LUCKY PUPS: OVER HALF OF BRITS MAKE A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MEAL FOR THEIR DOG

VIDEO CONTENT AVAILABLE HERE: https://vimeo.com/618011761

THE nations’ pups do, in fact, know it’s Christmas, a new survey reveals.  

As a country of dog-lovers, there are going to be millions of dogs getting spoilt rotten this festive season, with 56% of Brits making an extra special Christmas meal for their four-legged friend.  

The drool-worthy dishes include turkey (57%), beef (43%) and the human-favourite pigs in blankets given by 42%, whilst 22% let them in on the liquid festivities with doggy beer or ‘pawsecco’. Fancy! 

And the fun doesn’t stop at the dinner table for our canine companions either, new research of 2002 dog owners from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) shows.  

More than two thirds (68%) would let their dog get away with behaviour at Christmas that they would discourage at any other time of year, with 35% giving in to those puppy dog eyes and treating them to human food, 23% gaining new sofa sidekicks and 21% allowing begging at the table.   

In fact, the average Brit expects to spend £94.97 on their dog this festive season, with 30% spending over £10

Fronting the campaign, Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson confessed: “I love my dog, Reedus, at the best of times, but at Christmas I really do take that to another level – he eats what he wants and gets spoilt with a LOT of presents. We honestly couldn’t imagine Christmas – or life – without our big cuddly bundle of joy… and boy does he know it! We’ve already ordered a stack of presents and MIGHT have gone a little overboard. Can’t wait to get into our matching Christmas jumpers!”  

Unfortunately for some, the amount spent on dogs will be more than what’s being spent on them! Almost 1 in 5 (18%) admit that they spend more on their dog than other family members, and the in-laws fare the worst by far, with 33% taking a back seat where festive gifting is concerned.  

Luckily, this year no one needs to suffer, as KCCT have partnered with clothing retailers Freemans on a range of matching Christmas jumpers for all the family. Ever wished that you could get a festive family photo with mum, dad, gran, the kids and the dog all dressed the same?! Well look no further! What’s more, any cash the appeal receives will be doubled by a dog-loving mystery donor. 

Surprisingly it’s the men who are more likely to dress up their dogs in December, with 29% of men compared 19% of women donning matching Christmas jumpers!  

Bill King, Chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust added: “We’re really excited to launch our charity appeal this Christmas, and any donations we receive will go a long way to ensure our beloved best friends grow up as healthy and happy as possible. Our research has shown that 69% of people in UK say their Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a dog around, and our mission is to ensure that the festive season and further is fun for all the family. A promising 79% of Brits also told us that they would happy if someone donated to a charity in their name this festive season, and we really do hope that people will do just that”.  

This Christmas is set to be just that, and 59% of us will be needing to hide the presents so our pup doesn’t rip them open early with all the excitement.  

Heart-warmingly, a huge 70% of Brits say that if they have guests with a dog, the pet will be invited too. And a cheeky 13% confess that they have at least one friend they only invite over because they will bring their dog.  

To get involved in the KCCT’s Christmas Appeal this year, head to https://www.kennelclubcharitabletrust.org/christmas-2021 to donate, or to here to buy matching jumpers – hurry, as they will sell out fast!