Vanessa, while getting a puppy at Christmas sound wonderful, it's probably the worst time for a puppy to join a family. All the noise and confusion, and distractions could be distressing for the puppy and you might not be able to devote the time a new one needs to feel safe with you. Not to mention all the ribbons a d gifts the puppy might have tantalizingly available. And the potentially fatal amount of sweets and snacks it could get into.
If your daughter is very young, you might want to consider a sturdier breed.
If you are still sure you want a puppy for a Christmas gift, consider a note from Santa that the puppy will arrive after the Christmas madness is over and a gift card for a nice pet store where you can shop with your daughter for the things the puppy will need when it comes home. Then you can leave the puppy with the breeder until your household is ready. The days between Christmas and getting the puppy woul be well spent talking with your daughter about how to care for a little one and could actually be a good bonding experience for the two of you.
A lot of breeders won't place a puppy during the holidays for the safety of the puppy and having this kind of plan could show the breeder that you are putting the safety of the dog you hope to adopt first.
Whatever you decide, I hope it's a good experience for your family! |