How to Be a Dalmatian for Halloween

Dalmatians are born without spots and become spotted as they grow.

Dalmatian Halloween costumes became popular with the release of Disney's animated film "101 Dalmatians" in 1961. The live-action version of the movie, released in 1996, introduced Dalmatians to a new generation of children. These dogs are also synonymous with firefighters. Many firehouses have a resident Dalmatian that keeps the firefighters company.

Things You'll Need

• White pants
• White long-sleeved shirt
• White headband
• Black card stock
• White card stock
• Safety pins
• Hot glue gun
• White face paint
• Black face paint

Instructions

Costume

1. 

   Trace around glasses to create circles.

   Cut small, medium and large circles out of black card stock to make "spots."

2. 

   White sweaters without zippers, buttons or pockets work best.

   Pin black circles all over the white pants and the shirt. Later, unpin the circles and the clothing remains wearable.

3. 

   A Dalmatian has floppy ears that dangle at the side of his head.

   Cut two large teardrop shapes out of white card stock to create dog ears.

4. 

   Do not glue ears on top of the headband.

   Hot glue small black circles to the card stock ears. Hot glue finished ears to the sides of the white headband.

Makeup

1. 

   Apply a white base, like you would for clown makeup.

   Paint the face and neck white.

2. 

   Dalmatians have black noses.

   Paint black spot around one eye. Paint the tip of the nose black.

3. 

   The same paint can be used to create a cat mouth.

   Apply black lipstick. Paint a vertical line between the top lip and nose, using black eyeliner.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attach a tail. Tails make sitting uncomfortable and become tangled in decorations or caught in doors.

• Use hypoallergenic, nontoxic makeup.

References

• Reader's Digest: Dalmatian Halloween Costume
• Sparky the Fire Dog: All About Dalmatians
• Martha Stewart Living: Felt Puppy Ears
• The Internet Movie Database: 101 Dalmatians (1996)