Songs inspired by romantic relationships are common, but for some of us, the loves of our lives are our four-legged friends. They’re our faithful companions who stand by our sides through thick and thin.
For all of you dog lovers and owners, we’ll be highlighting 29 songs about dogs to mark the occasion.
From country ballads to novelty hits, we’ve got all kinds of dogs in our list of tunes. You might even find a favorite track that you can sing to your pooch!
The Best Songs About Dogs
“Man of the Hour” – Norah Jones
“Man of the Hour” is a groovy banger accompanied by a jazz-inspired melody and Jones’s honeyed vocals.
Published in her 2009 album The Fall, the song sees Jones choosing her dog over her boyfriend for its companionship and loyalty to her.
Hey, having a dog is always better than a boyfriend! They won’t cheat or lie, at least according to Jones herself.
“I Love My Dog” – Sublime
This is such a simple yet adorable track about loving your furry friends!
The 2006 track is a ska punk/rock cover of Bad Brains’s “I Luv I Jah.”
With an irresistible tune and easy-to-remember lyrics, you’ll find yourself singing this song to your dog in no time.
“Old King” – Neil Young
An energetic, country-infused ballad, this song tells the story of King, Neil Young’s dog.
This track lends itself as a great tribute to our canine pals and their lovable shenanigans.
“Little Boys Grow Up, and Dogs Get Old” – Luke Bryan
Prepare your tissues because Luke Bryan’s heartwarming ballad will move you to tears.
Lyrically, it’s about Bryan growing up with his dog Bandit and eventually having to say goodbye to him.
Though Bandit doesn’t die in the song, it’s hard not to tear up over our dogs inevitably growing older as we age too.
So make sure to appreciate every moment with your pooches!
“Gonna Buy Me a Dog” – The Monkees
The simplicity of this 1966 single is what makes it appealing to anyone who listens to it.
The song is interwoven with conversations between the band members as they sing about getting a dog to overcome heartbreak.
“The Dog Song” – Nellie McKay
“The Dog Song” is sure to get you up and dancing with its snappy, jazzy tune and whimsical delivery.
The track finds McKay appreciating her dog for bringing her happiness when she felt insecure and depressed.
Any dog owner can relate to becoming a better person to ensure a good life for their precious hound.
“The More Boys I Meet” – Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood demonstrates her love for dogs and shows us why they’re the best in this upbeat 2007 track.
Featuring a catchy, guitar-backed tune, Underwood sings about how messy and inferior boyfriends are to her beloved pet.
The witty lyrics and lighthearted tone make it an easy listen, and you’ll find yourself loving your dog more!
“The Puppy Song” – Harry Nilsson
This charming 1969 tune will definitely bring a smile to your face.
With a quirky tune and soothing vocals, this song finds Nilsson wishing he had a dog as his friend and the fun they would have together.
It’s a sweet ballad that reminds us to appreciate our dogs.
“Ol’ Red” – Blake Shelton
The original version of “Ol’ Red” was recorded by George Jones in 1990 before Shelton released his 2002 cover.
This song revolves around a prisoner who manages to escape prison by getting the prison’s bloodhound a dog girlfriend.
Though it didn’t turn out a massive hit on the music charts, it’s known as Shelton’s signature track and is commonly requested at his concerts.
“My Dog and Me” – John Hiatt & The Goners
There’s a reason why the saying, “Dogs are man’s best friend,” exists.
In this nostalgic ballad, Hiatt reflects on the sweet memories he has with his trusted canine.
It serves as tribute to the special bond we have with our dogs, and the calming melody is pleasing to the ears too.
“Seamus” – Pink Floyd
“Seamus” is a pretty funny and sweet track about Floyd’s dog.
It’s a short track delivered over an acoustic guitar, piano, and bass, with an added howling sounds in the background for effect.
“I Love My Dog” – Cat Stevens
This folk rock track speaks to every dog lover and dog owner out there.
The song sees Stevens singing about how his dog will always be there for him. And we can agree. He’s right.
“How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?” – Patti Page
Back when it was released in 1952, this song dominated the music charts and became a popular nursery song.
With an old-timey melody, Page wonders about getting a dog for her lover from the pet shop.
It’s corny and cutesy, but we can all relate to wanting to adopt a dog the second we see one.
“Lilly” – Pink Martini
Released in 2004, “Lilly” tells the story of a stray dog named Lilly and how the protagonist hopes to meet her again one day.
The uptempo rhythm and infectious instrumentals make it fun for dancing and singing along with friends.
“Martha My Dear” – The Beatles
“Martha My Dear” is a piano-driven tribute to Paul McCartney’s sheepdog.
It’s a genuinely moving track that shows appreciation to dogs for the joy and elation they bring into our lives.
The crisp tune, clean lyrics. and positive feel of the song make it great to vibe to.
“Old Grey Dog” – Jimmy Scott
“Old Grey Dog” is one of those songs that hit hard because of how real it is.
In this slow-paced ballad, Scott sings about an old grey dog that he loves very much despite it belonging to his neighbors.
You’ll want to cuddle and hug your doggies after listening to this track.
“Blue” – Peter, Paul and Mary
This 1964 track is the group’s take on contemporary children’s songs.
The song is accompanied by a catchy tune and calming vocals that make it an enjoyable experience.
“Hound Dog” – Big Mama Thornton
“Hound Dog” isn’t exactly about dogs, but this soulful ballad is just too irresistible.
Lyrically, it’s about Thornton comparing a persistent admirer to a hound dog who refuses to leave her alone.
The song is a certified banger, showcasing the best of Thornton’s bluesy growling style and emotive delivery.
“Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” – Lobo
Released on the 1971 album Introducing Lobo, this song has a summery, easy-going vibe that gives you all the positive feels.
The track is about travelling around with your partner and dog.
It’s the perfect song to play when you’re on the road with your furry friend!
“Every Dog Has Its Day” – Toby Keith
This uptempo tune doesn’t really focus on the canines, but it does mention the many kinds of dogs out there.
It has an upbeat tone and energetic instrumentals that make you want to dance.
“Gypsy, Joe and Me” – Dolly Parton
“Gypsy, Joe and Me” is perhaps one of Parton’s saddest compositions.
The song revolves around Parton, her boyfriend Joe, and dog Gypsy living on the go as nomads.
However, she loses both Gypsy and Joe to accidents and natural causes, leaving her alone.
This melancholic country track would make you want to spend more time with your dogs.
“Everything Reminds Me of My Dog” – Jane Siberry
This witty track has a witty and positive feel, with Siberry singing about how everything around her reminds her of her dog.
The quirky tune and passionate lyrics make it absolutely sweet and humorous in its own way.
“Rover” – Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull’s Heavy Horses album features songs from the perspectives of different animals like cats, horses, and moths.
The family dog gets one in the form of “Rover,” a track that shows his daily life and devotion to his master.
It’s a sweeping ballad that would make any dog lover smile.
“Cracker Jack” – Dolly Parton
Life is so much better with dogs! And Dolly Parton agrees with that too.
“Cracker Jack” is about Parton’s dog who’s also her best friend and companion.
The uptempo tune and heartwarming lyrics about man’s best friend make it a must-listen track for dog lovers.
“Old Shep” – Elvis Presley
The original “Old Shep” was composed by Red Foley and released in 1935. It tells the story of a dog he had as a child.
Presley released his cover in 1956, and it tugs hard at the heartstrings with the simple melodies and intense emotional delivery.
“Sometimes I Don’t Mind” – The Suicide Machines
The Suicide Machines capture the struggles of every dog owner and how it’s worth it at the end in this 2000 track.
Sure, dogs can be naughty and messy troublemakers at times, but you have to admit that they’re hard to live without.
“Feed Jake” – Pirates of the Mississippi
This song has a nostalgic vibe to it since it depicts the protagonist reminiscing on his best friend, his dog Jake.
With a slow-paced rhythm, the song is equally heartbreaking as it is eye-opening to the reality of growing up.
“Old Blue” – The Byrds
This folksy 1969 song is a tribute to a dog named Blue, who was a good boy that kept his owners safe from dangers like possums.
The guitar riffs are infectious, and the melodic vocals give the song an extra charm that’ll remind you of your own pooches.
“Maggie’s Song” – Chris Stapleton
This touching track encapsulates our love and adoration for our beloved dogs.
Released in 2020, this song serves as a tribute to Stapleton’s dog, Maggie, whom he loved a ton.
It’s a love story that melts even the coldest hearts and speaks to every dog owner out there.
