If you’ve ever watched your dog’s eyes light up when you hand over a new toy or seen their tail wag at the rustle of a treat bag, you’ll know giving to dogs feels almost as good as receiving.
We might think of dog gifts as a modern invention — birthday cakes, personalised boxes, Christmas stockings — but the truth is people have been spoiling their pups for centuries.
From ancient civilisations dressing their dogs in decorated collars to today’s Instagram-famous pups unwrapping mountains of presents, the story of dog gifting is really a tale of how much we’ve always loved our four-legged friends.
Ancient Times: More Than Just Companions
In Ancient Egypt, dogs were treated with incredible respect. Wealthier families often placed decorative collars around their necks, not just for function but as a sign of honour. These collars were sometimes made from bronze or decorated with patterns, turning a simple accessory into something closer to jewellery.
In Greece, hunters would reward their hounds with the best cuts of meat after a successful chase. It wasn’t called a “dog gift” then, but the intention was the same — a way of saying thank you to a loyal companion.
Medieval and Noble Dogs
By the Middle Ages, dogs were everywhere: in fields guarding sheep, at the hearth keeping homes safe, and in the courts of the nobility.
Working dogs were rewarded in simple ways such as food from the table or a warm place by the fire. Noble households, however, took things further. Wealthy families dressed their small lapdogs in coats, made blankets just for them, and sometimes even seated them at banquets.
These early luxuries can be seen as the first true dog gifts — thoughtful tokens given purely out of affection.
Victorian England: The Turning Point
The Victorians changed everything, Queen Victoria herself adored dogs and her passion spread through society, suddenly dogs weren’t just workers or companions they were members of the family.
Shops began opening that sold collars, toys and accessories made just for pets. Families even commissioned portraits of their dogs. For the first time, there was a real industry around pet products, and dog gifts as we know them today started to take shape.
The 20th Century: Everyday Treats and Toys
By the 1900s, things started to look more familiar. Biscuits made especially for dogs became household staples, and squeaky toys and bones were mass-produced.
Dogs began receiving gifts not only at Christmas but also for birthdays. Stockings filled with toys and treats became popular, and small gift sets appeared in shops.
For the first time, these gifts weren’t reserved for the wealthy. Middle-class families could buy them too, making dog gifting a normal part of everyday life.
The Modern Day: Personalised and Social
Today, spoiling your dog has reached a whole new level. Social media has made it easy to share celebrations, and dogs now star in birthday videos, Christmas morning unwrappings and even “gotcha day” parties.
Personalisation has become a huge trend. From cakes printed with your dog’s face to engraved bowls, matching outfits and subscription boxes, there’s a dog gift for every occasion.
And it doesn’t stop at birthdays or Christmas. Many owners treat their pups “just because” — after a long walk, a trip to the vet, or simply to say you’re my best mate.
Why We Give Gifts to Dogs
The tradition has lasted for one simple reason: dogs give us so much, and gifting is one of the most joyful ways to give back.
It’s not just about the toy, the chew or the cake. It’s about the wagging tail, the excited bark, and the smile it brings to the owner too.
From a psychological perspective, gifting benefits both sides. Dogs get enrichment, stimulation and tasty rewards. Humans get the joy of watching their companions happy and content.
From Collars to Cakes
Looking back through history, one thing is clear: people have always wanted to celebrate their dogs.
The collars of Ancient Egypt, the blankets of noble lapdogs, the biscuits of the 20th century and today’s personalised boxes all share the same purpose — showing love for the animals who give us so much.
The history of dog gifts may be long, but the message hasn’t changed. Whether it’s a chew at the end of the day or a whole birthday box arriving at your door, every gift says the same thing: thank you for being by my side.
