Best 10 Dog Books of All Time
Best 10 Dog Books of All Time
If you love your canine companion, so you seemingly can’t get enough books about all things dogs. From books that tell inspiring stories about your pup to classic literary works, these are what we believe are the best 10 dog books of all time.
1 – The Call of the Wild (1903)
Author: Jack London
One of the most popular dog books ever, “The Call of the Wild” tells the story of Buck, a who is taken from his life of luxury and transported to the Klondike Gold Rush. He must survive in the wild and fend for himself there.
A thrilling tale of survival and adventure, The Call of the Wild is what is rightfully called an all-time classic.
2 – The Art of Racing in the Rain (2008)
Author: Garth Stein
Told from the perspective of a family dog named Enzo, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a heartwarming novel that brings tears and laughter. This New York Times bestseller showcases a world from Enzo’s perspective, where he philosophizes about life, love, and even the meaning of being human while observing his human companion, Denny Swift, who happens to be a race car driver.
Although not technically a book about dogs, The Art of Racing in the Rain will touch your heart in ways you never thought possible and make you see your furry friend in a new light.
3 – Where the Red Fern Grows (1961)
Author: Wilson Rawls
This one’s a children’s novel with an incomparable canine bond at its core. “Where the Red Fern Grows” is the story of a boy named Billy and his two hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. Set in the Ozark Mountains, an old Billy recalls his adventures with his dogs as they chase after raccoons and hunt for possums.
A heartwarming and coming-of-age story, Where the Red Fern Grows will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
4 – Old Yeller (1956)
Author: Fred Gipson
When a book inspires a film, you know it worths a read. Old Yeller is the story of Travis and his yellow dog, Old Yeller. Set in post-Civil War Texas, the novel follows the two as they go through life together and form an unbreakable bond. Old Yeller’s original owner initially wanted the dog back, but seeing the bond between Travis and Old Yeller, he knew it was best to leave the dog where he belonged.
A touching story with a rather sad twist, it’ll leave you in tears when Old Yeller protects Travis and his family from a wolf. He gets bitten and eventually is put down by Travis, but his legacy continues as they discover that Old Yeller had puppies all along.
5 – Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog (2005)
Author: John Grogan
Written by a journalist, the book is an autobiography that details the life of Grogan with his yellow Labrador retriever, Marley. The book chronicles the various adventures and mishaps that Marley gets into and how he affects Grogan’s life.
Although it may not be the happiest book on this list, Marley & Me is an incredibly moving story that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. Its massive popularity resulted in three book adaptations and a film.
6 – Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974)
Author: Shel Silverstein
Although it’s more of a poetry collection than a book, it’s worthy of a place in our top ten dog books. It has several poems about our furry friends. It’s one of those “feel good” books that are perfect for children and adults alike, especially for people who love dogs.
7 – The Incredible Journey (1961)
Author: Sheila Burnford
A classic tale of loyalty and friendship, The Incredible Journey tells the story of three animals – two dogs and a cat – who embark on a journey across the Canadian wilderness to find their way back home.
It chronicles the struggles of each one as they try everything within their power to find their masters. The characters; Luath (Labrador Retriever), Bodger (Bull Terrier), and Tao (Siamese cat), will grow on you as you read about their commitment to finish their journey across the Canadian landscape.
8 – Lassie Come-Home (1940)
Author: Eric Knight
Eric Knight’s classic book details the extremes a dog would go to for the sake of the love of her life. Lassie, a Collie, is sold by her impoverished family in Yorkshire to the wealthy Duke of Rudling. She escapes and sets on a journey back home spanning hundreds of miles.
Lassie’s story is one of those classics that’ll leave a lasting imprint in your heart.
9 – Jonathan Unleashed (2016)
Author: Meg Rosoff
A more modern entry in our list, Jonathan Unleashed. Maybe it’s the least popular, but its hilarious take on how one’s life changes because of dogs. The book follows the life of Jonathan, a young man who seemingly couldn’t catch a break in life. But when tasked to dog sit for his brother’s two dogs, his life takes a strange yet welcomed turn.
10 – The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (2008)
Author: David Wroblewski
Yet another New York Times bestseller, the book tells the story of a mute boy whose father dies mysteriously. He sets off into the wilderness with three dogs. Although unruly at first, the dogs quickly become his loyal protectors as he tries to figure out what happened to his father.
It may not have been advertised as a “dog book”. Yet there’s no denying dogs’ immense impact in a tale of betrayal, ultimate love, and survival.
Not everyone may agree with our Best 10 Dog Books list. But if you’re a dog person, we’re certain you’ll find at least a couple of booksyou’ll fall in love with. From touching tales of loyalty to humorous stories; we can’t deny that dogs shape our lives, these are some of the best dog books out there. And we bet our furry friends would approve too!
