This festive period is all about singing, dancing, and being merry. So, there’s no better way to get those feet (and paws) moving than with our ultimate dog-themed playlist! We’ve compiled some of the best songs about dogs so you can create the paw-fect playlist for you and your pup.
Our first song about dogs is the world-famous track released in 1956 by Elvis Presley that gave him his fourth American number one. Even today, this popular track by Presley is still a recognizable song to humans and dogs everywhere. Did you know that on The Steve Allen Show, Elvis took his song to the stage and performed Hound Dog to an actual basset hound in a top hat?!
This next famous song about dogs was performed by Patti Page in 1953. This well-known song managed to reach number one on both the Billboard charts, with over two million copies being sold. The track wasn’t just great for toe-tapping; it also had a profound impact on pet adoption. Patti is remembered fondly by the Humane Society for her compassion towards animals.
‘Who Let The Dogs Out’ is arguably one of the most popular dog themed songs. Released in 2000, it topped the charts internationally and went on to win a Grammy Award for ‘Best Dance Recording’ in 2001. Although Rolling Stone gave the tune the title of the third most annoying song of all time, there’s no denying that the infectious song has had dogs howling along for years.
The brilliantly named song ‘I Love My Dog’ is a must for any dog song playlist. Performed in 1966 by Cat Stevens, it tells the story of a man who loves his dog as much as the lady in his life. Stevens was only 18 years old when the song was released, and it was the song that earned him a record deal. Steven’s dog inspired this song, as after he claimed an unwanted dachshund outside a bookshop, it became the man’s best friend.
This track was first published in 1935, inspired by a German Shepherd that Foley owned as a child. It was later covered by many other artists, including Elvis Presley, and became a country classic. The tune has been referenced in other aspects of popular culture, with Foley’s song being Del Boy's favourite song in Only Fools and Horses.
Dolly Parton’s 1974 hit is an ode to her childhood best friend, a stray dog she rescued called Cracker Jack. This is one of the best songs about dogs as Dolly was inspired by the unwavering love dogs provide to humans, encompassing the everlasting canine companionship.
Although mistaken for being written about a woman, Paul McCartney wrote this heartfelt love song about his beloved Sheepdog Martha. The song was released in 1968 after purchasing Martha as a puppy in 1966, and their bond continued all the way until 1981. This dog themed song really does show us that all you need is love!
Carrie Underwood’s 2007 song about dogs is a heartwarming expression about what canine companionship means to her. Underwood sings about how her relationships with men always have an unfortunate fate and that the more boys she meets, the more she loves her dog. Her song makes it clear that she chooses to treasure the unwavering love of her pup over feeling romances. Encompassing the unbreakable bond humans share with their beloved furry friends.
The name of this Led Zeppelin song doesn’t have such a heartfelt backstory, but it does involve a charming pooch. The 1971 track titled Black Dog isn’t quite a song about dogs but is inspired by a black Labrador the band met. When creating the song in Hampshire, an unnamed Labrador would wander to where they were staying, and the band would feed it. When trying to create a title, they were inspired by the black pup.
This song by Norah Jones was released in 2009 and was the final track she released as part of her album. The song details how she faces a choice between finding love but ultimately chooses to seek out companionship in her dog instead. Although pictured with a St. Bernard on the album cover, her song is dedicated to her beloved Poodle Ralph, who she said is the real man of the hour.
We hope this has given you some new ideas for your dog song playlist as just like humans, dogs enjoy music too!
Did you know that research suggests classical, reggae, and soft rock music can be soothing for dogs with the sounds, tempos, and rhythms having a relaxing effect on our canine companions? They can even have individual music preferences, enjoying certain types of sounds over others (just like us!).
Watch out for your dog’s body language when listening to different kinds of music to understand what they like. You may even find that they react well to the music that you find relaxing! Dogs can be sensitive to their human’s moods and can sense how you’re feeling which can then impact their mood too. Just remember that their hearing is more sensitive than ours, so start with low volumes when sharing your favourite tunes.
If your dog needs help relaxing, play some soothing music in addition to using your ADAPTIL Calm diffuser to enhance their serenity. Simply plug the diffuser in where your pup spends most of their time to create a reassuring environment for them.
If you’re interested in finding out more famous songs about dogs or ways to help relax your pup, you can check out the rest of our blogs online! You can also stay up to date with all the latest updates and advice by signing up to our newsletter.