33 Best Songs About Dogs

Man’s best friend has been the subject of music for many years, and the best songs about dogs reflect the deep and unconditional love we have for our dearest pets.

From our first puppy as a child to the old dog that has been with us through thick and thin, these companions are as important as any family member.

Continue reading, and we’ll break down the best songs about dogs you can listen to today, from country singers such as Tom Waits to iconic rock bands Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith.

 

The 33 Best Songs About Dogs

There are countless songs about dogs celebrating the joy and pleasure they bring our lives, from country classics to modern rock songs.

We’ve explored a broad range of dog songs that every dog lover will appreciate, catering to all tastes in music.

Without further ado, here’s our playlist of the 33 best songs about dogs:

 

33. Rain Dogs – Tom Waits

Rain Dogs was released as the title track of the 1985 album from Tom Waits, his concept album focusing on “the urban dispossessed.”

Waits uses catchy lyrics to reflect on the homeless dogs that wandered around his town after a storm, effortlessly blending blues with rock.

While the track wasn’t released as a single, the album performed well and was certified gold in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

 

32. Tennessee Hound Dog – The Osborne Brothers

The Osborne Brothers are among the definitive bluegrass acts to have emerged from the United States, combining virtuoso melodies with tight instrumentation.

Tennessee Hound Dog, released in 1969, celebrates the virtues of a great hound dog and its loyalty to its owner.

The song was a minor hit, reaching number 28 on the US Country music charts, second only to their song Once More, which charted at number 13 in 1958.

 

31. The Reason A Dog – Aerosmith

Aerosmith needs little introduction, with the rock band responsible for some of the best 80s songs, such as Walk This Way featuring Run D.M.C.

One of their more obscure songs, The Reason A Dog, features a bass-driven groove over the lyrics, “The reason a dog has so many friends, ’cause he wags his tail instead of his tongue!”

The song was featured on Done With Mirrors, Aerosmith’s eighth studio album, which sold over 500,000 copies and peaked at 36th on the US Billboard 200 charts.

 

30. Everything Reminds Me Of My Dog – Jane Siberry

Jane Siberry’s unique blend of pop and folk music made her a favorite among fans of the genre, and her 1989 album Bound by the Beauty received extensive radio airplay.

The song Everything Reminds Me Of My Dog captures how infatuated we can become with our pets, with the singer seeing hers in everything from men in bars to smiling strangers.

One of the most upbeat songs about dogs, it enjoyed some success through the sales of its associated albums, spending six weeks on the RPM album charts.

 

29. Black Dog – Led Zeppelin

Widely regarded as one of the best 70s rock bands, Led Zeppelin released Black Dog as the opening track on their untitled fourth album in 1971.

It’s a song about a black Labrador Retriever that wandered around the studios, blending acapella verses with punchy instrumentation from the band.

Ranked among the greatest songs of all time, it charted worldwide, with its highest peak position of number 5 in the Danish Singles Chart.

 

28. Feed Jake – Pirates Of The Mississippi

Pirates of the Mississippi released their single Feed Jake through their self-titled debut album in 1990, celebrating Nashville’s country music scene.

Feed Jake playfully explores the fact that dogs always seem hungry, something any dog lover has no doubt experienced for themselves.

Released in 1991, Feed Jake was among the most popular country songs of the year, spending 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts.

 

27. The Dog Song – Nellie McKay

Sometimes, the best songs about dogs are the most straightforward, and Nellie McKay’s The Dog Song is a straightforward sing-along piece about loving our canine companions.

It captures the sheer pleasure of getting out and walking your dog, soaking in the weather, and taking your mind off the problems you have in life.

This catchy tune was released in 2004 on her album, Get Away From Me, and was even featured in a TED Talk to critical acclaim.

 

26. Like My Dog – Billy Currington

Returning once again to country songs about dogs with Like My Dog, written and performed by country star Billy Currington in 2010.

The lyrics reflect the unconditional love dog owners expect and the fact they never ask you any questions or criticize you for the things you do.

Peaking at number 2 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 charts in 2011, it was featured on the Billy Currington album, Enjoy Yourself.

 

25. I Wanna Be Your Dog – The Stooges

The Stooges released their self-titled debut album in 1969, with I Wanna Be Your Dog as the first single released to the public.

The simple three-chord guitar riff drives this catchy love song, as Iggy Pop’s vocals liken his romantic expectations to a relationship with a loving dog.

Numerous artists have covered this hugely popular dog song, ranging from Sid Vicious and Sonic Youth to Matt Mays and Modern Life Is War.

 

24. How Much Is That Doggy In The Window – Patti Page

How Much Is That Doggy In The Window by Patti Page is a novelty song many people over a certain age will remember singing along to as a child.

Page’s sweet voice sings about the price of a dog for sale, singling out the dog with the waggling tail.

Despite its novelty, the song was a hit, reaching number 1 on the Australian Singles Chart, the US Billboard charts, and the Radio Luxembourg Sheet Music Chart in 1953.

 

23. Gypsy, Joe And Me – Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is undisputedly one of the best female country singers of all time, with countless hit singles and albums from her extensive discography.

The song Gypsy, Joe And Me discusses her life on the road with Joe and her dog, Gypsy, who sadly gets hit by a passing car.

It’s a country song that laments the passing of her best friend from her album My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

 

22. Atomic Dog – George Clinton

The prolific producer and songwriter George Clinton took a stab at dog songs with his lively tune Atomic Dog, often featured on the soundtrack for movies about dogs.

The funky and soulful vibe is matched by lyrics celebrating “clapping dogs, rhythmic dogs, harmonic dogs, house dogs, street dogs” and all the dogs worth celebrating.

Featured on the 1982 album Computer Games, it was the final song released by the P-Funk Collective to reach the number 1 spot on the US R&B charts.

 

21. Old Shep – Elvis Presley

Many dog lovers have fond memories of growing up with their furry friends as little boys or girls, and this nostalgia is captured perfectly in the song Old Shep.

Originally released in the 1930s, Elvis Presley covered it in 1956 to celebrate his childhood dog, and the years of pleasure they spent together.

Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and the Everly Brothers are among the other artists who have also recorded versions of this adorable song about a dog.

 

20. Old Blue – The Byrds

From Old Shep to Old Blue, another song about a fondly-remembered dog was released by The Byrds in 1969 and taken from their album Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde.

Taken from a 19th-century folk song, it marks the passing of Blue with the lyrics, “When I get to Heaven first thing I’ll do, is grab my horn and call for Blue.”

The album was a dud compared to their previous releases in the United States, although it was appreciated more in the UK, where it placed number 15 on the album charts.

 

19. BINGO! (B-I-N-G-O!) – Traditional Scottish Folk Song

There have been dog lovers throughout the ages, so it’s no surprise that they are sometimes the subject of classic folk songs, as with the tune B-I-N-G-O.

With its catchy chorus that children can easily sing, it’s a popular favorite that helps them learn how to spell, replacing each letter with a clap as the song progresses.

B-I-N-G-O is free from copyright restrictions, so many versions are available to enjoy and share with children and get them to sing along.

 

18. Lilly – Pink Martini

Pink Martini’s light and vibrant song Lilly is another warm-hearted dog song celebrating the behaviors of the titular canine.

The lyrics, set to Latin-inspired brass and percussion, serve as a wonderful tribute to Lilly’s unconditional love for her owner.

It was released on the album Hang On Little Tomato, certified double Platinum in France by the UPFI in 2013, and sold over 400,000 copies in Europe.

 

17. I’m Gonna Buy Me A Dog (To Take The Place Of You) – Duke Robillard

Duke Robillard released I’m Gonna Buy Me A Dog in 2015, perfectly capturing how effective a dog can be when dealing with a broken heart.

The lyrics center around Robillard’s ex taking their dog, so he decides to get another as a replacement for his lost love.

Part love song, part ode to man’s best friend, is a firm favorite among country music fans who are dog lovers.

 

16. Me And You And A Dog Named Boo – Lobo

Released in 1971, Lobo’s Me And You And A Dog Named Boo is another light yet catchy pop song about a dog enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Its simple lyrics about traveling and living off the land with a dog named Boo and the love and friendship that came from their relationship.

The song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and in the top 10 in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

 

15. The Puppy Song – Harry Nilsson

With The Puppy Song, Harry Nilsson took a more humorous approach to the subject of canines and featured the song on his self-titled album Harry.

The memorable lyrics from The Puppy Song revolve around how happy he feels with his dog, repeating the phrase “We’d be so happy to be together” in the chorus.

A success in the United Kingdom, it reached number one as a double A-side single with the song Daydreamer in 1969.

 

14. Ol’ Red – Blake Shelton

Country singer Blake Shelton knows a thing or two about joyful songwriting, releasing one of the best Christmas songs, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, in 2017.

Ol’ Red is a more peculiar effort about a man in prison for killing his wife’s boyfriend and an old hunting dog who doesn’t let prisoners escape.

One of three singles from his debut studio album, it was certified 2x Platinum in the United States, selling 2 million copies in 2001.

 

13. My Dog And Me – John Hiatt

My Dog And Me return to the popular theme of love songs about dogs, recorded by John Hiatt in 2003 for his album, Beneath This Gruff Exterior.

It’s a wonderful homage to man’s best friend captured in the lyrics, “Cause I never felt so free. It was just my dog and me.”

A prolific country-rock singer and songwriter, Beneath This Gruff Exterior was his seventeenth studio album at the time of its release.

 

12. Little Boys Grow Up And Dogs Get Old – Luke Bryan

Country singer Luke Bryan’s song Little Boys Grow Up, And Dogs Get Old is one of the most touching dog songs available about his dog called Bandit.

The lyrics, “He was my sidekick through thick and thin,” aptly reflect the bonds between a dog and its owner and the sadness we feel when our pets pass away.

The song was featured in the deluxe edition of Bryan’s album Kill the Lights, which set a new record by featuring six number-one singles on the Billboard charts in 2015.

 

11. The More Boys I Meet – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is no stranger to country music fans, having released popular songs about family, such as Mama’s Song, to huge critical and commercial success.

With The More Boys I Meet, Underwood compares dogs to the men in her life, singing, “I close my eyes and I kiss that frog, each time finding the more boys I meet, the more I love my dog.”

It was featured on her album Carnival Ride, which won the award for Favorite Country Album at the American Music Awards in 2008.

 

10. I Love My Dog – Sublime

American ska punk band Sublime established a solid reputation with their early albums, topping it off with Sublime in 1996.

I Love My Dog was featured on the 10th-anniversary version, a simple yet engaging track celebrating human relationships with our furry friends.

Sadly, the lead singer Bradley Nowell passed away, leaving his ode to his much-loved dog for future generations to cherish.

 

9. Man Of The Hour – Norah Jones

Singer-songwriter Norah Jones has won millions of fans with her unique blend of pop, folk, country, and blues, exemplified in the song Man of the Hour.

The lyrics “You never lie, and you don’t cheat, and you don’t have any baggage tied to your four feet” reflect the unconditional love we all get from our pet dogs.

It’s a wonderful song from an artist who has won nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist.

 

8. Cracker Jack – Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton returns once again, cementing her reputation as one of the best 80s female singers with the song Cracker Jack.

The song revolves around her dog Cracker Jack, and the love and companionship he brings her throughout the day.

It was released as part of her 1974 album Jolene, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot Country Albums chart.

 

7. Gonna Buy Me A Dog – The Monkees

American rock and pop band, the Monkees, were the product of a sitcom of the same name, which aired on television in the mid-1960s.

Gonna Buy Me A Dog wrapped up their debut album in celebration of bringing a new pet into the home.

Their fun, lighthearted approach to lyrics earned the Monkees a spot in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, into which they were inducted in 2007.

 

6. Seamus – Pink Floyd

One of the best bands of all time, Pink Floyd’s poetic lyricism reflects their progressive approach to rock which fuses folk and other music genres to great effect.

Seamus The Dog, dubbed a “pseudo-spoof” by critics, uses vocals playfully to simulate a howling dog in a humorous fashion.

The track was featured on their 1971 album Meddle, shortly before their hit release The Dark Side of the Moon catapulted the act into the mainstream.

 

5. Martha My Dear – The Beatles

One of Paul McCartney’s most iconic songs is Martha My Dear, written by the Beatles’ guitarist and singer in 1968 about his recently deceased dog.

It captures dogs’ loyalty to their owners and is interpreted as a message to McCartney’s girlfriend, Jane Asher.

The song was featured on the White Album, selling a whopping 12 million copies – or 24x Platinum – in the United States alone.

 

4. Old King – Neil Young

Neil Young’s lengthy discography has covered a broad range of topics, from songs about dreams to the classic song Old King about his experience with his dog.

Old King’s fearlessness is evident in the lyrics, “King went a-runnin’ after deer, wasn’t scared of jumpin’ off the truck in high gear.”

Taken from the album Harvest Moon, the song merged Young’s trademark country style with bluegrass on a predominantly rock-based album.

 

3. Who Let The Dogs Out – Baha Men

Baha Men’s song Who Let the Dogs Out is one of the best-known songs about dogs on this list, a huge hit when it was released.

An infectious party song with plenty of swagger, the simple repetition of “who let the dogs out?” made it a surefire chart-topper.

It hit number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 2000 and won Best Dance Recording at the 2001 Grammy Awards.

 

2. Hound Dog – Big Mama Thornton

Big Mama Thornton lit up the charts with Hound Dog in 1952, with the song featured in the 2009 movie Nowhere Boy.

Her lyrics sum up the insatiable appetite of her faithful friend, singing, “You can wag your tail, but I ain’t gonna feed you no more.”

Hound Dog was later released by none other than Elvis Presley and reached number one in 1956 on the Rhythm and Blues Records chart.

 

1. I Love My Dog – Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens is well known for his upbeat music, releasing some of the best happy songs, and celebrated for his deft approach to pop, folk, and rock music.

Despite his name, he chose to write I Love My Dog as an ode to his canine companion, singing, “All he ever needs is love and that he knows he’ll get.”

Taken as a single from his debut album Matthew and Son and peaking at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart in 1966, it’s one of Cat Stevens’s most adored songs.

 

Summary

So there you have it, our complete guide to the best songs about dogs the music industry has to offer, capturing the essence of how they make us feel.

These songs come in many styles, so regardless of your musical taste, there’s a dog song here guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Whatever breed of dog you might own, these songs capture the endearing qualities of our furry friends in all their affectionate glory.

What’s the best song about dogs, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.