to your pooch — just like this one! Your pup will love how comfy this outfit is, while Disney fans of all ages will be smiling at the plush Sanderson sisters “riding” your dog wherever they go.

With a shirt costume, you won’t need to worry about anything falling off while your pup runs and plays, so this can be a great fit for active and athletic canines. With no wardrobe malfunctions, you’ll wake up after Halloween to ‘another glorious morning’ with your fur baby by your side.

With these dog Halloween costume ideas, your pooch can get in on the frightful fun this year. From DIY adventures to outfits too cute to pass up, you can find it all online. Be sure to tag PawTracks in your pet’s photos if you use any of our ideas — we’re so excited to see what you come up with!

Happy Halloween!

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Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
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