How to Watch A Dog's Perfect Christmas on Netflix
A Dog's Perfect Christmas arrives on Netflix on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The Netflix holiday film is based on the 2020 novel by W. Bruce Cameron, the bestselling author behind A Dog's Purpose, and stars Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia and Brooke Lena Johnson.
Netflix's description sets up the story: when a medical emergency pulls the Goss family apart, a determined dog named Winstead does all he can to bring his humans back together before Christmas Eve. The book follows a teenager, her grandfather and his trusty basset hound as they try to hold the household together over the holidays.
A Dog's Perfect Christmas at a glance
| Netflix date | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Feature film, Netflix original |
| Genre | Family holiday drama with comedy |
| Based on | A Dog's Perfect Christmas (2020 novel) by W. Bruce Cameron |
| Director | Cathryn Michon |
| Voice of Winstead | Thomas Haden Church |
A Dog's Perfect Christmas cast
- Dennis Quaid as Sander Goss
- Milo Ventimiglia as Hunter Goss
- Brooke Lena Johnson as Ello Goss
- Kathleen Rose Perkins as Juliana Goss
- Mary Steenburgen as Claire
- Jennifer Tilly as Lucille
- Thomas Haden Church as the voice of Winstead
- Ethan Loomis as Sean, plus Rebecca Staab and Marissa Jaret Winokur
Quaid is no stranger to Cameron's dog stories. He played the grown-up Ethan in A Dog's Purpose and A Dog's Journey. Cameron is also an executive producer on the new film.
Netflix hasn't announced a release hour or running time, so check A Dog's Perfect Christmas in the Netflix app on November 4. It's one of several holiday movies hitting Netflix in early November, so it's an easy pick to start the season.
How to watch with DIRECTV
Netflix isn't a DIRECTV channel, but the DIRECTV Gemini device runs Google TV, so you can open the Netflix app and switch back to live TV with the same remote. Our guide on how to get Netflix with DIRECTV explains your options, our Netflix plans review compares tiers, and our DIRECTV Gemini guide covers setup. Looking for more holiday movies? See 25 new Christmas movies this holiday and our list of kids' Christmas movies to stream as a family.
Frequently asked questions
When does A Dog's Perfect Christmas come out on Netflix?
A Dog's Perfect Christmas arrives on Netflix on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Is A Dog's Perfect Christmas based on a book?
Yes. It's based on W. Bruce Cameron's 2020 novel A Dog's Perfect Christmas. Cameron also wrote A Dog's Purpose.
Who stars in A Dog's Perfect Christmas?
Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia and Brooke Lena Johnson lead the cast, with Mary Steenburgen, Jennifer Tilly and Kathleen Rose Perkins.
Who voices the dog in A Dog's Perfect Christmas?
Thomas Haden Church voices Winstead, the Goss family's dog.
Is A Dog's Perfect Christmas a Netflix original?
Yes. It's a Netflix film, so it streams only on Netflix.
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Details reviewed October 22, 2026. Release dates are set by Netflix and may change. Streaming prices, plans and availability vary and are subject to change. A Dog's Perfect Christmas, Netflix, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.