Whether you're fortunate enough to call one your own or you've been forever longing for a furry companion, if you've happened upon this article, chances are you are some kind of dog lover looking for a good read. Fortunately there are thousands of books to choose from with our canine friends as the star of the show, from chic coffee-table hardbacks to complex narratives and quick weekend reads.
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the bestselling books about dogs in the UK. From fiction to fact, training guides to stories for children, we've ranked the top 10 that we could find on popular retail sites such as Amazon and eBay. Read on to discover the key points to buying a dog book, then head on to our recommendations!
Are you looking for a guide to help care for your pet? Or are you longing for a captivating read that speaks to your heart? In this section, we'll share our top tips on how to narrow down your search for the perfect dog read!
The first question that you need to pose when searching for a new read is: fiction or non-fiction? Do you want a page-turner? An emotional ride? A heart-wrenching story that stays with you for a lifetime? Or do you need facts, information, and advice? In this section, we'll discuss some of the types of books on offer in each category.
Bringing a puppy home is beyond exciting, but it can also be a bit scary, especially if you've never owned a dog before. If you're new to animal care, it could do you wonders to pick up a guide on caring for your dog. These are packed with detailed information and advice to help you provide the best care for your pet.
Or perhaps you're looking for something a little more in-depth like a reference book on specific breeds, training or coat maintenance. Maybe you haven't decided what dog will suit your family and need to browse the options and see what type is the most suitable.
Either way, if you're after non-fiction books, choose one which answers your problem. Dogs are the most popular pet in the UK household, so it's not surprising that there seems to be an informational dog book on every subject under the sun.
Animal literature has become somewhat of a trending genre in recent years, and dogs are some of the most favoured stars of the show. If you're looking for a novel, fiction encompasses a broad range of genres, so ask yourself how you want to feel, and base your search on that.
Perhaps you're looking for a heart-warming family read for your children, or for a novel which transports you to other cities or countries. If adrenaline excites you, go for a thriller. If you want your heart to be lifted, crushed and poured out, go for a romance – dogs star in everything from fairy-tales to sci-fi.
Not looking for anything too serious? There are plenty of dog-themed books which are hilarious, entertaining and full of anecdotes about naughty alsatians and scheming terriers. Just like the genre itself, the fictional choice is endless.
Then, there are the ones in between. The memoirs, the real-life accounts of unique bonds between man and dog, or tales of people studying and living with wild dogs and wolves. The books which seem to cross the boundaries between fictional, anecdotal, worldly advice and life observations.
Consider these books if you favour tearjerkers, heartfelt connections, and moving stories – or the tales that follow people and canines throughout their years and which inevitably become family-friendly movies by Disney!
Everyone who reads seems to have a preference for the format of their books. If you're buying from online retailers such as Amazon and eBay, they don't always stock both hardbacks and paperbacks, and eBooks are often in a category of their own. That said, there are definite benefits for each one.
Hardback books tend to be the most expensive, but they are sturdier, more durable, and can generally hold their own for years, even after their pages have been turned for the fiftieth time. They also make wonderful gifts for dog lovers or coffee table books for the home.
A hardback book will typically have a separate cover which slips on like a sleeve, which at times, can become a little inconvenient. For example, you might want to take a dog training manual with you on walks or to parks to practice recall. In that case, a hardback book with a sleeve might not be the best option.
Paperbacks are cheaper, lighter and easier to carry, however, the spines, pages and covers don't stand the test of time well. Being small and lightweight, they are perfect for chucking in your bag as you head out for a day in the park with your pooch.
That said, if you have a few pets running around you'll know the mess that things can get in! Pawprints on the pages, covers creased down the middle, bite marks on the corners... If you're precious about your reads, a paperback might not be ideal.
If you own a Kindle or other eReader, you too will understand the joy and convenience of carrying a stack of books in a device no bigger than a thin notebook. Perfect for holidays, long afternoons in the park and indecisive readers.
The same goes for audiobooks. These are an excellent choice for hefty books which take up a large amount of precious luggage space. If you often take your dog for long walks, audiobooks are perfect for something to listen to along the way.
Sometimes you want a quick read that's not too heavy, which you can enjoy over a weekend by the fire. Or maybe you prefer a complex narrative, or a brick-book of substantial proportions packed with canine advice to pore over throughout their lives?
If you're reading to your children, short stories with lots of pictures are a great option. Whichever you go for, check the length before you purchase or it could put you off reading it entirely.
Now that we've let you in on our secrets to buying the best book about dogs, let's dive into the recommendations! From inspiring novels to factual guides, there's bound to be one or two that take yours and your pup's fancy.
£13.46
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Non-fiction |
---|---|
Genre/Topic | Dog breeds |
Format | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle |
Pages | 352 |
£6.50
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Genre | Adventure |
Format | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audio |
Pages | 298 pages |
£9.38
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Non-fiction |
---|---|
Genre | Dog training |
Format | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audio |
Pages | 320 |
£5.89
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Genre | Children's books |
Format | Board book, paperback |
Pages | 32 |
£12.99
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Non-fiction |
---|---|
Genre | Photography |
Format | Hardcover, Kindle |
Pages | 160 |
£10.59
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Real life story |
---|---|
Genre | General literary |
Format | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audio |
Pages | 288 |
£7.78
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Non-fiction |
---|---|
Genre | Dog care |
Format | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle |
Pages | 352 |
£6.99
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Genre | Adventure, Family-Friendly |
Format | Paperback, Kindle, audio, library binding |
Pages | 336 |
£12.85
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Non-fiction |
---|---|
Genre | Dog training |
Format | Paperback, Kindle |
Pages | 248 |
£9.99
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Genre | Adventure |
Format | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audio |
Pages | 654 |
Image | 1 ![]() Farley Mowat | 2 ![]() Pippa Mattinson | 3 ![]() Garth Stein | 4 ![]() John Bradshaw | 5 ![]() Kerry Irving | 6 ![]() Gene Weingarten & Michael S. Williamson | 7 ![]() Chris Haughton | 8 ![]() Cesar Millan | 9 ![]() Jack London | 10 ![]() DK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Never Cry Wolf | Total Recall: Perfect Response Training for Puppies and Adult Dog | The Art of Racing in the Rain | In Defence of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding | Max the Miracle Dog | Old Dogs Are the Best Dogs | Oh No, George! | How to Raise the Perfect Dog | White Fang | The Complete Dog Breed Book: Choose the Perfect Dog for You |
Features | The Study of Wolves That Became More Than a Memoir | The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Dog to Follow Commands | A Heartwarming Tale About a Dog Who Keeps the Family Together | What if Everything We Knew About Dog Training Wasn't Quite Right? | A Story for Anyone Who's Struggling and in Need of Hope | Portraits of These Beautiful Old Men | The Mischievous Pooch With a Moral Dilemma | The Training Bible From One of the Most Famous Dog Trainers in the World | A Classic Tale of The Special Love That a Human Can Give a Dog | An Essential Best of Breeds Manual for First-Time Owners |
Price | £9.99 | £12.85 | £6.99 | £7.78 | £10.59 | £12.99 | £5.89 | £9.38 | £6.50 | £13.46 |
Fiction/Non-Fiction | Fiction | Non-fiction | Fiction | Non-fiction | Real life story | Non-fiction | Fiction | Non-fiction | Fiction | Non-fiction |
Genre | Adventure | Dog training | Adventure, Family-Friendly | Dog care | General literary | Photography | Children's books | Dog training | Adventure | Dog breeds |
Format | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audio | Paperback, Kindle | Paperback, Kindle, audio, library binding | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audio | Hardcover, Kindle | Board book, paperback | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audio | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audio | Hardcover, paperback, Kindle |
Pages | 654 | 248 | 336 | 352 | 288 | 160 | 32 | 320 | 298 pages | 352 |
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Looking for more items to help you care for a furry new (or old!) member of the household? We have guides on those too! Follow the links below for tips and tricks on how to shop for all manner of doggy essentials.
Thanks for reading our guide to books about dogs in the UK! We hope a few have piqued your interest and will soon be sitting in a pile on your bedside table, waiting for your nose to be buried between its pages.
Author: Roxy Pratley
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