While Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog" may be one of the most memorable songs about a dog, but it's not the only melody dedicated to man's best friend.
Music is written about the most important things in people's lives. So it's no surprise that songs about dogs would make it into the mix. People love their doggies. They go everywhere with us and provide comfort when we need it. Whether we are heartbroken over a breakup or in need of a friend, our pups are there for us.
Country songs are well-known for bearing big feelings more than any other genre. In fact, they pour all of their heart into their songwriting, and they certainly don't hold back when it comes to their dogs. Whether they lament the loss of a childhood best friend or musing about how their pup is better than their current prospects, songwriters know just how to put a human and a dog's friendship to words. Of course, the catchy melody doesn't hurt either.
A Songwriters Love Song About Their Dog
Dog lovers everywhere have strong bonds with their pups. So it only makes sense that songwriters would translate those strong feelings into some of the best music ever to grace a playlist. It's no surprise that many of the songs come from country music, but some of the more popular dog songs come from mainstream music too.
Some top billboard songs seem like love songs that one would assume are about someone with two legs. However, with some of these, you would be wrong. Instead, this grouping of best songs are all about the good dogs in these singers' lives.
1. "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley
No matter what genre of music you listen to, "Hound Dog" by Elvis is an oldie, but a goodie!
2. "Like My Dog" by Billy Currington
In a humorous take on relationships, Currington wants his girlfriend to love him like his dog.
3. "Cracker Jack" by Dolly Parton
Dolly has a few songs dedicated to the dogs in her life. "Cracker Jack" is a moving tribute to "a playmate, a companion."
4. "Martha My Dear" by The Beatles
Most people don't know that this little ballad written by Paul McCartney was written about his beloved sheepdog, Martha.
5. "Who Let The Dogs Out" by Baha Men
This tune from 2000 isn't exactly about our four-legged friends, but this metaphorical song sure is catchy.
6. "Move It On Over" by Hank Williams
Hank spends a lot of time in the doghouse in this song.
7. "Old King" by Neil Young
Young's song "Old King" is about his sweet hound dog, Elvis.
8. "I'm Gonna Buy Me a Dog" by The Monkees
In a move to get over his girl, the singer decides to get himself a dog.
9. "I Love My Dog" by Cat Stevens
Stevens wrote this song at the age of 17, telling the lucky woman in his life that he loves her and her dog about the same. He wrote the song to the music of American Jazz instrumentalist Yusef Lateef, and the song has been rereleased crediting Lateef.
10. "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin
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Legend has it this song was written about a black dog who just wandered into the studio.
11. "Old Blue" by The Byrds
This song is said to be an old folk song from the 19th century. It has been recorded by many artists over the year, from Joan Baez to Peter, Paul & Mary.
12. "The More Boys I Meet" By Carrie Underwood
The song lamenting the lack of decent prospects out there goes, "the more boys I meet, the more I like my dog." Girl, me too!
13. "Little Boys Grow Up And Dogs Get Old" By Luke Bryan
While Bryan is known for his high-tempo summer lovin' country songs, he gets sentimental with this song about a dog. He muses about aging, singing, "And I thought we would be together, go on and on just like that, forever, but I was young back then, God I wish I didn't know, little boys grow up, and dogs get old."
14. "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo" by Lobo
Probably one of the most recognized songs about a dog, "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo" came out in 1971 and climbed the Billboard charts all the way up to number five.
15. "Seamus the Dog" by Pink Floyd
Steve Marriott's pup Seamus was the subject of this song about a dog and even made his musical debut "howling" on the track.
16. "Ol' Red" by Blake Shelton
Our dogs get us through a lot of things in life. Ol' Red sets the bar pretty high, though, helping the man in the song break out of prison.
17. "Man of The Hour" by Norah Jones
While it may seem like Norah is singing about a man, the song is really about her poodle, Ralph.
18. "Old Shep" by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton
Nothing like a tearjerker to round out the list. While this one has been recorded many times by various artists over the years, the song originally called "Hound Dog" is dedicated to a dog who was poisoned.
Some singers take the metaphorical use of a dog to the next level, like The Stooges "I wanna be your dog." Clearly not really about a pup, but the sentiment is there. Check out other songs about dogs by artists such as George Clinton, John Hiatt, and Sublime. There is no shortage of puppy songs out there. Whether writing songs about pups or using them as a vessel to convey their feelings about how someone is treating them, dogs will have a place in music forever.
Put together a playlist of your favorite pup songs to enjoy with your dog. Whether you listen together while hanging out in the backyard or belt out the songs on a road trip, I'm sure your pup will appreciate the extra puppy love.
Which of these songs about dogs is your fave? Did we miss any? Tell us over on our Wide Open Pets Facebook page!
