We do love a good list here at For Reading Addicts. Your favourites, your most hated, best plot twist, most disappointing ending; no matter what the subject we want to know what you think. We’d never asked you what your favourite dog story was though, after all who doesn’t love a good waggy tale? So of course we asked you, our followers for your favourite books featuring a prominent canine character and as always you responded in your droves.
We have added all the votes together and here we have the results for you to enjoy with your top 30 novels with a dog in the tale.
Call of the Wild – Jack London
The story of Buck, a half Saint Bernard, half sheepdog who is stolen away from his comfortable life as a pet and sold into cruelty and abuse. An absolute classical piece of Jack London this book is a must for any dog lover.
Watchers – Dean Koontz
Dean Koontz always seems to be able to find a way to sneak at least one absolutely adorable and strangely wonderful canine into his stories and they’re usually Golden Retrievers. The completely smoochable Einstein is no exception and I would still love to have my very own Einstein at home with me.
Where the Redfern Grows – Wilson Rawls
Billy has dreamed of owning two dogs for a long time; so when he finally saves enough to buy two pups, Old Dan and Little Ann and together they become the greatest hunting team ever known, you know it’s not going to end without the need for tissues.
White Fang – Jack London
I am so pleased that White Fang is so high up on this list. I must have read this book a hundred or more times as a child and I absolutely adored it. The story of a wolf, from cub-hood, to being captured and forced to fight, his refusal to give in and adventures beyond.
The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein
A tale of family, loss, redemption, and fast cars-recounted entirely from the perspective of a retriever-terrier mix named Enzo
The Art of Racing in the Rain US
The Art of Racing in the Rain UK
Iron Druid – Kevin Hearne
The Iron Druid series was a favourite of thirteen of you and is in sixth position.
Fluke – James Herbert
This is my personal favourite, Fluke is a beautifully written book and Fluke himself is one of my all time favourite characters. Written from Fluke’s perspective the story follows his life, and his memories from his previous life and his battle to let go of who he used to be.
Marley and Me – John Grogan
Probably one of the best doggy books of recent years, Marley and Me chronicles the highs and lows of dog ownership, especially when the dog refuses to be, just a dog.
The Knife of Never Letting Go – Patrick Ness
Your penultimate top ten doggy pick with 10 votes is Todd’s faithful sidekick Manchee.
The Knife of Never Letting Go US
The Knife of Never Letting Go UK
Cujo – Stephen King
A woman, her son, a country road, a broken down car, and a rabid St Bernard makes for a classic King tale.
11. The Hound of the Baskervilles – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
12. Chet and Bernie – Spencer Quinn
13. Famous Five – Enid Blyton
14. Old Yeller – Fred Gipson
15. TinTin – Hergé
16. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle – David Wroblewski
17. Fool’s Errand – Robin Hobb
18. Because of Winn-Dixie – Kate DiCamillo
19. Almost Home – Joan Bauer
20. Mitford Series – Jan Karon
And after the featured top 20, here are the final ten titles that complete the full top 30:
101 Dalmations – Dodie Smith
Carbonel – Barbara Sleigh
Two Caravans – Marina Lewycka
The Wild – Whitley Strieber
Follow My Leader – Emma Chichester Clark
Everything for a Dog – Ann M. Martin
Protector of the Small – Tamora Pierce
The Plague Dogs – Richard Adams
Beautiful Joe – Marshall Saunders
Hounded – Kevin Hearne
I’m sure you all agree that is a list that anyone would be proud to have on their shelves, after all who doesn’t love a waggy tale?
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Your list I absurd without Kazan the wolfdog and Baree the son of Kazan by James Oliver Curwood!
I can’t believe there is not one book on this list by Bruce Cameron. Thanks for the list and I hope to get to read some of these books.