Some people decorate a tree. Dog people also decorate the dog, the leash, the dog bed and, increasingly, themselves. A good Christmas dog shirt is the easiest way to bring the pup into the holiday photos even when the pup refuses to wear antlers. It is also one of the most reliable gifts for the dog mom or dog dad who already has every squeaky toy on the market.
This guide rounds up our Christmas dog shirts and a few year-round dog lover pieces that make good holiday gifts. Every shirt is printed to order on a Comfort Colors 1717 garment-dyed tee and sold through the AeroBeloved shop on Etsy. If you are shopping for a dog mom specifically, our Christmas gifts for dog moms guide has even more ideas.
How to Choose a Christmas Dog Shirt
Before you scroll, a few quick questions make the choice much easier:
- Breed or general? Breed-specific designs (corgi, golden retriever, husky, dachshund, poodle) feel personal and get the biggest reaction. A mixed “dog lover” design is the safer pick when you are not sure, or when the household has several breeds.
- Cute or funny? Watercolor and vintage card styles feel cozy and sentimental. Ugly sweater and pun designs are better for parties, office gift swaps and family pajama mornings.
- Seasonal or all year? A Santa hat design gets worn from late November to New Year. A winter or everyday dog design keeps working long after the tree comes down.
- Shirt or something cozier? If they run cold, a sweatshirt or a blanket may get more love than a tee.
Christmas Shirts for Corgi Lovers
Corgis are practically built for Christmas sweaters: short legs, big ears and a strong opinion about cookies. We have two corgi holiday designs that work well together for couples or siblings.
Christmas Corgi Puppy Shirt. A corgi puppy in a plaid Santa hat and scarf, wrapped in twinkling string lights. Soft, sweet and perfect for a first Christmas with a new puppy.
Corgi Christmas Crew Shirt. Four corgis in their best ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats and antlers, posing as the official Christmas Crew. Made for ugly sweater parties without the itchy sweater.
Golden Retriever, Husky and Mixed-Breed Holiday Shirts
Santa Puppies Christmas Shirt. A jolly Santa surrounded by puppies, including a golden retriever, beagle, dachshund and corgi, drawn in a cozy retro Christmas card style. The best “general dog lover” pick on this list.
Golden Retriever Reindeer Shirt. A happy golden retriever wearing reindeer antlers and a shiny red nose, painted in soft watercolor. A gentle, giftable design for golden moms and dads.
Husky Sled Team Shirt. A row of huskies in ski gear lined up beside a sled under the words “Sled Team.” It reads as Christmas in December and as a plain winter shirt in February.
Funny Dog Shirts for Holiday Gift Swaps
Not every gift has to have a Santa hat. These everyday dog designs are funny enough for a white elephant exchange and wearable all year.
My Dog Has Plans Shirt. “Sorry. Can’t. My dog has plans.” in retro typography with a happy golden dog. For the friend who skips the third holiday party to stay home with her pup.
Doxie Express Dachshund Shirt. Wiener dogs in conductor hats lined up like a little train under “Doxie Express.” Fun with a holiday train set under the tree. More ideas live in our dachshund gift guide.
Pawdicure Crew Poodle Shirt. Poodles in salon smocks holding brushes and a dryer under “Pawdicure Crew.” A thank-you gift for a favorite dog groomer during the busiest grooming season of the year.
Cozy Gifts for Bookish Dog People
For the dog mom who spends December under a blanket with a novel and a snoring dog, these vintage engraving pieces fit right in.
Dog Reading Book Shirt. A dog resting its head on an open book, drawn as a tender vintage engraving. Quiet, classic and easy to wear with a cardigan.
Dog Reading Book Mug. The same sweet design on a coffee mug. An easy stocking stuffer or an add-on to a shirt gift.
Personalized Gifts Made From Their Dog’s Photo
When nothing generic will do, a custom piece made from a photo of their own dog is hard to beat. Order these early: personalized items need a proof step before printing. Read more in our custom pet portrait gifts guide.
Custom Pet Mugshot Shirt. Their dog or cat photo turned into a funny “mugshot” with the pet’s name and a short caption. Ideal for the pet with a criminal record of stolen socks.
Custom Pet Portrait Sweatshirt. A cozy crewneck printed with a portrait made from your pet photo and name.
Custom Pet Portrait Blanket. A throw blanket with their pet’s portrait and name, for movie nights on the couch with the real thing.
Sizing: Comfort Colors 1717 Basics
All our tees are printed on the Comfort Colors 1717, a heavyweight garment-dyed cotton shirt with a relaxed, lived-in feel. A few tips for gift shoppers:
- It runs true to unisex size. Pick their usual unisex size for a classic fit.
- Want it oversized? Go one size up for a relaxed look, or two sizes up to wear it like a sleep shirt on Christmas morning.
- Not sure of their size? Choose the size they wear in hoodies, not in fitted tees.
Our full Comfort Colors 1717 size guide has measurements for every size.
Care Tips (Because Dog Hair Is Inevitable)
- Turn the shirt inside out and wash in cold water with similar colors.
- Tumble dry on low or hang dry to keep the print fresh longer.
- Do not iron directly on the print.
- A lint roller works better than extra washing for pet hair, and keeps the garment-dyed color from fading early.
Gift Ideas and Timing
A few easy ways to make a dog shirt feel like a bigger gift:
- Matching set: pair the shirt with a holiday bandana or a new toy for the dog, so both of them unwrap something.
- Family photo: order the same design for everyone in the house for a holiday card shoot with the dog.
- Shirt plus mug: combine the Dog Reading Book shirt and mug for a cozy bundle.
- Order early: each item is printed to order, so check the estimated delivery date on the Etsy listing, and order personalized pieces first.
Find More Dog Designs
New holiday and everyday designs are added regularly. Browse the full collection in our AeroBeloved shop, and if the dog has a feline roommate, take a look at our Christmas cat shirts too.