The first book my then-toddler daughter really liked was ‘Spot goes to party’. She was obsessed with it – memorized every line, and had endless fun lifting the flaps. Most of the parents can relate to similar moments. Babies and Toddlers love dogs. They are familiar, friendly, fun. It is then no surprise that dog books are popular with this age group.

Also, check out more animal books for toddlers here.

17 Best DOG Books For Babies & Toddlers

dog books for babies and toddlers

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There are plenty of dog books available for the 0- 3 years age group. Just need to find the one your child will love.

We have compiled a list of 17 books that are loved by babies and toddlers and recommended by parents. We hope your child enjoys reading them.

Short On Time? Dog Books We Love:

Board Books

These board books are suitable for little hands and rough handling by babies and toddlers.

The Babies And Doggies Book - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

The Babies And Doggies Book

Ever noticed how babies and doggies do many similar activities. This fun board book lists out all the similarities between small children and doggies – sniff, splash, squirm included! Real pictures of babies and doggies make this book more relatable for babies. Simple, rhyming words make this a fun read. A perfect doggy board book for your little one.

Babies Love Puppies - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Babies Love Puppies

This one is a charming lift-the-flap board book for babies and toddlers to introduce them to puppies. Children will surely get delighted looking at all the tricks a puppy can perform. Bright pictures and small sentences – make this book an age-appropriate and easy favorite.

Where's Spot? - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Where’s Spot?

This book needs no introduction. Your child will squeal with delight after finding Spot at the end of this book. An interactive and playful story, lifting the flaps in search of Spot is super fun.

The simple story is perfect for a quick read to your child before bedtime. If your child loves this book, check out the other Spot books.

Who’s That Dog? - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Who’s That Dog?

Following a dog is fun as it chases squirrels, jumps into the neighborhood pool, and performs all other crazy antics. Beautiful artwork and entertaining rhymes make this board book ideal for children up to 3 years old.

Also, check out more farm animal books for toddlers here.

Indestructibles: Row, Row, Row Your Boat - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Indestructibles: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Celebrate the father-son relationship through this age-old popular song. The brightly colored pictures of the adorable dog father and son duo are sweet. These Indestructible books are non-toxic and washable. Finally, a book – your little one can chew!

Goodnight, Good Dog Carl - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Goodnight, Good Dog Carl

Carl is everyone’s favorite dog. He makes sure that everyone is ok and tucked in properly before going to bed himself. Illustrated with bright, colorful and detailed illustrations, this durable board book is perfect for little hands. A thoughtful gift for any toddler, this soothing storybook is a bedtime favorite.

Happy Dog - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Happy Dog And Other Furry Friends

Meet different breeds of dogs and touch and explore the raised structures and fingerprint embossing. An engaging book with fun rhymes, perfect for babies till toddlers.

Picture Books

Let your child have endless fun looking at these beautifully illustrated dog picture books.

The Market Square Dog - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

The Market Square Dog

This picture book about a dog is a James Herriot classic. The story is relevant even to this date. It is an engaging and beautifully illustrated book. Read this with your 3yrs old.

Harry The Dirty Dog - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Harry The Dirty Dog

This is a vintage story about a dog who does not like to take bath and runs away outside. It has fun and engages in mischief throughout the town and gets dirty in the process. Once hungry, it returns home.

However, its owners fail to recognize it, as its entire white color body is covered by dirt. The pictures add to the beautiful story. A book your messy child can easily relate to.

Alaska’s Dog Heroes - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Alaska’s Dog Heroes

These are true stories of the brave, intelligent dogs from Alaska. They traverse mountains through winter, delivers essential medicines, fights bear, helps find lost children.

They are true heroes and man’s best friend indeed! Read all about them in this beautifully illustrated pictured book.

Dog’s Colorful Day - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Dog’s Colorful Day

A perfect book to teach children about counting and colors, through a messy dog. Beautiful fun illustrations and fewer words make this book toddler-friendly.

Can I Be Your Dog? - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Can I Be Your Dog?

This one is a touching picture book about a homeless dog Arty. He writes to everyone to get adopted, explaining why he would be the perfect pet. Find out who adopts Arty in the end in this moving storybook.

This Pup Steps Up! - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

This Pup Steps Up!

Let your toddler learn about all the fun and colorful things a dog can do. From working as a service guide to herding sheep, leading sleds, or maybe being the perfect companion – these are a few of the many things our furry buddies have been doing for humans.

The book also showcases dogs of different breeds. The rhyming text and vivid colorful pictures make this a fun picture book for your little one.

100 Dogs: Playful Pups to Count - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

100 Dogs: Playful Pups to Count

Read about all types of dog traits in this fun book. Leap dog, sheep dog, fast asleep dog, you can find all the imaginable types of dogs in this book.

Your child can learn adjectives and count with this book. The 100 types of dogs are sure to keep your child engaged for a long time. It is a fun rhyming read filled with fantastic illustrations.

Boomer’s Big Day - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Boomer’s Big Day

A charming story about a family pet who is confused about the changes happening around with all the strangers and boxes in the house. But finally, once the family moves, it loves the new place. A book for children explaining that changes are good. Get this for your child when shifting place.

If You Give A Dog A Donut - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

If You Give A Dog A Donut

This dog book is from the popular ‘If you give’ series. Follow the dog as it sets on an adventure after having a donut and juice. Fun rhyming text and colorful whimsical illustrations make this book a fun read aloud.

Check more dog books series for kids here.

Mookie & Rona - image of a dog book for babies and toddlers

Mookie & Rona

A story for children living through a pandemic, narrated from the perspective of a family dog. Endearing, heart-touching.

Dog Themed Activities for Toddlers

  • Get this Free printable dog craft from simplemomproject.com. Paper, scissors, glue, colors, and you are all set for an hour of fun activity with your toddler.
  • If you are interested in teaching your kids numbers, you can check out these playful pet number lessons (paid). teacherspayteachers.com
  • What can be more interesting than making some dog and puppy snacks. childfun.com
  • Here are some fun dog learning activities you can do with your little one on a relaxed afternoon. daniellesplace.com

Watch the fun read-aloud Can I be your Dog with your young one.


curtesy: Books Alive!