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The best family Halloween costumes with dog included aren’t 12 separate costumes — they’re 3 or 4 themes where every human AND the dog match. That’s the secret. A family of random costumes looks like you all got dressed in the dark. A family doing Wizard of Oz with the dog as Toto (or Dorothy — no judgment) looks like you planned it for weeks, even if you ordered everything Tuesday. Here are the themes that actually work, with the specific Rubie’s pieces to buy for each family member.
12 Family Halloween Costumes Including Your Dog
Theme 1: The Wizard of Oz
The undisputed champion of family-plus-dog costumes. Every role is instantly recognizable, the costumes are easy to find in every size, and the dog options are genuinely adorable.
1. Rubie’s Pet Shop Wizard of Oz Dorothy Dog Costume
The star of the show: a blue gingham dress for your dog, complete with ruby slippers for the front paws and a pigtail wig with bows. It’s the rare pet costume that stays on — the dress style doesn’t rely on a hat the dog will shake off in four seconds. Size up if your dog is between sizes; Rubie’s pet costumes run snug.
2. Rubie’s Adult Dorothy Costume (for Mom or Big Sis)
Pair the dog’s Dorothy with a human Dorothy and the photos basically take themselves. The adult version has the same gingham dress and comes in standard women’s sizes. Pro tip: buy the ruby slipper shoe covers separately — they sell out first every year.
3. Rubie’s Scarecrow Costume (for Dad)
Every family needs someone willing to be the silly one, and the Scarecrow is it. Patchwork shirt, straw accents, and a hat — comfortable enough to wear all night, which matters because Dad is also carrying the candy bag. The dog-as-Dorothy plus human Scarecrow combo gets compliments from strangers. Guaranteed.
Theme 2: Hocus Pocus Witches
Three witches, one family. The Sanderson sisters are perfect because the “costumes” are mostly black dresses plus distinct wigs and makeup — which means less money and more character.
4. Rubie’s Pet Shop Hocus Pocus Sarah Sanderson Dog Costume
Your dog as Sarah Sanderson — pink dress, little wig, maximum chaos energy. Honestly the funniest dog costume on this list. The wig has an elastic strap rather than a tie, so it survives head shakes better than most. Fair warning: you will take 400 photos before leaving the house.
5. Adult Winifred Sanderson Witch Costume
Someone has to be Winifred — the green-tinted makeup, the buck teeth, the dramatic cloak. This is the “big” costume of the theme, so put your most theatrical family member in it. The cloak is the key piece; everything else can be thrifted black clothing.
Theme 3: Classic Monsters Family
Frankenstein’s monster, the Bride, and the dog. Simple, spooky, and the makeup does half the work.
6. Rubie’s Pet Shop Bride of Frankenstein Dog Costume
The beehive wig alone is worth it — that iconic black-and-white striped hair on a dog is pure comedy. The costume is a simple white dress, so it works for any size dog and doesn’t restrict movement. Pair with a human Frankenstein (green face paint + black jacket = done) for the classic couple-plus-pup look.
7. Kids’ Frankenstein Monster Costume
Kids love this one because the costume is basically “wear the mask and stomp around.” Look for the version with the jacket included rather than just the mask — it looks 10x better in photos and kids stay warmer on cold October nights. That’s a real consideration; Halloween is freezing in half the country.
Theme 4: Pirate Crew
The easiest theme on this list and the most dog-friendly — pirate costumes for dogs are basically bandanas and hats, which dogs tolerate way better than full outfits.
8. Dog Pirate Costume (Bandana + Hat Set)
A pirate hat with an elastic chin strap and a skull bandana. That’s it. That’s the costume. And it’s perfect, because the dog will actually keep it on for more than five minutes — the bar for pet costume success is lower than you think. This is the pick for dogs who hate wearing clothes.
9. Family Pirate Costume Set (Adults + Kids)
Matching pirate vests, hats, and sashes for the humans. Pirate is the ultimate “we threw this together but it looks great” theme — striped shirts from your closet plus the costume accessories, and you’re a crew. The dog as the ship’s parrot… I mean, pirate. You get it.
Theme 5: Monsters Inc.
For the Pixar family. Sulley is big, blue, and furry — which describes several dogs I know.
10. Rubie’s Pet Shop Monsters Inc. Sulley Dog Costume
A blue furry walking costume with the little horns headpiece. It’s warm (bonus for cold nights), it’s hilarious, and kids lose their minds over it. Pair with a child dressed as Boo — the size contrast between a tiny Boo and a big blue dog-Sulley is the best photo of your Halloween, I promise.
The Finishing Touch
11. Rubies Witch Pet Costume (Bonus Dog Pick)
If none of the themes grab you, you can’t go wrong with a classic witch: black and purple step-in dress with a matching hat on an adjustable chin strap. It works as a standalone (dog witch + human anything) or as the fourth member of the Hocus Pocus theme. Step-in style means no wrestling a costume over your dog’s head.
12. UCANBE Halloween Face & Body Paint Kit
The glue that holds every theme together. Frankenstein needs green skin, Winifred needs attitude (and green skin), pirates need scars and stubble. One proper paint palette covers the whole family’s faces, and it photographs infinitely better than the dried-up drugstore crayons. Do the makeup last, right before you leave — it smudges on car seats.
Tips for Costumes That Include the Dog
- Comfort beats cuteness. If the dog hates it, you’ll get three photos and a stressed-out pup. Dress-style costumes (no head covering) have the highest success rate.
- Size up, not down. Rubie’s pet costumes run small. Measure your dog’s chest and neck — don’t guess by breed.
- Do a trial run. Put the costume on for 10 minutes two days before. You’ll discover what falls off, what chafes, and whether the wig is a lost cause.
- Bring treats. The dog tolerating a costume for photos is a trick. Pay accordingly.
- Check the weather. Thin polyester costumes over a t-shirt won’t cut it on a 45-degree night. Layer thermals underneath for kids.
FAQ
What size dog costume should I buy?
Measure, don’t guess. Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your dog’s chest and around the neck, then check the size chart. When between sizes, go up — a slightly loose costume is wearable, a tight one goes straight back in the box.
Are Rubie’s pet costumes comfortable for dogs?
The dress/step-in styles generally are — lightweight polyester with no rigid parts. Avoid anything with tight elastic around the legs or heavy headpieces for long wear. And watch your dog for the first 15 minutes; pawing at it constantly means it’s not comfortable.
How do I get my dog to keep a costume hat on?
Honestly? Most won’t, and that’s fine. Pick costumes where the hat is optional (the outfit still reads without it), or use the chin-strap styles which stay on better than tie-ons. The photo happens in the first 60 seconds anyway.
Can I return a costume if it doesn’t fit?
Amazon’s standard return policy applies to most costume listings, but check before buying — some third-party sellers have stricter rules, and anything worn outside may not be returnable. Order early enough to allow one exchange.
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