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Do you agree with this?

I most certainly do not. And there are many reasons behind this. For one, hundreds to thousands of dogs are abandoned in the UK every year after the festive season. People buy 'cute puppies' and then don't realize just how much care and attention they need as they grow. Plus, Christmas is a stressful time of year for everyone, a puppy would not cope. Not to mention the fact that kids are often more interested in the gadgets and toys they get.

Above all, people who abandon their pets after Christmas do not care what happens to them. The RSPCA have to deal with many cases of dogs abandoned by roadside or simply dogs left tied up to die.

Please.. take the puppy of your christmas list.

I don't want anyone to start flaming, as you put it, but I'd like to hear others opinions on this matter..

I am fine with it, if the person who is wanting the dog for christmas, does TONS of research - dealt with dogs before - And is old enough to handle one. I wouldn't mind a dog for christmas, but I wouldn't want a puppy. I would rather have a dog from the shelter on it's last day. If the person knows how to take care of the dog, researched the breed,and knows what their getting theirself in - Then, it shouldn't be too bad.


Oh, and puppies are cute, but when I am getting my dog - It's going to be older. xP Oh, and No - I am not getting a dog for christmas. =P Don't have enough money for the vet(shots, fixing, ect ect), the dog itself, dog toys, food .. Not yet. =/

Yes, but surely it would be fairer on the puppy if you were to buy him/her at a better time of year?

As said, it would be stressful for the puppy. Lots of people, lots of food.. its stressful for my adult dog, puppies would no doubt feel the same. There's also the fact that people, especially children, would be more interested in other things.

You should do research before getting a puppy anyway. Not just at Christmas.

This situation is an evergrowing problem. This happens to bunnies and chicks at easter. It also happens, as wolfgurly666 said, when a dog movie comes out. When 101 Dalmations came out, everyone got dalmations, not knowing how much trouble they really are. When the movie 8 Below came out, I heard about some huskies begin adopted because of it. This happens alot, forcing many dogs and other animals to be homeless and shelters to overflow with dogs and other animals. But people need to understand stuff like this (another case of some ignorant and STUPID people )

If you don't want a child don't get a dog they're the same as us just smaller furrier cuter and are on four legs

Yes. And most animal shelters have to put dogs to sleep because they can't afford to keep them.

If I had a female dog with puppies I most certainly wouldn't sell them if it was close to Christmas and I'd want the future owner to have evidence of plenty of research. I suppose it can be down to the breeder if they just give puppies away for the money.

I agree...the worst thing a person can do is give a puppy for Christmas. Especially when it's to a kid. Then the puppy becomes, essentially, a "present"...a thing, rather than an addition to the family. And evidence shows that Christmas puppies are given up frequently...especially with high-energy or specialized breeds.

I remember that, when I was still looking for an Australian Shepherd puppy, I spent two full years of research on the breed before I even started contacting breeders. (I believe everyone should do as much research as possible on a breed before they look into getting one.) I also did a lot of background reading into dog ownership. While my family had dogs since I was a little kid, I never OWNED one before of my own. So this was an entirely new experience for me. And Milo, my Aussie, wasn't a Christmas gift. No sir...I purchased him on my own. From a good breeder.

One breeder I talked to was adamant, as we discussed dog purchase and ownership, about the fact that she would NEVER sell a puppy as a Christmas present, no matter the circumstances or wishes of the potential customer. And she said she's turned down lots over the course of time. One time, she told me, a man offered her a gradually increasing amount of money for one just to get it in time for Christmas Eve, for his daughter. She flatly refused, and he went as high as $5,000.00 before she made it totally clear to that idiot that she was NOT going to sell him a puppy just so it could be a Christmas gift. Now THAT is a breeder with good ethics!

I agree. Although, if iti were me getting a puppy for christmas, I wouldn't even care for the other gifts. I have always wanted a puppy for keeps, but we would always have to get rid of them after 2 months. So, I'd be happy. But I do agree that getting a puppy on christmas shouldn't happen.

When I was six, I put a kitten on my christmas list. I hate cats now but at the time I was very set on it. My mum told me that it would be too stressful for a pet and I've stuck by that rule ever since.

If I was to ever get a puppy it would be in the Spring, away from any other celebration at a time when I have lots of spare time to bond with it. But I doubt I'd ever get a very young puppy.. or at least not a purebred. I'd want to get a rescue dog.

Animals are NOT humans!

I agree, I think the kids would be too occupied with their other toys too. They would probably forget about the puppy as soon as it grows. If I had a puppy on my Christmas list, my mom wouldn't get one anyway. Most of the people [My neighbors] who get puppies on Christmas don't have enough money after it to get the puppy fixed, get it it's shots, and all that. I just think it's stupid..

Yes. I think that it is very important to get a puppy fixed. There are so many accidental litters and so many homeless dogs.