Dogs have been by our side for thousands of years — as hunters, helpers, and companions. It’s no wonder they’ve also made their way into music. Whether used as symbols of loyalty, freedom, or just straight-up trouble, dogs have inspired some unforgettable tracks.

Here’s a deeper look at ten songs that celebrate, mention, or are inspired by our four-legged friends. We’re counting down from 10 to 1, so grab a leash and let’s go for a walk through music history.

10. “I Love My Dog” – Cat Stevens (1966)

Before he became Yusuf Islam, Cat Stevens was a teenage pop artist writing heartfelt songs. “I Love My Dog” was his debut single, and it says everything in the title. Inspired by his own dog, the track delivers a clear message: no human love can quite compare to the loyalty of a dog. For 1966, it was a bold emotional statement — turning the attention from romantic partners to pets.

9. “Old King” – Neil Young (1992)

This country-tinged folk tune is Neil Young at his most personal. “Old King” is about Young’s dog, Elvis — a loyal hound who traveled across America with him. The song blends nostalgia, loss, and humor: “That old King was a friend of mine.” It’s a reminder of how deeply musicians can bond with their animals, even on the road. When Elvis passed away, Young honored him the best way he knew — through song.

8. “Martha My Dear” – The Beatles (1968)

One of the Beatles’ most whimsical pieces, “Martha My Dear” was written by Paul McCartney during the White Album sessions. While it sounds like a love song, the Martha in question was Paul’s beloved Old English Sheepdog. The piano-led arrangement dances with classical influences, reflecting both the pet’s playful nature and McCartney’s love for her. Martha also became an icon in McCartney’s solo years, often photographed beside him.

7. “The Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine (2008)

Florence Welch wasn’t writing about actual dogs — instead, she used the term “dog days” to describe emotional burnout. But the energy of the song, from the galloping drums to her euphoric vocals, captures that feeling of shaking off a heavy leash. Inspired by an art piece in London that said “Dog Days Are Over,” Florence turned it into a musical exorcism of pain and hardship. It’s now an anthem of joy and release, echoing the way a dog might race free after being cooped up too long.

6. “Hound Dog” – Big Mama Thornton (1952) / Elvis Presley (1956)

Let’s get one thing straight: Big Mama Thornton did it first. Her 1952 version of “Hound Dog” was raw, bluesy, and biting — a protest against a man who “ain’t no friend of mine.” When Elvis covered it four years later, he cleaned it up and cranked up the rock ‘n’ roll. Both versions use the dog metaphor to call out bad behavior, but each speaks to a different cultural moment — Big Mama’s blues giving way to Elvis’ mainstream success.

5. “Diamond Dogs” – David Bowie (1974)

Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” is more dystopia than dog park. Inspired by George Orwell’s 1984 and Bowie’s fascination with post-apocalyptic imagery, the song paints a world of wild, rebellious creatures roaming the city streets. Here, the “dogs” are misfits and survivors, scavenging through ruins. Though not about pets, the title and imagery tap into the idea of the dog as a symbol of raw instinct, freedom, and chaos.

4. “Man of the Hour” – Norah Jones (2009)

This gentle, jazz-tinged ballad is a love song — not to a man, but to a dog. Norah Jones sings about a furry companion who never argues, never drinks her wine, and is always there. It’s a quiet tribute to the kind of unwavering support only a dog can give. Written at a time when Jones was exploring more personal material, it’s a stand-out for anyone who’s chosen a pup over a problematic partner.

3. “Black Dog” – Led Zeppelin (1971)

One of Zeppelin’s most iconic tracks, “Black Dog” isn’t really about a dog at all. The name came from a black Labrador that wandered the studio during the recording of Led Zeppelin IV. The song itself is a fevered love chase — with Robert Plant wailing about desire and frustration. But that title stuck, and the mysterious dog became part of the band’s lore. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected things (or animals) that leave a mark.

2. “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?” – Patti Page (1953)

Sweet and simple, this novelty hit was a massive success in the post-war era. Its catchy chorus — “the one with the waggly tail” — made it a family favorite. But beneath the sugar is a real cultural moment: in the 1950s, American families were moving to the suburbs, and the image of a dog in the window symbolized stability, innocence, and domestic dreams. It’s a nostalgic trip to a time when music, like life, was a little more innocent.

1. “Who Let the Dogs Out” – Baha Men (2000)

It might be the most polarizing dog-themed song ever, but there’s no denying its impact. Originally written by Anslem Douglas in 1998, the Baha Men version became a global earworm. While it sounds like a party anthem, the song was first written as a critique of catcalling — the “dogs” being rude men in clubs. Despite its deeper meaning, it found fame as a sports chant, movie soundtrack staple, and Y2K relic. Like it or not, no dog-related song has barked louder.