I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

Movie review by Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media
I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

Mild 2003 TV special best for big Peanuts fans.

NR 2004 41 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 4+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 2+

Based on 5 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the kids are wise beyond their years and sorta grumpy. They argue frequently, often ending disagreements with a bonk to the head. At the end, the kids perform a religious-themed recitation. Other than this, nothing terribly controversial happens.

Community Reviews

Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
June 24, 2015
age 2+

best for true Peanuts fans

This is benign, and true Peanuts fans will indeed enjoy seeing Snoopy and the kids bring back old quirks and take on some new ones. All others, including young children and casual viewers, won't find this really terrific, especially when compared to other Charlie Brown specials, but they won't find it too bad either.
parentof7
parentof7 Adult
March 2, 2015
age 2+

I was letting my kid who turned 2 today watch this

we have the charlie brown dvds and letting my youngest watch perfect for preschoolers and older kids alike
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Lucy and Linus's little brother Rerun desperately wants a dog for Christmas. His mother doesn't think he's responsible enough to have a dog. In the meantime, Rerun spends as much time as possible with Snoopy, a sometimes reluctant play-partner. In classic Peanuts tradition, Lucy courts the Beethoven-obsessed Schroeder, and Snoopy flies his dog house around in the sky. When Snoopy's brother Spike visits, Rerun hopes he will become his very own dog, but the wish proves elusive.

Is It Any Good?

Unlike the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas, this holiday film doesn't have a strong message; without it, the movie seems mostly a collection of Peanuts tropes without anything special to offer. For series devotees, seeing the loveable and mischievous Snoopy fly his dog house around, or the crabby Lucy dress up like a nurse to plump up Snoopy's brother Spike, might be enough to stay entertained. For others, there are better introductions to the slightly depressed little boy named Charlie Brown.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about hitting. Why do the characters in this movie hit each other? Is it OK to hit people in real life? What's the difference between the hitting in this movie and hitting in real life?

  • Talk about pets. What are some of the responsibilities of owning a pet? What are some of the fun things about having a pet?

  • Talk about Lucy and Schroeder. Why does Lucy like Schroeder even though he's mean to her? What would you do if you were in Lucy's situation?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate