Dog Christmas movies are the best (and are even better when you're cuddled up with your furry friend!) If you're looking for a list of favorites that you can watch time and time again, then you've come to the right place. Whether you enjoy doggy action movies, classic cartoon films, or stories of soulful pups that overcome adversity, we’re sure you'll love them.
We’re all dog lovers here and understand the simple pleasures of taking your dog for a morning walk, coming home, and opening the best dog advent calendars. After that, grab a hot chocolate, and a biscuit for your canine movie pal and watch some festive movies.
We've found some fabulous films that you’ll surely want to bookmark for the Christmas holidays. Here's what to watch:
Best dog Christmas movies
1. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
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Even though it’s an old movie, there’s so much to love about the Grinch. He might seem like a green villain, but he loves doggies, especially his terrier-type pup, Max, who pulls the Grinch’s sleigh. This movie is every dog lover’s favorite at Christmas. Read our feature on terrier types if watching this movie makes you want to bring a terrier into your life.
2. The 12 Dogs of Christmas (2005)
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Do you remember when all you ever thought about was having a puppy to call your own? You lay in bed on Christmas Eve, hoping Santa would be nice and bring you a furry pal.
This dog Christmas movie features a dog-loving girl who organizes a school pageant to help find homes for 101 doggies. Unfortunately, the town wants to ban dogs and issues a court order.
Even though you know it will all work out, the movie builds tension as the girl fights to overturn the court order.
3. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
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This beautiful, animated movie was the first dog Christmas movie I watched as a child and it set me on my doggy journey for life.
The Tramp, a charming but scruffy mutt, and Lady, a delightful cocker spaniel with deliciously long eyelashes, fall in love during Christmas and, a year later, seal their love.
4. Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws (2009)
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You will love this must-see Christmas movie if you adore golden retriever puppies. The story is about “The Buddies”, five pups on a mission to help Puppy Paws’ who is Santa Paws’ son.
Your dog will likely have his nose pressed to the screen with the regular woofing from the goldie pups.
5. Project: Puppies for Christmas (2019)
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Two young girls work together to help an unappreciative and grumpy neighbor because they want to gain brownie points with Santa. They hope that their good deeds will help Santa decide to give them puppies for Christmas. It’s a dog movie for all the family during the holiday season.
6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
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Who doesn’t love Snoopy, the laid-back pup in Peanuts? This classic dog Christmas movie shares an important message: the holiday is about sharing with others. In this film, Snoopy is super excited about Christmas and enters his doghouse in a holiday display contest. Snoopy does his best to decorate his doghouse, but does he win? Watch the movie to find out.
7. Beethoven's Christmas Adventure (2011)
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Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure is one of the most popular and fun dog Christmas movies. This big pooch tries to find Santa’s stolen bag of gifts. His mission is to save Christmas. Of course, this iconic doggy character – it’s not his first movie – gets into lots of trouble on his mission, and you’ll share every fun moment with him.
8. A Doggone Christmas (2016)
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Do you ever feel like your furry pal is telepathic? How does your floofer know you're planning a fun walk together before you pick up the lead or put on your boots?
Jesse, the adventurous Jack Russell terrier pup in this action-packed movie, works for the CIA and manages to escape. The government comes after Jesse, but two dog-loving brothers find him and hide him safely out of harm’s way.
9. An All Dogs Christmas Carol (1998)
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This cartoon movie is the classic Christmas Carol with a lovely doggy twist, which, of course, makes it perfect for us dog-addicted movie watchers. It’s a delightful story about Charlie and his doggy pals who want to raise money for their friend Timmy to have an operation. The team of doggy pals must overcome the toothy villain Carface, who steals their money.
10. The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009)
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This delightful Christmas movie is like Home Alone but with a charming yellow labrador and former K9 police hero. Zeus and his family’s Christmas is threatened by bumbling burglars, a jewel thief, and possibly a new dog coming into the home.
Zeus proves himself to be the hero and saves the day, and there are many hilarious adventures to enjoy.
