The 12 Dogs of Christmas.

Name: The 12 Dogs of Christmas
Genre: Family, Drama, Holiday
Released: 2005-11-01
Duration: 107 min
Cast: John Billingsley, Bonita Friedericy, Jordan-Claire Green, Adam Hicks, Jim Jackman

This year's pageant has paws.

Sent to stay with her aunt during the Depression, Emma discovers a town that has banned dogs. With new friends and a Christmas show, she tries to change the adults' minds and protect the local strays.

No published Tomatometer score yet. View on Rotten Tomatoes

Checked Oct 21, 2026. About these scores

Why it’s a little special

A holiday pageant supplies a cheerful rallying point for a story about belonging and looking after animals.

BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY

Know the story.
Know your little people.

General audiences

US film rating

Separation from a parent, poverty, bullying, threats to dogs, implied animal cruelty and mild rude language.

Our notes are a starting point, not an age recommendation. G and PG films can still include intense moments. You know your family best.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The little details.

Directed by: Kieth Merrill
Starring: John Billingsley, Bonita Friedericy, Jordan-Claire Green, Adam Hicks, Jim Jackman, Eric Lutes, Richard Riehle, Mindy Sterling, Susan Wood, Travis T. Flory, Alisha Mullally
Written by: Emma Kragen, Steven Paul Leiva, Kieth Merrill
Produced by: Sean Covel, Daenen Merrill, Ken Kragen
Release date: November 1, 2005
Runtime: 107 minutes
Genre: Family, Drama, Holiday
Studio: Screen Media
Language: English