Everyone loves dogs. They’re furry, loveable pets who stick with you until the end. Some dogs are all bark and no bite. Others are stubborn and mean. What’s certain is that people can’t get enough of them.
Dogs can represent a lot of things in music. They can describe people who are your happy-go-lucky, loyal friends. Sometimes, they can symbolize people who are lost and abandoned. Whatever genre, man’s best friend has been the subject of many hit songs. Here are 27 songs about dogs.
1. Who Let The Dogs Out
“Who Let The Dogs Out” is a hit song released in 2000 by the Baha Men. It was a popular party song and is well-known by most children and adults. The song is about a group of women who get catcalled and respond by asking who let the dogs out. The hook is now a common expression that refers to a rowdy group of people.
Anselm Douglas recorded the original song “Doggie” and released it in 1998. The Baha Men covered it two years later. The song played in many movies and shows of the early 2000s. It is not uncommon to hear “Who Let The Dogs Out” at sporting events in the United States and the United Kingdom.
2. Atomic Dog – By George Clinton
“Atomic Dog” is a famous funk song released in 1982. It received notoriety in the late 80s and 90s because of the influence of later musical artists. In the lyrics, Clinton relates men to dogs. Both animals like to walk the street, both animals are rowdy, and both love to chase females.
This song includes the lyrics “Why must I feel like that, Why must I chase the cat, Nothing but the dog in me,” which would be referenced in the album cover for Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records. “Atomic Dog” has been sampled in numerous songs and is well-liked by hip-hop fans.
3. Black Dog – By Led Zeppelin
“Black Dog” is one of Led Zeppelins’ signature rock songs. The song plays in so many movies and shows that it is instantly recognizable. Everybody is familiar with the heavy-hitting guitar riff at the beginning of this song. “Black Dog” is energetic, loud, and addictive.
The lyrics are about being in love with a troublesome woman. They describe the mix of love and caution the singer feels for her. The title gets its name from a stray black labrador that would wander around the Hampshire mansion Led Zeppelin recorded inside. The phrase has little to do with the subject matter.
4. I Love My Dog – By Sublime
The band released “I Love My Dog” on the 1996 deluxe album Sublime. The lyrics to this song are about as simple as you can get. It starts and ends with the words “I love my dog.” If there’s anything Bradley Nowell wants you to know, it is his love for his pet.
This Sublime song is about the group’s fuzzy pet and mascot, Lou Dog. Lou Dog is a spotted- black and white dalmatian who appears on the band’s album covers and Sublime-related merchandise. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2001, leaving behind a quintessential song about dogs.
5. Doggy Dogg World – By Snoop Dogg
In the world of music, there is plenty of competition. There is no better way to describe making music in the 90s than competitive and cut-throat. “Doggy Dogg World” is a song about dealing with enemies in both the music world and your day-to-day life.
This song was released in 1993. The lyrics describe Snoop’s interactions with women and how he won’t let them get the best of him. The title “Doggy Dogg World” refers to Snoop, Tha Dogg Pound, and the group’s identity.
6. Gonna Buy Me A Dog – By The Monkees
“Gonna Buy Me A Dog” is a comedic song written by The Monkees. It is a simple song written about a man who gets startled by his girlfriend’s request to buy a dog. He seems to feel a bit of competition when considering he will have to share her attention with the pet.
You can hear Mickey Dolenz and the group pausing to laugh every few seconds throughout the song. The intro starts incorrectly, which causes the group to giggle before coming in again, barely on time. “Gonna Buy Me A Dog” was released in 1966 on The Monkees’ debut studio album.
7. Dog Eat Dog – By AC/DC
AC/DC wrote the song in response to the beef the band had with the music company. “Dog Eat Dog” eviscerates the executives they feel wronged them. It includes lyrics like, “Businessman, when you make a deal, Do you know who you can trust, Do you sign your life away, Do you write your name in dust.”
Dog Eat Dog was released on the 1977 studio album Let There Be Rock. The song’s title is a reference to the expression, “it’s a dog-eat-dog world.” The message is about independence and standing up for what you feel belongs to you.
8. Puppy Love – By Paul Anka
Being young and in love is something everyone experiences at least once. Often, people tell you that your feelings are temporary and disregard them. “Puppy Love” by Paul Anka is about feeling dismissed by the people around you. It is about having your love for someone taken lightly by the adults in your life.
The expression puppy love intends to sound dismissive. It is a patronizing expression, in the singer’s opinion. He sings about how, to him, his feelings are serious. It’s a relatable piece written in 1959.
9. Dogs – By The BeeGees
In 1974, The BeeGees released their album Mr. Natural. This album featured a lot of soul-driven songs like this one. “Dogs” is melancholic and regretful, much like the characters it describes. It describes purposelessness, loneliness, and life on the street.
The song describes the singer and his father. His father is old and spends most of his time on the street, “keeping other dogs like him for company.” Most of the song describes the singer’s attempts to reconcile their relationship.
10. Old Blue – By The Byrds
“Old Blue” is a sweet song with a simple message and repetitive lyrics. The writer created this song as a tribute to their late pet. It describes how their dog would chase possums around and how he shook the ground when he passed away. It’s a humble song with a catchy tune.
The Byrds released their version in 1969 on the album Dr. Byrds and Mr. Hyde. “Old Blue” derives from the late 1800s in the minstrel shows that were famous back then. There are numerous other covers of this song, like the 1928 version by Jim Jackson. It’s one of the oldest songs about dogs.
11. For My Dogs – By DMX
“For My Dogs” is about showing loyalty to the people around you. DMX raps about how he’d go through the worst, fight, and even die for his family. It features lyrics like, “Before all the rhyme, lessons that I keep in my mind, I owe you, And I give my right hand to show you.”
The song was released in 1998 on the album It’s Dark and Hell is Hot. “For My Dogs” is unfiltered and raw. It’s a traditional DMX song that deals with mature subjects and real-life struggles. The song features Kasino, Big Stan, Loose, and Drag-On.
12. Ol’ Red – By Blake Shelton
“Ol’ Red” is a song about an inmate who cleverly tricks a prison hound on his escape from jail. It’s a country song released in 2001 by Blake Shelton. The lyrics are funny and witty, which contrasts with the blues-like melody. It’s a cover of George Jones’s 1990 version of the song.
The singer introduces himself as a prisoner responsible for walking Ol’ Red, the prison’s search dog with an incredible sense of smell. One day, he escapes from jail by setting Ol’ Red up with his cousin’s blue-tick hound. As the two dogs bonded, he was able to avoid the guards.
13. Who Am I (What’s My Name) – By Snoop Dogg
Making a song like this is the ultimate way to introduce yourself as an artist. Every hip-hop fan is familiar with “What’s My Name.” The rap had set a precedent for many other G-Funk raps of its time. Snoop Dogg is a household name partially because of the success of this song and its album.
“Who Am I (What’s My Name)” samples bits from Atomic Dog by George Clinton. The hook, “Snoop Doggy Dogg,” is a catchy rework of Clinton’s. The song was released in 1993 and became certified gold a year later. It also reached number one on the Billboard US Hot Rap Songs.
14. How Much Is That Doggy In The Window – By Patti Page
“How Much Is That Doggy In The Window” is a popular children’s song, released in 1953 by Patti Page. The song is the cover of the original written by Bob Merril a year prior. It reached first place in Billboard magazine the year it was released.
The lyrics are basic and universally applicable. It is a song about a girl who sees a dog for sale and expresses her excitement over it. It reminds you of the many times you walked by the pet store growing up and fantasized about having your own pet. The song has become a novelty today.
15. Cracker Jack – By Dolly Parton
Growing up with a dog is an experience you would need to have had to understand. The love between you and your pup is not something words can explain. Dolly Parton’s 1974 song “Cracker Jack” is a song about losing your beloved pet and how they live on in memory.
The song describes the life of Parton’s dog, Cracker Jack. He was an awkward-looking dog who Parton found on the side of a river, cold and hungry. She spent her childhood confiding in him, and he grew up relying on her. It is one of the sadder songs about dogs, and it has a nostalgic tone.
16. Old King – By Neil Young
Have you ever lost a dog? Anyone who has will tell you all about the good times they had together, how they bonded, and how theirs was the best. “Old King” is a song by Neil Young released in 1992 that does just that.
“Old King” is a song about Neil’s old hound dog. The two would chase deer together, sit in his truck, and have fun. Despite the sad nature of the lyrics, the melody is somewhat upbeat. Many listeners will find this a relatable song.
17. Dogs – By Pink Floyd
Like most Pink Floyd songs, “Dogs” is a social commentary on the world and society. “Dogs” is about the downfall of people who are greedy and treacherous. It relates these types of people to dogs with lyrics about them being “fitted with collar and chain” and” lead away from the pack.”
The song starts by describing the habits of someone uncaring and conniving. It explains how they must be ready to strike at any moment and be prepared to stab someone in the back. As the song progresses, it describes how, in the end, they’ll end up a sad old man who betrayed anyone who ever cared for them. “Dogs” was released in 1977.
18. Rain Dogs – By Tom Waits
“Rain Dogs” is a song about getting lost. The piece gets its name after the expression “rain dogs,” which refers to dogs that get lost in the rain and can’t get back home. The rain washes away the tracks they leave behind to find their way.
The Rain Dogs album uses a lot of street music elements. For example, this song uses the kalimba, accordion, and gravelly vocals. Tom Waits includes these elements because they match the subject matter of being lost on the street. It appears on the 1985 album of the same name.
19. Move It On Over – By Hank Williams
Most of Hank’s songs are about relationship troubles. “Move It On Over” is about a man in the doghouse who’s been locked out of the house by his wife. The lyrics are sung by the man to his dog, who he must share a room with. It’s a relatable song that is a classic example of Hank Williams’ tone and style.
Hank Williams recorded “Move It On Over” in 1947. The song is one of the earliest examples of rock-and-roll in American history. “Move It On Over” mixes elements of the blues and soul with a steady rock tempo.
20. I’m A Dog – By Gucci Mane
Everyone wants to be the top dog. Gucci Mane’s 2009 song “I’m A Dog” is about Gucci’s lifestyle. It appears on the album The State Vs. Radric Davis. He’s unapologetic, at the top of his game, and respected.
The steady tempo goes well with the repetition of the chorus. Like many popular rap songs from the late 2000s, it features tambourines as percussion. It’s one of Gucci’s older songs. Its message is short, sweet, and simple.
21. Give The Dog A Bone – AC/DC
Like most of their songs, the band doesn’t hold back on this track. “Give The Dog A Bone” is about making love. It’s one of the more suggestive entries on the list. “Give The Dog A Bone” is a catchy rock song you’ll find yourself tapping your fingers to.
AC/DC’s “Give The Dog A Bone” was released in 1980 on the album Back In Black. Like most AC/DC songs, this track is colorful, fast-paced, and loud. The rambunctious lyrics of the song match the sound quite well.
22. Hound Dog – By Elvis Presley
“Hound Dog” is a rock song about a man who does not appreciate his mutt. The dog is no-good, lazy, and underperforms at every task. This classic is famous for its signature hook, “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog, Cryin’ all the time, Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit, and you ain’t no friend of mine.”
“Hound Dog” was first created by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and Big Mama Thornton in 1952. In 1956, Elvis Presley covered it. This cover would become incredibly popular, even becoming his best-selling song. Elvis’ cover was so famous that it topped the pop, rock, and country charts in 1956 at number one for 11 weeks. This record would not break for another 36 years.
23. Dog On A Leash – Adelitas
At some point in everyone’s life, they feel like they’re at the mercy of the people around them. “Dog On A Leash,” released by Adelitas Way in 2014, is about being constrained by your surroundings, especially by your partner. It is an unfortunate reality people must sometimes face.
“Dog On A Leash” sounds grunge and emotional. It’s the tone you’d expect for a song about such a stressful subject. It’s supposed to vent the singer’s anger and frustration with his situation. But, much like a dog on a leash, you can feel trapped by your environment.