When it comes time to do your holiday shopping, you don't want to forget your furry family members. After all, your puppy has hopefully been pretty good all year around (and not chewed too much stuff!) and he or she should be rewarded with gifts too. In fact, some dogs can even learn how to unwrap presents on their own, which will make for great Christmas photos. Of course, like with anyone else on your list, this means you need to decide what to buy. You have many options, but dog clothing is often a great choice.

Why Buy Dog Clothing for Christmas

Dog clothing is a functional holiday gift that will last longer than toys, which tend to get chewed on and discarded as your dog either destroys them or becomes bored with them. Dog clothing, on the other hand, can last a lot longer and your dog can get years of wear out of the outfits you buy.

When you buy clothing for your dog for Christmas, you can also choose whether you want to make the clothing fun or functional, giving you more versatility in your Christmas shopping. For instance, you can choose a Christmas or holiday themed outfit for your dog, or you can choose an outfit that is great the whole year round.

When you pick out a Christmas or holiday themed outfit, you have a great opportunity: the chance for a photo op with your holiday pup. Many people take pictures of their dogs in Christmas or holiday costumes and then use those pictures as Christmas cards or on a special Christmas or holiday calendar. Pictures of each Christmas with your dog dressed up in a cute new outfit can also be great for the scrapbook and help you to commemorate the wonderful holiday times you have together with your family and your puppy.

Of course, there are plenty of other options for dog clothing besides holiday themed outfits. You might, for example, consider getting rain gear for your dog. You don't like to get wet or go out without a raincoat, and there's a good chance your dog doesn't either. With a new water resistant outfit, your dog's fur will stay drier and you can both enjoy your walks more.

For those snow winter months, a sweater and some shoes or boots can be the best answer. They will keep your dog warm during the icy months, making it possible for your dog to go out on a walk without shivering and getting too cold. This is especially useful for small dogs and dogs with thin fur who are susceptible to changes in temperature and who might not be very comfortable in a chilly climate.

No matter what your holiday plans are and whether you wish to get a fun costume or a practical outfit, clothing for your dog is a great gift that you will enjoy throughout the rest of the year. Make sure to put the perfect dog clothing on your Christmas gift list this holiday season.