From Hairy Maclary to Kiwi the Cockerpoo: Wonderful Picture Books About Dogs

Kiwi the Cockerpoo

There has always been something special about dogs in children's stories.

Whether they're mischievous, loyal, curious or simply full of personality, canine characters have a wonderful way of making children smile. For many young readers, a favourite dog in a book can become almost as familiar as the family pet, encouraging them to return to the same stories time and again.

If you're looking for a children's picture book with a memorable dog character, here are a few favourites that have delighted generations of young readers.

Hairy Maclary

Few picture book dogs are as instantly recognisable as Hairy Maclary. With lively rhyming text and wonderfully expressive illustrations, Hairy Maclary's adventures have entertained children for decades. The stories are full of gentle humour, memorable characters and plenty of excitement without ever becoming frightening, making them perfect for sharing together.

Kipper

Kipper has been helping children discover the joy of reading for many years. His stories are gentle, reassuring and full of everyday adventures that young children can easily relate to. They are ideal for bedtime reading or for children beginning to develop a love of books.

Spot

It's impossible to talk about famous picture book dogs without mentioning Spot.

The much-loved lift-the-flap stories have introduced countless children to reading in an interactive and engaging way. Spot's curiosity and friendly nature have made him a favourite across several generations.

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Sometimes bigger really is better!

Clifford's enormous size creates plenty of opportunities for funny situations, but at the heart of every story are themes of friendship, kindness and helping others. His adventures remind children that it's what's inside that really matters.

Kiwi the Cockerpoo

Every dog has its own personality, and Kiwi the Cockerpoo certainly has plenty of that.

Unlike many picture books where each story introduces a new cast of characters, every Kiwi adventure follows the same cheerful black cockerpoo as he navigates the world around him. Whether he's visiting a cricket match, exploring space, solving a mystery or causing complete mayhem at the gym, Kiwi approaches every situation with complete confidence—even if his dog logic occasionally makes life rather more entertaining for everyone else.

Because the same main character appears throughout the series, children quickly become familiar with Kiwi and his family. That familiarity helps many young readers feel comfortable returning for the next adventure, while each story still offers something fresh, funny and unexpected.

Choosing the Right Picture Book About Dogs

Every child enjoys different kinds of stories, so there isn't a single "best" dog book for everyone.

Some children love rhyming adventures packed with energy. Others prefer gentle bedtime stories, interactive books or humorous tales that make them laugh out loud.

If your child enjoys returning to familiar characters, a series featuring the same dog can be especially rewarding. Watching a favourite character tackle new adventures helps build confidence and makes reading feel like spending time with an old friend.

Why Dog Characters Continue to Capture Children's Imaginations

Dogs are naturally curious, loyal and wonderfully expressive, making them perfect companions for children's stories. They allow young readers to explore new experiences through characters who are brave enough to investigate almost anything—even if things don't always go quite according to plan.

Whether your family already loves Hairy Maclary, Kipper, Spot or Clifford, there's always room on the bookshelf for another unforgettable canine companion. And who knows? Kiwi the Cockerpoo might just become your child's next favourite friend.