Humans and dogs have developed a special bond over 10,000 years of domestication. Having a canine companion has been proven to ease loneliness, relieve stress, and even extend our lives. So what could be more enjoyable than being in the company of a loyal, cuddly dog?
It’s easy to see why dogs are the most common household pets in the U.S., with 69 million households having at least one dog. There are hundreds of breeds with varying sizes, colors, and temperaments. Pet spending statistics recorded by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) showed that dog ownership costs an average of $1,480 in basic expenses annually.
Beyond the importance of a dog’s physical companionship, there are comforting books about dogs for your pleasure, especially for those who are dog-obsessed. Each book tells a fascinating tale with a dog at its core, and you’re sure to find something you enjoy in our selection.
Check Amazon- A heartbreaking tale of love, loyalty, and family told beautifully by a dog.
- Sparks self-reflection
- Winner of multiple awards
Check Amazon- An epic survival story for fans of adventure novels
- A classic at its best
- Has continuously been in print since its publication in 1903
Check Amazon- A fun book for dog lovers
- Relatable storyline
- Adapted into a film starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson
Check Amazon- An excellent read for dog lovers
- Well-written about the psychology of dogs.
- It offers a scientific perspective on dog literature
Check Amazon- A classic favorite among children
- Friendly and adventurous story
- Adapted into a movie in 1974
Check Amazon- Narrated from a dog's perspective
- Portrayal of dogs' love for humans
- Was made into a family film in 2017
Check Amazon- It's a reflection on grieving in both people and canines
- A pseudo-memoir with moving details
- Was nominated for the International Dublin Literary Award
Check Amazon- A heartwarming story
- Beautiful illustrations
- Available in Kindle, audiobook, hardcover, or paperback formats
Check Amazon- National Outdoor Book Award winner of 2004
- Available in paperback, Kindle, Audiobook, and hardcover formats
- Moving and insightful story about the power of friendship between humans and animals
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Books About Dogs
1. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
This renowned dog novel by Garth Stein was a New York Times bestseller for 156 weeks. It’s narrated from the viewpoint of a dog named Enzo, who devotes his entire existence to helping his race car driver father, Denny Swift, in the hopes that he will one day become a human.
Enzo has been training himself throughout his time with Denny and his family, believing that he will be reincarnated as a human after death if appropriately “prepared.”
Disney Studios acquired the rights and adapted the book into a movie. It was directed by Simon Curtis and was released in 2019, starring Milo Ventimiglia, Kevin Costner, and Amanda Seyfriend.
The book won multiple awards, including Best Book of the Year from the Seattle Times and Publishers Weekly Listen Up! Award Winner for Fiction and Sunday Oregonian Top-Ten Northwest Book of the Year.
It’s a 2008 publication by HarperCollins and is available as Audiobook, paperback, and Kindle.
Some reviewers couldn’t get past the fact that the dog is the narrator in this book.
Pros and Cons of The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book was a New York Time bestseller for 156 weeks. | Some reviewers couldn’t get past the fact that the dog is the narrator in this book. |
| It’s narrated from the viewpoint of Enzo, a dog who hopes that by helping his race car driver father he will be reincarnated as a human. | |
| Disney Studios adapted this book into a movie, which was released in 2019. | |
| The book received multiple awards, including Best Book of the Year from the Seattle Times and Publishers Weekly Listen Up! Award Winner for Fiction and Sunday Oregonian Top-Ten Northwest Book of the Year. | |
| It’s available in Audiobook, paperback, and Kindle formats. |
- A heartbreaking tale of love, loyalty, and family told beautifully by a dog.
- Sparks self-reflection
- Winner of multiple awards
2. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Jack London presents Buck, a 140-pound mixed Saint Bernard, and Scotch Shepherd, in his classic, masterpiece novel set in Yukon, Canada, during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck’s comfortable lifestyle is abruptly altered after being kidnapped from his ranch home in California. He’s thrust into harsh realities of life as he navigates the Yukon wilderness, where he was sold as a sled dog in Alaska. Buck passes through several hands before landing in the capable hands of John Thornton.
The Call of the Wild shows readers how a domesticated animal could revert to its wild state and reestablish a connection with its ancestors.
It was serialized in The Saturday Evening Post in 1903 and then published in a single volume by Macmillan & Co. that same year. Since its first adaptation in 1923, the book has been adapted for film several times.
It’s a 46-page story that takes a few hours to read. It is available as a Kindle, hardcover, paperback, or audiobook.
Several reviewers said that the font is too small in this edition.
Pros and Cons of The Call of the Wild by Jack London
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This classic novel centers around Buck, a 140-pound mixed-breed dog that’s dognapped from his California home and, eventually, sold as a sled dog in Alaska. | Several reviewers said that the font is too small in this edition. |
| Eventually, Buck lands in the capable hands of John Thornton. | |
| The book demonstrates how a domesticated animal can revert to its wild state and reestablish a connection with its ancestors. | |
| It was serialized in The Saturday Evening Post in 1903 and published in a single volume by Macmillan & Co. that same year. Since its first adaptation in 1923, the book has been adapted for film multiple times. | |
| It’s a 46-page story that takes a few hours to read. It is available as a Kindle, hardcover, paperback, or audiobook. |
- An epic survival story for fans of adventure novels
- A classic at its best
- Has continuously been in print since its publication in 1903
3. Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan
This list would be incomplete without Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog, John Grogan’s autobiographical story about a young couple, John and Jenny, and their rambunctious puppy, Marley.
Marley grows into a 97-pound Labrador retriever who eventually becomes unruly. Despite the couple’s best efforts to train Marley, he continues to destroy objects such as walls and furniture. On the other hand, his love and loyalty were boundless, as was his rejection of any limitations on his behavior. He eventually wins over the family by being a shining example of devotion.
The book was adapted into a film starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson in December 2008.
It’s available in audiobook, Kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats.
Several reviewers said that the book was actually about the world’s worst dog parents.
Pros and Cons of Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This autobiographical book is about a young couple and their rambunctious puppy, Marley, that grows into a destructive, 97-pound Labrador retriever. | Several reviewers said that the book was actually about the world’s worst dog parents. |
| Marley eventually wins the family over through his devotion. | |
| The book was adapted into a film starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson in December 2008. | |
| It’s available in audiobook, Kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats. |
- A fun book for dog lovers
- Relatable storyline
- Adapted into a film starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson
4. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz
With Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know, Horowitz’s literary debut provides answers to those who are curious about what their dogs do and why. As a cognitive scientist, the author makes good use of recent research, such as information on how well dogs can read our attention, detect diseases, and understand how their tails work.
Inside of a Dog was a New York Times bestseller for 65 weeks and is helpful for dog lovers who want to know why their dogs behave the way they do.
You can read it on Kindle, listen to the Audiobook, or buy it in paperback or hardcover. At 382 pages, this is not a quick read. Take your time and learn everything you can about what makes your dog tick.
Some reviewers said that this book was poorly written and difficult to read.
Pros and Cons of Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book, which was written by a cognitive scientist, presents the results of recent research on such as information on how well dogs can read our attention, detect diseases, and understand how their tails work. | Some reviewers said that this book was poorly written and difficult to read. |
| Inside of a Dog was a New York Times bestseller for 65 weeks and is helpful for dog lovers who want to know why their dogs behave the way they do. | |
| It’s available in Kindle, Audiobook, paperback, and hardcover versions. |
- An excellent read for dog lovers
- Well-written about the psychology of dogs.
- It offers a scientific perspective on dog literature
5. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
This classic novel introduces readers to Billy Colman and his two redbone coonhounds as they journey through the Ozark Mountains. Billy’s childhood dream had been to own the dogs, so he saved up to purchase the pair, whom he named Old Dan and Little Ann.
With Old Dan’s strength, Little Ann’s intelligence, and Billy’s willpower, the trio, who are prepared to face adversity, seek out new experiences, and excel at hunting, become an almost unbreakable unit. Then, however, tragedy strikes these tenacious hunters and threatens their success.
A 1974 movie starring Stewart Petersen, James Whitmore, Beverly Garland, and Jack Ging was based on the book. With Wilford Brimley, Chad McQueen, Lisa Whelchel, and Karen Carlson in the lead roles, a sequel was released in 1992. Joseph Ashton, Dabney Coleman, and Dave Matthews starred in the 2003 remake, featuring Ned Beatty.
You can find it in Kindle, paperback, audiobook, and hardcover formats.
Several reviewers were disturbed by what they considered to be animal cruelty depicted in the book.
Pros and Cons of Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This classic novel is about the adventures of a boy named Billy Colman and his two redbone coonhounds in the Ozark Mountains. | Several reviewers were disturbed by what they considered to be animal cruelty depicted in the book. |
| Two movies have been made from this movie. | |
| You can find it in Kindle, paperback, audiobook, and hardcover formats. |
- A classic favorite among children
- Friendly and adventurous story
- Adapted into a movie in 1974
6. A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
A Dog’s Promise is the first in a three-book series by Bruce Cameron. It explores how a dog named Bailey searches for his purpose throughout his several lives. It was a 2010 New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
Bailey is surprised to see that he has been reborn as a boisterous golden-haired puppy after a painfully brief existence as a stray mutt. He finds meaning in his new life in the arms of eight-year-old Ethan.
While highlighting a dog’s undying commitment to his favorite humans, this book also helps readers realize that every living thing on Earth serves a purpose and inspires them to reflect on their relationships.
Amblin Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment, Walden Media, and Pariah Entertainment Group collaborated in 2017 to release A Dog’s Purpose, a family film. It was directed by Lasse Hallström. Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Juliet Rylance, Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, and John Ortiz all starred in the movie.
It’s available in Kindle, Audiobook, hardcover, paperback, and mass market paperback formats.
Several reviewers weren’t impressed with the story and asked “What’s the point?”
Pros and Cons of A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is the first in a three-book series about how a dog named Bailey searches for his purpose throughout several lives. | Several reviewers weren’t impressed with the story and asked “What’s the point?” |
| It was a 2010 New York Times and USA Today bestseller. | |
| After a painfully brief existence as a stray mutt, Baily is surprised to be reborn as a golden-haired puppy. He finds meaning in his new life in the arms of eight-year-old Ethan. | |
| In addition to highlighting a dog’s undying commitment to its favorite humans, this book helps readers realize that all living beings have a purpose. | |
| A movie based on the book was released in 2017. | |
| It’s available in Kindle, Audiobook, hardcover, paperback, and mass market paperback formats. |
- Narrated from a dog's perspective
- Portrayal of dogs' love for humans
- Was made into a family film in 2017
7. The Friend: A Novel by Sigrid Nunez
This National Book Award-winning novel tells the story of what happens after a woman loses her best friend. The deceased’s dog, an old Great Dane, was distraught by his owner’s inexplicable absence. The story follows the woman as she copes with loss while caring for a heartbroken pet in an apartment where pets are not permitted.
With her determination to grasp the dog’s heart and mind, the woman and the dog become inseparable. While challenges abound, both will reap significant and unexpected benefits.
Sigrid Nunez’s novel The Friend was nominated for the International Dublin Literary Award and received critical acclaim. This book is available in hardcover, audiobook, and Kindle versions. It is 224 pages long, so you can immerse yourself in the poignant words and reflect on your own experiences with loss.
Some reviewers didn’t enjoy this book, calling it “boring, meandering, and pointless,” and an “ugly story about ugly people.”
Pros and Cons of The Friend: A Novel by Sigrid Nunez
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book tells the tale of a woman whose best friend dies. She takes in her friend’s old Great Dane, which is grieving his owner’s absence. In time, the woman and the dog become inseparable and both reap significant, unexpected benefits. | Some reviewers didn’t enjoy this book, calling it “boring, meandering, and pointless,” and an “ugly story about ugly people.” |
| It’s available in hardcover, audiobook, and Kindle formats. |
- It's a reflection on grieving in both people and canines
- A pseudo-memoir with moving details
- Was nominated for the International Dublin Literary Award
8. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Kate DiCamillo’s debut novel was an instant success. It was a New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor winner, and the basis for a hit movie. In 2001 and 2002, it received the Indie’s Choice Book Award for Children’s Literature and the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award.
In this lovely story, a young girl named India Opal Buloni meets a new puppy at her neighborhood store, Winn-Dixie. She named him after the store, and his presence dramatically improves Opal’s summer.
Walden Media and Twentieth Century Fox produced the 2005 movie adaption, which starred AnnaSophia Robb as the protagonist, Opal Buloni.
This well-known classic is available in paperback, Kindle, hardback, and audiobook formats. Although geared toward children, the 208-page book appeals to readers of all ages.
Several reviewers said that it was “a little boring.”
Pros and Cons of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This children’s book was a New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor winner, and the basis for a hit movie. In 2001 and 2002, it received the Indie’s Choice Book Award for Children’s Literature and the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award. | Several reviewers said that it was “a little boring.” |
| It tells the story of a young girl who meets a new puppy at a local store and how his presence dramatically improves her summer. | |
| Walden Media and Twentieth Century Fox produced the 2005 movie adaption, which starred AnnaSophia Robb as the protagonist, Opal Buloni. | |
| It’s available in paperback, Kindle, hardback, and audiobook formats. | |
| While it’s geared toward children, it appeals to readers of all ages. |
9. Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin
An abandoned dog gets a new chance at life when the Levins adopts him. When he was just a few months old, the dog was used as bait for dog fights. Before being saved by the police and the personnel at Ardmore Animal Hospital, he had been left to die in a cage.
The love story began in 2002 when Larry Levin and his sons, Dan and Noah, took their dying cat to the hospital. Then, the hideous, one-eared dog with a scarred face approached the family and won their hearts.
For dog lovers, this true emotional story may be a tear-jerker. You can read it on Kindle or get audiobook, hardcover, or paperback formats.
Several reviewers said that this book was more about Levin’s family than Oogy.
Pros and Cons of Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is about Oogy, an abandoned dog that was used as bait for dog fights and left to die in a cage. He was adopted by the Levin family. | Several reviewers said that this book was more about Levin’s family than Oogy. |
| It’s available on Kindle, audiobook, hardcover, and paperback formats. |
- A heartwarming story
- Beautiful illustrations
- Available in Kindle, audiobook, hardcover, or paperback formats
10. Merle’s Door: Lessons From a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote
The author, Ted Kerasote, meets a Labrador mix living free in the wilderness while camping. As a result of their growing bond, Kerasote decides to take the dog, whom he names Merle, home. With the realization that being confined to the human world will hamper his natural intelligence, Ted constructs a dog door in his home to give Merle the best of two worlds.
This book won the National Outdoor Book Award in 2004. Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook, and hardcover formats are all available.
Some reviewers felt that the author included too many details in general and about the author specifically.
Pros and Cons of Merle’s Door: Lessons From a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This true story is about Ted Kerasote, a man who decides to adopt a Labrador retriever he found living in the wild while camping. In order to give the dog a degree of freedom, he constructs a dog dog so Merle the Lab can come and go as he please. | Some reviewers felt that the author included too many details in general and about the author specifically. |
| This book won the National Outdoor Book Award in 2004. | |
| It’s available in paperback, Kindle, audiobook, and hardcover formats. |
- National Outdoor Book Award winner of 2004
- Available in paperback, Kindle, Audiobook, and hardcover formats
- Moving and insightful story about the power of friendship between humans and animals
How to Choose the Right Book About Dogs
If you’re searching for a book about dogs for yourself, the question boils down to whether you prefer non-fiction or fiction. Our roundup of dog books includes novels, true stories, and a title about the psychology of dogs.
Our list also includes two fiction titles that are classified as children’s books but we have it on good authority that adults enjoy them, too!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
