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Netflix is preparing to bring holiday cheer to audiences with A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, a family drama starring Dennis Quaid. Based on W. Bruce Cameron’s novel of the same name, the upcoming film explores grief, family relationships, and the healing power of love through the story of a family trying to find its way back to one another after a heartbreaking loss.
The newly released trailer introduces viewers to a grieving grandfather, his teenage granddaughter, and a lovable basset hound determined to mend their strained relationship. Directed by Cathryn Michon, the film is set to premiere on Netflix on November 4, 2026.
The story unfolds through the eyes of Winstead, a basset hound voiced by Thomas Haden Church, who recalls how he first met Sander Goss, played by Quaid. Once close to his family, Sander has struggled to cope with the death of his wife two Christmases earlier. His grief has left him increasingly irritable, creating tension between him and his granddaughter, Ello, portrayed by Brooke Lena Johnson.
When Sander acknowledges his bad mood, Ello points out that his grumpiness began long before he admits. Hoping to ease the tension, Winstead takes matters into his own paws by pulling a tablecloth during dinner, prompting an unexpected moment that could help the two reconnect.
The family’s journey toward healing takes a hopeful turn when Ello welcomes a Corgi puppy named Ruby into her life. The new arrival brings fresh energy to the household and helps the family begin rebuilding its bonds. However, their challenges deepen when Hunter, played by Milo Ventimiglia, shares troubling news about Ello’s mother, Juliana, who becomes seriously ill and is placed in an induced coma.
Amid the uncertainty, Winstead remains convinced that the dogs can help the family navigate its grief and hardship. Near the end of the trailer, he reflects on their purpose, saying, “The dog’s purpose is to make people happy,” before expressing confidence in his and Ruby’s ability to do just that.
Quaid described the movie as “a heartwarming film” in an interview with People. He explained that its central themes celebrate “love, togetherness, and cherishing the moments that matter most with our family and pets.”
Johnson also shared her appreciation for working alongside the film’s canine stars. She noted that the puppies brought their own personalities to the set, occasionally taking scenes in unexpected directions and adding an element of spontaneity to the production.
With its focus on family, forgiveness, and the special bond between people and their pets, A Dog’s Perfect Christmas aims to deliver an emotional holiday story for viewers of all ages.
A Dog’s Perfect Christmas premieres Wednesday, November 4, 2026, exclusively on Netflix.
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