Wesley Banks

Author

100 Best Dog Books of All-time

by Wesley Banks | Follow Him on Instagram Here

Share1K
Pin9
Reddit
Email
Shares 1K

With the release of Faith In Every Footstep just around the corner I thought it would be awesome to go through every single dog book I could find and make a list of the best dog novels (and non-fiction stories).

Top 100 Dog Books of All-time

I probably spent over 50 hours just putting this together in excel. I even created a specific algorithm for ranking books (like I did in the past) based on a combination of reviews, ratings, sales, etc.

Before we get to the list, there was one basic rule that each book had to meet in order to qualify for this list: dogs have to be important characters. I love Nicholas Sparks, but it’s not enough to slap a dog on the cover of the book and label it a “dog book.” The book doesn’t have to be about dogs alone, but they must be front and center with the other characters, or at least critical to the story.

In addition, while I did include many non-fiction books, I tried to avoid:

  1. Books specifically about dog training
  2. Collections of true stories
  3. Multiple books in one series (though I included a couple sequels)
  4. Children’s books. Not because I don’t like them, just wanted this list to be more novel based.

Lastly, I’ve probably read ~20% of the books on this list. At some point I’m sure I’ll read all or most of them, but for now I had to rely on the reviews and ratings of thousands of other readers. There were some books left off the list, that I thought for sure were top 100. I let my algorithm do its thing and included those books as honorable mentions below the table.

(P.S. Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom for a chance to win 10 of my favorites on the list, along with signed copies of my books!)

(P.P.S. If you’re more of a movie person, be sure to check out my list of dog movies here)

Top 100 Dog Books Every Dog Lover Should Read

Note: You can filter the table by simply clicking on the column headings (i.e. genre or title).

RankCoverTitleAuthorGenreWhere to Find
1A Dog's PurposeW. Bruce CameronFictionBuy it here
2A Dog's JourneyW. Bruce CameronFictionBuy it here
3Until TuesdayLuis MontalvanFictionBuy it here
4WatchersDean KoontzFictionBuy it here
5The Art of Racing in the RainGarth SteinFictionBuy it here
6Where the Red Fern GrowsWilson RawlsFictionBuy it here
7Merle's DoorTed KarasoteMemoirBuy it here
8Because of Winn-DixieKate DiCamilloFictionBuy it here
9Following AtticusTom RyanTrue StoryBuy it here
10White FangJack LondonFictionBuy it here
11SuspectRobert CraisFictionBuy it here
12Marley and MeJohn GroganMemoirBuy it here
13Hello LoveKaren McQuestionFictionBuy it here
14The Call of the WildJack LondonFictionBuy it here
15Dog On ItSpencer QuinnFictionBuy it here
16Amazing GracieDan DyeTrue StoryBuy it here
17Cesar's WayCesar MilanNon-fictionBuy it here
18How Dogs Love UsGregory BernsFictionBuy it here
19Travels with CharleyJohn SteinbeckMemoirBuy it here
20The Other End of the LeashPatricia McConnellNon-fictionBuy it here
21Old YellerFred GipsonFictionBuy it here
22A Big Little LifeDean KoontzMemoirBuy it here
23One Good DogSusan WilsonFictionBuy it here
24ShilohPhyllis NaylorFictionBuy it here
25OogyLarry LevinFictionBuy it here
26Rescue Me, Maybe Jackie BouchardFictionBuy it here
27Rescuing SpriteMark R. LevinTrue StoryBuy it here
28The Story of Edgar SawtelleDavid WroblewskiFictionBuy it here
29CujoStephen KingFictionBuy it here
30It's Just a DogRuss RyanFictionBuy it here
31Unspoken BondBlake O'ConnorFictionBuy it here
32A View to Die ForRichard HoustonFictionBuy it here
33WinterdanceGary PaulsenTrue StoryBuy it here
34The Stolen DogTricia O'MalleyTrue StoryBuy it here
35Inside of a DogAlexandra HorowitzNon-fictionBuy it here
36A Wolf Called RomeoNick JansTrue StoryBuy it here
37Kelly's Koffee ShopDianne HarmanFictionBuy it here
38From Baghdad, With LoveJay KopelmanTrue StoryBuy it here
39An Unexpected GraceKristin von KreislerFictionBuy it here
40Pukka's PromiseTed KerasoteFictionBuy it here
41The Dog MasterW. Bruce CameronFictionBuy it here
42Top DogMaria GoodavageTrue StoryBuy it here
43The Genius of DogsBrian HareNon-fictionBuy it here
44A Dog's LifeAnn MartinFictionBuy it here
45Rescuing FinleyDan WalshFictionBuy it here
46The Bravest Dog EverNatalie StandifordTrue StoryBuy it here
47Sergeant RexMike DowlingTrue StoryBuy it here
48Lily and OctopusSteven RowleyFictionBuy it here
49SounderWilliam ArmstrongFictionBuy it here
50A Hairy TailJamie CampbellFictionBuy it here
51The Dog Who DancedSusan WilsonFictionBuy it here
52I Will See You in HeavenJack WintzNon-fictionBuy it here
53Lost and FoundJacqueline SheehanFictionBuy it here
54Smoky Mountain TracksDonna BallFictionBuy it here
55Lone WolfKathryn LaskyFictionBuy it here
56Free Days with GeorgeColin CampbellTrue StoryBuy it here
57The SightDavid Clement-DaviesFictionBuy it here
58The Second Chance DogJon KatzFictionBuy it here
59You Had Me at WoofJulie KlamMemoirBuy it here
60The Incredible JourneyShiela BurnfordFictionBuy it here
61Dog MedicineJulie BartonMemoirBuy it here
62MaxJennifer Li ShotzTrue StoryBuy it here
63All Dogs Go to KevinJessica VogelsangMemoirBuy it here
64FlashDonna BallFictionBuy it here
65Connected Souls: A Dog StoryDana LandersShort StoryBuy it here
66The Luckiest Dog in the WorldSusan PalmerFictionBuy it here
67The Dog Who Could FlyDamien LewisTrue StoryBuy it here
68Through a Dog's EyesJennifer ArnoldMemoirBuy it here
69Hope In Every RaindropWesley BanksFictionBuy it here
70OutfoxedDavid RosenfeltFictionBuy it here
71A Dog Named ChristmasGreg KincaidFictionBuy it here
72A Man of His OwnSusan WilsonFictionBuy it here
73Irish RedJim KjelgaardFictionBuy it here
74Navy SEAL DogsMike RitlandTrue StoryBuy it here
75What the Dog KnowsCat WarrenNon-fictionBuy it here
76Must Love DogsClair CookFictionBuy it here
77Miracle on Wolf Hollow LaneBlake O'ConnorFictionBuy it here
78Kavik The Wolf DogWalt MoreyFictionBuy it here
79Dog CrazyMeg DonahueFictionBuy it here
80Lessons from TaraDavid RosenfeltMemoirBuy it here
81WoodsongGary PaulsenTrue StoryBuy it here
82The Dog Who Saved MeSusan WilsonFictionBuy it here
83LadAlbert TerhuneFictionBuy it here
84House BrokenSonja YoergFictionBuy it here
85Ellie's StoryW. Bruce CameronFictionBuy it here
86Promise of the Wolves: A NovelDorothy HearstFictionBuy it here
87PukkaTed KerasoteFictionBuy it here
88StayAllie LarkinFictionBuy it here
89Lassie Come HomeEric KnightFictionBuy it here
90101 DalmationsDodie SmithFictionBuy it here
91StayDave BurchettTrue StoryBuy it here
92Bailey's StoryW. Bruce CameronFictionBuy it here
93The Plague DogsRichard AdamsFictionBuy it here
94Dog SenseJohn BradshawNon-fictionBuy it here
95A Forever HomeKaleigh MillsFictionBuy it here
96FellDavid Clement-DaviesFictionBuy it here
97TornadoBetsy ByarsFictionBuy it here
98KatieGlen PlaskinTrue StoryBuy it here
99Just LifeNeil AbramsonFictionBuy it here
100Little Man in a Dog SuitB.R. WilsonTrue StoryBuy it here

Honorable Mentions

My Personal Favorite Dog Books

I’ve talked about my favorite books before, but never my favorite dog books. This is going to be tough, but I’ll give it a shot.

  1. The Philosopher and the Wolf. I know I said this above, but this is my favorite by far. I don’t think this book is for everyone though. It’s laden with philosophy and discusses the life and loss of the wolf owned by Mark Rowlands.
  2. Where the Red Fern Grows. This is probably the first book that ever made me cry. It’s a quick read, but every dog owner will be able to instantly understand the bond between a boy and his dogs.
  3. Call of the Wild. Of every single book on this list I think Call of the Wild is the best in terms of literary accomplishment. Reading Jack London is like being transposed into the story itself.
  4. The Sight. I’m a huge fantasy reader, so finding a book that has a pack of wolves as the main characters, and a story told in their point of view, was just stellar. I think a lot of books on this list are “better” dog books, but this is still one of my favorites in the fantasy genre.

Now for the best part…

Sign Up for a Chance to Win the 10 of the Best Dog Books

Update: the giveaway has ended, but if you want to be notified of future giveaways, sign up below!

Starting on 11/16/16 and going until 12/07/16 I’m going to be giving away some of my favorite books on this list along with signed copies of my books. This would the perfect early Christmas present for any dog lover or avid reader, so be sure to sign up below!

What are Your Favorites?

While I did my best not to miss any, I’m sure I did. It was quite the undertaking to compile such a list, but my plan is to update at least annually if not semi-annually.

With that said, I’ve got two questions for you:

  1. Which one is your favorite?
  2. Did I miss any?

Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. If you love dog adventures with a hint of romance, don’t forget to pick up my latest book, Faith In Every Footstep.
< Previous Post
Next Post >

Come Behind The Scenes With Me

Meet all 13 dogs from Faith In Every Footstep
and all 32 dogs from Hope In Every Raindrop.

Comments

  1. I have read many of these and agree with your favorites! My top favs-Call of the Wild, for its literary genius, Marley & Me, for its humor & personal relevance, and The Art of Racing in the Rain, for my deep love of dogs, & of course, Hope in Every Raindrop for my personal dog loving connections!❤️🐶 Keep them coming, Wesley! Write on!📚

  3. i have a lot of favorite dog books white fang, call of the wild, marley and me, poor Georgie an animal shelter novel(they aren’t all centered on dogs but they are really good books) ice dogs i really loved this book, Survivors by Erin Hunter it is written by the same warriors she did another set of books for bears. runt is another good book, also magic by edmond humm, books by Jordan Taylor there is a lot of different short stories centered on one dog,The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption, I’m Listening With a Broken Ear are just some of them

  4. Choosing just one from your list would be about impossible. I loved the “Art of Racing in the Rain”, but am in the middle of “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle”, which is not only really good, but extra fun as it takes place near where I live.

    One of my most favorite books from when I was growing up, didn’t make your list, and must not have been all that popular, as 20 or so years later when I went back to visit my grade school my name was still on the check-out card. It was called “Wilderness Champion” by Joseph Lippincott.

    • Karen, so far “The Art of Racing in the Rain” seems to be at the top of everyone’s list. It’s just such an amazing book.

      I’ll check out “Wilderness Champion” and see if it makes the list next year, thanks for the recommendation.

  6. My favorite is #4 on your list “The Watchers” by Dean Koontz. Sadly “Together” (the story about a mountain climber who, after a tragic misstep, looses his sight [and his will to live] finds new hope in the love of a dog originally deemed to aggressive for the seeing-eye program) by (blind author) Tom Sullivan, & (actress) Betty White is not on your list and definitely deserves an honorable mention at least. Also, and with all due respect to Mr. King, Cujo does not belong on this pertcular list. Good luck on your new book.

  7. “The Art of Racing in the Rain” & A Dog’s Purpose.”
    Absolutely love dog books! You made a wonderful list! Thanks!

  9. I love “The Art of Racing in the Rain” as well as “A Dog’s Purpose”. Love the list! Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to start reading those I have not yet!

  11. Any of David Cameron’s books. “A Dogs Journey” is my favorite and then “The Dog Master.” I will definitely be checking out some of the others.

  12. Wow, I have read over half of your top 100, and have several more on my bookshelf waiting or on my nook. My top favorite is A Dog’s Purpose. 2nd favorite is Marley and Me.

  13. I absolutely love The Art of Racing in the Rain….I have never recommended a dog book as much as that one! ( Though just thinking about The Incredible Journey brings tears to my eyes…Bodger!

    I did not see Follow My Leader by James Garfield …my favorite dog book as a kid, and made sure my kids had a chance to read it as well!

  14. Rose In A Storm by Jon Katz is very good. But my all time favorite is The Art Of Racing In The Rain. I send my friends who lose their dogs a copy of A Dog Purpose.

  15. Favorite: Dog On It- Quinn
    Missed: Thunderdog- the story of a seeing eye dog that got his master out of the twin towers during 9/11.

  16. This book was inspiring. I live in St. Louis… and have a soft spot in my heart for Stray Rescue of St. Louis. The book is The Man Who Talks to Dogs: The Story of Randy Grim and His Fight to Save America’s Abandoned Dogs Paperback – July 1, 2004

  17. I have read so many of these books but I suggest you read a few of Angelo and Leland Dirk’s books. I loved Angelo’s Journey so much. And Seven Dogs in Heaven is also a favorite of mine.

  19. Your list is great, but can I suggest adding Mindful Dogs and Angelo ‘ s Journey by Leland Dirks

  20. Great list! I, too have read about 20% and this gives me lots to add to my reading list. I loved “Art of Racing in the Rain” as well as “Dog’s Purpose” & “Dog’s Journey”. I was surprised not to see either “Angelo’s Journey” or “Seven Dogs in Heaven”, both by Leland Dirks. I’ll be checking out your work too! Thank you.

  21. I have too many favorites! I honestly don’t know which to pick. I just finished and loved A Dog’s Purpose and I loved The Amazing Gracie story. I’m looking forward to reading your books and have put them on my Christmas wish list.

  22. I have read several of them, but my favorite is A Dogs Purpose. Read when it first came out & 2 more times. It’s a very special book that transcends that it’s just about dogs!! I did enjoy Art of Racing in the Rain, and others too!!
    You did miss a nice story: I Thought You Were Dead by Pete Nelson. I enjoyed that book too!
    Looking forward to your books!!

  23. My favorite is A Dogs Purpose which is going to be a movie continuing to A Dogs Journey. I’ve read about 25 percent of these. Thank you for the list which I plan on reading. Look forward to your email. Thanks Traci

  24. Thank you for the list! I love Bruce Cameron’s A Dog’s Purpose and A Dog’s Journey. I actually saw this post on their A Dog’s Purpose’s FaceBook page! I have some new books to read! I am looking forward to checking out your books. Thanks!

  25. I was very surprised to see how many of the books I have read. Many more are on my to read list. You may have dismissed this book because it is classes for youth but I enjoyed it very much The Returnns M.K.Clinton

  26. My personal favorite, and one that’s a bit different from all the others is Poker Night: The Real Story of Dogs Playing Poker by Rob Snyder.

  27. My favorite would be Other end of the leash by McConnell. The one I would suggest would be Bones would rain from the sky by Clothier. Though there are others . . .

  28. I loved all of the “Lad” (Albert Payson Terhune) books as a kid, as well as the “Big Red” books (Kjelgaard). White Fang is wonderful. The Art of Racing in the Rain is poignant and stays with you when you look into your own dog’s eyes. I also enjoyed several of Jon Katz’s books as well as a few by Dr. Nicholas Trout.

  29. Thank’s for this wonderful list! Being a big dog lover I have read many of your picks and my all time favorite is The Art of Racing in the Rain followed by A Dog’s Purpose. My recommendation would be Leland Dirks book Angelo’s Journey.

  30. Fun list! Very excited to see my book-baby RESCUE ME, MAYBE at #26! I see a lot of books on here that I’ve loved. One of my top faves that I don’t see on the list is Peter Mayle’s (of A YEAR IN PROVENCE fame) A DOG’S LIFE. Really funny, cute book. (I prefer books where the dog doesn’t die at the end!) 🙂

  31. I was not surprised to see Call of the Wild and White Fang on the list. But I am so happy that you included Watchers by Dean Koontz! It’s one of my all-time most-favorite books.

    I can’t think of any books that you missed, but I hope to see The Journey Of Natty Gann make your movie list. For me, that movie is all about the wolf.

  32. So happy to see two of my own books on this list! I think Rose in a Storm by Jon Katz is the best dog novel since Lassie Come Home, and greatly under-appreciated. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a classic of course. I was surprised Dogtripping (David Rosenfelt) didn’t make it. Fun list!

  33. Like many others, I have so many favorites on your list (thanks for compiling). Old Yeller was my favorite as a child and I remember crying and sobbing at the end. As an adult, Nick Jans’s A Wolf Called Romeo evoked the same emotions in me – a wonderful story with an incredibly sad ending.

  35. Wow, I’ve actually read a few of these! So happy to see The Autobiography of a Stray here, it’s a little gem of a book. But thought for sure I would see Jim Gorant’s books on this list: 1) Wallace 2) The Lost Dogs. And I have to say that I hated Marley and Me with a passion. (I feel the same way about the book as the one star reviews on Amazon. My favorite: John, Jen and me: life with the world’s worst dog owners.) The subtitle: ‘Life with the world’s worst dog’ wasn’t the joke I thought it was, the author truly believed his dog was the worst. Horrible.
    Right now, totally enjoying Following Atticus and I’m savoring it, not rushing through it.

  36. Thank you for this list — I’m going to add some to list of books to read. I loved Marley & Me and also Merle’s Door but also so many others that slip my mind. One book not on your list that is an easy, fun read is “Buster’s Diaries” as told to Roy Hattersley. It’s the story of a dog and his man from the dog’s viewpoint — charming and amusing British humor.

  37. “To Dance with the White Dog” by Terry Kay is excellent. Also, a recent book, “Dog Gone,” by Pauls Toutonghi. But “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is my favorite!

  38. Thank you for this wonderful list many of them I have read and I agree dog books are just a special, uplifting read. You missed a really great dog story. Shadow by Michael Murpurgo is a book I use in my middle school ELA classroom and the students absolutely love this story of heroism and devotion . Many of my 11 year old readers claim Shadow is the best book they have ever read. Please check it out and let me know what you think. Set in Afghanistan and England it is often my students first real understanding of war and how it effects ordinary people.

  39. I didn’t see Pack of Two by Knapp or A Dog Year by by Katz. Those are two of my favorites. 😊

  40. Read “Greyfriar’s Bobby” this year as it was a free classic on my kindle…an excellent story!

  42. Tales from the Rainbow Bridge is quite a unique dog book. I read it in one sitting.