How do I make a DIY Clifford collar?

Cut a bone shape out of white cardboard or craft foam, write 'CLIFFORD' in bold black letters, and hot glue it to a thick black ribbon or dog collar.

What clothes can I use for a last-minute Clifford costume?

Wear a matching bright red hoodie and red sweatpants, then add a red headband with floppy red felt dog ears pinned to it.

Is this costume suitable for teachers?

Yes, Clifford is highly recognizable, wholesome, and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for school events and storybook character days.

Dress your dog in a simple red pet tee or a lightweight red dog hoodie to make them a mini Clifford.

AI-generated example

Clifford the Big Red Dog Costume

Bring the beloved, giant red puppy to life this Halloween.

Clifford the Big Red Dog is a beloved children's book and television character known for his massive size and friendly demeanor. This costume is a popular choice for teachers, parents, and nostalgic adults looking for a wholesome, recognizable look. The outfit centers around a vibrant red jumpsuit, floppy dog ears, and Clifford's signature black collar with a bone-shaped name tag.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $25–60

See yourself as Clifford the Big Red Dog →What you need Buy the Clifford the Big Red Dog costume

Try it on

See yourself as Clifford the Big Red Dog

One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.

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Clifford the Big Red Dog costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Clifford the Big Red Dog

Result

What you need for a Clifford the Big Red Dog costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Clifford the Big Red Dog costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Clifford the Big Red Dog at Spirit ↗

Red hooded jumpsuit
A bright red, long-sleeved fleece onesie or jumpsuit, ideally with an attached hood.
DIY: Wear a matching bright red hoodie and red sweatpants.
Amazon
Red dog ears
Long, floppy red ears attached to a headband or built directly into the hood.
DIY: Cut floppy ear shapes out of red felt and fabric glue them to a red headband or hood.
Amazon
Black collar
A simple, thick black strap or ribbon worn comfortably around the neck.
DIY: Cut a strip of black felt or use a wide black ribbon tied securely.
Amazon
Bone-shaped name tag
A white bone shape featuring the name 'CLIFFORD' written in bold black letters.
DIY: Cut a bone shape out of white cardboard or craft foam, write the name with a black marker, and attach it to the collar.
Amazon
Red gloves
Simple red jersey or cotton gloves to keep the hands matching the body.
DIY: Use red winter mittens or skip gloves entirely.
Amazon
Red shoe covers
Red fabric covers that slip over your shoes, or a pair of solid red sneakers.
DIY: Wear solid red canvas sneakers or wrap red felt around your existing shoes.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Clifford the Big Red Dog costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the red jumpsuit or the matching red sweatshirt and sweatpants.
2
If your jumpsuit does not have an attached tail, pin a stuffed red fabric tube to the back of your pants.
3
Slip on the red gloves and red sneakers or shoe covers to complete the solid red base.
4
Craft the name tag by writing 'CLIFFORD' on your white bone cutout, then attach it to the black collar.
5
Fasten the black collar comfortably around your neck.
6
Put on the red dog ears headband or pull up the hood of your jumpsuit to finish the look.

Makeup & hair

Keep your hair tucked back under the hood or headband. Use black face paint to draw a small, round dog nose on the tip of your nose for an extra playful touch.

Clifford the Big Red Dog for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair Clifford with Emily Elizabeth wearing her signature pink and black striped sweater, black skirt, and red hair bows.
group: Add Emily Elizabeth, Cleo the purple poodle, and T-Bone the yellow bulldog for a full Birdwell Island group.
kids: A cozy, one-piece red fleece jumpsuit with an attached hood and soft felt ears is perfect for toddlers and kids.
Plus size: A loose-fitting red unisex onesie or oversized red sweatsuit offers a highly comfortable, flexible fit for all body types.
pet: Dress your dog in a simple red pet tee or a lightweight red dog hoodie to make them a mini Clifford.

More ways people search for this costume

The most-searched variations of “Clifford the Big Red Dog costume”, and how this look adapts to each.

Clifford dog costume: Dress your dog in a simple red pet tee or a lightweight red dog hoodie to make them a mini Clifford.

Tips

Choose a fleece onesie if you are trick-or-treating in cold weather to stay warm and comfortable outdoors.
Use lightweight craft foam for the bone tag so it sits comfortably against your chest without weighing down the collar.
For fun photos, stand next to miniature props or toy houses to emphasize Clifford's massive scale.