If you’re looking for your next good book, one of these dog loving stories is sure to tickle your fancy. A collection for readers of all ages and tastes, let us know which one is your favorite. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, give the dog some yummy treats, and settle in with one of these rainy-day reads.
Curling up with a good book is one of my favorite hobbies, but I’ll admit, I haven’t read many of these. Which ones have you read and would recommend to fellow dog lovers?
1. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Have you ever had a dog that was so human-like you swear he understood everything you said, and even a few things you didn’t say? Meet Enzo, one smart doggie who decides that when he dies and returns to earth as a man, he will model his behavior after his beloved owner, a race car driver. This best seller is full of laughs, heartwarming moments, and the essence of the bond between dogs and humans.
2. Texts from Dog by October Jones
Author October Jones creates hilarious texts sent from his bulldog and his bulldog’s alter ego, BatDog. This chuckle worthy book is sure to resonate with dogs and their humans as it highlights common situations and provides a peek into what your dog really might be thinking.
3. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
If you missed out on reading this one as part of a required reading assignment in school, it’s one you should pick up now. The story details young Marty’s moral dilemma after he falls in love with a small beagle named Shiloh. Problems become apparent when Marty discovers Shiloh belongs to a drunk and abusive neighbor, who wants his dog back. Marty fights to keep Shiloh safe, at great risk to himself and his family.
4. Where the Red Fern Grows: The Story of Two Dogs and a Boy by Wilson Rawls
Billy Coleman’s dream is to have a hunting dog. Billy works and saves for two years to get enough money to purchase his very own hunting dogs. Little Ann and Old Dan enter his life and change it forever, as he grows into a young man and learns valuable lessons about life, people, and losing what you love. His two pups grow into the finest hunting dogs in the area, and save young Billy’s life. The legend of the red fern, as told by Billy’s Native American mother, says two Indian children got lost in the mountains and froze to death. But when they were found in the spring, an angel had planted a rare red fern between the two bodies, marking the spot as sacred as the fern is said to never die. This legend plays an integral part in the book (no spoilers!). Where the Red Fern Grows is classic and a tear-jerker; well worth a read.
5. Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
Travis wasn’t looking for a dog when Old Yeller showed up. He had enough responsibility taking care of his mom and brother and their farm while dad was away on a cattle drive. But the old stray dog soon earns his place in the family and travis learns they must both work together to save each others’ lives. Old Yeller is a classic novel, often found on required reading lists for young adults.
6. Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan
If you’ve ever had a dog as a fur-child, you’ll relate to Marley & Me. The story follows the life of one couple who adopt what they believe to be the world’s worst dog. Marley’s antics are hilarious and dog lovers will find themselves laughing along and relating to similar stories of mayhem from their own furry kids. While Marley may be full of mischief, she ends up teaching her humans what really matters in life (hint, it’s not the shoes she chews).
7. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The precursor to White Fang, this classic novel by Jack Frost is a favorite for good reason. Buck is a pampered Californian dog until he’s kidnapped and sold to be used as a sled dog in the harsh Yukon territory. Buck learns from the other sled dogs and wins the right to become lead dog. He’s passed to new owners, and eventually ends with a decent human, John Thornton, whom Buck grows to love and saves his life on several occasions. When Thornton dies, Buck runs wild, free to lead packs of wild dogs in the Yukon led only by their ancestral urges and impulses.
8. A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
While you follow a pup through his many dog lives, you gain insight into the bond between dogs and humans. Get a dog’s viewpoint into finding a purpose in life with this heartwarming story. The story starts with Toby until he’s euthanized and reborn as Bailey. His next life is that of Ellie, a search and rescue dog. The pup finally finds in his purpose in life when he’s reborn as a black lab named Buddy. You’ll laugh and cry as you follow one dog’s journey to find purpose in life.
9. The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia B. McConnell
Dr. Patricia McConnell is an applied animal behaviorist and dog trainer who shares her unique insight into human/dog interaction. This book focuses on the behavior of humans compared to dogs. The author talks about how our behaviors are perceived by our dogs, and how we can fine-tune our own behaviors to affect our dogs in positive ways.
10. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be your dog? Alexandra Horowitz takes you inside your dog as she explains your dog’s perspective on life through each of his senses. The book also explores the science behind how dogs sense and smell disease, and how little we actually understand about the amazing abilities of dogs.
11. Pure Joy: The Dogs We Love by Danielle Steel
Take a walk with best-selling author Danielle Steel as she recalls the dogs who have touched her life. From the dogs of her childhood to her current dogs, learn about her joys, struggles, and humorous encounters over the years while sharing her life with dogs. Fall in love with the dogs that have touched Danielle Steel’s life.
12. A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life by Jon Katz
If you’ve ever had that one dog that you form a bond stronger than any other, you’ll relate to A Good Dog. The Author recounts his life with Orson, an energetic border collie who herds everything except the sheep he’s supposed to be working. Katz’s stories of Orson’s antics tell a story of a dog well loved. through his words, you can share in this special bond between Katz and his ultimate best friend.
13. How Dogs Think: What the World Looks Like to Them and Why They Act the Way They Do by Stanley Coren
If you’ve ever asked if dogs can count, do they dream, or how do they learn, How Dogs Think aims to answer your questions. The author combines behavioral science along with anecdotes and observations to give you a sneak peak into the the minds of dogs. Experience the world through your dog’s eyes with Stanley Coren’s How Dogs Think.
14. A Dog’s Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin
Written for children, A Dog’s Life is an enjoyable story that follow two stray dogs born to a stray mother. Follow their story as they lose their mother and learn to live on the streets. Follow along from their birth to the end of their lives as Bone and Squirrel make their way in life.
15. Winter dance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen
Follow Gary Paulsen’s seventeen day journey during the Iditarod dogsled race. This thrilling first hand account is a must read for all snow dog lovers. The book takes you on a trip between Anchorage and Nome during this famous competition.
16. Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words by John W. Pilley
Chaser has inspired countless dog lovers with her vast vocabulary and magnetic personality. John W. Pilley takes a closer look at this amazing dog who wowed us all with her amazing ability to recognize over a thousand words. She’ll soon become one of your favorite border collies when you read of her amazing abilities.
17. Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend by Susan Orlean
Rin Tin Tin began life as abandoned puppy and grew into a movie star and canine icon. Rin TIn Tin became a silent movie star in the 1920s, and Susan Orlean captures his lifelong story in a heartfelt and inspiring way. Even those who are not familiar with Rin Tin Tin’s film career or his status as international icon will fall in love with him through the pages of this book.
18. For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend by Patricia B. McConnell
If you’ve ever wanted to know more about emotions in humans and dogs, and the bonds we share, Dr. Patricia McConnell’s For the Love of Dog is a must-read. The author not only explores the similar emotions between people and dogs, but she’ll also teach you how to read your dog’s more subtle emotional cues. The author believes understanding emotion in both species can improve the relationship between dog and human.
19. Soldier Dogs: The Untold Story of America’s Canine Heroes by Maria Goodavage
Maria Goodavage takes you inside the world of soldier dogs, the unsung hero dogs who help our military complete their missions every day. Get a front row seat to experience the deep bonds that form between soldier dogs and their handlers.
20. A Small Furry Prayer; Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life by Steven Kotler
Steven Kolter chronicles his existential crisis and his search for meaning through a pack of homeless special needs dogs. He and Lila start Rancho de Chihuahua, a ranch for a pack of special needs dogs. The dogs end up helping their human caretakers just as much as the humans help these special dogs.
21. Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him by Luis Carlos Montalvan
When he returned home from a tour overseas, Luis Carlos Montalvan battled physical injuries as well as PTSD. He thought his life was over, until Tuesday. When a golden retriever named Tuesday came into his life, his life changed forever. Luis find purpose, meaning, and healing in Tuesday. This is a must-read inspirational story for any dog lover.
22. Good Dog. Stay by Anna Quindlen
Anna Quindlen recalls her life with Beau, a black lab who had many life lessons to teach his human. Heartwarming, bittersweet, and funny, this tale tells of two lives unfolding together and Anna and Beau grow and change as their lives intertwine.
23. Hachiko: The True Story of the Royal Dogs of Japan and One Faithful Akita by Julie Chrystyn
Hachiko is the amazing true story of a dog’s unending love and devotion for his human. Hidesaburo Ueno, a university professor in 1920s Tokoyo, had a special bond with Hachiko, an Akita. When the professor died suddenly of a heart attack, Hachiko continued to sit at the train station day after day, waiting for his human to return. Hachiko travelled to the train station to watch for his human’s evening train every day for ten years, becoming a beloved symbol of the bond between man and dog.
24. My Name is Moose: Modern Life Through a Dog’s Eyes by Martin Usborne
My Name is Moose is a funny and poignant account of life through one dog’s eyes. Follow Moose’s story at his human, a photographer, feels the impact of the recession and searches for paying work. While this isn’t the only fist-person (dog) accounting of life on our list, it’s filled with humorous moments that make it worth a read.
25. Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family- and a Whole Town- About Hope and Happy Endings by Janet Elder
Huck is a sweet, red haired toy poodle that comes to live with a family struggling to deal with the effects of cancer. Later, when the dog goes missing, the family must rely on the generosity of strangers and learns the importance of hope during difficult times. Huck is a heartwarming story all dog lovers will enjoy.
26. Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin
When the Levin family takes their beloved cat in to be put to sleep, they think nothing can redeem this terrible day. But then they meet Oogy, an abused dog used for pit fighting left with a face full of scar tissue and only one ear. Oogy steals their hearts and this conventionally “ugly” dog finds a forever home with the Levins.
27. Born to Bark: My Adventures with an Irrepressible and Unforgettable Dog by Stanley Coren
When Stan Coren brought home a grey Cairn Terrier named Flint, the breeder warned him the dog may have been “untrainable”. But Stan persevered with Flint and though they drove each other and Stan’s wife up a wall, Flint finally graduated obedience school and even competed in obedience contests. If you’ve ever loved an unloveable dog, you’ll love Born to Bark.
28. Katie Up and Down the Hall The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family by Glenn Plaskin
When author Glen Plaskin adopts a Cocker Spaniel puppy named Katie, he’s pleasantly surprised at the way Katie forms new bonds with Glen’s neighbors. Five neighbors who were previously strangers to Plaskin soon become a family by choice, thanks to Katie.
29. What a Difference a Dog Makes: Big Lessons on Life, Love and Healing from a Small Pooch by Dana Jennings
Bijou loves to play, and she teaches her humans that even on the darkest days, it’s ok to play.” Our dogs come into our lives as “just the family pet,” but before we know it they become drinking buddies and fuzzy shrinks, playmates and Cheerios-munching vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks and sleeping partners. And, in their mysterious and muttish ways, our dogs become our teachers.”
30. You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness by Julie Klam
Thirty year old Julie Klam thought what her life needed was the right man. Instead, she found out the right dog can truly teach you everything you need to know about lasting relationships and life. This heartwarming story follows Julie and her pup through the ups and downs of life that many of can relate to, and it does it all with a touch of hilarity.
31. Through a Dog’s Eyes: Understanding Our Dogs by Understanding How They See the World by Jennifer Arnold
Jennifer Arnold has a unique perspective on dogs wrought after twenty years of training service dogs. Her approach to dogs as a species isn’t a cousin to a pack of wolves, nor beings looking for specialized treatment and direction. Rather, she sees dogs as “extremely trusting beings attuned to their owners’ needs, and they aim to please.” Her story of life through a dog’s eyes is unique and pleasantly enjoyable.
32. The Philosopher and the Wolf: Lessons from the Wild on Love, Death, and Happiness by Mark Rowlands
Mark Rowlands was a philosophy professor looking for something more in life. He found that something in Brenin, a small wolf pup he adopted. As they grew to love each other, Brenin taught Mark deep lessons about life, love, happiness, nature, death, and the true meaning of companionship.
33. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Branford
The Incredible Journey is one of those classic dog novels all dog lovers must read. When two pups and a cat believe they’ve been left behind by their humans, they set out on an incredible journey across rugged terrain to find their way home. Together, they survive impossible odds and dangerous circumstances to find their way home to the people they love.
34. The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter than You Think by Brain Hare and Vanessa Woods
Cognitive scientist Brian Hare provides unique insight into how a dog’s brain works, and how truly genius these companions really are. Learn about the discoveries uncovered in the Duke Canine Cognition Lab to develop a better relationship with your furry best friend.
35. The Lost History of The Canine Race: Our 15,000-Year Love Affair with Dogs by Mary Elizabeth Thurston
Your dog has a history you may have never heard of before. The history of the canine race is filled with rich traditions, stories, and love for the human race. Learn how dogs have touched our lives for centuries. You’ll gain a new appreciation for dogs through the stories of how dogs have helped to shape our own histories.
36. Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet by John W.S. Bradshaw
Author and anthrozoologist John Bradshaw explains why dogs shouldn’t be treated as pack-driven wolves of furry mini-humans, but instead a distinct race of canines with unique qualities that endear them to us. Armed with Bradshaw’s perspective, dog lovers can enrich their relationships with the dogs through a better understanding of how you need to change, not your dog.
37. Haatchi & Little B: The Inspiring True Story of One Boy and His Dog by Wendy Holden
Owen’s family calls him Little B, which stands for Little Buddy, and his life is spent confined to a wheelchair due to a rare genetic disorder. Author Wendy Holden shows you how the love of one dog can transform a child’s life and how deep that bond between boy and dog can grow in this heartwarming story. If you’ve ever loved a special dog or a child with special needs, Haatchi & Little B will touch your heart.
38. The Dangerous Book for Dogs: A Parody by Rex & Sparky, Janet Ginsburg, Joe Garden, Chris Pauls, Anita Serwacki, and Scott Sherman
This parody of The Dangerous Book for Boys is written by dogs and outlines how-to instructions for all those things humans hate for dogs to do. Rex & Sparky will have your snorting with laughter as they give other dogs the inside scoop on furbidden activities.
39. Shep: Out Most Loyal Dog by Sneed B. Collard III
Shep’s story is one of true doggie devotion. When Shep’s human dies, he is placed on an outgoing train for burial. Shep returns to the train station for more than five years, watching for the return of the train that took his human. Written for young readers, this is one dog loving book that you can share with your children.
40. One Good Dog by Susan Wilson
Adam March seems to have it all, until his past comes back to haunt him and he loses everything he thought mattered in his life. At what he believes to be his lowest point, doing court mandated community service in a soup kitchen, he meets Chance, a dog with the power to turn Adam’s world right side up.
41. Because of Winn-Dixie by Katie DiCamillo
Winn-Dixie may be a dog only a lonely ten year-old girl could love. With her new best friend at her side, Opal find courage she never knew she had, and asks her dad about a mother that abandoned her as a baby. Together, Opal and Winn-Dixie forge a friendship and learn to heal from past hurts.
42. White Fang by Jack London
This classic novel follows the plight of White Fang, a half wolf dog who is mistreated by men. The story depicts the rugged Alaskan lifestyle and the untamed natural environment that White Fang must contend with to survive. Follow along as White Fang transitions from wild animal to companion animal as he struggles to survive in a kill or be killed world. White Fang is the sequel to Jack London’s Call of the Wild.
43. Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson
44. Sounder by William H. Armstrong
Life in the deep south is hard during the depression. For one African American family, finding enough food to feed the family becomes impossible, but father and Sounder, the family dog, still go out every night to search for food. Desperate, father brings home food, but at a great cost. Sounder does whatever he can to help the family after father is taken to jail.
45. Throw the Damn Ball: Classic Poetry by Dogs by R.D. Rosen, Harry Prichett, and Rob Battles
If you’re looking for some dog-loving poetry, written by dogs with a sense of humor, Throw the Damn Ball is the perfect read. Witty, relatable, and thoroughly enjoyable, this is classic dog poetry at its finest.
46. The Search by Nora Roberts
Fiona Bristow, a search and rescue volunteer and dog trainer, is the lone survivor of the Red Scarf Killer, a man who killed her fiance and his K9 partner. When Fiona sets out to train Jaws, a rambunctious puppy, the past comes back to haunt her as the Red Scarf Killer resurfaces.
47. The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz
Amy Redwing shares a special bond with Nickie, a Golden Retriever she rescued from a dangerous situation. But that bond will be put to the test as they both struggle to stay alive during the darkest evening of their lives.
48. A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog by Dean Koontz
Best selling author Dean Koontz shares his story of the dog who forever changed his life. Trixie was a retired service dog who lived less than twelve years, but she left a lasting impact on the Koontz family. A must read for all Dean Koontz fans.
49. Amazing Gracie: A Dog’s Tale by Dan Dye
Amazing Gracie is a love story between Dn Dye and a Great Dane puppy named Gracie. Follow along and fall in love as Dan chooses Gracie in a liter of puppies and brings her home to experience a world of firsts together. “Courage. Compassion. Kindness. Soul. Tenacity. And joy, above all, joy. These qualities Gracie possessed in abundance, and shared with everyone, human or canine, who had the good fortune to cross her path”
50. Sorry I Pooped in Your Shoe (and other heartwarming letters from doggie) by Jeremy Greenberg
Comedian Jeremy Greenberg writes a series of letters from your dog, addressing that strange smell coming from your dog, the art of throwing a ball, and many other dog-related mysteries that we wish Fido could share. Funny and heartwarming, this collection of letters and pictures is guaranteed to make any dog lover smile.
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