At K9 Magazine, we get about five books or announcements of soon-to-be-released books every week.
Some are re-issues of the classics, others are novels from new writers and we also get biographies, training manuals, humorous hardbacks and sentimental softbacks - we even have a book of knitting patterns for dogs somewhere.
It takes a lot of effort, but they all get read.
Not only is it our job, but we take great pleasure in reading the great books that get sent to us, so we decided to compile our top fifty classics with advice that will be as relevant or enjoyable today as it will in years to come.
That is, so that you, the avid reader can make your way through some truly brilliant canine literature.
The Legend of Mick The Miller - Michael Tanner
It was an intensely difficult choice between three classics, true-life tales of man’s relationship with dogs.
But it’s the legend of Mick, what he did for so many people, combined with the heart-wrenching sincerity in the portrayal of when Mick finally passes on that cements the quintessential, indescribable specialness that sharing one’s life with a dog can bring.
Marley and Me - John Grogan
Marley and Me is one of Amazon’s best-selling books of all time, and for good reason. American journalist and author John Grogan captures in his autobiographical account of “life and love with the world’s worst dog”, an intimate and detailed account we can relate to.
Beautiful Joe - Marshall Saunders
The true story of Joe, told by the woman closest to him became a classroom staple and advocated animal rights and human rights and promoted kindness to millions of people.
Greyfriar’s Bobby - Eleanor Atkinson
A timeless classic concerning Bobby’s selfless devotion to his master. A story most of us already know.
Rags: The Dog Who Went to War - Jack Rohan
A dramatic, touching, true tale of a wartime hero. Rags saved the life of his owner, his comrades and civilians in this story of devotion, incredible intelligence and courage under fire during World War One.
Man Buys Dog - David Mathews
A quirky, humorous true story about a man whose opinion of dogs was turned on its head by a Greyhound called ‘Kev’.
It’s Me Or The Dog - Victoria Stilwell
The companion to the series where responsible dog ownership finally got to reign supreme.
Top To Tail - David Alderton
An exhaustive analysis of many of our favourite breeds. If you need to know anything about your dog, consult this book first.
Spot The Dog - Eric Hill
Often a child’s first experience with dogs. A timeless childhood classic.
Good Guide to Dog-friendly Pubs, Hotels and B&Bs - Alisdair Aird and Fiona
Stapley
One of the best books to unite man and dog in pursuit of fun and leisure. This book sets the standard and has promoted dogs in public brilliantly.
101 Uses for a Lab - Dale C Spartas
The loveable traits of the world’s favourite breed are brought sympathetically to life by a man whose love of labs knows no bounds.
Knitted Dog Coats - Anna Tillman
An example of how the relationship between us and our dogs is constantly adapting to meet the needs of both parties.
Men and Dogs/Women and Dogs - Judith Watt and Peter Dyer
A snoop at the most famous men and women in the world, past and present, sharing intimate, special moments with their dogs.
Fabulous Pugs - Lisa Knapp
Pugs dressed up in funny costumes. Why not!
Hackman, Love In Buckets - Bill Houston
A lovingly told humorous collection of fun stories about a silly dog.
Hundred and One Dalmatians - Dodie Smith
Another classic as retold and embellished by Disney. A whimsical tale of good over evil with loveable dogs winning the day.
Lassie Come Home - Eric Knight
Lassie Come Home started life as a column in a newspaper, she went on to become the world’s most famous dog.
The Call Of The Wild - Jack London
Another masterfully crafted tale from dog lover Jack London, essential reading for fans of dogs and classic literature.
The Fox and the Hound - Daniel Pratt
This vintage classic is a brilliantly conceived and executed story which has since been retold by Disney. A must-read for dog lovers.
The Difficulty of Being a Dog - Roger Grenier
Collection of tales detailing the intensity of relationships between people and dogs. Detailed, authoritative and fascinating.
Animals In Translation - Temple Grandin
A fascinating look at animal behaviour was written by a fascinating woman.
Dog Is My Co-Pilot - Great Writers on the World's Oldest Friendship
Literary greats on why they loved their dog.
Narrow Dog To Carcassonne - Terry Darlington
A quirky autobiographical tale involving an unusual dog on an unusual boat trip.
No Bad Dog, The Woodhouse Way - Barbara Woodhouse
The much-loved Barbara Woodhouse puts bad dog owners right. This book now looks dated, as do the methods. So why do we include it? To understand where we are going, it's often useful to examine where we came from.
By reading some of the methods and taking a view on how modern dog training has progressed, we can use the exercise to ask ourselves the question: what current dog training advice and methodology might look as out of place as this in the years to come?
How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners - The Monks Of New Skete
The enigmatic masters of dog relationship-building give away some of their secrets.
White Fang - Jack London
A classic tale of love, devotion and morality.
The Dog Listener - Jan Fennel
An essential aide to new and experienced dog owners.
Raw Meaty Bones - Tom Lonsdale
Another controversial turning point in canine is detailed and explained.
The Barf Diet - Ian Billinghurst
Science-informed feeding techniques open doors to health and fitness for the dog, this book courted controversy as well as high praise.
Getting in Touch with Your Dog: How to Understand and Influence Behaviour, Personality and Health - Linda Tellington-Jones
A revolutionary bonding and behaviour-enhancing technique explained by its creator.
Canine Massage and Stretching: A Dog Owner's Manual - K. Haase and Jorn Olbey
This book is responsible for thousands of owners bonding and engaging with their dogs in new and useful ways.
Bo, the Famous Retriever - Lynn Sheffield Simmons
A fun, educational story for kids. A modern tale of one dog bringing life to the party and a party to his life.
Only a Dog: The True Story of a Dog's Devotion to His Master in World War One - Bertha Whitridge Smith
Dramatic, moving, life-affirming, the title says it all.
Best in Show: The Dog in Art from the Renaissance to Today - William Secord, Edgar Peters Bowron, Carolyn Rose Rebbert, and Robert Rosenblum
Stunning works reflect man’s adoration of dogs throughout the ages.
Dog Music: Poetry About Dogs - Joseph Duemer (Editor), Jim Simmerman
Provocative words touch the heart of any dog lover.
It's a Dog's Life, Snoopy - Charles M Schulz
American child literature classic. An enduring, humorous and timeless work that all dog lovers can relate to.
What's Your Dog's IQ?: How to Determine If Your Dog Is an Einstein, and What to Do If He's a Scooby Doo - Sue Owens Wright
A useful, humorous and well-put-together collection of tips on how to enhance your relationship with your dog, whether or not he is MENSA material.
The Man Who Talks to Dogs: The Story of Randy Grim and His Fight to Save America's Abandoned Dogs - Michael W. Fox
The lengths people go to for their love of dogs are faithfully retold.
Shelter Dogs — Traer Scott
The best advert for rescuing a dog in a shelter. Fantastic imagery, both verbal and pictorial.
The Dogs of Windcutter Down: One Shepherd's Struggle for Survival - David Kennard
As a farmer fights to keep his livelihood, his loyal and remarkable dogs prove to be his secret weapon in this engaging true story.
Why Does My Dog...? - by John Fisher
John Fisher answers his own question in a detailed yet easy-to-understand way. Sort of like a dog FAQ.
The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook: The Homemade Goodies for Man's Best Friend - Liz Palika
Some great, well-thought-out treat ideas.
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul: Stories of Canine Companionship, Comedy and Courage - Jack Canfield (Author), Mark Victor Hansen (Author), Marty, D.V.M. Becker
Compendium of heartwarming stories to cheer up any dog lover on a gloomy day.
Have Heard You Calling in the Night - Thomas Healy
“Moving”, “compelling” and “remarkable” true-life tale of one man’s life with a special Doberman.
Other End of the Leash - Patricia B. McConnell
An insight into human-canine relations from the dog perspective.
DogDogs -Elliott Erwitt
Picture lead book showing the role of family dogs around the world.
Gun Dogs: Their Learning Chain - Joe Irving
Highly respected, stage-by-stage text aimed at those wishing to work with gundogs, a handy companion for anyone with a professional or personal interest in gun breeds.
Where the Red Fern Grows - Vilson Rawls
A heartwarming tale tinged with the tragedy that is a popular classroom read for youngsters often revisited by adults. This novel explores how one boy’s life is completely fulfilled by his dogs.
The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People - James Serpell
James Serpell explores the natural history of man’s best friend in a scientific and engaging read. This book uncovers the dog beneath the stereotypes.
If Dogs Could Talk: Exploring the Canine Mind - Vilmos Csanyi
Hungarian ethologist Vilmos Csanyi traces the development of the canine mind expertly back to pre-domestication times in a fascinating and informed piece of work.
About the Authors:
This book has been carefully prepared, researched and edited by a team of canine information experts. Our authors are, first and foremost, passionate about dogs and share a mutual satisfaction in assisting people who are experiencing problems with their pets.
Our works have been read by more than 12 million pet owners globally.
interesting list! Fair amount of dog books I haven’t heard about. Thanks for having it up.