It’s that time of year again, when our furry friends are decked out in holiday attire—Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and elf outfits—grinning or enduring their roles as festive props for family photos. While our dogs may not have a say in their costumes, they still play an integral part in our holiday traditions.
I’ve often found myself laughing at the sight of a dog dressed in something absurd—a French bulldog in a Prince Valiant wig, complete with bangs, for instance. But beyond the humor, there’s a deeper reason why we dress up our canine companions: we want them to feel like a part of the family.
As I reflect on the history of my own dogs—mainly golden retrievers, who tolerated costumes with remarkable patience—there’s always been an unspoken understanding between us. Our dogs live to please us, and sometimes, that means wearing a ridiculous Halloween costume or sporting a bandana from the groomer.
But not every dog is as tolerant. Take Ender, my Vallhund, for example. Ender, a mix between a German Shepherd and a Corgi, is the epitome of decorum. As a certified therapy dog, he listens attentively to children reading to him in libraries and offers comfort to stressed-out office workers. Ender would never stand for being dressed up as a hot dog or a skunk. His dignified nature simply doesn’t allow for such frivolities.
Then there’s our doodle, Jordie, who accepts his obligatory bandana from the groomers, though I doubt he cares much for the pattern—whether it’s Cowboys or hamburgers. I’ve seen everything from dogs in octopus costumes, with eight wobbly arms, to ones dressed as UPS delivery drivers. Some might argue it’s absurd, but honestly, it’s remarkable what creative minds can come up with.
Of course, there are moments when dressing up a dog serves a purpose. Annual parades celebrate the “cutest puppy” or award the title of “best dog costume,” and yes, dogs sometimes need an outfit for their birthday. Perhaps it’s a formal bow tie for a special occasion or a party hat for a silly celebration. But there’s one thing I’ve learned: our dogs don’t get a choice in these matters.
Take MacDuff, for example, our English Sheepdog/Black Lab mix. MacDuff had a big issue with the mailman. Every time the man approached our door, MacDuff would sprint out, ready to chase him away—though all bluster and no bite. In an attempt to calm him down, we put a scarf on MacDuff, and to our surprise, he became a model of civility. From then on, he wore an ascot daily, looking like he was starring in a 1930s film, though the mailman remained unimpressed.
So why do we dress our pets, especially our dogs? I think it’s because we love them so much, and we want them to be included in our lives, our celebrations, and yes, even our family photos. A dog in a Christmas costume is part of the gang, helping us create memories and laughter, even if they’re too polite to protest.
Years ago, nobody would have thought to put a dog in a holiday outfit, let alone take a picture of them in one. But times have changed. Dressing up our pets, whether for a parade, a holiday card, or just for fun, has become a common tradition. And for me, that’s what it boils down to: it’s all about love.
As I recall my pet chicken, Susie, who didn’t mind being dressed up in my doll clothes and paraded around the neighborhood, I realize the same love for family applies to all our pets, no matter how they look or what they wear. Sometimes, though, the funnier the outfit, the more we love them. After all, what’s better than a French bulldog in a Prince Valiant wig? If we can’t laugh at our loved ones, who can we laugh at?