Certain breeds are more susceptible to trouble over the festive period
Pet insurance specialists have unveiled which breed tops the charts as Britain’s “Christmas’s clumsiest canines” in the lead-up to the big day. Six popular breeds have earned their place on the notorious list.
Revealing which dog breeds are most susceptible to causing festive chaos, Napo Pet Insurance analysed historical claims data “submitted between November 2024 and January 2025 to capture incidents linked to the festive season”. The insurance firm identified the pooches most vulnerable to seasonal accidents – and the findings reveal certain breeds are natural troublemakers.
The research reveals a staggering 65% surge in pet claims throughout the Christmas period, compared to the remainder of the year, suggesting that owners should exercise additional vigilance during the festivities. So which breeds secured a spot on the list?
UK’s Christmas clumsiest canines
The dachshund has topped the list(Image: fuli03 via Getty Images)
Miniature DachshundEnglish Springer SpanielCocker SpanielBorder CollieGolden RetrieverCockapoo
According to the experts: “Miniature Dachshunds have officially stolen the crown as Christmas’s clumsiest canines, with 27% of all claims for the breed made during the festive season, pushing last year’s top offenders, the English Springer Spaniel (24%) and Cocker Spaniel (20%), into second and third place.
“But the chaos doesn’t stop there. Energetic breeds like Border Collies (17%), ever-lovable Golden Retrievers (15%), and curious Cockapoos (10%) also feature in the festive mishap charts, proving that no breed is entirely immune to the temptations of Christmas.”
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Reasons pet owners claim
Alongside the breeds most prone to accidents, experts have identified the most common conditions affecting pets during the festive period.
The Twelve Claims of Christmas (issue, number of claims)
Allergy, 239Dental disease/gingivitis, 190Mass lesion, 152Vomiting, 138Seizure disorder, 123Gastroenteritis, 120Arthritis, 115Cruciate disease, 112Wound, 107Ear infection, 103Intervertebral disc extrusion/herniation/prolapse, 101Corneal ulcer, 99
Allergies topped the list last Christmas with 239 claims, suggesting that festive fare, decorations and seasonal plants can cause reactions. More serious health issues also increased during the holidays.
Seizure disorders and arthritis flare-ups were amongst the most commonly reported conditions, whilst cruciate injuries – typically linked to sudden movements, slips or over-excitement – were also widespread. The list also highlighted wounds, ear infections, disc problems, and corneal ulcers, demonstrating the varied hazards pets face during the Christmas period.
Top tips to keep your pet safe
What goes on your Christmas dinner plate?(Image: Getty)
Watch out for festive toxins: Chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, raisins, grapes, onions and certain plants (including holly, mistletoe and poinsettia) can all be dangerous for pets. Keep food hampers, wrapped gifts and leftovers well out of reach – if in doubt, assume it’s not pet-safe.Pet-proof your decorations: Tinsel, ribbons, small baubles and string lights can be irresistible but risky. Pets may swallow them or get tangled. Hang decorations higher, avoid fragile ornaments, and cover the water tray under real Christmas trees — stagnant water can be harmful.Create a calm “safe space”: Visitors, noise, children and parties can overwhelm even confident pets. Set up a quiet, comfortable zone where they can retreat without being disturbed. This helps avoid stress-related behaviour, upset stomachs and accidental escapes.Keep presents pet-safe: Wrapped chocolates, edible gifts and food-based stocking fillers should be kept off the floor and out of sniffing distance — some pets have a talent for unwrapping what isn’t theirs.Supervise during the excitement: Festive play, opening presents and bustling kitchens increase the risk of slips, trips and zoomie-related injuries. Keep an eye on pets during busy moments to avoid accidental knocks or tumbles.Stick to routine where you can: Changes in feeding times, fewer walks or unfamiliar guests can unsettle pets. Keeping meals, exercise and quiet time consistent helps prevent behavioural issues and stress-related illnesses.
Charlie Morris, Senior Manager – Claims Operations, said: “Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year, but it also brings a perfect storm of distractions and temptations for pets. From tinsel that looks like a toy to festive treats left within reach, it doesn’t take much for a curious dog or cat to find themselves in trouble.
“At Napo, we know how stressful a trip to the vet can be, especially over the holidays, so our aim is to get things resolved quickly, often paying vets directly, so owners can get back to enjoying Christmas with their pets. While we’re always here when mishaps happen, a few small precautions can make all the difference in keeping your festive season safe, calm and chaos-free.”
