Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming Christmas comedy is full of canine chaos.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Shelby: The Dog Who Saved Christmas
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SHELBY, a dog (voiced by Rob Schneider) escapes the pound just before Christmas and manages to avoid the local dog catcher (Tom Arnold) by hiding in the basement of the Parker household. Young wannabe magician Jake Parker (John Paul Ruttan) befriends the dog -- called Shelby -- and tries to keep him hidden from his family. But when the dog catcher is offered a huge cash sum by a mean rich woman, he ups his search and eventually takes Shelby back to the pound. Can Jake join forces with his siblings and cousin to rescue Shelby and bring him back home? They're going to need a Christmas miracle.
Is It Any Good?
While a cute dog bringing a family together at Christmas is hardly an original concept, the strong cast and sharp script make this a fun Christmas comedy that ticks all the boxes. Schneider brings Shelby to life with the feeling of an old soul wrapped in young fur, lending a heartfelt sincerity to sad scenes, as well as a sprightly lust for life amid the requisite Christmas chaos. Arnold is perfect as his dog-catcher nemesis, Doug, and the sparring between the two makes for some of the most enjoyable scenes in the movie.
Elsewhere Chevy Chase steals the show as Jake's twinkle-eyed grandfather, and the entire cast of children have lots of fun with their roles. Though there is mild peril and some more somber moments, the movie keeps the atmosphere light and the pace fast enough to make for a fun Christmas movie the whole family can enjoy -- with crazy antics for the kids and a few knowing jokes for the adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Shelby teaches us about how to treat animals? What do you need to know before you adopt a pet? Why is it important to be aware of what owning a pet means before taking on such a responsibility?
How did this movie compare to other dog movies? Do you have a favorite?
Discuss the character of Doug the dog catcher. Did your impression of him change as the movie progressed? Why must we be careful of first impressions?
Discuss how family is portrayed in the movie. How does Shelby help everyone come together?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 7, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : March 13, 2017
- Cast : Rob Schneider , Tom Arnold , Jennifer Gibson
- Director : Brian K. Roberts
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
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