Find the perfect gift for the dog lover in your life.
The great thing about being a dog lover is that everyone has an idea of what to get you for Christmas. The tough part about being a dog lover is that many of your loved ones don’t really know what you would really love to get as a gift and every year you end up with six puppy wall calendars and four paw print mugs.
Finding out exactly which area of interest the dog lover in your life is involved in will help you pick out a Christmas gift they’ll remember. Here are some great gifts to put on this year’s holiday shopping list:
For the Canadian Kennel Club Member
I love wearing Canadian Kennel Club apparel to shows and always get asked where my garments are from. Getting your hands on great CKC gear is as simple as going to ckc.ca and clicking on “
Shop”. While I love the T-shirts, I’m really feeling the full-zip hoodies with the CKC logos on the back for winter. They are soft, easy to wash and are great for layering.
For the Dog Show Newcomer
If you have a friend or relative who has just started showing dogs, you can encourage their passion for the sport by gifting them supplies they’ll need to wow in the ring. Products like shampoos, brushes, leads and collars specific to the needs of a show dog are hard to find at your local pet supply store, but luckily these and many more are all available at
Treasure Coast Pet Products’ online store.
If you know the clothing size of the handler you are purchasing for, you can help them look their best in the ring by gifting them great show attire like sports jackets, ties, fashionable flat shoes and skirts with pockets. Hand-made coupons are also great for newcomers to the dog show world. Sweet coupons redeemable for a ride to a show, coffee on the grounds or help with set-up are always a hit.
For the Dog Lover Who has Everything
It can be difficult to surprise a seasoned dog lover who seems to have several of everything you could ever need or want when it comes to caring for dogs. In this case I would go with a sentimental gift like a hand painted portrait of their favourite dog by a Canadian artist like Sandra Morellato of
Art Morellato. What could be better than a gorgeous piece of art they’ll cherish forever of their beloved best friend? Bring tissues when delivering this gift as opening a gift so thoughtful can be emotional.
For the Athletes
If you’ve got a dog sport enthusiast on your list, you can’t go wrong with
Back on Track® products for the two
and four legged athletes with their dog and handler lines!
Back on Track has a variety of coats for dogs and even has coats for specific shapes of dogs (like sighthounds). I like their “Dog Mesh Rug”. This coat is lightweight and versatile. It features a thin Welltex lining covered by a mesh outer cover which moulds to the body shape of each specific dog. This product can help your dog's body as they compete in athletic trials, as they age and arthritic changes start to occur or just for everyday wellness. Until December 31, 2018, every Back on Track dog rug comes with a free Pet Mat when you order the
Holiday Bundle!

For the human part of the team, I like Back on Track’s Mesh Fleece Cap and their Fingerless Fleece Gloves. Not only are the fingerless gloves great for dexterity when you have to attach a lead or give treats, they also provide soothing comfort and can assist with pain relief and inflammation.
Remember, Canada Kennel Club members receive 15% off and free shipping on Back On Track products purchased through
Shop.CKC.ca!
For the Expecting Puppy Owner
Although many advertisements would have you believe the holiday is not complete without a cuddly new pet as a gift, the holidays are a hectic time for all and generally not an ideal time to bring home a new member of the - puppies thrive on routine.

You definitely can include your new puppy in the holidays even if they are still at their breeder’s home. A great present for a soon-to-be puppy owner is a basket filled with items a new puppy owner will need. Bowls, a collar, a leash, treats, poop bags and a variety of toys. Make sure you know the breed your friend is bringing home so you can purchase the appropriate sized items.
If you have children, you may also want to include a few books on puppies, your specific breed and photo of your new puppy, printed from an email from your breeder with a cute caption saying “Happy Holidays! See you soon!”
For the Dogs

Last but certainly not least, we have to get our best friends a special gift. I know that few things get a dog as excited as an owner helping their dog open a Christmas gift as getting to see what’s inside. Although we all need combs and nail clippers, a toy is what a dog really wants on Christmas morning. I like Be One Breed’s variety of options and they always have seasonal toys available at
Mondou. I currently have a Dream Santa and a Snowman toy that are making spirits bright at my place.
There’s no shortage of great gift ideas for the dog lover you love this holiday season. By figuring out exactly what area they are most interesting in and heading to the right places to shop, you can make a holiday memory they will cherish all year long.