27 Best Country Songs About Dogs

Dog lover? Country music fan? Join the club!

Today I’ve compiled the best country songs about dogs, enjoy with your furry friend.

“It’s Just a Dog” by Mo Pitney

Song Year: 2016

We’re starting the list off with a beautiful tear-jerker. It perfectly highlights how dogs can unexpectedly come into our lives and turn things upside-down for the better.

Pitney sings about finding a dog on the side of the road. She causes trouble in his life but is always there for him through tough times. The song’s title is a refrain that shows Pitney’s opinion is changing for the better as time goes on.

“Cracker Jack” by Dolly Parton

Song Year: 1974

“Cracker Jack” is a song about a childhood best friend. Parton found a skinny, scraggly-looking dog and took him in. They played together daily, and Cracker Jack always gave her love, understanding, and true companionship.

Though it shares a similar storyline to Pitney’s homage, this song is much more fun and upbeat. It’s just as beautiful but less likely to make you cry.

“Tennessee Hound Dog” by The Osborne Brothers

Song Year: 1995

“Tennessee Hound Dog” is a fun, fast-paced song that fondly pokes fun at an old hound dog. There’s no doubt that the group sang the song out of love, but it didn’t cause them to hold back with their lyrics.

The Osbourne Brothers describe the saddest, ugliest, and most pitiful-looking dog around. Yet, none of his features stop him from being an excellent tracker and veritable Romeo.

“Like My Dog” by Billy Currington

Song Year: 2010

In “Like My Dog,” Billy Currington daringly compares his significant other to man’s best friend. Instead of listing the characteristics that he loves about his dog, he tells what his dog doesn’t do. His dog doesn’t complain, criticize him, and loves him no matter what.

He asks multiple times for his partner to love him the way his dog does. While this song might have a somewhat negative take on human relationships, everything he says about dogs is true. They love unconditionally, and there is nothing quite like it.

“My Dog and Me” by John Hiatt

Song Year: 2003

John Hiatt describes the perfect day in “My Dog and Me.” They spend the day on the trails out in the sunlight. He shows an appreciation for his pet’s quirks and the excitement she feels from being outdoors.

It’s a very simple way to pass the day, but it lets him feel free. This sweet song is slower-paced but not too slow. It’s leisurely, like a stroll.

“Move it on Over” by Hank Williams

Song Year: 1947

Hank Williams good-naturedly sings about getting into trouble with his partner. She’s mad at him and kicks him out, so he sleeps with the dog.

While this song is more about a romantic relationship than animal companionship, it highlights many good dog qualities. They never judge us and always love us, even when we don’t necessarily deserve it.

“Old Shep” by Red Foley (covered by Johnny Cash)

Song Year: 1941 (1975)

Red Foley and Arthur Willis wrote “Old Shep” in 1933 but didn’t release it until 1941. Many people have covered the song since then, including Johnny Cash, who recorded the more well-known version.

This song is about saying goodbye to a dear friend and faithful companion. Old Shep saved the singer literally and figuratively throughout his life. Cash delivers a bittersweet and melancholic ballad, while Foley’s is more of a cheery fondness.

“Feed Jake” by Pirates of the Mississippi

Song Year: 1990

“Feed Jake” tells the story of a person going through hard times. His main concern is still for his best boy, Jake. If anything happens to him, he wants someone to be sure to look after his dog no matter what.

I think every pet owner can relate to this feeling. And if you need a bit of a boost after thinking about these solemn lyrics, check out this inspirational playlist.

“I Love My Dog” by Cat Stevens

Song Year: 1967

This is a simple song about the eternal love of dogs. People may come and go throughout our lives, but our pets will always be there for us. They give us a sense of purpose, make our lives much more rewarding, and can always be counted on.

“Little Boys Grow Up and Dogs Get Old” by Luke Bryan

Song Year: 2015

The title of this song reveals a lot about the story it tells. It tackles getting your first dog and eventually losing them. When you’re young, it seems like you and everyone in your life will live forever. It’s a lesson Bryan wishes he never had to learn.

He fondly reminisces about the fun they had and all the major life events they shared. It’s a sweet song that’ll make you tear up. 

“Ol’ Red” by George Jones (covered by Blake Shelton)

Song Year: 1990 (2001)

George Jones first sang this song in 1990 and it has been covered several times since. This version by Blake Shelton in 2001 made the song popular. “Ol’ Red” is about a guard dog in prison who is an excellent tracker.

The prisoner who’s singing uses a female dog to throw Ol’ Red off his trail and escape. It’s a funny story and a great song.

“Old Grey Dog” by Jimmy Scott

Song Year: 2010

“Old Grey Dog” is so sad for two reasons: a good boy is getting old, and his family doesn’t pay enough attention to him. Scott is an outside observer who sees how much love the dog has for his family, and it makes him love the dog all the more.

Thinking about a dog not being cared for makes me cry harder than anything. But it also makes me want to appreciate my dog even more.

“Old Blue” by The Byrds

Song Year: 1969

“Old Blue” isn’t the most lyrically complex, but we don’t mind. It’s mighty catchy and easy to sing along with. It talks about the power and ferocity of a dog named Old Blue. Everything he did was so intense that he even made the ground shake when he died. Now that’s some dog.

“Can’t Be Replaced” by Dierks Bentley

Song Year: 2016

This song is about things that can’t be replaced. Certainly, the sentiment makes you think about what’s important in your life (your dog).

Don’t wait until things are gone to start appreciating them. They deserve to know that you love them!

“Maggie’s Song” by Chris Stapleton

Song Year: 2020

“Maggie’s Song” is a beautiful tribute to the family’s dog, Maggie. She was a rescue who needed their help but ended up bringing joy to her new family. She enjoyed the simple things in life like running, chasing squirrels, and following the kids around.

It’s hard not to be affected by the sight of a dog living its life with abandon. Maggie had a free, rebellious spirit that couldn’t be stopped by death.

“Old King” by Neil Young

Song Year: 1992

It seems like everyone who sings about their dog thinks they have the best one that ever lived. To that, I’d have to say that they’re all correct. Every dog is the goodest dog there ever was.

“Old King” is about a hound dog who was an extraordinary tracker and hunter, and an even better companion. King has already passed in this song, so Young is remembering the best things about him. Despite the context, Young is relatively upbeat as he looks back with appreciation and fondness at the times he had with his friend.

“The More Boys I Meet” by Carrie Underwood

Song Year: 2007

“The More Boys I Meet” is more about relationship troubles than how great dogs are, but it still does a good job of showing us how faithful pups are. After all, they love us unconditionally, so it makes sense that they raise the standards we have for it elsewhere.

We’re strong, independent people; we don’t need a significant other. That’s especially true when you have a dog to come home to. You’ll never feel lonely with them around.

“Every Dog Has Its Day” by Toby Keith

Song Year: 2009

Keith’s song is inspired by the phrase “every dog has its day.” His lyrics are full of dog puns, and they even list various kinds of dogs. That’s a good reminder that dogs come in many shapes and sizes, and we should appreciate them all.

The song doesn’t take itself seriously, which is a nice change of pace from the grief expressed in some other entries.

“Love Someone” by Brett Eldredge

Song Year: 2017

If you only listened to this song without watching the music video, you may wonder why it’s on this list. It sounds like a typical country love song, but it’s not. Eldredge is singing to his dog, Edgar, about how much he loves him.

The video is filled with clips of Edgar as a puppy, giving further context (and sweetness) to the lyrics. It’s also another upbeat song that’s easy to sing along to, so it’s a win-win.

“Dirty Old Egg Sucking Dog” by Johnny Cash

Song Year: 1966

Yes, Johnny Cash is on this list of country songs about dogs twice, but it’s more like Johnny and Anti-Johnny. This song is not as kind as “Old Shep” is. In fact, it’s about an ugly old dog who sneaks into a hen house and sucks eggs.

Cash is angry at the dog and threatens violence. One could compare their relationship to Farmer McGregor and Peter Rabbit (if Farmer McGregor had a gun). It’s still a lovely song to listen to, all the same.

“Blue” by Peter, Paul, and Mary

Song Year: 1964

This song blends folk and country together. It’s fun and funny thanks to the spoken bits in between the singing. It’s all about a dog named Blue, who is a kind and loyal companion. However, as the lyrics progress, so does the style of the song and even the focus of the lyrics.

“Everything Reminds Me of My Dog” by Jane Siberry

Song Year: 1989

To me, this song has an energy reminiscent of show tunes, but that makes it fun and infectious. It has lyrics that would make you think it’s a lover’s ballad, given how many things in life remind the singer of her dog.

The good news is that it’s not bad that she can see her dog in everything and everyone. In fact, she thinks she’ll most likely get along with anyone who shares her pet’s characteristics.

“Good Dogs” Jameson Rodgers

Song Year: 2021

Jameson Rodgers gives us another sorrowful song about losing a faithful furry companion. We take on death as pet owners, but it never gets any easier. It’s hard to say goodbye, whether it’s expected or unexpected.

Sure, we don’t speak the same language, but we can do our best to communicate with love. Rodgers says that if you take care of things like people and cars, they’ll stay in your life a long time, but there’s never enough time with our dogs.

“I’ve Got a Dog” by Dwight Yoakam and Sandra Boynton

Song Year: 2021

While this is more of a children’s song, that doesn’t mean it’s not a great country song about dogs. It’s super catchy and easy to sing along to. Yoakam says his dog isn’t particularly good-looking and doesn’t listen well, but he still loves him. The dog won’t amount to much, but he still has value. That’s a good lesson for kids to learn.

“Old Rattler” by Grandpa Jones

Song Year: 1969

“Old Rattler” is about an old, blind dog who lives on a farm. He’s a friendly pup that tries to do his best, especially when it comes to getting food off the table. His affable nature is perfectly captured when he opts to take a walk with a raccoon instead of helping to catch it. Despite his shortcomings, Grandpa Jones loves him.

“Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” by Lobo

Song Year: 1971

This song is all about traveling around and feeling free. Once you get a taste of it, it’s hard to go back. After all, life’s about the journey, not the destination, and a pooch named Boo helps make the experience better. This is a nice, leisurely song that celebrates the simple things in life, and how they can be enhanced by our dogs.

“I’m Gonna Buy Me a Dog (To Replace You)” by Duke Robillard

Song Year: 2015

This song by Duke Robillard is another entry that compares dogs to people. It lists all the bad things a romantic partner does that a dog would never do. Of course, the lyrics are more for complaining about the partner, but it shows us again how lucky we are to have dogs.

They never judge us, criticize us, or break our hearts. Instead, they just love us exactly how we are. It’s a bit bluesy compared to many on this list, but it is still true to its country roots.

Top Country Songs About Dogs, Final Thoughts

There are hundreds of great songs about dogs. These just happen to be the best country songs about dogs. Of course, every genre has its canine classics, so be sure to check them out, too.

Or, if you’re feeling especially inspired, write your own country song and serenade your pooch or pooches with it. They certainly won’t judge you and may even join in.