Updated on October 13. 2023
Many stories include dogs; surely, you can think of several. But what are the best books for a dog lover? We have chosen our favorites so that you have a list at hand when you don't know what to read. Check them up!
Our Top 9 Books For A Dog Lover
To be honest, the choice was not easy because there are many excellent books with canine protagonists. Horror lovers might be upset that we've left Stephen King's Cujo out, but decided to focus on heartwarming stories 😀.
1. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
We start our list of the best books for a dog lover with this all-time classic. Jack London introduces us to Buck, a dog who succumbs to his most primitive instincts when a series of events befall him pulling a sled in frozen Alaska during the gold rush.
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2. White Fang by Jack London
How to forget the most famous of Jack London's books. While White Fang is half dog half wolf, it's worth making this list. His story shows us different facets of the human, including those that we would rather not know, through the life of an animal that cannot find his place in the world.
3. A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
This wonderful New York Times bestseller tells us the story of Bailey, a puppy who discovers the meaning of his life through the impact it has on the humans that make up his family. The story is as endearing as it is unforgettable.
4. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Without a doubt, it is one of the great classics of children's literature. If you didn't read it, don't let anything stop you. This is an emotionally powerful book about a boy and his hunting dogs. We can not anticipate anything else. Go ahead and read it!
5. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Edgar Sawtelle lives a dream life on his Wisconsin farm where his family has raised dogs for generations until his father dies in unclear circumstances. The arrival of Claude, his uncle, shortly before his father's death and Claude's sudden interest in winning the affection of her mother leads Edgar to believe that his death was no accident.
When his plan to prove his guilt backfires, he is forced to flee with his three big furry companions... and to find a way to survive.
6. Because of Winn-Dixie by Katie DiCamillo
When 10-year-old Opal Bulona finds Winn-Dixie, a beautiful little dog, her summer changes completely. A story about courage and love that allows us to understand how a true friend can modify our perception and our life.
7. The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
Can death unite two beings in pain? 'The Friend' by Sigrid Nunez, a poignant entry in books for a dog lover, explores this with delicate profundity. After the death of her best friend, a woman is left in charge of his Great Dane. The story invites readers to traverse through the enormity of loss and the unexpected birth of a new friendship, weaving a narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is heartwarming.8. Oogy by Larry Levin
"The essential is invisible to the eyes". So Larry Levin and his family fell in love with a dog known by everyone as "the ugliest they have ever seen." But love and friendship don't know beauty, do they? A heartwarming story.
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9. Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote
In this true story, the author recounts how he met his dog, a Labrador who lived in freedom, and how, after taking him home and calling him Merle, he realized that his furry friend needed to combine the two worlds to be happy.
These are some of the best books for a dog lover, but there are many more. In fact, you can also read The art of racing in the rain by Garth Stein, a story that we have included among our favorite films for a dog lover, Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, or Watchers by Dean Koontz among others.
FAQ
Should You Read Books To Your Dog?
Absolutely, reading books to your dog can be a wonderful activity! While dogs don't understand the language in the way humans do, they often enjoy the sound of their owner's voice and appreciate the attention and companionship.
Reading to your dog can be a soothing activity for both of you and can also serve as a bonding experience. It's a calm and focused interaction that can help your dog feel safe, loved, and relaxed.
Plus, it's an excellent way for you to unwind and spend quality time with your furry friend. So, grab a book, snuggle up with your pup, and enjoy some peaceful reading time together!
What Is The Story Of The Most Loyal Dog?
One of the most heartwarming and widely recognized stories of canine loyalty is that of Hachikō, an Akita dog from Japan. Hachikō is celebrated for his unwavering loyalty to his owner, Professor Hidesaburō Ueno, for whom he continued to wait for over nine years following Ueno's death.
The story unfolds in Tokyo, where Hachikō would wait each day at the Shibuya Station for Professor Ueno to return from work. Even after Ueno passed away unexpectedly at work in 1925, Hachikō persisted in his daily visits to the station, waiting for his beloved owner to return, until his own death in 1935.
Hachikō's devotion has touched the hearts of many around the world, symbolizing steadfast loyalty and the deep bond that can form between humans and dogs. A statue commemorating Hachikō is situated at Shibuya Station, serving as a reminder and tribute to the enduring friendship that existed between him and Professor Ueno. It has also become a popular meeting point and symbol of loyalty in Japan. Hachikō's story has been adapted into several films and books, continuing to inspire and move people globally.
Hi Alex, those books are not happy books, that’s true. Can you recommend one to us?
All of these books are terrible for dog lovers….dogs suffer horribly and die