Welcome, dog lovers! If you're anything like us here at Persistent Parent, then you know that our furry friends have a way of capturing our hearts and filling our lives with unconditional love and joy. That same joy and love can be experienced (in part) through a good book. That's why, we have compiled a list of the best books about dogs for adults!
What are your favorites: memoirs, adventures, science fiction, nonfiction books, fiction books, or maybe a heartwarming true story? Well dog lovers, we've dug through some fantastic reads to bring you a reading list worthy of anyone who truly loves dogs. To make your book shopping easier, we've compiled this list of some of the best books about man's best friend on Amazon.
Whether you're a seasoned dog owner, dog trainer, a prospective pup parent, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and wonder of these magnificent creatures, these books are sure to touch your heart and deepen your appreciation for all that dogs bring into our lives.
How We Choose The Best For You
Reading is a great way to learn more about our furry friends, explore the world through a dog's eyes, reflect on our admiration and respect for these remarkable animals, and be the dog lovers that we naturally are. That's why we've put together this best books about dogs for adults list. Ultimately, we chose these books based on their uniqueness, accuracy, comprehensiveness, readability, reviews and overall quality.
Whether you're looking for information on behavioral science or training methods, want to study and breakdown a classic, can't wait to read a book based on a movie you enjoyed, or just want a feel-good story of a dog's journey, you can trust that these books are all winners! Read on to choose your next story!
Please continue reading if you'd like to learn more about the books and why we picked them, otherwise if you're in a hurry and just want to get straight to the books here they are:
1)Marley & Me by John Grogan
2)The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
3)White Fang by Jack London
4)The Call Of The Wild by Jack London
5)Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
6)A Thousand Lifetimes by Maria Reich
7)The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant
Marley & Me by John Grogan
What We Love
Marley & Me is an incredibly funny sweet story that captures the essence of getting a new dog, raising it, and really just the experience of having a dog altogether. It is written with humor and emotion, but still feels very relatable, making it a must-read for dog lovers and anyone who cherishes their four-legged companion.
John and Jenny, bring home a mischievous yet lovable yellow Labrador Retriever puppy that's no ordinary dog. As he grows, Marley proves to be the ultimate test of their patience and resilience while remaining a constant source of love, laughter, and unconditional devotion.
What To Know
The book has also been adapted into a major motion picture starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, further popularizing Grogan's best-selling novel. The movie takes you on an emotional journey that celebrates the unbreakable bond between a pet and their human family. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with the world's worst dog and the family who loves him unconditionally.
If you're looking for a book about dogs that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with a man's best friend all over again, Marley & Me is a perfect choice.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
What We Love
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a novel told from an unusual perspective: that of Enzo, a pet dog. Told through the eyes of this lovable canine, we get a unique insight into family life and the bond between man and his best friend. This book is full of emotion, humor, and heartwarming moments that will surely capture your heart.
Meet Enzo, the philosophical pup with a heart overflowing with love and a soul that's almost human. This special dog may not have opposable thumbs, but he more than makes up for it with his unwavering devotion to his master, Denny Swift, an aspiring race car driver. Enzo is one of a kind, you see. He's educated himself by soaking up all the knowledge he can from the TV and by hanging on every word his human says. Trust me, Enzo's story is one you won't want to miss!
Through its lyrical prose and honest look at a pet's life, this book will tug on the heartstrings of both animal lovers and non-animal lovers alike. Whether you're looking for an uplifting story or something to make you smile, The Art of Racing in the Rain should be on your list of Best Books About Dogs.
What To Know
If you're looking for a book that will stay with you long after you've read it, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a perfect choice. With its endearing characters and heartfelt message, this book will surely become one of your favorite dog books around!
The Art of Racing in the Rain is an accessible, uplifting story with a strong message about loyalty and unconditional love that every dog-lover should read. It's an engaging read that will leave you understanding more about why we are drawn to our canine companions and the life lessons they teach us.
If you love this book, watch the movie adaptation starring Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, and Kevin Costner. It's a beautiful movie that doe a pretty good job of bringing the novel to life. Be sure to have some tissues on hand, because you're going to need them!
If you're looking for a heartwarming read that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page, The Art of Racing in the Rain should be your next read!
White Fang by Jack London
![White Fang by [Jack London]](https://www.persistentparent.com/content/images/2023/02/Books-About-Dogs--4-.webp)
What We Love
The story of White Fang provides a powerful insight into the struggles and complex emotions found in nature, as well as the bond between humans and their canine companions. Jack London's vivid descriptions bring to life both the beauty of the Canadian wilderness and its inhabitants.
White Fang is worth checking out if you're looking for an engaging read about man's best friend! Not only does it offer adventure and insight into canine behavior, but it also provides valuable lessons about loyalty, friendship, and compassion.
What To Know
White Fang is a classic novel by Jack London that was first published in 1906 and might be one of the most famous books about dogs. It tells the story of a young wolf-dog hybrid who must learn to survive in the harsh environment of the Yukon before finding a home with kind humans and embracing his less wolf-like half.
The book deals heavily with survival, man versus nature (or dog versus nature really), loyalty, compassion, and love between animals and humans.
*We wouldn't recommend this story for a child under 10 due to the violent content*
The Call Of The Wild by Jack London
What To Love
The Call of the Wild is about a domestic dog pushed to his limits in every way, and surviving by connecting with his primitive genetic traits. Both White Fang and The Call of the Wild are well written, emotional, intense and challenging in their own ways, but many would argue that The Call of the Wild is the better story at the end of the day.
What To Know
White Fang is in many ways the exact opposite of London's other classic hit "The Call of the Wild" where Buck, a dog from California is kidnapped and sold to be a sled dog. Although its' one of the more famous novels about dogs, it can also be considered one of the great books about sled dogs too, since it goes into all the gritty details of how hard the sled dogs had to work, how they were often abused by the sled dog master, how they were pitted against each other for the privileges of rank, and the struggles of surviving in the brutal nature they lived in.
*We wouldn't recommend this story for a child under 10 due to the violent content*
If you are interested in a Kindle book, Call of the Wild is less than $1 at the time of publishing this article. You can find it here:
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
What We Love
"Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls is a touching and emotional story that will leave a lasting impression on your heart. It tells the story of a young boy named Billy and his two hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, and their journey through the Ozark Mountains.
What stands out about this book is the beautiful and heartfelt relationship between Billy and his dogs. Their unwavering loyalty and love for one another will have you reaching for the tissues, and the ending will leave you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the unbreakable bond between humans and their furry friends.
Rawls' writing style is simple and elegant, painting vivid pictures of the breathtaking Ozark Mountains and the trials and tribulations of Billy and his dogs. He masterfully captures the essence of a true friendship and the power of love and sacrifice.
What To Know
While this book is a classic and a must-read for all dog lovers, it does deal with some mature themes, such as death and loss. It's recommended for readers ages 10 and up, but its touching story and heartfelt themes make it a suitable and enjoyable read for adults as well.
So, if you're looking for a touching story full of grit and determination that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, "Where the Red Fern Grows" is the book for you. Get ready to fall in love with Billy, Old Dan, and Little Ann and be moved by their incredible journey.
A Thousand Lifetimes by Maria Reich
What We Love
This book is an uplifting and inspirational read for any pet parent. It reminds us of our deep connection with our furry friends and the power of trusting intuition above all else.
A Thousand Lifetimes is a must-read for anyone who's ever loved an animal, and it has the potential to transform your life in ways you could never have imagined. If you're looking for one of the best books with some similar themes as A Dog's Purpose, this book should be at the top of your list!
What To Know
A Thousand Lifetimes is authored by Maria Reich, who hired a professional Animal Communicator (Carol) who used her ability of communicating with animals to help Maria communicate with her deaf dog Celeste.
The key aspect about this book that really sets it apart, is that it shares both the dog's perspective and human perspective, giving you an inside peek at their special link. Not only will Celeste and Maria's story warm your heart, but it will also give you a better understanding of how profound our bond with animals can be.
A Thousand Lifetimes is the ideal book for dog owners who want to understand more about the human-animal bond or are just curious about what goes through a dogs mind!
The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant
What We Love
In this book we get to follow the experiences that transformed these victims of abuse, through the help of more than one animal shelter, into happy, healthy, creatures that learned how to trust people again. Many of the dogs went on to become service and therapy dogs, proving that "man's best friend" is loving and loyal even when it's not deserved, and you can learn all about their journeys here.
What To Know
The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant is considered to be one of the more modern best books about dogs (non-fiction). Although the horrendous crimes of Michael Vick's shook animal lovers all over the world, the news didn't report much on what happened to the poor dogs that were rescued. Jim Gorant investigated it himself though and wrote this novel to tell the thankfully heartening story of what happened to the over 50 dogs that survived Vick's fight ring. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) evaluated each of the 51 abused dogs and found almost all of them could be rehabilitated with the right skills, time, and patience.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, these books offer an insightful look into the human-canine bond and are a perfect way for adults to escape into a world of adventure, heartbreak, and love. Whether you're a dog owner, a dog lover, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, these books are sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart. They showcase the incredible loyalty, bravery, and unconditional love that dogs are capable of, reminding us of the importance of our furry friends in our lives. So, grab a box of tissues, curl up with your favorite canine companion, and immerse yourself in the world of some of the best dog books out there!
Questions and Answers
How can I find the best books about dogs?
To find the best books about dogs, visit your local library or bookstore and ask for recommendations from knowledgeable staff. You can also search online for reviews and ratings to understand what readers think of certain titles. Additionally, there are many websites dedicated to helping you find the best books about dog books, like ours here at Persistent Parent!
What kinds of books are good for learning about dogs?
Many types of books can help you learn more about dogs. For beginners, books covering basic topics such as breed information, dog training, and health care are a great place to start. For those looking to delve deeper into the psychology and behavior of dogs, many books discuss how dogs think, learn, and interact with humans.
What are some classic books about dogs?
Dog-lovers rejoice! There are plenty of classic books dedicated to our four-legged friends. From 'Old Yeller' and 'Where the Red Fern Grows' to 'The Call of the Wild' and 'White Fang', there's something for everyone. Try this list here:
- “Clifford the Big Red Dog” by Norman Bridwell
- “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls
- “Old Yeller” by Fred Gipson
- “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London
- “White Fang” by Jack London
- “Lassie Come-Home” by Eric Knight
- “Albert Payson Terhune's Collected Works”
- "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski
No matter what type of story you're looking for, there are plenty of classic dog books to choose from that bring these canine characters to life with their lovable behavior, boundless enthusiasm, courage, and iconic loyalty! So cuddle up with your pup and explore these timeless dog classics tonight!
What are the most famous books about dogs?
There's many many famous books about dogs, but here are some of the most famous ones:
- "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson - This heart-wrenching tale of a boy and his troublesome, but courageous and loyal dog is a must-read for all dog lovers. It tells the story of a young boy named Travis who reluctantly befriends a scruffy yellow dog his younger brother wants to keep and the adventures they have together, before Old Yeller once again proves his brave loyalty and sacrifices himself for the family.
- "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls - A beautiful and touching story of a boy and his two hunting dogs, this book will leave you in tears and with a greater appreciation for the bond between humans and their furry friends.
- "Marley & Me" by John Grogan - This memoir takes you on a journey with Marley, "the world's worst dog", and his loving family as they navigate the ups and downs of a busy life with a rambunctious pup.
- "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London - A classic tale of adventure and survival, "The Call of the Wild" follows the journey of a domesticated dog named Buck as he embraces his wild instincts in order to survive life in the wilds of Alaska as a mistreated sled dog.
- "Because of Winn-Dixie" by Kate DiCamillo - A touching and whimsical story of a young girl and her mischievous dog, Winn-Dixie, who helps her make new friends and learn important life lessons.
- "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford - This classic adventure story follows the journey of three pets, a cat, a dog, and a bull terrier, as they travel across the Canadian wilderness to find their way back home.
- "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor - A Newbery winning novel this touching story of a boy and his dog, Shiloh, who must overcome adversity, ponder the morally gray area of keeping a dog you believe to be abused, and ultimately learn to trust each other in order to find a new home together.
- "Lassie Come-Home" by Eric Knight - This beloved classic tells the story of a loyal collie who travels hundreds of miles to reunite with her young master, showing the unbreakable bond between dogs and their owners.
These books about dogs are not only entertaining but also showcase the depth of the bond between humans and their four-legged friends. They are sure to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.
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