12 Reasons Not to Buy a Dog for Christmas

A French Bulldog poses in festive pajamas in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, capturing the holiday spirit with adorable charm.

While it might seem heartwarming to buy a dog for Christmas, the reality can be far more complicated. Every holiday season, countless families consider the same heartwarming idea: should we buy a dog for Christmas? After all, what could be cuter than a fluffy puppy with a big red bow under the tree? While it may seem like the perfect gift, the truth is that bringing home a new dog during the holidays isn’t always in the best interest of the pet or the people.

Before you wrap up a wagging tail and put it under the tree, here are 12 important reasons why giving a dog as a Christmas gift might not be such a merry idea after all.

1 - Impulse Decisions: The Hidden Cost of a Christmas Puppy

Buying a dog on a whim — especially as a Christmas surprise — often means skipping essential research about the breed, its temperament, health needs, and long-term care requirements. While the moment may feel magical, this lack of preparation can quickly lead to mismatched expectations, overwhelmed owners, and unhappy pets. Dogs aren’t just gifts; they’re lifelong commitments that deserve thoughtful planning, not holiday impulse buys.

Friends gathered joyfully around a Christmas tree, posing with an adorable Shiba Inu, capturing the festive spirit.

2 - Overwhelming Environment for the Dog Over Christmas

The holiday season is often chaotic, with visitors, loud festivities, and unpredictable schedules. This environment can be stressful for a new dog, especially a puppy, making it difficult for them to settle into their new home. A new environment is already a significant adjustment for a dog, and the added stress of holiday activity can overwhelm them. This may lead to anxiety, destructive behavior, or difficulty forming positive habits early on.

“Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.”

3 - High Maintenance During the Holidays When Buying a Dog For Christmas

Bringing home a new dog, and especially a puppy, during the busy holiday season can quickly become overwhelming. Puppies need round-the-clock supervision, house training, consistent routines, and plenty of socialization in their early weeks. Trying to meet these high-maintenance needs while juggling guests, travel, shopping, and festive chaos often leads to stress for everyone involved including the pup.

An Australian Shepherd puppy learns to enjoy grooming sessions, receiving treats for being well-behaved during brushing practice.

4 - Lifetime Responsibility

A dog is not a temporary gift—it’s a commitment that lasts years. Many recipients, especially children or unprepared adults, may not fully grasp the daily responsibilities of dog ownership.

5 - Risk of Rehoming

Unfortunately, impulse holiday adoptions can lead to a surge in dogs being surrendered to shelters once the novelty wears off and owners realize they’re not equipped to handle the responsibility.

6 - Disrupted Training Schedules

The holidays are filled with distractions, making it difficult to establish a consistent routine for house training and basic obedience. A lack of structure during this critical period can lead to behavioral issues down the line.

7 - Financial Strain During an Expensive Season

The costs of acquiring and caring for a dog—such as veterinary checkups, vaccinations, food, supplies, and grooming—can add financial pressure during a season already marked by holiday expenses.

A pug sits on top of stacked colorful suitcases on a gold luggage cart, set against a vibrant jungle backdrop.

8 - Travel Plans and Holiday Commitments

Many families travel during the holidays or host gatherings, which can be problematic for a new dog. Puppies in particular need stability and routine, which may be difficult to provide amidst a busy holiday schedule.

9 - Potential Safety Hazards

Holiday decorations, such as tinsel, ornaments, and lights, as well as toxic seasonal foods (like chocolate and certain festive plants), can pose risks to curious puppies. This increases the likelihood of accidents in an already hectic environment.

10 - Pressure on Shelters and Breeders

The surge in demand for dogs around Christmas often leads to unethical breeding practices or poorly vetted adoptions. Unscrupulous breeders may prioritize profits over the health and welfare of the animals.

11 - Unrealistic Expectations

A dog is not a one-size-fits-all gift. Each breed has unique needs, temperament, and energy levels that may not align with the recipient’s lifestyle. Choosing a dog as a surprise gift can lead to disappointment and frustration for both the owner and the dog.

Two dogs, a Golden Retriever and a Schnauzer, perch on the edge of a boat, surveying the scene as yachts and an American flag set a nautical backdrop.

12 - Post-Holiday Reality

Once the holiday excitement fades and life returns to normal, families may find they lack the time, energy, or resources to properly care for the dog. This realization can lead to neglect or the need to rehome the pet.

Consider the Long-Term Commitment

While the idea of a puppy under the Christmas tree is enchanting, the reality of dog ownership is a long-term responsibility. If you’re set on giving the gift of a dog, it’s better to involve the recipient in the decision-making process, make proper planning, and perhaps delay bringing the dog home until after the holiday chaos is over. Thoughtful timing and preparation will ensure that the addition of a dog is a joyful and lasting experience, not a rushed decision with unintended consequences. A dog is a lifelong commitment that deserves thoughtful planning, not a decision driven by holiday emotions.