This weekend I went pumpkin-picking to get in the Halloween mood. Unfortunately, dogs weren’t allowed at the pumpkin patch, but my pups will get to help carve by cleaning the tasty pumpkin insides, which also doubles as a healthy treat. This year, while looking for carving tips, I found patterns for dog lovers. 

Inspired by the American Kennel Club’s list of top breeds, Better Homes and Gardens’ art director, Diane Starkey, designed 13 canine pumpkin carving stencils [3]. Best of all, they’re available for free on the BHG website, complete with carving tips.

The stencils include a Beagle, Boxer, Bulldog, Chihuahua, Dachshund, German Shepard, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier, Lab, Poodle, Pug, Scottish Terrier, and a Yorkie. Some require more skill than others. The Scottish Terrier looks like a particularly hard challenge for the novice pumpkin carver!

The website allows you to vote for your favorite design and even create your own pumpkin stencil [4]. If your favorite breed is missing, they’re also taking input for next year. I’m hoping for a Sheltie! In the meantime, I’m going to start with the Jack Russell Terrier design.