Christmas Dog Movies to Watch with Your Pup

On the fur-st day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…a free sofa pass. We might not always appreciate dog fur all over our best cushions, but at Christmas we think exceptions can - and should - be made.

Get cosy and snuggle up with your pooch for a showing of whichever classic or contemporary Christmas film that’s going to put you both in that festive mood. Whether you’re a sucker for Arthur Christmas or Home Alone - a blissfully uninterrupted canine cuddle will let your furry friend know just how much you love them. Treats don’t hurt, either.

It’s not all about doggy-care though - studies show how much physically interacting with dogs boosts the mental health of humans. Of course, this will come as no surprise to dog parents. Fend off the SAD blues this year by hunkering down with your furry friend and whacking on Love Actually. I’m just a parent, standing in front of a dog, asking them to watch a Christmas film with me.

If you prefer subtle Christmas films, look away now. Does it get any more delightfully bonkers than How the Grinch Stole Christmas? If you, like us, find Jim Carey’s Grinch both disturbing and charming in equal parts - this might be the year to introduce your own pooch to him, and see what they make of each other.

The star of the show, however, has to be Max - the long-suffering companion of the Grinch. A true testament to canine loyalty, Max accepts the Grinch for his many flaws and eccentricities - a trait we see in our pooches time and time again. (We have to give an honourable mention here to Cindy-Lou Who, whose wistful rendition of ‘Where Are You Christmas?’ is probably the most poignant moment of the entire film.)

Another contender for most unhinged Christmas film of all time has to be The Nightmare Before Christmas. Whether or not it should be filed under ‘Christmas’ or ‘Halloween’ has been a topic for debate since its release in 1993. One thing is for sure though, it’s a firm favourite of our team, due in part to Jack Skellington’s dog, Zero.

Zero’s ghostly presence strengthens our suspicions that our pooches never truly leave us - in this life or the next. His unwavering loyalty and glowing, jack-o’-lantern nose make him

the animated dog of our dreams.  Wherever Jack goes, Zero floats along behind him. Can you think of a better illustration of doggy devotion? We can’t. Treat your own faithful pup this Christmas to a new bed or toy on 25th December to show them that their love is always reciprocated.

Bark! The hairy angels sing. Nothing says Christmas quite like a Yuletide ditty. Obviously, we recommend blasting carols from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, all December long. A stunning, wintery instrumental or a choral masterpiece like ‘Ding Dong! Merrily on High’ - whatever it is to get that festive spirit spiriting.

Christmas movies have historically provided some of the most outstanding, iconic soundtracks of all time. Look no further than Howard Blake’s orchestral score of The Snowman, featuring the stunning ‘Walking in the Air,’ to send you soaring into melodic delight. Of course, 2012’s sequel to the 1982 animation, The Snowman and the Snowdog, features an equally beautiful musical composition - with the added bonus of a dog onscreen.

Boasting one of the dreamiest casts of all time, it’s easy to spend much of The Holiday swooning over the actors, and not quite taking in the glorious soundtrack. Jack Black’s character may have his heart broken (sob) but his musical mastery is beyond doubt - making this an absolute delight watch, curled up with a pooch. Also features a cheeky Jack Russell called Uggie. 10’s across the board.

It’s a Wonderful Life is another titan of Christmas cinema, and with tracks like ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ it’s no surprise that its soundtrack has become synonymous with the Crimbo period. Personally, we have a soft spot for Uncle Billy, the owner of a veritable menagerie of unusual pets.

Whether you’re the proud caretaker of a squirrel, owl, monkey or cow (like Billy) or are content with your pup, sit back and relax together for this most magical Hollywood flick. Throw in a chew to keep them amused throughout the film, or even a plushie if you don’t mind a bit of rowdiness throughout the screening.

Deck the halls with bells and Jollyes this December, and embark on a cinematic journey across Yuletides - both real and imagined- with your pooch in tow. Truly, we Shih Tzu a merry Christmas and a yappy New Year.