For those of us who share our lives with a canine companion, there’s a special joy in immersing ourselves in stories that celebrate the unique bond between humans and dogs. From heartwarming tales of loyalty and adventure to insightful non-fiction exploring dog psychology, the world of dog literature is vast and captivating. At Dog Care Story, we understand this passion, which is why we’ve embarked on an extensive journey to curate a definitive list of the Best Books For Dog Lovers – a collection designed to resonate deeply with every pet parent and admirer of our four-legged friends.
Our mission was simple yet ambitious: to meticulously review and rank every significant dog-related book, ensuring that only the most impactful and beloved titles made it to our prestigious compilation. This isn’t just a subjective list; it’s the result of countless hours of research and a data-driven approach, all to help you discover your next favorite read. For those who appreciate compelling [fiction books about dogs for adults](https://dogcarestory.com/fiction-books-about-dogs-for-adults/), or insightful true stories, prepare to dive into a literary adventure!
How We Ranked the Best Books for Dog Lovers
To ensure our list of the best books for dog lovers is as objective and comprehensive as possible, we developed a unique algorithm, similar to past successful ranking methodologies. Over 50 hours were dedicated to compiling and analyzing data in Excel, integrating a combination of reader reviews, ratings, sales figures, and other metrics from reputable platforms.
A fundamental rule for inclusion was that dogs must be central to the narrative. It wasn’t enough for a dog to simply appear on the cover or in a minor role; they needed to be significant characters, critical to the story’s progression and emotional core. This ensures that every book on our list truly celebrates the essence of canine companionship.
While our primary focus remains on adult-oriented novels and non-fiction, we understand the enduring appeal of literature for all ages. For those seeking captivating reads for younger audiences, especially [dog books for 11 year olds](https://dogcarestory.com/dog-books-for-11-year-olds/) or even exciting graphic novels like [books like Dog Man](https://dogcarestory.com/books-like-dog-man/), our website offers dedicated resources. We also intentionally avoided:
- Books solely focused on dog training, as these serve a different purpose.
- Collections of disparate true stories (individual memoirs are included).
- Most multiple books from a single series, though a few exceptional sequels found their way in due to overwhelming popularity.
Currently, our complete database comprises around 225 dog books. We’ve refined this to a more digestible list, but we always welcome reader suggestions. If you feel we’ve missed a standout title, please don’t hesitate to share it in the comments below. We strive to update this list annually, tracking popularity over time with “Current Rank” and “Last Year’s Rank.”
Though our team hasn’t personally read every single book on this extensive list (yet!), we’ve relied on the collective wisdom of thousands of readers. However, we’ve included some honorable mentions below the main table for books that narrowly missed the Top 100 but still deserve recognition.
(P.S. If you’re more of a movie buff, be sure to explore our curated list of dog movies.)
Featured Pick: Faith In Every Footstep
Our featured selection, “Faith In Every Footstep,” comes highly recommended for those who cherish heartfelt stories.
Top 100 Best Books for Dog Lovers Every Dog Enthusiast Should Read
This comprehensive table presents the definitive ranking of the best books for dog lovers, spanning fiction, true stories, and memoirs. Dive in to find your next unforgettable read.
Collection of the best books for dog lovers, showcasing diverse genres from fiction to true stories.
Table Legend:
- NR = Not Ranked: This indicates a book that either wasn’t previously in the Top 100 or has moved out of the Top 100 in the current year.
- True Story Vs. Non-fiction: While technically all true stories are non-fiction, we’ve categorized “True Stories” for memoir-style narratives focusing on personal experiences, reserving “Non-fiction” for more informative, scientific, or training-oriented books (though we’ve generally avoided pure training guides).
You can sort the table by clicking on the column headings (e.g., Title or Author) to organize the list according to your preference.
| Current Rank (2024) | Last Year’s Rank (2023) | Title | Author | Genre | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Where the Red Fern Grows | Wilson Rawls | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 2 | 4 | Because of Winn-Dixie | Kate DiCamillo | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 3 | 3 | A Dog’s Purpose | W. Bruce Cameron | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 4 | 5 | Watchers | Dean Koontz | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 5 | 2 | The Art of Racing in the Rain | Garth Stein | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 6 | 6 | Say Goodbye for Now | Catherine Ryan Hyde | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 7 | 7 | Hello Love | Karen McQuestion | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 8 | 10 | A Dog’s Journey | W. Bruce Cameron | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 9 | 14 | Rescuing Finley | Dan Walsh | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 10 | 17 | The Forever Dog | Rodney Habib | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 11 | 30 | White Fang | Jack London | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 12 | 26 | Cujo | Stephen King | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 13 | 28 | Thunder Dog | True Story | Buy it here | |
| 14 | 31 | Suspect | Robert Crais | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 15 | 32 | Travels with Charley | John Steinbeck | Memoir | Buy it here |
| 16 | 34 | Dog On It | Spencer Quinn | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 17 | NR | How to Raise the Perfect Dog | Cesar Millan | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 18 | 9 | No Ordinary Dog | Will Chesney | True Story | Buy it here |
| 19 | 11 | Old Yeller | Fred Gipson | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 20 | 13 | Rescuing Sprite | Mark R. Levin | True Story | Buy it here |
| 21 | 15 | The Bravest Dog Ever | Natalie Standiford | True Story | Buy it here |
| 22 | 16 | Ellie’s Story | W. Bruce Cameron | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 23 | 39 | How Dogs Love Us | Gregory Berns | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 24 | 40 | Top Dog | Maria Goodavage | True Story | Buy it here |
| 25 | 50 | Bailey’s Story | W. Bruce Cameron | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 26 | 51 | The Lost Dogs | Jim Gorant | True Story | Buy it here |
| 27 | NR | A Dog Called Hope | Jason Morgan | True Story | Buy it here |
| 28 | 12 | Shiloh | Phyllis Naylor | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 29 | 18 | The Speckled Beauty | Rick Bragg | True Story | Buy it here |
| 30 | 20 | Merle’s Door | Ted Karasote | Memoir | Buy it here |
| 31 | 23 | The Other End of the Leash | Patricia McConnell | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 32 | 24 | A Big Little Life | Dean Koontz | Memoir | Buy it here |
| 33 | 47 | Sergeant Rex | Mike Dowling | True Story | Buy it here |
| 34 | 48 | Max | Jennifer Li Shotz | True Story | Buy it here |
| 35 | 52 | Oogy | Larry Levin | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 36 | 53 | The Story of Edgar Sawtelle | David Wroblewski | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 37 | 54 | Lily and Octopus | Steven Rowley | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 38 | 56 | I Will See You in Heaven | Jack Wintz | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 39 | 62 | Tornado | Betsy Byars | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 40 | 64 | The Cruelest Miles | Gay Salisbury | True Story | Buy it here |
| 41 | 65 | Judy | Damien Lewis | True Story | Buy it here |
| 42 | NR | Started Early, Took My Dog | Kate Atkinson | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 43 | 19 | Until Tuesday | Luis Montalvan | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 44 | 21 | Following Atticus | Tom Ryan | True Story | Buy it here |
| 45 | 22 | Marley and Me | John Grogan | Memoir | Buy it here |
| 46 | 25 | One Good Dog | Susan Wilson | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 47 | 27 | A Wolf Called Romeo | Nick Jans | True Story | Buy it here |
| 48 | 29 | When Harry Met Minnie | True Story | Buy it here | |
| 49 | 33 | To Dance With White Dog | Terry Kay | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 50 | 44 | Amazing Gracie | Dan Dye | True Story | Buy it here |
| 51 | 55 | Sounder | William Armstrong | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 52 | 58 | The Incredible Journey | Shiela Burnford | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 53 | 59 | Dog Medicine | Julie Barton | Memoir | Buy it here |
| 54 | 70 | Flash | Donna Ball | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 55 | 71 | The Dog Who Saved Me | Susan Wilson | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 56 | 72 | Unsaid | Neil Abramson | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 57 | 75 | Storm Rising (An F.B.I. K-9 Novel Book 3) | Sara Driscoll | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 58 | 96 | Outfoxed | David Rosenfelt | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 59 | NR | Marshal | Jodi Burnett | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 60 | NR | Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home | Mikael Lindnord | True Story | Buy it here |
| 61 | NR | The Amazing Afterlife of Animals | Karen A. Anderson | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 62 | NR | Pawprints On Our Hearts | Kerk Murray | True Story | Buy it here |
| 63 | 35 | Cesar’s Way | Cesar Milan | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 64 | 38 | On Talking Terms With Dogs | Turid Rugaas | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 65 | 67 | A View to Die For | Richard Houston | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 66 | 74 | Maverick (Tin Star K9 Series Book 2) | Jodi Burnett | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 67 | 77 | The Dog Master | W. Bruce Cameron | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 68 | 78 | The Genius of Dogs | Brian Hare | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 69 | 79 | Lone Wolf (An F.B.I. K-9 Novel Book 1) | Sara Driscoll | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 70 | 80 | Gabby | Barby Keel | True Story | Buy it here |
| 71 | 86 | Avenging Adam (FBI-K9 Series Book 1) | Jodi Burnett | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 72 | NR | Dog Helps Those | Neil S. Plakcy | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 73 | NR | Hope In Every Raindrop | Wesley Banks | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 74 | NR | Kat the Dog | Alyson Sheldrake | True Story | Buy it here |
| 75 | 8 | The Call of the Wild | Jack London | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 76 | 36 | Inside of a Dog | Alexandra Horowitz | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 77 | 37 | As The Stars Fall | Steven N. Lee | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 78 | 41 | A Hairy Tail | Jamie Campbell | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 79 | 42 | In Dog We Trust | Non-fiction | Buy it here | |
| 80 | 73 | Someone To Look Up To | Jean Gill | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 81 | 76 | Unspoken Bond | Blake O’Connor | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 82 | 82 | Lost and Found | Jacqueline Sheehan | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 83 | 84 | Black Velvet | Steven Henry | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 84 | 85 | Renegade (Tin Star K9 Series Book 1) | Jodi Burnett | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 85 | 91 | Be Right Back! | Julie Naismith | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 86 | NR | Smoky Mountain Tracks | Donna Ball | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 87 | NR | The Dog Who Came to Stay | Hal Borland | Memoir | Buy it here |
| 88 | NR | The Dog Thief | Marta Acosta | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 89 | 45 | Winterdance | Gary Paulsen | True Story | Buy it here |
| 90 | 88 | Free Days with George | Colin Campbell | True Story | Buy it here |
| 91 | 89 | Hero | Jennifer Li Shotz | True Story | Buy it here |
| 92 | 46 | A Dog’s Life | Ann Martin | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 93 | 49 | Woodsong | Gary Paulsen | True Story | Buy it here |
| 94 | 57 | Lone Wolf | Kathryn Lasky | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 95 | 61 | Navy SEAL Dogs | Mike Ritland | True Story | Buy it here |
| 96 | 81 | Rescue Me, Maybe | Jackie Bouchard | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 97 | 87 | The Stolen Dog | Tricia O’Malley | True Story | Buy it here |
| 98 | 97 | Lad | Albert Terhune | Fiction | Buy it here |
| 99 | NR | Chaser | John W. Pilley | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| 100 | NR | Meet Your Dog | Kim Brophey | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 60 | The Dog Who Could Fly | Damien Lewis | True Story | Buy it here |
| NR | 68 | Kelly’s Koffee Shop | Dianne Harman | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 93 | The Dog Who Danced | Susan Wilson | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 99 | Dogsong | Gary Paulsen | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 69 | Pukka’s Promise | Ted Kerasote | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 92 | An Unexpected Grace | Kristin von Kreisler | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 66 | It’s Just a Dog | Russ Ryan | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 83 | Follow My Leader | James Garfield | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 90 | Wallace | Jim Gorant | True Story | Buy it here |
| NR | 98 | Lassie Come Home | Eric Knight | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 94 | The Sight | David Clement-Davies | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | 95 | Through a Dog’s Eyes | Jennifer Arnold | Memoir | Buy it here |
| NR | 100 | Rose In A Storm | Jon Katz | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Stepdog: A Novel | Nicole Galland | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | From Baghdad, With Love | Jay Kopelman | True Story | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | The Second Chance Dog | Jon Katz | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | You Had Me at Woof | Julie Klam | Memoir | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | All Dogs Go to Kevin | Jessica Vogelsang | Memoir | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Connected Souls: A Dog Story | Dana Landers | Short Story | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | The Luckiest Dog in the World | Susan Palmer | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | A Dog Named Christmas | Greg Kincaid | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | A Man of His Own | Susan Wilson | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Irish Red | Jim Kjelgaard | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | What the Dog Knows | Cat Warren | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Must Love Dogs | Clair Cook | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Miracle on Wolf Hollow Lane | Blake O’Connor | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Kavik The Wolf Dog | Walt Morey | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Dog Crazy | Meg Donahue | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Lessons from Tara | David Rosenfelt | Memoir | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | House Broken | Sonja Yoerg | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Promise of the Wolves: A Novel | Dorothy Hearst | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Pukka | Ted Kerasote | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Stay | Allie Larkin | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | 101 Dalmations | Dodie Smith | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Stay | Dave Burchett | True Story | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | The Plague Dogs | Richard Adams | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Dog Sense | John Bradshaw | Non-fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | A Forever Home | Kaleigh Mills | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Fell | David Clement-Davies | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Katie | Glen Plaskin | True Story | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Just Life | Neil Abramson | Fiction | Buy it here |
| NR | NR | Little Man in a Dog Suit | B.R. Wilson | True Story | Buy it here |
Honorable Mentions
This section acknowledges books that, despite their merit and popularity, did not quite make it into the Top 100 based on our rigorous ranking algorithm. They are still fantastic reads that come highly recommended for any dog enthusiast.
The 2024 Update: What’s New for Dog Book Enthusiasts
We’re thrilled to present the fully updated list for 2024! This year marks a significant shift, with 13 new entries making their way into the Top 100. Consequently, 13 books that previously held a spot have now moved to “Not Ranked,” joining the 30 others from previous years that have fallen out of the top tier. Our ever-expanding database now tracks over 225 unique titles, showing the rich and dynamic world of dog literature.
One of the most exciting changes for 2024 is the new #1 ranked book: “Where The Red Fern Grows.” A personal favorite for many, its return to the top spot is well-deserved, highlighting the timeless appeal of a boy’s bond with his coonhounds. It’s a testament to how classic stories continue to resonate with dog lovers across generations.
We’re also working on a plan to feature the complete list of 225+ books, even those not in the Top 100, at the very bottom of this post soon. We know how passionately many of you feel about certain titles, and we want to ensure every beloved dog story gets its recognition, no matter its rank in our algorithm. The diverse range of dog adventures, much like [Mr. Dog and The Rabbit Habit](https://dogcarestory.com/mr-dog-and-the-rabbit-habit/), continues to inspire and entertain.
Our Team’s Favorite Dog Books
While our main list is algorithm-driven, our team at Dog Care Story also has personal favorites among the best books for dog lovers. It’s always tough to choose, but here are a few that have deeply impacted us:
- The Philosopher and the Wolf: This book stands out for its unique blend of philosophy and a poignant exploration of the life and loss of a wolf owned by Mark Rowlands. It’s a profound read that delves into the deeper meaning of human-animal connection, though it might appeal more to those with an interest in philosophical thought.
- Where the Red Fern Grows: A timeless classic that has moved countless readers to tears. This quick read beautifully captures the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dogs, making it a must-read for any dog owner who understands profound canine loyalty. It’s also one of the
[best books to read to dogs](https://dogcarestory.com/best-books-to-read-to-dogs/)if you’re looking for a gentle, heartfelt narrative. - The Call of the Wild: For literary accomplishment, Jack London’s masterpiece is unparalleled. Reading it transports you directly into the raw, wild struggle and transformation of Buck, making it an immersive experience like no other.
- The Sight: As fantasy enthusiasts, our team loves this book for its unique perspective. It tells a captivating story from the viewpoint of a wolf pack, offering a fresh and enthralling narrative for those who appreciate animal-centric fantasy. While other books on this list might be “better” in a traditional sense of dog stories, “The Sight” remains a beloved fantasy adventure.
Your Turn: Share Your Top Dog Book Reads!
Compiling such an extensive list of the best books for dog lovers is a massive undertaking, and while we’ve done our utmost, we’re sure to have missed some incredible titles. Our plan is to update this list at least annually, if not semi-annually, incorporating new data and, importantly, reader feedback.
Now, we turn to you, our cherished community of dog enthusiasts!
- Which book on our list is your absolute favorite, and why?
- Did we miss any of your top dog book recommendations?
Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below! We genuinely read every comment, though we want to manage expectations: a recommendation doesn’t guarantee a spot in the Top 100. Our rankings are based on a data-driven algorithm, incorporating thousands of ratings and reviews from platforms like Amazon and Goodreads, rather than personal preferences alone. We appreciate your understanding and participation!
