How many times has a little letter addressed to Lapland been sent with this very wish? Chances are we wrote one ourselves as children, and now we watch our own children's slightly wobbly handwriting make this heartfelt plea. But is giving a puppy as a Christmas gift really a good idea?
A choice for life
How can you not grant your child's wish? Especially when the request is as wholesome and sweet as wanting a puppy at home. Especially when it is addressed to Santa Claus. It is hard to disappoint a child's expectations, and very often we end up giving in, even at the cost of some sacrifice. In doing so, we fall into a whirlwind of questions we ask ourselves — yet, rather than face the thought of letting a child down, we convince ourselves we are ready for anything. We visit a reputable breeder and buy a puppy at a dizzying price, only to discover it will require far more care than we ever imagined.
And so the long-awaited puppy very quickly becomes a source of regret. Let's try to draw up a kind of checklist of all the pros and cons of letting Santa Claus bring your child a puppy. A puppy that will live with you for at least the next ten years. It will become part of your life and will need to be factored into every decision you make — whether you are planning a holiday or moving home, your dog will always matter.
Are we ready for this responsibility?
First things first — the most obvious and immediate consideration will be the cost. You visit a breeder because your child wants the dog from the toilet paper advert, and you are asked for just under a thousand euros… perhaps. Are you truly ready for that expense? Maybe yes — but perhaps you should first consider visiting a shelter. Waiting there in the hope of finding a family to take them home, there is almost certainly a beautiful puppy with soft, gentle eyes, ready to grow up alongside your child just like a sibling.
Second point — and this is no small detail: that little ball of fluff you are about to bring home, as soft as cotton wool with a tiny, delicate face that seems like it will never grow up, could reach a surprisingly large size. Before you commit, it is essential to research the breed you are considering. A Saint Bernard puppy weighs no more than 800 grams at birth, but can reach 90 kg as an adult — just to give you an idea. Even if you choose to adopt a mixed-breed dog, try going through a shelter rather than a private individual giving puppies away online, because a shelter will also be more honest about growth projections.
Can we afford to give a puppy as a Christmas gift?
Let's move on to another tricky point: how much does it cost to keep a dog? It is not just the initial purchase — and that is a problem you can solve by going to a shelter, as we mentioned. A dog needs to be fed properly and visit the vet regularly for vaccinations, microchipping, growth check-ups, and everything else. And that has a cost. You may also be unlucky enough — and this is worth bearing in mind — to fall in love with a dog that unexpectedly has, or will develop, health problems. In that case, the vet will become your best friend, because you will need to care for your dog as a member of the family — because that is exactly what they are.
A puppy is not a toy, and you cannot take it back or throw it away because it is broken — you cannot, and above all you must not. So keeping a dog comes with costs that can vary depending on the breed, health and genetics of the puppy you choose. Last but not least, there is the matter of time. A puppy needs a great deal of attention — almost as much as a child. You need to play with them, care for them, and take them outside at least twice a day. Whether it is raining, snowing, or 40 degrees in the shade makes no difference — it has to be done. Because they need it, and that is non-negotiable.
Of course it can be…
We have listed some of the potential downsides of letting Santa Claus leave a wonderful puppy under the tree for your child. But there must be upsides too, right? We are sure you already know those, deep in your heart. Imagine the unbridled joy you will see in your child's eyes when they find a puppy under the tree with a bright red bow tied around its collar. Imagine the love, trust and loyalty you will see in the puppy's own eyes — a puppy that will soon grow into an adult dog ready to give everything for you and your family.
The cheerfulness of someone who greets you at the door when you come home tired from work. The cuddles, the hugs, all the joy your dog will bring you. They will be a faithful friend to your child, and you will teach your child how to interact with the dog without treating them like a toy. The dog will join in their games and comfort them after a fall or a telling-off. Your dog will teach your child the true meaning of the word friendship. And they will teach them the responsibility of caring for another life that depends on them — even with us there in the background to help. Together they will discover play, respect for each other's space, and companionship. Giving a dog to a child can be one of the best decisions you ever make — but do it with the right awareness. Do it for the right reasons, and with your whole heart.
