(Also: check out 15 Awesome Examples of Creative Dog Grooming!)
People love their dogs. And to an extent, this is understandable. After all, for millennia the species canis famliaris has been selectively bred by the species homo sapiens to be the perfect companion—protective, loyal, and affectionate. Along the way, I think a little of this selective breeding rubbed off on people, too, so that now it’s our nature to return the affection dogs have for us. That being said, it’s one thing to be fond of dogs, and it’s another thing to be so crazy about your dog that you dress it up in elaborate costumes. While I admit that my own pooch has suffered the indignity of sporting a costume from time to time, the poor guy has never had to endure the kind of humiliation some dogs experience on a regular basis. The following list of 13 Hilarious Dog Costumes runs the gamet of dog costumery. From simple and fun to ornate and bizarre, there’s a little bit of everything. So, enjoy.
13. King o’ the Jungle
To get things started, here’s a photo of a pit bull terrier posing as the king of the jungle. I know what you’re thinking: dude, lions don’t live in jungles, they live on the Serengeti. But hey, I’m not in charge of making up colloquial expressions, so cut me some slack. In any case, you have to admit this costume is pretty cute.
12. A Knight and His Steed
Well, here’s one way to make a Chihuahua seem dignified: put a chivalrous knight on his back. Sure, it’s not a real knight, but when compared to the usual behavior of these little dogs (high pitched yapping or, occasionally, cowering in terror when the wind blows), transporting even a fake member of the round table seems noble.
11. Buddy the Elf
As you will see as you move down this list, this type of dog costume is becoming quite popular. Here we have a dog posing as an elf from the appropriately titled Will Ferrell movie, Elf. I like this movie. But I like lots of movies, and I don’t dress my dog up as characters from all of them.
10. Three-Headed Chihuahua
You may think this is a simple, store-bought costume. But notice that the two fake heads look just like the actual dog (and also that they are a little rough around the edges). Obviously, this getup is a custom job, which means someone has way too much time on his or her hands. Hopefully the owner at least won some kind of contest, maybe got a lifetime supply of dog food…something.
9. Superfriends
Here are a couple more costumes that make the front of the dog look like an upright human with a dog’s head. It’s kind of cute to see dogs looking like proper humans (since so many don’t understand they’re not human anyway), but I find this style of costume to be a little creepy. In this case particular case, we have Batdog and Superdog. Judging by their sitting positions and keen stares, the owner of these Labrador retrievers is probably just off camera bribing them with treats.
8. Headless Horseman
Here’s another dog-pretending-to-be-horse costume, and this one takes it up a notch. Unfortunately, it’s a notch too far in my opinion. I mean, really, do you think this dog enjoys having a freaking harness on its face? No. But I guess sometimes you just feel like dressing your dog up like a character from a Washington Irving short story.
7. Fast Food Collies
Collies are some of the smartest, most loyal, and most regal dogs around. Hell, Lassie was a Collie. So the question is, what kind of person gets a pack of beautiful Collies just to humiliate these proud animals by dressing them up as Whoppers, French fries, and donuts? (Whoever it is probably needs to lose a few pounds, as they obviously have an unhealthy love of such foods.)
6. Dueling Doggie Yodas
I guess we should add this costume to the list of weird Yoda fan art. Obviously, the owners of these dogs are major nerds (and I don’t mean that in a negative way; some of my closest friends are major nerds). The only question is, who wore it better, the Cockapoo or the Pug? I say pug. His wrinkly face more closely resembles that of the real Yoda.
5. Cameldog
This pooch appears to be a Bedlington Terrier. Believe it or not, this camel haircut isn’t that far off from the standard haircut for this breed. They usually have an especially poofy patch of hair on the bridge of their snout, as well as little poofs of fur hanging at the tips of the ears and tail. However, they do not usually have humps on their backs and harnesses on their faces.
4. Scubadog
Ridiculous. This poor little dog is just thinking, “What in the everliving hell is going on? Quick, someone get this shit off me!” On the other hand, the owner is probably thinking, “Oooooo how adoooooorable! Paying $300 for that custom dog wetsuit was toooootally worth it!”
3. Sarah Palin Chihuahua
I see a pattern here that tells me people who own Chihuahuas are not right in the head. As for this costume, I’m not sure if this counts as tribute to or disparagement of Sarah Palin. But I like it. A lot. Who would have thought you could make a dog look so much like a woman as beautiful as the former half-Governor of Alaska?
2. Painted Pooches
If you always wanted to have an exotic animal like a Tiger or a Panda as a pet, but you’re not some eccentric rich person like Richard Branson, here’s the solution: just get a dog and have it painted like the exotic animal of choice. Of course, like the gay son of an ex-Marine or the brainy daughter of an ex-beauty queen, there’s no way these poor dogs can live up to their owner’s expectations.
1. Alligator Attack
This costume comes in at #1 because it manages to be elaborate but funny, extravagant but not simultaneously pathetic and depressing. You cannot say the same thing about many of the crazy dog costumes on this list. So, good work, dude who came up with this alligator-ate-my-beagle costume.
the camel one is actually a poodle.
That picture is from a dog hair show that was on tlc i believe.
THESE ARE GREAT I LOVE THE TIGER DOG TOTALLY AWESOME. JULIE
No, that's a Bedlington Terrier. Not a standard colouring, but a Bedlington nonetheless.
Your right. It is a poodle. And a Bedlington cut isnt cut about the face and tufts on the ears. The entire dog is a work of scissoring the coat.
That is definitely a Bedlington Terrier, you can tell by the body shape Poodles do not have that very defined up curve to their body.
poodles also do not have those ears, they have floppy ears,
Yeah, I saw the same show with the dogs being decorated.
As the owner of a pure bred bedlington terrier, and having had grandparent who had them most of my childhood – that is definately a Bedlington – probably what is known as the 'liver' colour. Most Bedlingtons, like mine, is what is known as the colour 'blue, but are black at birth, lightening up to a silver/grey as an adult – although my own dog is quite dark still. The arch of the back and the shape of the head and snout enables me to come to that conclusion. Also – the caption is correct in that it is not far from the Bedlington and Kennel Club standard clip/groom of the breed. Great transformation in to a camel though.
http://www.pinkcoyote.net/creativegrooming.html
Definitely a poodle!
The cerberus dog looks awesome. But my fave is the panda looking dog. They really do look like panda cubs and I bet people would be surprised why he has panda cubs when they walk them.
The breed of the dog (Chow Chow) actually gets nicknamed as a bear all the time. Blonde chows look like little polar bears, especially when they're puppies, so it's not too much of a stretch to make them pandas. I wish they actually had that coloring naturally tho, it would be awesome.
IT WAS AWESOME THE TIGER DOG WAS THE BEST!!!
I feel less sorry for the headless horseman dog having to wear the harness (it's like a head collar, not a huge deal), but the fake hooves? Seriously?
Number 7 fast food picture: Not a doughnut, the Dog is a "smiley cookie". From a local chain of restaurants in Pittsburgh called Eat N' Park.
look again. one of them is a krispy kreme guy.
Eat N' Park is in a bunch of places in PA…we often went to one in Berlin.
These are why dogs should hate humans. Let the poor dog be a dog.
Actually i have a little MinPin and she loves dressing up. Shell bring me her jacket or something with her tail wagging. If a dog didnt like it they would let u know, and pictures would not be an option.
There are dogs who love dressing up, but there are limits, and the feelings of the dog, (or any other animal), should always be heard, and adhered to. It is simpler than people may think, to "hear" what an animal is saying . The only stumbling block is the humans who cannot, or will not, believe what they are hearing. The question is quite simply not "Do animals speak"?, as much as the one of "Do humans hear?! The Animal/Human Mindlink is awesome indeed! If the animal tells you he loves dressing up, then absolutely go for it, but if he quite patently does not, then respect his feelings, and desist. Rosi Caswell Animal Whisperer, Animal/Human Therapist
i loved the scuba diver that's a riot. we live on the gasconade river, i would so do that. but we lost our little scrappy last year. miss him deeply..
those poor little dogs someone should learn that dogs are for outdoors in their OWN fur and not in clothes or anything else…idoits
*Idiots. It's spelled idiots.
Some dogs, particularly toy breeds, NEED to have clothes on when outside in temperate climates. I have a yorkshire terrier…the standard size, not a teacup, and she has to have a sweater on to go out starting in late october and lasting until March. Small dogs cannot regulate their body heat well, and can become hypothermic fairly quickly. During the summer, they need to be kept cool because their small bodies heat up so fast. Clothes aren't always about what a pet owner wants…it's about keeping the dog healthy. Personally, I know a little schnauzer that ADORES clothes. He isn't happy if he doesn't have at least a t-shirt on!
What is embarrassing for humans, isn't necessarily embarrassing for dogs, but it can be uncomfortable. I guess it all depends on the attitude of the owner dressing them up, he or she can communicate security which is good while having them dressed up, or overexcitement which can contribute to the discomfort of the dog. I guess it also depends on the dog. Bottom line is I don't find it offensive having some owners dress dogs, I find it more offensive having overly excited humans creating a fantasy world where the dog is somehow both a fellow human and a toy. I am still almost equally annoyed by those appalled for the possibility that a dog should wear something else than fur. I like the crocodile and the tiger.
Whoever captioned these photos is a loser. You're taking something that is meant to be funny and complaining about it. How bout you take your negativity elsewhere ; )
Buddy the Elf cracks me up. The second Yoda is a dead ringer for the real one and Camel dog is an eye catcher. The Sarah Palin Chihuahua is extremely well done and the Alligator attack has my vote for creativity even though I know someone whose dog lost a leg to one ( so I have a bit of mixed feelings there).
Wherever you found these, I thank you for the entertainment. Some of these are even better than the ones on my own website. Wish I had them.
As far as dressed up dogs go, I have 5 dogs. One does not like it, so I've never forced him. The others don't mind a bit so they get dressed for picture time only. After all, they are dogs and I love them for who and what they are!
from number 2:
"Of course, like the gay son of an ex-Marine or the brainy daughter of an ex-beauty queen, there’s no way these poor dogs can live up to their owner’s expectations."
what the hell was that? how does being gay immediately mean that you could never please a parent who served as a marine? Subscribing to petty stereotypes and presumptions I got what you were going for, but I found this in extremely poor taste.
Other than that cute lil' nugget I found this article pretty adorable.
I consider a lot of this is a form of animal abuse!
I consider you to be a pussed out fucking moron.
The panda puppies are cute. The rest; while amusing I must side with the animal abuse complaint.
Those Fast Food Collies already have a special place in my heart XD
I am pretty sure those aren't Collies, but Shetland Sheepdogs.
Those are Collies …. google shetland sheepdogs
Stupid idiots.
these people are fucked
johhny bing bang
I LIKED THEM ALL……GRAMPS
I think we should reserve judgement about "dog abuse". My bet is that the dogs whose owners bother to dress them up in these "creative" costumes are probably exceptionally doting, wonderful owners and have exceptionally happy dogs. However, I agree that if your dog really rebels to "dressing" him or her up, then forcing the issue isn't cool.
Some of these are a little much to put on a dog (#3, #4 & #7), but the rest are awesome. Hopefully it's 1 day out of the year these people are putting these dogs through this. Headless horseman is my favorite.
DOES ANYONE OWN A GERMAN ??????? OR ARE THEY A DYING BREED??? WE LOVE OUR
SHEPHERD, HE COULD BE A MOVIE STAR!!!!!! EVEN A GUARD DOG IF NECESSARY.HA HA
We have a german shepherd she is awesome best dog We have ever had … human I swear
I agree with Leslie. Obv these people treat their dogs very well and are just having fun. As far as gay marine children and such, I don’t see why you feel the need to bring up your childhood when you see a dog in a costume. Go see a therapist donkey….. I think they are all funny– especially the fast food dogs and yoda pug with the light- saber. Well done!
Actually, I do. My husband is from Germany.
I would never be bothered to take the time or money to do this, but I am amused by those who do. I think that putting up with this is the least these pampered dogs can do for the great lives they are given.
no comparto son animalitos fieles y dociles en que nows hemos convertido los humanos
all you who complain about these people having fun with their dogs, you're probably the same ones who are pushing for abortion on pretty little babies. you are what the Bible talks about when it says "worshiping the creation instead of the Creator". Besides, I've heard dogs taste like chicken!