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As you start thinking about spending holidays surrounded by family, it’s hard not to imagine your dog posing for photos dressed up in a festive getup. While no one is impervious to a canine dressed as Santa, finding the perfect dog Christmas outfit is harder than it seems.
From Santa suits to reindeer antlers, to sweaters and hats, there are so many adorable costume options to choose from. Dressing up your dog for the holidays might be challenging when you consider that not all dogs are used to wearing clothes.
Needless to say, the perfect Christmas costume doesn’t only have to look adorable; it also has to be safe, comfortable, and easy to put on and take off.
However, that’s not all; finding the right size is also important; otherwise, there is a chance your dog won’t squeeze into his Christmas getup.
In this article, you’ll find the five best dog Christmas outfit that will fit your dog like a glove regardless of his age and size.
You’ll also learn what to consider when shopping for a Christmas costume for your dog to ensure it is comfortable and safe to wear.
Quick Links To Dog Holiday Outfits:
- Best Overall – Blueberry Pet Christmas Dog Sweater
- Best Budget – Idepet Dog Santa Claus Christmas Costume
- Best Elf Costume – Scenereal Christmas Dog Costume
- Best Holiday Sweater – Bobibi Christmas Dog Sweater
- Best Santa Suit – Nacoco Santa Claus Dog Suit
Top-Rated Christmas Costume Ideas For Dogs
| Product Name | Features | Rating (out of 5) |
| Blueberry Pet Christmas Dog Sweater – Best Overall | Made from acrylic yarnBack length 16”Machine washable | 4.6 |
| Idepet Dog Santa Claus Christmas Costume – Best Budget | Adjustable fitSoft acrylic materialComes in four sizes | 4.4 |
| Scenereal Christmas Dog Costume – Best Elf Costume | Body length 12.2”Machine washableComes with a hat | 4.2 |
| Bobibi Christmas Dog Sweater – Best Holiday Sweater | Back length 18.5”Stretchable acrylic materialPullover design | 4.2 |
| Nacoco Santa Claus Dog Suit – Best Santa Suit | Available in five sizesComes with elastic Santa hatTwo colors – red and green | 4.2 |
Five Best Christmas Outfits For Dogs Reviewed
Whether you need a dog Christmas costume or a festive getup that will keep your pooch warm during the winter season, I’ve got you covered.
Here are the best Christmas dog outfits that will make your pooch the star in the family holiday photos.
1. Best Overall – Blueberry Pet Christmas Dog Sweater
Whether you want a costume just for Christmas or you need an outfit that will keep your dog warm, this Christmas Dog Sweater by Blueberry Pet is a great choice. It comes in four different holiday-themed patterns that are subtle but festive.
KEY FEATURES
- Made of 100% acrylic yarn
- Back 16”, neck 15”, chest girth 21”-25”
- Interlock knit
Made of soft acrylic yarn, this lightweight dog Christmas outfit is designed in a way that won’t restrict your dog’s movements. The turtle neck and arm holes are nicely fitted so you can rest assured the sweater will stay in place.
For me, the greatest thing about this holiday costume is that it’s easy to put on and take off, which is very convenient if your dog isn’t used to wearing clothes. Due to the sturdy interlock knit, this sweater won’t lose shape and is machine washable.
PROS
- It comes in seven sizes
- It’s soft and thick and will keep your dog warm
- Fit is snug enough
- Use as a Christmas costume and a cozy winter sweater
CONS
- Arm holes might be too small if your dog has thicker legs
Easy to put on and take off, this Christmas sweater will make your dog look festive during holidays, and coupled with doggy boots, he is sure to stay warm in cold winter weather.
2.Best Budget – Idepet Dog Santa Claus Christmas Costume
The cute and adorable Idepet Christmas Costume will make your dog the focus of your Christmas party. Well-made and festive, this harness-style costume will give everyone an impression that Santa is riding on your dog’s back.
KEY FEATURES
- Soft acrylic material
- Adjustable Velcro strap
- Plush Santa puppet
Featuring a saddle-shaped design, this cute costume will turn your dog into Santa’s little reindeer. The adjustable chest and neck Velcro straps ensure a snug and comfortable fit and will keep the plush Santa secure on your dog’s back.
The entire costume is made from a lightweight and breathable acrylic material that won’t cause skin irritation or restrict your dog’s movements in any way. And thanks to its simple design, dressing up your dog should be easy even if he hasn’t worn a costume before.
PROS
- Fits most dogs; comes in sizes S to XL
- Plush and soft material is ideal for cooler winter weather
- Fully adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit
- Super cute and will make your dog the star of Christmas dinner
CONS
- A few customers reported that sizes are on the smaller side
Affordable and cute, this dog Christmas outfit will make your dog the focus of any festival and party without restricting his movements in any way.
3. Best Elf Costume – Scenereal Christmas Dog Costume
Coming in a festive green color and with a cute hat, the Scenereal Christmas Dog Costume will turn your pooch into Santa’s little elf. Made with exceptional attention to detail, this costume has a clever design and it only covers your dog’s front feet.
KEY FEATURES
- Neck girth 11”, chest girth 16”, body length 12.2”
- Comes with a cute hat
- Soft material
This costume is designed in a way that makes it look like your dog is standing upright on his hind legs. However, this cute outfit will cover only your dog’s front legs, so you won’t have to take it off when your pooch needs to go to the bathroom.
The entire outfit is made from a lightweight and breathable material, so it won’t restrict your dog’s movements or make him feel uncomfortable if he’s not used to wearing clothes. The whole getup wouldn’t be complete without a stylish hat that comes with an adjustable neck strap that holds it in place.
PROS
- Made from stretchy fabric, so it’s comfortable to wear
- Clever design allows dogs to go to the bathroom while wearing the costume
- Easy to put-on or take-off pullover style
- Comes in two sizes perfect for small and medium dogs
CONS
- Several owners reported that sizes are off and costumes were too big for their dogs
Stylish and festive, the Scenereal Christmas Dog Costume is lightweight and comfortable, and you won’t have to take it off when your pooch needs to go to the bathroom.
4. Best Holiday Sweater – Bobibi Christmas Dog Sweater
With two cute holiday-themed patterns, the Bobibi Christmas Dog Sweater will keep your dog warm and dressed for holiday celebrations. This stylish sweater has no zippers or buttons, and it’s easily fitted over your dog’s head and front paws.
KEY FEATURES
- Made of acrylic fibers
- Neck girth 12.6”, chest girth 18.1”, back length 18.9”
- Knitted
Like all other sweater-style dog holiday outfits, this one also has a neck hole and two arm holes for front legs. This slip-on design makes dressing up your dog much easier, especially if he hasn’t worn a Halloween costume or any other type of clothes.
The knitted acrylic material is soft and stretchy, thus allowing your dog to move easily and even do his business while wearing the sweater. Best of all, besides being a cute Christmas dog costume, this sweater can also keep your pooch warm on walks the whole winter season.
PROS
- Available in all sizes
- Stretchable fibers allow for a comfortable fit
- It’s easy to put on and take off due to its slip-on style
- Comes in two classic Christmas themed patterns
CONS
- Several customers reported the sizing chart is off
Overall, the Bobibi Christmas Dog Sweater is a great option if you’re looking for a way to dress up your pooch for a Christmas party and keep him comfortable at the same time.
5. Best Santa Suit – Nacoco Santa Claus Dog Suit
There is no Christmas without Santa, but thanks to Nacoco Santa Claus Dog Suit, you’ll have a four-legged Santa running around your house the entire Christmas day. Adorable and cute, this dog costume is made with great attention to detail and comes with a hat.
KEY FEATURES
- Made of high-quality fabric materials
- Elastic Santa’s hat
- Comes in five sizes
Being made of the highest quality materials, this costume is lightweight and very comfortable to wear. And although it might seem complicated to put on, you’ll only need to slip it over your dog’s head and front legs to get him looking like a canine Santa.
Since this costume has mock stuffed arms, it will give an illusion that your dog is standing upright while wearing it. However, that won’t really be the case, and your pooch will be able to move and impersonate Santa comfortably all day long.
PROS
- Made of lightweight material and comfortable to wear
- Comes in XS to XL so you’ll find a costume to fit your dog
- Its slip-on style makes it convenient to put on and take off
- Made with great attention to detail and looks like a real Santa’s suit
CONS
- A few owners reported the hat doesn’t stay in place
Overall, this comfortable and cute Christmas outfit will make your dog look like Santa for an entire day without restricting his movements.
Best Christmas Outfits For Dogs Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing a Christmas outfit for your dog, you’ll want something festive and classic that is in tune with the holiday season.
However, unlike people, dogs can’t communicate whether they feel comfortable in the clothes they are wearing or not.
It’s up to you as an owner to go over different Christmas costume ideas for dogs before settling on the one. Consider the following factors to find the best holiday outfit for your pooch:
1. Size
Of all the things you need to consider, size is the first and most important factor to think about. It won’t really matter how cute or adorable the costume is if your dog can’t actually fit into it.
If a costume is too large, it will look baggy or loose, but if it’s too small, it will chafe and make your dog uncomfortable while he’s wearing it.
2. Material
In most places, it can be very cold and snowy at Christmas. While dogs know how to regulate body temperature, added protection against the elements can prevent hypothermia and frostbites.
The best Christmas outfits for dogs are made of soft and plush materials that can offer protection against elements and provide warmth. Synthetic fiber, cotton, and wool are all good materials that will keep your pooch warm and comfortable at the same time.
3. Comfort
Most dogs aren’t used to wearing clothes, so it’s very important to find a costume that will be comfortable to wear. Look for smooth, lightweight, and durable materials, and consider if the outfit is too heavy to restrict movements and be uncomfortable to wear.
4. Easy To Put On And Take Off
While jumpsuit style dog outfits might look cute, they aren’t actually convenient and can be hard to put on and take off. Just imagine your dog peeing all over his new Christmas costume just because you couldn’t take it off in time!
To avoid these types of accidents, look for pullover outfits that are easy to slip on and take off.
5. Safety
Your dog’s safety should always be your number one concern. Many dog costumes have small buttons or other removable objects that are a potential choking hazard.
FAQs: Christmas Clothes For Dogs
Is It Cruel To Make Dogs Wear Clothes?
The answer to this question isn’t simple and depends on many things. As long as wearing clothes isn’t harming or painful for your dog in any way, then it isn’t cruel.
In fact, when winter arrives and cold weather sets in, wearing doggy clothes can protect dogs from getting hypothermia or frostbite.
One of the things we do with our guide dog puppies is dress them up in clothes and costumes starting from a very early age. We do this for a couple reasons.
- It teaches your puppy to be tolerant of wearing something which he will have to get used to when he wears a harness, vest or jacket during training or work.
- It teaches your puppy to be tolerant of being handled. When you’re trying to get your pup’s paws through the openings your puppy learns to be handled in different ways then normal.
How Do I Get My Dog To Wear A Costume?
The best way to get your dog dressed up in a costume is to arm yourself with treats and patience.
Start by introducing your dog to the costume and offer praise and rewards during this process. Once your dog feels comfortable around the outfit, put one of his legs into the arm hole, and give him treats.
To get your dog fully dressed, slowly introduce other parts of the costume in the same way and continue giving him treats and praise.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Dressing Your Dog Up For Christmas?
Deciding whether you want to dress up your dog for Christmas or not requires some serious thought. When it comes to pros, your dog will look adorable all dressed up and the outfit will keep him warm and protect him from dirt and moisture.
On the downside, wearing a costume can be stressful, cause skin irritation and overheating, and be a potential choking hazard.
If you think your dog won’t feel comfortable wearing a costume, don’t dress him in one. But if he likes the extra attention and is in the mood to be dressed up, then wearing an outfit can be a fun experience for both of you.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is just around the corner and it’s natural to look for ways to include your dog in all holiday festivities. Dressing your pooch in a dog Christmas outfit will make him the star of the party and the sole focus of everyone’s attention.
The best Christmas costume for your dog will be the one that is safe and comfortable, but easy to take off if your pooch starts to feel awkward.
While you can’t go wrong with any of the outfits listed above, the Blueberry Pet Christmas Dog Sweater is a clear winner for me and my dog. It’s easy to put on and take off and your pooch will feel comfortable while wearing it both indoors and outdoors.
What outfits do you like to dress your canine pet in during the holidays?
Share your experience and advice with the community in the comments section below.
Top Picks For Our Dogs
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We Like: Calmeroos Puppy Toy w/ Heartbeat and Heat Packs - Perfect for new puppies. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. - BEST DOG CHEW
We Like: Bones & Chews Bully Sticks - All of our puppies love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. - BEST DOG TREATS
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We Like: The Farmer's Dog - A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer's Dog.
For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining.com blog.