Introduction
The Toto costume from The Wizard of Oz is one of the most iconic and beloved dog costumes in pop culture history. Toto is Dorothy’s loyal companion on her journey through Oz, providing comfort and protection to Dorothy as she travels down the yellow brick road. Though small in stature, Toto plays an integral role in the story.
The Wizard of Oz film was released in 1939, adapted from L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It tells the story of Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Along with her companions the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, Dorothy must travel to see the mysterious Wizard in the Emerald City in hopes he can help her return home.
Toto serves as both a source of unconditional love and moral support for Dorothy throughout her adventures. Though he cannot speak, he acts as Dorothy’s guardian and protector. Toto exposes the Wizard’s true identity and leads the group to safety on multiple occasions. His brave and spirited personality belies his small size. Toto’s popularity cemented the idea of dressing up pets in costume.
Origins of the Costume
The first Toto dog costume was created and sold in conjunction with the release of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland as Dorothy. Toto was Dorothy’s beloved dog in the film, played by a female Cairn Terrier named Terry. With the popularity of the movie, the Toto costume provided fans a way to dress up as the famous dog.
The original Toto costume was designed and manufactured by the Ben Cooper, Inc. costume company. Founded in 1927, Ben Cooper was one of the first companies to produce licensed costumes based on popular TV shows, cartoons, and movies. When The Wizard of Oz premiered in 1939, Ben Cooper quickly obtained the license to produce official costumes of Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and Toto.
The vintage Ben Cooper Toto costume featured a plush, brown dog jumpsuit with attached hood, black ears, paws, and tail. It was marketed in retailers like Woolworth’s and Sears Roebuck as part of Ben Cooper’s Wizard of Oz costume collection around Halloween 1939. As an officially licensed costume, it provided fans of the movie a way to dress up and embody the iconic character of Toto.
Popularity Over the Years
The Toto dog costume has been a popular choice since The Wizard of Oz film was released in 1939. As the beloved dog companion of Dorothy in the classic movie, Toto costumes let fans dress up and take on this iconic character.
In the decades after the film’s release, Toto costumes saw a steady popularity around Halloween, especially among children. Interest likely spiked during The Wizard of Oz’s television broadcasts, which became an annual tradition starting in the 1950s and continuing for decades.
More recently, celebrities like Paris Hilton have been photographed wearing Toto costumes for Halloween parties and events, helping drive interest in the costume. Spikes in Google search popularity for Toto costumes often align with years when The Wizard of Oz is back in pop culture, such as when Wicked became a Broadway hit in the early 2000s.
While not always ranking among the very most popular pet costumes, the Toto outfit remains an enduring costume choice for Wizard of Oz fans and dog owners alike looking to dress up their furry friends. Its long-lasting appeal is a testament to the memorable pop culture impact of The Wizard of Oz after over 80 years.
Role in Pop Culture
The Toto dog costume from The Wizard of Oz continues to be referenced frequently in pop culture, cementing its status as an iconic costume. In the sitcom Friends, Phoebe dresses up her dog as Toto for Halloween in the season 8 episode “The One With The Halloween Party” (source). The 2015 comedy horror film The Final Girls also features a scene with a dog dressed up as Toto. Musical artists like Katy Perry and Lil Wayne have mentioned the Toto costume in songs over the years.
The costume remains so popular in part because The Wizard of Oz is such a beloved, classic film that continues to be shown on TV annually. People feel a sense of nostalgia seeing the costume, and dressing a pet up as Toto allows them to recreate a piece of the fantasy world from the film. It’s also a relatively easy homemade costume to create, since a simple wig and collar or tutu is often all that’s needed to transform a dog into Dorothy’s canine companion. The costume works for dogs of all sizes and breeds, adding to its versatility and appeal.
Costume Varieties
Since The Wizard of Oz debuted in 1939, many different Toto dog costume versions have been created and sold over the years. They come in a range of materials like polyester furs and plush fabrics, and are available in sizes from small to XXL to fit dogs of all breeds and sizes. Some even include accessories like a basket for Toto to ride in or a attached leash.
There are basic inexpensive versions made of synthetic furs that capture Toto’s shaggy dog look, as well as more detailed options with nicer materials and additional touches. On sites like Etsy, high-end handmade Toto costumes can cost over $100, using custom fabrics and screen-accurate designs to create a luxury costume.
One interesting variety for sale has a built-in battery-powered speaker that plays clips of Toto barking. For pet owners who want to indulge their furry friend with the most authentic Wizard of Oz Toto experience, there are even costumes fitted with lightweight robotic moving eyes to simulate Toto’s expressive gaze on screen.
DIY Options
For those wanting to handcraft their own Toto costume, there are plenty of tips and tutorials on the web. Some recommended materials include furry fabrics like faux fur, fleece, or minky for the black coat and ears (see this TikTok tutorial). Cotton fabrics in cream or beige work well for the belly and chest. For the collar and bandana, consider ribbon, felt, or fabric in ruby red.
As for construction methods, a simple sewn costume with velcro or snap closures tends to work best. But for no-sew options, hot glue and fabric glue can attach key elements. Create the pointy ears by tracing a dog ear template onto fabric and sewing or gluing into shape. To accessorize with some Toto authenticity, add a small woven wicker basket with a stuffed toy or plush dog inside.
If buying a plain dog costume to start, look for a black hoodie or jumpsuit as a base. Then add DIY elements like the collar, ears, belly patch, and basket. This shortcut method skips the sewing steps while still achieving that handmade look. With some creativity and crafty skills, you can DIY a Toto dog costume to delight any Wizard of Oz fan.
Where to Buy
There are many options available for purchasing a Toto dog costume inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Here are some of the top stores and websites selling this popular costume along with considerations around pricing and quality:
Petco is one of the largest pet retailers that carries the Toto costume for dogs. They offer convenient online and in-store options with prices ranging from $15-30. The quality is decent but the costumes may run small.
Chewy is an online pet products store that has a nice selection of Toto costumes. Price points are similar to Petco from $20-35. Chewy has a good return policy if sizing is an issue.
Amazon carries many Toto costume options from various brands at competitive prices. Costumes start around $12 and go up to $50+ depending on materials and quality. Read customer reviews closely for sizing and quality feedback.
Etsy offers more unique handmade Toto costumes. These are pricier, often $40-60, but tend to use higher quality materials and construction. Make sure to check shop reviews and sizing guidance.
Party City has inexpensive costume options starting around $10. These are likely lower quality but can work well for one-time use. They also carry Toto accessories to complete the look.
For the best quality and fit, look for costumes made from comfortable, durable materials that allow for good movement and visibility. Check sizing charts carefully and read product reviews before purchasing. With the popularity of this costume, finding the perfect Toto look for your dog should be easy and fun!
Accessorizing the Costume
Completing the Toto costume requires accessories like a collar, wig, and paws. Collars with a tag or bell add a nice finishing touch. Brown or black wigs come in various lengths to match Toto’s scruffy hair. Soft paws in black or brown velcro around the feet to emulate Toto’s paws. Here are some tips for completing the look:
- Add a blank dog tag to the collar engraved with your dog’s name or “Toto”
- Style the wig with dog-safe products for extra volume and texture
- Make sure the wig stays secure with wig tape or elastic if needed
- Trim the wig bangs for Toto’s signature shaggy face
- Use wig clips to keep ears inside the wig for a natural look
- Stuff the paws lightly so they hold their shape on the feet
- Consider detachable paws for pets who don’t like having their feet covered
- Use velcro extenders for a better fit if the paws are loose
With the right additions, you can transform your pet into a perfect Wizard of Oz companion. Focus on comfort and adjust elements as needed for the best experience.
Pet Costumes
The Toto dog costume has become a popular choice for dressing up dogs and other pets. Versions made specifically for dogs and cats make it easy to transform your pet into Dorothy’s loyal companion from The Wizard of Oz.
Some tips for dressing up your dog in a Toto costume include:
- Look for costumes designed for pets, with velcro or elastic closures for easy on/off.
- Measure your dog to ensure a proper fit – costumes come in sizes from XS to XL.
- Introduce the costume slowly with treats and praise to get your dog comfortable.
- Avoid constricting the dog’s movement or vision with the costume.
- Supervise your pet while in costume to prevent chewing, damage, or choking hazards.
- Check for signs of stress like panting or shaking and remove the costume if your dog seems distressed.
With patience and positive reinforcement, dressing up your dog can be a fun experience for both of you!
Conclusion
The Toto dog costume from The Wizard of Oz remains one of the most beloved pet costumes after all these years for good reason. Firstly, the character of Toto is iconic and is beloved by fans of the classic movie. Seeing a dog dressed up as Dorothy’s loyal companion taps into nostalgia and the warm feelings people have for the film. Even people who haven’t seen The Wizard of Oz recognize the character. Additionally, the costume design itself is cute and charming. The little black doggie wig and basket are sweet details that pet owners enjoy dressing their dogs up with for photos and events.
Looking ahead, it seems unlikely that this costume will decline in popularity any time soon. The Wizard of Oz continues to be a timeless family film that introduces new generations to the story and characters. As long as people love the movie, they’ll want to dress their dogs up as Toto for Halloween, pet parades, and Wizard of Oz themed parties or photoshoots. The desire to put human clothes on pets remains strong as well, meaning pop culture costumes like this one will always be in demand. There’s also the possibility that if a Wizard of Oz remake or adaptation comes out in the future, it could renew interest in costumes and merchandise from the original film.
In conclusion, the Toto dog costume has cemented its place in pop culture history as a fun way for pet owners to show their love of a classic movie. It seems this beloved costume will continue to delight Wizard of Oz fans and their dogs for years to come.