We’ve searched high and low (and upside down) for the best dog books for every dog mom, pet parent, young animal lover, and dog dad–and we found gorgeous, gift-worthy books to make everyone happy:

• non-fiction for your science-focused canine enthusiasts
• breathtaking coffee-table books for stylish dog mamas
• trick-training or uplifting reads for elementary and middle school dog fans
• easy guides for the eco-friendly or holistically-minded pet parents on your Christmas list

As of this writing, everything on the list is in stock and deliverable before Christmas!

(Note: This post may contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience and to help support our work. The non-Amazon links are not affiliate, but they’re there because we want you to have quick access to products we believe in or are interested in regardless of whether we earn a commission. Our full disclosure, disclaimer, and copyright notices are found here. )

Creative Non-Fiction Books For Dog Lovers

1. The Genius of Dogs by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods

Give your favorite dog mom this amazing book, along with clear scientific proof that her dog IS a genius, just like she’s always told you. Every engaging chapter combines relatable anecdotes with the cutting-edge science of dog cognition.  This isn’t your grandma’s dog lore–according to author Brian Hare, we’ve learned more about dog brains in the past decade than we’ve learned in the past century. Duke University professor Brian Hare and his spouse Vanessa Woods (director of Duke’s Puppy Kindergarten and an acclaimed author) have produced a must-have read for all thinking dog lovers. 

2. Dog Is Love: Why and How Your Dog Loves You by Clive D. L. Wynne

The dog parents in your life know their dogs love them…but let’s be honest: sometimes they DO wonder WHY. And sometimes they’re not sure if the crazy things their dogs do are expressions of love for them…or that disgusting thing their sweet pooch ate at the dog park.  Give your dog moms and dog dads the gift of confidence in, and gratitude for, our amazing relationships with our dogs. Expert Clive Wynne –founder of the Canine Science Laboratory at Arizona State University– combines reflections on his own family dog with hard-hitting science to share incredible insight on the beautiful relationship between dogs and their humans. 

3. Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy by Zazie Todd

The perfect gift for thinking dog moms and dads?

This book. With practical tips helping pup parents “think dog,” Wag teaches dog guardians how to eliminate their dog’s negative experiences and increase positive ones–a formula for true canine happiness. And what dog mom or dad isn’t striving for that? 

Modern Dog Magazine calls Wag the “must-have guide to improving your dog’s life.” 

Gorgeous Coffee Table Books for

Stylish Dog Parents

1. Dogs by Lewis Blackwell and Tim Flach

Acclaimed photographer Tim Flach turns his attention from powerfully elegant horses (his book Equus is breathtaking) to our loyal canine companions in his book Dogs. Art or decor-loving pet parents will treasure this elegant book that sometimes strays from taking itself too seriously. 

2. Finding Home: Shelter Dogs and Their Stories

Just one look at this compelling book and there’s nothing more to say…and yet there is. This is the second collection of shelter dog photos by artist and dog activist Traer Scott. Scott and Princeton Architectural Press donate a portion of the proceeds to rescue organizations…so really, you’re giving two gifts in one!

3. The Dog Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide

The Dog Encyclopedia offers the best of both worlds: spectacular photos combined with practical information every family should know.

Bark Magazine calls the book “engrossing and entertaining.” 

4. Upside Down Dogs by Serena Hodson

Perfect for dog moms and dads with a sense of humor, Upside Down Dogs is an endearing tribute to our pups’ favorite sleeping position–on the back, paws splayed in the air. This book is sure to bring a wry smile to anyone who knows and loves dogs.

5. Dog Mama: 200 Tips, Trends and How-To Secrets for Stylish Dog Owners by Serena Faber-Nelson

Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z dog mamas (and everyone else with any sense of style) will spend cozy hours pouring over this incredible book, which is full of fashion, home, and DIY advice from top dog influencer Serena Faber-Nelson of @Pretty_Fluffy. 

For Elementary, Middle School and Young Adult Dog Guardians

1. The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever: A Step-by-Step Guide to 118 Amazing Tricks and Stunts by Larry Kay and Chris Perondi

Yes, every kid needs a book for Christmas (or two, or three!!). And any dog-mamas or dog-dads-in-training will thank you for the incredible bond they’ll build with their furry siblings. An amazing resource for middle school kids, the book combines light text with easy-to-follow photos walking them through every step of every trick. 

2. 101 Dog Tricks, Kid’s Edition: Fun and Easy Activities, Games, and Crafts by Kyra Sundance

This Kindle kids version of the grown-up and wildly-popular 101 Dog Tricks is accessible even to elementary school kids and appropriate for reading levels 2-5. Kyra Sundance, a respected animal trainer, has worked with 4-H participants for years, and so she understands the hearts and minds not only of dogs, but of the small humans who love them. And, the photos illustrating the “how-to” are photos of kids teaching the tricks! What better way to encourage young dog parents. A perfect present for dog lovers under 11 or so. 

3. Our Dogs, Ourselves — Young Readers Edition: How We Live with Dogs by Alexandra Horowitz

Another great Kindle adaptation from an adult book, this grade 6-8 level version of Our Dogs, Ourselves gives younger animal lovers a lot to think about both from a moral and a practical standpoint. Posing questions that will make any thinking human think more, the book is a perfect gift for a young pet parent/sibling in those impressionable years when our senses of responsibility and fairness are most influx.

For Eco-Friendly or Holistically-Minded Dog Moms and Dog Dads 

1. Greening Your Pet Care: Reduce Your Animal’s Environmental Paw-Print by Darcy Matheson

So many modern pet parents work hard to be gentle on the earth–they walk instead of ride, they upcycle or recycle instead of buying new, they use glass and reject plastic. Mindful dog mamas and dads will love this insightful guide to easing their dog’s environmental impact. Animal writer and journalist Darcy Matheson provides us with dozens of ways to help our entire family–both human and canine–take better care of the earth. Who could ask for a more fitting Christmas present? 

2. Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way To Enhance Your Pet’s Life by Mary L. Wulff and Gary L. Tilford

Holisticly-minded pet owners will fall in love with this book that’s frequently consulted in our own home. From handling minor dog allergies with nettle to easing anxiety in our beloved fur kids, Wulff and Tilford bring to animal care their years of experience as herbalists. A must-have to be used in conjunction with the family veterinarian!

3. New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats: Herbs, Acupressure, Massage, Homeopathy, Flower Essences, Natural Diets, Healing Energy by Amy Shojai

Although we use this book as a companion to Herbs for Pets, the holistic book New Choices In Natural Healing could also stand alone as a gift for hands-on pet parents who embrace 21st century clean living and alternative therapies. Full of instructions regarding pet massage and natural interventions, the text is wonderful to have on-hand for aiding in maintaining or improving a pet’s health. 

(Remember! This post may contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience and to help support our work. The non-Amazon links are not affiliate, but they’re there because we want you to have quick access to products we believe in or are interested in regardless of whether we earn a commission. Our full disclosure, disclaimer, and copyright notices are found here. )