Seriously, is there anything better during the holidays than a cozy evening cuddling with your favorite dog? Heaven = the glowing lights of the tree, the wind blowing briskly outside—and a dog-friendly Christmas movie. Ok, and treats for both you.
We’ve rounded up some fabulous holiday movies you can and should watch with your pet. It’s a fact that dogs love to watch other dogs on screen, which make these perfect for canine viewing.
1. A Golden Christmas
Looking for a smidge of the “touchy-feely” with your holiday film? A Golden Christmas has it all: childhood romance, buried time capsules, a crazy case of mistaken identity, and matchmaking pups who always manage to save the day.
2. Look Who’s Talking Now
In the third installment of the Look Who’s Talking series, James and Mollie add two pups to their family: a scrappy mutt named Rocks, and Daphne, a stuck-up poodle. Ok, so this isn’t necessarily a holiday movie, but it is Mikey’s Christmas wish to get a dog, so it counts! Of course hilarity ensues, with plenty of bickering, mixups, and drama galore.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Many, many hearts have been warmed by the character of Max, the put-upon, loving, and loyal pup in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Want that heart to get even warmer? In the 2000 live action film starring Jim Carrey, Max was actually played by six different mixed-breed shelter rescues! And after their brief stint with stardom, all of the dogs were adopted into loving forever homes. How’s that for a sweet Christmas story you can enjoy with your pup?
4. Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure
In this holiday film, the charming and beloved St. Bernard must SAVE CHRISTMAS! In a nutshell, he needs to rescue an elf who has made a crash landing in his town, help him recover Santa’s magic toy bag from greedy thieves, and return the sleigh to its rightful owner. That’s quite a lot of pressure – but perhaps your pup will appreciate their drama-free life after cozying up with you for this action-packed movie.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
The collision of two very different holidays is the main focus of this fantastically twisted animated film by Tim Burton. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas and tries to get his creepy neighbors to throw their own version of the holiday. Visually stunning, this film is fun for both people and dogs (they’ll adore ghost pup Zero who has his own serious fanbase).
6. An All Dogs Christmas Carol
I know, the “Christmas Carol” thing has been done a thousand times…but have you ever seen it done with dogs? This adaption is retold by the cast of All Dogs Go to Heaven. You know you have to see it.
7. One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Though Cruella is certain to scare your four-legged friend (be sure to bring a blanket so they can cover their eyes!), there’s something undeniably fun about revisiting the Disney classic this holiday season. And of course, the dogs triumph, so we’re all good.
8. A Christmas Story
With timeless scenes and unforgettable characters, it’s no wonder that A Christmas Story remains a family favorite after all of these years. Just a warning, though—considering the scene with the turkey-stealing hounds from next door, this may not be the best example for your pup of how to behave during the holidays.
9. The Search for Santa Paws
Did someone say magic dogs and elves?! That’s enough to spark the interest of any holiday-loving pup. This feel-good Christmas movie follows the adventures of Santa and his canine buddy, Paws, as they take a trip to New York City. But when disaster strikes and Santa loses his memory, a scrappy group of orphans and pups have to rescue Santa and save Christmas.
10. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Always a classic, this animated television special based on the Peanuts comic strip has been warming hearts since 1965. Grab a cup of cocoa and your favorite canine, and watch Charlie Brown, his gang, and the lovable Snoopy discover the true meaning of Christmas.
We hope one of these films perfectly complements your eggnog! And remember, if you feel like going to dinner and a movie this holiday season, but feel guilty leaving your dog behind, we have lots of experienced dog sitters who’d be happy to check in with Fido while you frolic around town.
