Christmas..... The season of twinkly lights, too many mince pies, and wrapping paper chaos — and if you’re a dog owner, the chaos is usually four-legged and wagging its tail. But have you noticed how extra Christmas shopping for our dogs has become?

Let’s rewind to 2005, when things were a little simpler, and compare it to the festive extravaganza we’re living in now.

🐶 Christmas 2005: The Good Boy Era

Back in 2005, our dogs were thrilled with anything that vaguely smelled edible or made a noise. Gift options were… shall we say, basic — but we didn’t care!

Here’s what you’d probably find under the tree that year:

• Rawhide chews – The ultimate stocking filler. Slightly suspicious in colour, mysteriously long-lasting, and guaranteed to keep your dog busy for hours (or minutes).

• Clickers – Because we all thought a bit of festive “click-and-treat” training would be fun. Spoiler: the dog had other plans.

• Rope toys and tennis balls – Simple, sturdy, and perfect for knocking over the Christmas tree during an enthusiastic game of fetch indoors.

• The most basic collar and lead set if they were lucky as most dogs had one set to last their lifetime!

• Good Boy Christmas stockings – The holy grail of supermarket pet aisles. One stocking, five random treats, and a squeaky toy destined to meet its end by Boxing Day.

It was a golden age of practicality — a time when a tennis ball was the height of luxury, and no one said the word “aesthetic” about dog accessories.

🎅 Christmas 2025: Glam Pup Generation

Fast forward twenty years, and things have gotten... fancy. Dogs aren’t just part of the family — they’re basically running the show. And their Christmas gifts? Well, let’s just say they’ve come a long way from rawhide bones.

Here’s what’s hot on the Barkley and Fetch wish list this year:

• Matching Christmas collar, bowtie and lead outfits – Because no festive photo is complete without your dog looking better dressed than you.

• Father Christmas, Rudolp, Christmas pudding shape dog toys – Perfect for zoomies around the tree and making you question why you bought something that squeaks every five seconds.

• Cosy blankets and snuggle beds – For dogs who believe Christmas Day is for naps between turkey snacks.

• Gourmet treats – Move over, supermarket biscuits. We’re talking handmade doggy mince pies, biscuits iced like works of art, and treats so fancy you’ll be tempted to try one.

Today’s Christmas shopping is all about comfort, cuteness, and a healthy dose of “they deserve it.” Because they do.

🎁 Then vs Now

In 2005, we gave dogs the basics and the Good Boy stocking was luxury. In 2025, we’re giving them the best. From clickers to Christmas couture, the festive evolution of dog gifts says it all — our pups aren’t just pets anymore, they’re full-on family.

So whether you’re keeping it classic with a rope toy or going all out with a gourmet treat box and matching Christmas set, one thing’s for sure: your dog’s tail is going to wag like mad when they realise Santa’s been for them.

🐾 Shop the 2025 Look

If you’re ready to spoil your pup this Christmas (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), take a peek at our festive collection:
🎁 Shop Christmas Collars & Leads

Because at Barkley and Fetch, we know every dog deserves a Christmas that’s pawsitively perfect.