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27 Fun Halloween Costumes for Golden Retrievers 2024 Ideas
Are you looking for the best Halloween costumes for golden retrievers this year?
Look no further because we’ve rounded up the top golden retriever Halloween costume ideas that will be perfect for your large dog.
There are so many great costume options for golden retrievers that it will be hard to pick just one.
I’ve had so much fun dressing up my golden retriever, Theo, for Halloween the past 2 years.
He’s been a pilot, a mummy, a chipmunk – and I’ve already got some good ideas in mind for this Halloween too!
Let’s explore all the cute, quirky, and adorable costume ideas!
Here are the best Halloween costumes for golden retrievers.
My Top 3 Picks: Golden Retriever Halloween Costumes
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
TEDDY BEAR
✔️ Easy to put on
✔️ Warm for cold nights
🚫 Dogs with knit chew toys may see this as a chew toy
Preparing Your Golden Retriever Halloween Costume
When suiting up for a fun Halloween celebration, preparing your dog and his costume is important!
If you are ordering online or making a DIY costume, it’s best to take accurate measurements to fit your pup’s costume right.
Make sure that the costume is lightweight, has no small parts (which could be a choking hazard), and doesn’t limit your dog’s mobility. You also want to avoid a costume that covers your dog’s eyes, nose, and ears.
If you don’t regularly dress up your golden retriever or let him wear accessories, make sure to practice before Halloween night. Conditioning your dog to wear the costume will help him feel less stressed during trick or treating.
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of your precious pup!
Best Halloween Costumes for Golden Retrievers
1. Lion
A golden retriever lion costume will make your pup king of the suburban jungle. It goes perfectly with a golden retriever’s coloring too.
You simply slip the lion’s mane over your dog’s head, attach the puff to the tail, and you’re good to go.
If you have sewing skills, you could make this costume DIY style using faux fur or yarn.
My talent with a sewing machine is limited, so I’ll be shopping for this cute and inexpensive lion costume on Amazon instead.
I bought Theo this one as a baby baby – like 4 months old – so it was way too big even adjusted (I got size L by mistake). We ended up going with my second choice that year – pilot! He was supposed to be the cowardly lion and I would have been Dorothy.
Pup Precautions:
Make sure your golden retriever feels comfortable with the lion’s mane covering his ears and that the mane is not too hot depending on where you live.
Try this on your pup before the big night to ensure he won’t shake his head all evening. That’s a common issue with head piece dog halloween costumes.
2. Ghost
Dressing up for Halloween doesn’t get much easier than this ghost costume for golden retrievers. This is the perfect last-minute costume option for your dog’s trick-or-treating experience.
A ghost costume is so simple to DIY. Just find an old, white sheet, cut holes for your pup’s eyes and nose, and drape it over.
You can also buy a ghost t-shirt for your dog on Amazon if you want to make it more mobile.
Pup Precautions:
Although this costume is simple, remember that it covers your dog’s face. Make sure the holes are large enough for your golden to see and breathe easily. Also, if the sheet is too big, your dog might have trouble keeping it on while walking.
You can even use it for just photos. It makes the cutest Halloween costume for pics!
3. Teddy Bear
As if your golden retriever isn’t cute enough already, turn him into a cuddly teddy bear for Halloween.
Making this costume is fun and easy.
Find a big stuffed teddy bear about your dog’s height (front paws to head). Unstuff it, and cut the face off it. Insert your dog’s head and front paws into the teddy bear costume.
Pup Precautions:
This costume will cover your dog’s ears and may decrease its overall mobility. If you’d like a simpler teddy bear costume, these cute teddy bear ears simply sit over your golden’s head.
4. Harry Potter
Harry Pawter! Get your pup into the wizarding world with this simple Hogwarts-inspired costume. There are so many options for dressing your golden retriever as Harry Potter.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you may have all the supplies you need at home for this simple Halloween dog costume. Wrap a Gryffindor scarf around your pup, and give him some black glasses. You can also add a lightning bolt scar with some water-soluble black eyeliner, and you are good to go!
You can make this great costume idea even better by your whole family dressing in Harry Potter robes.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
5. Dinosaur
Variations: Alligator
A dinosaur costume for your golden retriever is another easy costume choice. There are many different kinds of dinosaur costumes, but this Triceratops fits right on top of your dog’s head.
This dinosaur hoodie may be the best option for your golden retriever. It is made for a dog’s body and snaps under his belly, so the fabric won’t make it hard to stomp around the neighborhood on Halloween.
Considering Theo’s puppy biting, this would have been a great costume idea to show how he terrorized me. We could have gone as my favourite movie: Jurrassic Park.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No face coverings
- No small parts
6. Team Player
Let your golden retriever support your favorite sports team on Halloween. You can customize your dog’s own jersey or let them wear one of your favorite team shirts.
You can even use some non-toxic fur paint to put black marks on your dog’s cheeks to make them look like a real star player.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- DIY options
- Last minute ready
- No face coverings
- No small parts
7. Witch
Who doesn’t love a classic witch costume on Halloween? Your golden retriever’s witch outfit will be the perfect costume for trick-or-treating.
This simple costume can be as easy as putting a witch’s hat on your pet’s head. Usually, there is an elastic strap that goes around your pup’s chin to keep it secure. You can also give your witch a cape to complete the ensemble.
Don’t forget a broomstick for your pup to carry. (Or for goldens, a random stick they can lug around).
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No face coverings
- No small parts
8. Bat
Variations: butterfly, fairy, angel
A pair of wings is a great way to dress up your golden retriever for Halloween. Wings can transform your pup into a bat, a butterfly, an angel, or a fairy.
Bat wings are a simple costume that will be easy on your dog. Wings usually lay across your dog’s back and are kept on by two elastic bands around your dog’s legs or secured by velcro straps across the chest.
The belly strap can be confusing to the dog, so get them used to it a day or two early.
You can complete the look by adding a matching headband.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No face coverings
9. Pumpkin
This classic pumpkin Halloween costume is a great choice for your golden retriever. This super simple costume goes on your pup’s back and attaches around his underbelly.
A pumpkin costume can be used for more than one fall occasion. You can dress them up for a fall festival or Thanksgiving celebration too!
If you have small dogs and/or larger dogs, have a whole pumpkin patch!
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Simple
- No face coverings
- No small parts
10. Superhero
Variations: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman
Our golden retrievers are pretty super. Why not let them strut their stuff as your favorite superhero?
There are so many options to dress your dog as part of the Marvel or DC multiverse. You can even dress up with your pup as a dynamic duo like Batman and Robin if they have a friend to pair with.
I recommend you choose costumes without face masks and detachable capes.
Superhero capes are also easy to make at home.
You can DIY a simple cape with an old superhero T-shirt.
This is a great last-minute or low-cost option for your golden’s Halloween costume.
Pup approved:
- Lightweight
- Last minute ready
- Easy DIY project
- No small parts
11. Pilot
Turn your top dog into Top Gun and dress him as a pilot.
I loved this idea so much, Theo, my red golden retriever, was a pilot for Halloween in 2021 – his first Halloween. (I was a tourist to match with him.)
You can choose between various bomber jackets, aviator hats, and matching sets. (The matching set is what I bought for Theo. He had a hard time pulling it off, so it lasted for an hour before he firstgot it off.)
These jackets can be more than a costume too. If you live in a cold climate like Canada, you can use the bomber jacket and hat to keep your pup warm during winter.
Aviator hats have holes for your dog’s ears to be loose rather than muffled under a hat.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Great for cold weather
12. Hunter
Your golden retriever will be ready to hunt down some treats on Halloween with an adorable hunter costume. This is a great costume you can assemble from things you already have around the house.
To DIY this costume, look for an old flannel shirt big enough for your dog to move in easily, and find a pop gun or toy rifle at home or at the dollar store.
If your dog is like mine, you might have some stuffed animals at home that have been de-stuffed. You can use them to show off your pup’s hunting skills.
This hunting shirt is perfect if you don’t already have a flannel at home.
Pup precautions:
If your dog is protective of toys, it’s best to leave the unstuffed animal at home.
13. Flower
Your golden retriever will brighten up the day as a sunflower for Halloween.
This sunflower costume simply slips over your dog’s head and sits at the collar.
Choosing a flower that doesn’t cover your pup’s ears will make it more enjoyable for them while trick or treating.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No small pieces
- No face covering
14. Tiger
No costume is needed to turn your retriever into a tiger for Halloween. All you need for this Halloween ensemble is some nontoxic fur paint and a little artistic talent.
Draw black stripes on your golden retriever that mimic a tiger pattern, and your pup is ready for trick or treating.
If you are worried about the color staining your golden’s coat, test it on a small area before fully committing to the tiger stripes.
Most reviews say the colors are not permanent and wash out easily. However, a white golden might have some staining.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- No small parts
- Simple DIY
- No face coverings
15. Cowboy
Variations: Cow
Giddyup and trick or treat with a cowboy by your side. A cowboy Halloween costume only requires two simple pieces: a cowboy hat and a bandana.
This combo set has a cowboy hat with a chin strap that will keep it secured to your dog’s head. If you want to join the fun, dress up as a cow to be the perfect cow and cowboy team!
I got this for Theo for our trip to Nashville.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No small pieces
- No face covering
16. Pirate
Set sail on the seven seas and dress your golden retriever in pirate attire for Halloween night. This pirate hat and skull & crossbones bandana combo is a simple and lightweight option for your pet.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No small pieces
- No face covering
17. Beanie Baby
A Beanie Baby tag is one of the easiest DIY costumes for your golden retriever to wear on Halloween.
Simply cut out a red heart-shaped tag using cardstock and glue on the TY brand logo. Then attach the tag to your pup’s collar—instant cuteness with minimal effort.
You can also make a tag out of felt if you are more crafty.
Or if you’re like me and can’t cut in a straight line, you can get this clip on one from Amazon.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No small pieces
- No face covering
- Simple DIY
18. Gentleman
Variations: groom
Want to show how dapper your dog can be on Halloween? Put together a gentlemen’s ensemble.
There are many pet tuxedo attire options, some as simple as a bowtie bandana, while others get fancy with pinstripes and watch chains.
Add some glasses and a top hat to give the costume even more pizzazz. Your golden retriever will be the most elegant dog on the block.
You could even call your dog James Bond – pair it with a second dog in a cone martini!
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
19. Shark
Variations: fish
Throw on a shark costume, and your golden retriever will remind you of JAWS on the hunt for treats.
On Halloween, dogs can be in a full shark costume or just a shark fin. Either way, you will be happy to let him wag his shark’s tail around the neighborhood.
Pup precautions:
A full shark suit may be too hot for some dogs who live in warmer locations. Make sure to watch for signs of dehydration and bring some water while you are out.
20. Pineapple
Variations: Hula dress, Hawaiian shirt
If you’re feeling tropical, make a pineapple for your golden retriever’s Halloween costume. This DIY costume is easy to make and doesn’t require any sewing.
First, purchase a yellow dog shirt. You will need a gold paint pen to draw crisscrosses on the shirt for the pineapple.
Next, take some green felt and cut a 10×4-inch rectangle. Make a cylinder of the felt and secure it with hot glue, and cut leaf shapes out of the remaining green felt. Hot glue the leaves onto the cylinder.
Once you have your pineapple top, glue it onto a wide yellow or green headband.
Create your pineapple pup by having him put on the yellow dog shirt and pineapple top headband, and there you have it–a pup pineapple!
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No small pieces
- No face covering
21. Mummy
A roll of gauze is all you need to create your own golden retriever mummy! This is a simple and last-minute costume that is easy to pair with an Egyptian costume theme.
My golden retriever, Theo, was a mummy for Halloween in 2022!
I didn’t have gauze except for what’s in his first aid kit, so I used toilet paper. But he broke it pretty quickly.
Just wrap your pup’s 4 legs and body with gauze. Tuck in the gauze at the end of a roll, and you’re ready to go.
Pet precautions:
Make sure you don’t wrap the gauze too tightly. You don’t want to cut off circulation or inhibit your dog’s mobility.
22. Viking
Turn your golden retriever into a fierce Viking for Halloween. They may look more cute than fierce, but this Viking hat is all you need to make him ready to pillage the neighborhood for treats.
Add an elastic headband or velcro straps to secure the Viking hat on your pup’s head.
Pup precautions:
This hat covers your dog’s ears, and the braids may be tempting to chew.
23. Unicorn
What little girl growing up didn’t want her very own unicorn? Your golden retriever can make your dreams come true on Halloween.
Let your pup wear a simple unicorn headband or get fancy with a pink tutu to go along with it.
You can buy or make a simple tulle tutu. The headband has a cinch strap to ensure that the headband stays in place.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No face coverings
24. Starbucks Puppucino
If you love Starbucks, then a Puppucino costume will be the perfect match for your golden retriever for Halloween.
This costume has a jacket that looks like a drink cup that goes around your pup’s body and attaches with velcro on the bottom. There is an adorable whipped cream and straw hat to go with it.
Be sure to treat your golden to an actual Puppucino at Starbucks while dressed up on Halloween!
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No face coverings
25. Clown
Have fun clowning around with your dog on Halloween. An easy way to make people smile on Halloween is to dress up your pup in a colorful wig, hat, and bowtie.
There are other ways to dress them up as a clown as well. You could even try a court-jester look for some extra flare!
Pet precautions:
Some clown costumes cover your dog’s ears and may restrict mobility. Also, be careful of costumes with small parts, such as pompoms and small bells, to prevent possible choking.
26. Bumble Bee
A bumble bee is such a cute Halloween costume for humans and pups alike!
It is an easy and recognizable costume that everyone will love.
To make a bumble bee costume at home, use a yellow dog shirt and paint black stripes. You can add an antenna headband to complete the look!
Dress yourself up as a flower for the perfect pairing!
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No face coverings
- It doesn’t cover ears
27. Banana Split
Variations: banana
Everyone will want to eat up your pup for how cute they will look in this banana split costume.
A banana and three scoops of ice cream sit on your pup’s back and are secured around the chest and under the belly. This one-piece costume makes dressing up your golden retriever for Halloween super simple.
Pup approved:
- Easy mobility
- Lightweight
- No face coverings
- Doesn’t cover ears
- No small parts
Halloween Costumes for Golden Retriever with Cones
Your golden retriever doesn’t have to miss out on Halloween if he is wearing a cone from medical treatment. There are many ways you can be creative and work around it.
Here are some ideas for dog costumes with cones:
- Cereal bowl
- Popcorn bucket
- Satellite
- Martini glass
- Flower
Halloween Costumes for Golden Retrievers and Their Owners
Get into the Halloween spirit and dress up with your golden retriever this year. Dressing up together is more fun, and you can include family and friends in the costume theme too.
Here are some creative costume themes for you and your dog:
- Beauty and the Beast
- Little Red Riding Hood and Grandma Wolf
- Dorothy and Lion from The Wizard of Oz
- Star Wars: Princess Leia and Chewbacca
- Ketchup, Mustard, Hot dog
- Lobster and Chef
- Bride and groom
- Angel and devil
- Salt and pepper
- Alvin and the Chipmunks (that’s one of Theo’s 2022 costumes!)
FAQs: Halloween Costumes for Golden Retrievers
What percentage of pet owners dress up their pets for Halloween?
3 out of 4 pet owners dress their pets up for Halloween, according to a PetSmart survey in 2022. 86% of Millenials are likely to put their pets in costumes for Halloween, and 66% of pet owners have seasonal accessories for their pets.
Should I dress my dog up for Halloween?
Many pet owners have lots of fun dressing up their pets for Halloween. However, the RSPCA recommends against this for your dog’s safety. If you notice your dog is uncomfortable in the costume. Costumes that are lightweight and don’t inhibit mobility usually don’t create stress for your dog.
What are the top five 5 pet costumes?
According to the National Retail Association, the top 5 pet costumes for 2022 included:
1) Pumpkin
2) Hot dog
3) Bat
4) Bumblebee
5) Witch
What do dogs think of costumes?
Dogs do not usually like being dressed up. That being said, most dog breeds are ok with wearing costumes, especially if it’s just on Halloween. Some dogs will put up with costumes because they enjoy the attention they receive.
Is Halloween stressful for dogs?
Halloween can be a stressful time for dogs. Loud noises, unfamiliar people, and uncomfortable costumes all add to the stress a dog might experience on Halloween.
Some signs that your dog is stressed can include:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive nose licking
- Shaking
- No eye contact
- Hiding
- Pacing
Be aware of your dog’s behavior, and remove him from the situation if he seems stressed or uncomfortable.
Conclusion: Halloween Costumes for Golden Retrievers
I hope you’re excited to see your golden retriever dressed up for Halloween in one of these costumes!
Trick or treating with your dog can be a great experience that you will enjoy looking back on, so don’t forget to take pictures of all the cuteness.
Want to take your golden retriever beyond the neighborhood? Take them shopping with you! Home Depot, Lowes, and Hobby Lobby are all dog friendly stores.
Read More About Golden Retrievers
- How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?
- Do Golden Retrievers Shed? (16 Tips to Manage Shedding)
- Can Golden Retrievers Swim? The Ultimate Guide
- Are Golden Retrievers Good Hiking Dogs?
- 27 Fun Halloween Costumes for Golden Retrievers
- 13 Best Shampoos for Golden Retrievers
Dog Travel Planning Guide
🐶 How do you travel with a dog?
You can road trip, go camping, fly (depending on your dog’s size), go for day trips, and even live in an RV or motorhome with your dog! I’ve done all of the above with my dog, Theo.
✈️ How to travel with a dog by plane?
Check the airline requirements, if you’re flying with a large dog you’ll need to book far ahead, get a travel crate or carrier, and make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. And don’t forget to bring along a leash, collapsible dish, and plenty of treats! (Read more)
🚗 How to travel with a dog in a car?
Get a seatbelt or car-friendly crate, a seat protector, and a few toys to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Bring along items like a leash, pee pads, treats, collapsible bowl, and some calming treats for anxious dogs. Take frequent potty breaks (I recommend every 2 hours minimum).
🧳 What should I pack in my dog travel bag?
I always pack a collapsible bowl, back up leash, 50ft long leash, Toppl food toy, plenty of dog food, and a few toys for my pup when we go on our travels. It’s important to have all the essentials packed before you leave home since it can be difficult to find pet-friendly stores in some locations. (Read more)
📝 What paperwork do I need to travel with a dog?
The paperwork you need will depend on where you’re going. You will always need your dog’s veterinary records and their vaccine status. You may also need an international health certificate, titre test, and even a spay/neuter certificate.
🐾 What is the best travel dog crate?
This collapsible crate is great for local travel and road trips. For plane travel, I recommend this hard crate for large breeds and this carrier for small breeds.
📍What is the best way to travel with a dog?
It depends! The best way to travel will depend on you and your dog. Small dogs will have an easier time with plane travel. Large breeds are better for long term trips to minimize plane time, or road trips.
🛌 Best dog travel mat?
This non-slip, water-proof, easy to wash travel mat is my go to!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com.
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
