Every year the National Retail Federation asks Americans what they're dressing their pets as for Halloween. The answers are remarkably consistent, and they're a good guide if you want your dog to be recognised on sight rather than explained at every door.
1. Pumpkin
Number one every single year the survey has run, and by a clear margin. It works on any coat colour, reads from across the street, and the round shape is flattering on chunky dogs. Ours: the Pumpkin Costume, sizes XS–XL.
2. Hot dog
The perennial runner-up. Dachshunds are the obvious choice but it's funny on anything long and low. Ours: the Hot Dog Costume.
3. Bumblebee
Climbing the rankings in recent years. Yellow-and-black stripes are as visible as it gets after dark, which is a nice bonus on a walk. Ours: the Bumblebee Costume.
4. Ghost
The classic. A sheet with eye holes has been a Halloween costume for a century for good reason. Ours: the Ghost Cape, one size.
5. Bat and spider
Both make the top five most years. Wings and legs add a lot of costume for very little fabric on the dog, which is why nervous dogs tend to tolerate them. Ours: Bat Wings and the Light-Up Spider Harness.
Also in the top ten
Lion, devil and witch round out the list. The Lion Mane is our pick for golden retrievers and labs, and the Vampire Prince Cape covers the devil/vampire vote for smaller dogs.
Whatever you pick, measure the chest first. The size guide takes two minutes.