Best Dog Christmas Costumes: How to Choose One

Start with comfort, not the costume

A costume only works if your dog tolerates it, so begin with the dog rather than the outfit. Some dogs shrug off a Santa suit; others freeze, hunch or paw at it the moment it goes on. The AKC advises introducing clothing in a quiet place, letting your dog sniff it, and building up wear time with praise and treats. If your dog seems stressed or frustrated, remove it immediately and try again later.

That makes a trial run worthwhile. Put the costume on a few days before the photo or party, for a minute or two at a time. When you are ready to compare designs, browse dog Santa and elf costumes with that trial in mind, and be ready to skip the costume if your dog clearly dislikes it.

Costume styles compared

A full suit, such as a Santa suit for dogs and cats, gives the most dramatic look but covers the most body, so it needs the most careful fit. A simpler Santa and reindeer antlers outfit is a single piece with an attached headpiece, which looks good in photos but means something sits on your dog's head.

A knitted elf jumper is the most wearable style: it reads as a costume but fits like a sweater, which makes it easier for a dog to accept for a whole evening. Headwear on its own, such as a Christmas hat set, is the lightest option, but many dogs dislike anything on the head, so test it separately.

Sizing and fit

Costumes are often cut for photographs, so check the fit carefully. The AKC says clothing should not be so baggy that your dog can trip or get caught in it, and not so tight that it restricts movement, and that your dog should be able to walk, run and play normally. Sizes vary between brands, so measure your dog's back length, chest circumference and neck with a soft tape and compare them with each size chart.

Look at the whole body in motion. Make sure your dog can see clearly, breathe easily, sit, lie down and use the bathroom without the fabric getting in the way. Skip anything that covers the eyes or sits tightly around the neck. A garment that looks right standing still can bunch badly when your dog sits, so test it both ways.

Keeping dress-up safe

Treat costumes as supervised, short-term wear. The AKC warns that clothes can snag or become a choking hazard if a dog is crated or unattended, and that unsupervised dogs can become entangled, so take the outfit off before you leave the house, go to bed or put your dog in a crate. Check ribbons, bells, pom-poms, buttons and trim, and remove any part that is loose or could be chewed off.

Watch your dog's body language throughout. Heavy panting, trying to rub the costume off, hiding or refusing to move means it is time to stop. A heated holiday home, a thick suit and excited play can add up, so give your dog regular breaks in a cooler room. If your dog seems unwell, or shows signs such as collapse, call your vet or an emergency vet immediately.

Holiday hazards around the photo shoot

The tree is where most holiday photos happen, and it is also where most holiday hazards live. The ASPCA warns that ingested tinsel can cause severe vomiting, a blocked digestive tract and dehydration, and could even need surgery, and that shards of breakable ornaments can damage the mouth and digestive tract. Use lights and sturdier ornaments, and make sure the tree is tightly secured so it cannot tip over onto a pet.

Keep tree water covered, since it can harbor bacteria, and never leave candles unattended where a wagging tail could knock them over. Stick to your dog's usual diet: fatty, sweet and spicy foods and turkey or chicken bones can be dangerous. If your dog eats something it should not, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately; a fee may apply.

Matching the costume to your dog

For a small or short-coated dog, a knitted elf jumper is the practical choice, because the AKC notes that small, short-coated and senior dogs often benefit from extra layers. For a thick-coated large dog, favor a light accessory over a full suit, since heavy clothing can cause overheating. For a nervous dog, skip the costume and use a festive bandana or nothing at all.

If you are after the full range, our dog Santa and elf costumes collection is the place to compare styles. For more gift ideas, see the dog Christmas gift guide.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.