A Dog’s Perfect Christmas on Netflix: Cast, Story and Does the Dog Die? (No Spoilers Beyond That)

Six weeks before Christmas, Netflix’s top film in the world is about a family, a basset hound and a corgi puppy. Of course it is.

A Dog’s Perfect Christmas comes from W. Bruce Cameron, the author behind A Dog’s Purpose, so tissues are mandatory. The good news for nervous viewers: reviewers confirm the pup makes it to the end credits.

Here is the cast, story and why it is the comfort watch of the season.

A Dog’s Perfect Christmas story

The Goss family of Traverse City, Michigan, has only days to enjoy Christmas before Juliana, Sander’s daughter-in-law, has to go into hospital. Her illness brings back painful memories for Sander, who lost his wife two years earlier.

With help from the family dogs, Sander starts to rebuild his life, and the family finds its way back to each other. Winstead, the family dog, narrates.

A Dog’s Perfect Christmas cast

Dennis Quaid plays Sander Goss, reuniting with the Cameron universe after A Dog’s Purpose. Milo Ventimiglia (This Is Us) plays his son Hunter and Brooke Lena Johnson plays granddaughter Ello. Mary Steenburgen also appears.

The real stars: Winstead, a basset hound, and Ruby, a corgi puppy that Ello rescues.

Does the dog die?

No. Reviews, including What’s on Netflix, specifically point out that the pup lives. There are still emotional moments around illness and grief, so it is a cry, but not that kind of cry.

Is A Dog’s Perfect Christmas worth watching?

If you want a gentle family film for a winter evening, yes. It is predictable in the best way, the dogs are adorable, and Quaid brings real feeling to a grieving grandfather. Kids and grandparents can watch it together.

FAQ

Watch the official trailer on YouTube.