Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

The 12 Days of Christmas If Written by Dogs

The 12 Days of Christmas If Written by Dogs

Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Amanda and her sweet Chihuahua, Subi.

Christmas songs are the tree toppers of holiday parties. It is impossible not to feel joy or the Christmas spirit when the classics are buzzing in the background of a holiday party. The 12 Days of Christmas is an especially fun one that sparks impromptu singalongs, usually ending in a debate about the number of geese-a-laying or maids-a-milking. A quintessential tune that’s bound to carry us through a lifetime of holiday seasons.

“My true love,” as the song states, could be anyone special in our lives. However, for our pets, that person is likely us. And while this might not be a hit just yet, we can guarantee that this 12 Days of Christmas from a dog’s perspective is relatable to all the doting dog owners out there.

So, what would the song look like if it were written by a pack of doggos? This is our rendition of the holiday classic with a twist!

The 12 Days of a Canine Christmas

Subi under the Christmas tree

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Four belly rubs,

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

Subi sitting by the Santa Claus decoration

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Five table scraps!

Four belly rubs,

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Six brand new socks,

Five table scraps!

Four belly rubs,

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Seven walks – I’m wagging,

Six brand new socks,

Five table scraps!

Four belly rubs,

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

Subi sitting on her butt in the dog bed

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Eight bones for biting,

Seven walks – I’m wagging,

Six brand new socks,

Five table scraps!

Four belly rubs,

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Nine naps-a-napping,

Eight bones for biting,

Seven walks – I’m wagging,

Six brand new socks,

Five table scraps!

Four belly rubs,

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Ten twigs for fetching,

Nine naps-a-napping,

Eight bones for biting,

Seven walks – I’m wagging,

Six brand new socks,

Five table scraps!

Four belly rubs,

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

Subi sitting by the bed with toys

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Eleven nuzzled kisses,

Ten twigs for fetching,

Nine naps-a-napping,

Eight bones for biting,

Seven walks – I’m wagging,

Six brand new socks,

Five table scraps!

Four belly rubs,

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Twelve tasty treats,

Eleven nuzzled kisses,

Ten twigs for fetching,

Nine naps-a-napping,

Eight bones for biting,

Seven walks – I’m wagging,

Six brand new socks,

Five table scraps!

Four belly rubs,

Three tug-a-ropes,

Two twirling frisbees and

One bouncing ball for me to chase!

Subi in her dog bed under the Christmas tree

Seasoned Grillings

Normally, we’d end with wishing you Seasons Greetings, but we think our dogs would appreciate a nice slice of turkey and a side of sweet potato instead. We hope you enjoy this canine-friendly take on a festive classic. From our family at Dogster to yours, Happy Holidays!

This article features Amanda and Subi in our Wednesday Dogs of Dogster series.

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

2 Responses

  1. The 12 Days of Christmas-as if written by a dog- is delightful!
    I sent in on to my friends, my sons, (Bitzie, Zippy, Collyie, Juno) and, of course, read to our 13 year old Sheltie, Bella!
    It will be our new Christmas Eve tradition each year going forward.
    Thank you so very much for sharing!

    1. Hello Holly.

      What a wonderful idea! We are very happy that you liked our doggy version of this Christmas classic. We wish you beautiful holidays and many many years following this new tradition of yours!

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

8 Best Dog Health & Activity Trackers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

When you find yourself looking at health and activity trackers for your pet, it may simply be because you’re trying to stay proactive...

Will Shaving a Dog Help With Shedding? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

It’s getting hot outside, and your dog is showing signs of being affected by the heat. They are panting excessively and are shedding...

Vizsla vs. Labrador: The Key Differences (With Info & Pictures)

Both the Vizsla and the Labrador Retriever are popular hunting dogs and household pets. However, they have different personalities and temperaments that should...

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Broth? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Among all the possible culinary additions we might use to enhance the flavor, texture, and nutrition of our dog’s diet, we rarely need...

More related

Fluid In Dog’s Abdomen: Causes, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer)

The medical name for fluid in the abdomen is “abdominal effusion” or “ascites.” Not every dog with a bloated abdomen has ascites, though;...

Can Dogs Find Their Way Back Home? Vet-Verified Facts, Prevention Tips & True Stories

We’ve all heard stories of amazing dogs that found their way home after traversing hundreds of miles. But how is this even possible?...

Are Shiba Inu Good With Kids? Pros, Cons & Introduction Tips

Buying a breed that will be compatible with children is so important when you have a growing family. While almost any dog can...

How to Walk a Dog in the Rain: 7 Wet Weather Tips

Regular walks are important for your dog, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate. No one is going to melt in the rain, but...

Keep reading

11 Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved dogs in the United States. These friendly and lovable dogs can be prone to specific health conditions and diseases, so it’s important to make sure that they’re eating the right kinds of...

golden retriever dog eating healthy dry food from bowl at home

Can Dogs Eat Tamales? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Tamales are popular in Mexican cuisine, and people worldwide love to eat them. If you also love to eat tamales and have a dog, you’ve probably noticed your canine lurking around, looking for tamale scraps. Tamales are not suitable for...

Can Dogs Eat Tamales

11 Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Many people are implementing more eco-friendly lifestyles to help take care of our environment and those around us. There is no doubt supporting sustainable practices in the pet food industry has some all-encompassing benefits. For eco-friendly pet parents, finding food...

pouring dog food

Is Lamb Dog Food Good for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Benefits & FAQ

There are a host of dog foods out there to choose from when it comes to feeding your dog and many different meat options available to tempt your pet’s palate. While a good majority of dog foods will contain chicken,...

dachshund dog eating from elevated bowl

Can Dogs Eat Citrus Fruit? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

It seems natural that you’d want to share your food with your pup. After all, meals have been part of our collective history since domestication. Sharing is fine with some foods, like meat, because dogs are considered omnivores. That said,...

Can Dogs Eat_citrus fruit

9 Best High Fiber Dog Foods for Anal Gland Problems in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dealing with anal gland problems in your dog can be smelly, gross, and frustrating. Anal gland issues are uncomfortable for your dog, and some even develop abscesses and other serious infections related to anal gland problems. If you see your...

Ginger dog eating

Nulo Puppy Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Nulo Dog Food focuses on high-protein recipes with low carbs and low glycemic ingredients. This independently owned company is based out of Austin, Texas, with facilities in Nebraska, Kansas, and North Dakota. All facilities are approved by the...

Dogster_Nulo Puppy Food Review

Weruva Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls, and Guide

Review Summary Weruva may sound like an odd name for a pet food brand, but the name was actually inspired by the creators’ cats: Webster, Rudi, and Vanessa. The first syllables of each name were taken and blended to create...

Dogster_Weruva Dog Food Review