To go back to the original post. I don't think getting your friend a puppy for Christmas is such a good idea. At the shelter I volunteer at, January and February are the worst months for strays and surrenders (as are most shelters). People get kittens or puppies for Christmas and after a couple of weeks realize how much work they are and turn them into the shelter (if we are lucky) or just turn them loose on the street.

A better idea might be to make up a card with a dog gift certificate of some kind. Then after Christmas you can both go to your local shelter and let him/her pick out a dog that he/she chooses. Then you can pay the adoption fee for them. Also, if your friend still lives with their parents, they would definitely have a say in the decision.

And Shelteez is absolutely correct - if you pay for a mixed breed pup (even if it was an accident) you are advocating irresponsible behavior from the pet owner. or even worse a backyard breeder. Dogs should not be breed by anyone except responsible breeders that take the responsibility very seriously.