Our 7 Favorite Picture Book Dogs

Harry the Dirty Dog, by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham
Usual tricks not working to get the kids to take a bath? Try barking up this tree: Scare them into thinking you may not recognize them if they don’t clean up. Such is the near fate of Harry, a spry white dog with black spots who likes everything—except taking a bath. One day he even runs off before his bath and gets so dirty that he turns into a black dog with white spots, and when he returns, his family doesn’t believe it’s him—until they give him a good bath.

Clifford the Big Red Dog, by Norman Bridwell
Literary classic Clifford will likely up the Fido fever for children; after all he is the “biggest, reddest” dog on his owner Emily Elizabeth’s street—and beyond. Lovable Clifford’s size gets him into silly situations that kids will love, but more than that, Clifford shows readers the importance of being a loyal friend, and proves that being different is definitely OK.

The Poky Little Puppy, by Janette Sebring Lowrey and Gustaf Tenggren
The charming Poky Little Puppy has been moseying along, digging holes under fences, and scarfing up his littermates’ puddings and custards for more than 70 years in this beloved Little Golden Book, first published in 1942. And it serves as another lesson-learning book in more ways than one: There are several counting opportunities when it comes to tallying all the pups, and there’s the important moral to the story: that puppies who dig holes under fences (or perhaps kids who aren’t being good listeners or eating all their broccoli) won’t get any dessert.

Good Dog, Carl, by Alexandra Day
Sometimes breeds like Rottweilers get a bad rap, but Carl is here to change all of that. OK, truth be told, parents definitely shouldn’t leave a dog of any breed to babysit their human children (hello, Captain Obvious!). But this modern classic is pure make-believe, as Carl the dog is left in charge of the baby while his mother is out shopping. And the book needs hardly any words to weave a kind, fanciful story.

Biscuit, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Biscuit’s a sweet, yellow puppy with one thing on his mind: weaseling out of his bedtime. He has all sorts of delaying tactics: He wants a drink, a snack, a light on, a story, just one more hug—sound familiar? This simple, endearing story has a lovely ending, and it’s a great beginning to a long list of Biscuit books that kids dearly love.

Where’s Spot?, by Eric Hill
Children have been lifting the flaps and looking for Spot for more than 30 years now in this classic canine book. Spot’s mama is looking all over the house for her puppy. Is he behind the door? Inside the clock? Under the stairs? And why isn’t this mother dog freaked out about the bear, the snake, and a whole slew of other animals creeping behind these flaps? Keep the Scotch tape handy, because this book is sure to get some good wear and tear from little hands looking for that silly dog Spot.

Oh No, George!, by Chris Haughton
George says he’ll be good while his owner, Harry, is out. He hopes he’ll be good, that is. But can he really be expected to behave when there’s cake, a cat, and delightful dirt around?! What will George do? Kids and parents will love this sweet and funny story about a colorful dog with the best of intentions.
Who’s your favorite picture book dog, and is he a good boy?