How Many Dog Man Books Are There? A 2026 Guide to Dav Pilkey's Series
How many Dog Man books are there in 2026? A complete list of every title, release dates, reading order, and why the series resonates with kids and dog lovers alike.
Quick Answer: How Many Dog Man Books Are There?
As of early 2026, there are 13 mainline Dog Man graphic novels written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey and published by Graphix (an imprint of Scholastic). The series launched in August 2016 with Dog Man and continues with new installments arriving roughly twice per year. In addition to the core series, Pilkey has released 2 spin-off Cat Kid Comics titles, a Dog Man: The Musical tie-in, and the Cat Kid Comic Club series (5 books as of 2026), which features Dog Man universe characters.
If you're counting every book set in the Dog Man universe, the total reaches approximately 20 graphic novels across all related series.
If you've walked through the children's graphic novel section of any bookstore or library in the past decade, you've seen Dog Man — the half-dog, half-human police officer who fights crime in a world of anthropomorphic animals. Created by Dav Pilkey, the mind behind Captain Underpants, Dog Man has become one of the best-selling children's book franchises in history, with over 50 million copies in print worldwide according to Publishers Weekly industry reporting.
But keeping track of the series order — especially with spin-offs, special editions, and a movie adaptation — can be a real challenge for parents, librarians, and dog-loving readers. This guide gives you a complete, up-to-date breakdown.
The Complete Dog Man Book List in Chronological Order
Below is every mainline Dog Man graphic novel in release order. Each entry includes the original publication date so you can track the series timeline.
| # | Title | Release Date | ISBN-13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dog Man | August 30, 2016 | 978-0545873277 |
| 2 | Dog Man Unleashed | December 20, 2016 | 978-1338036008 |
| 3 | Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties | August 29, 2017 | 978-1338162929 |
| 4 | Dog Man and Cat Kid | December 26, 2017 | 978-1338230178 |
| 5 | Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas | August 28, 2018 | 978-1338299991 |
| 6 | Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild | December 26, 2018 | 978-1338299984 |
| 7 | Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls | August 27, 2019 | 978-1338327212 |
| 8 | Dog Man: Fetch-22 | December 10, 2019 | 978-1338327236 |
| 9 | Dog Man: Grime and Punishment | September 1, 2020 | 978-1338658439 |
| 10 | Dog Man: Mothering Heights | March 23, 2021 | 978-1338680454 |
| 11 | Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea | March 21, 2023 | 978-1338896640 |
| 12 | Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder | March 19, 2024 | 978-1338896671 |
| 13 | Dog Man: Big Jim Begins | December 10, 2024 | 978-1338896695 |
Reading order note: The Dog Man series is highly serialized — plot threads, character arcs (especially Petey the Cat's redemption), and recurring villains carry across books. Reading in chronological release order is strongly recommended for the best experience.
The Cat Kid Comic Club Spin-Offs
In 2020, Pilkey launched a companion series called Cat Kid Comic Club, which follows Li'l Petey, Molly, and their 21 frog siblings as they learn to create their own comics. Dog Man appears in supporting roles throughout.
| # | Cat Kid Comic Club Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cat Kid Comic Club | December 1, 2020 |
| 2 | Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspectives | November 30, 2021 |
| 3 | Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose | March 29, 2022 |
| 4 | Cat Kid Comic Club: Influencers | November 29, 2022 |
| 5 | Cat Kid Comic Club: Remix | December 5, 2023 |
Why Dog Man Resonates: The Science of Human-Canine Connection in Fiction
While Dog Man is a fictional cartoon character, the series' massive success taps into something well-documented in canine science: the deep cognitive and emotional bond between humans and dogs.
The Evolutionary Basis of Our Dog Obsession
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) were the first domesticated species — predating agriculture by at least 15,000 years, and possibly as far back as 30,000–40,000 years based on fossil and genomic evidence. Research published in Science has demonstrated that dogs and humans co-evolved a mutual oxytocin feedback loop — the same neurochemical bonding mechanism that operates between human parents and infants.
When a dog gazes into a human's eyes, both species experience measurable oxytocin increases. This "gaze-mediated bonding" is unique among domesticated animals and explains why a half-dog superhero who embodies loyalty, playfulness, and protective instinct resonates so powerfully with children and adults alike.
What Dog Man Gets Right (and Wrong) About Dog Behavior
Dog Man is a cartoon, not a veterinary textbook — but it's worth examining how the character's portrayed behaviors compare to real canine science. This is useful context for parents and dog owners who read the series alongside kids.
| Dog Man Behavior | Real Dog Science | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Fetches everything (including suspects) | Retrieving is a selectively bred trait, strongest in retrievers, spaniels, and herding breeds. Not all dogs are natural fetchers. | Breed-accurate (if he's part retriever) |
| Extreme loyalty to Officer Knight | Dogs form secure attachment bonds with primary caregivers, documented in AVMA-cited attachment studies using the Strange Situation Test. | Scientifically supported |
| Sprays enemies with a hose (territorial marking) | Scent marking is a real territorial behavior, more common in intact males. Neutering reduces but doesn't eliminate it. | Exaggerated but rooted in biology |
| Speaks no human language | Dogs process human speech via left-hemisphere brain regions (similar to humans), per fMRI research. They understand ~89–250 words depending on breed and training. | Accurate — dogs communicate non-verbally |
| Chases cats (Petey) | Prey drive is breed-dependent and varies enormously. Many dogs coexist peacefully with cats, especially when socialized early (before 12 weeks). | Stereotypical — not universal |
Practical Takeaways: Using Dog Man to Teach Kids About Real Dogs
For Families With Dogs
- Use Dog Man's loyalty as a teaching moment: Explain that real dogs need consistent daily interaction — walks, training sessions, and play — to maintain their bond with you.
- Discuss Dog Man's energy: Real high-drive dogs (Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherds) need 60–90+ minutes of structured exercise daily, not just a backyard.
- Talk about Petey's complexity: Not all cats and dogs are enemies. Early socialization between species, ideally before 16 weeks of age, can produce peaceful multi-pet households.
For Families Considering a Dog
- Budget realistically: First-year dog ownership costs range from $1,500–$4,500 depending on breed, size, and location (ASPCA estimates). This includes food, vet visits, supplies, and training.
- Research breeds: Dog Man doesn't specify his breed mix, but real mixed-breed dogs inherit traits from both parent lines. DNA tests like Embark ($199) or Wisdom Panel ($100) can identify breed composition.
- Adoption is valid: Shelters and breed-specific rescues offer wonderful dogs. Petfinder.com lists adoptable dogs by breed, size, and temperament.
Common Misconceptions About the Dog Man Series
| Myth | Fact | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| "The Dog Man series is finished." | Dav Pilkey has confirmed the series is ongoing, with new titles expected through at least 2026–2027. | ❌ Myth |
| "Dog Man is just for little kids." | The series includes layered humor, literary references (the title For Whom the Ball Rolls riffs on Hemingway), and emotional complexity. Scholastic targets ages 7–10, but adult readership is significant. | ❌ Myth |
| "You can read them in any order." | While each book has a standalone plot, character development (Petey's arc, Li'l Petey's origin, Sarah Hatoff's investigative journalism) is deeply serialized. | ❌ Myth |
| "Cat Kid Comic Club is a separate, unrelated series." | Cat Kid characters (Li'l Petey, Molly, the frog siblings) are integral to the Dog Man universe and appear in both series. | ❌ Myth |
| "There's a Dog Man movie." | A Dog Man animated film from DreamWorks Animation was released theatrically in January 2025, directed by Peter Hastings. | ✅ True |
Where to Buy Dog Man Books in 2026: Pricing & Formats
Dog Man books are available in multiple formats, and prices vary considerably depending on where you shop:
- Hardcover (new): $10–$14 per book at major retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target). Box sets of 4–5 books typically run $35–$55.
- Paperback: $8–$10 per book, often released 12–18 months after the hardcover edition.
- Library binding: $18–$25 per book, designed for high-circulation library use.
- Digital (Kindle/eBook): $10–$13 per book via Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, or Scholastic's digital store.
- Audiobook: Available on Audible and Libby, narrated by cast ensembles. Subscription pricing applies ($8–$15/month).
- Used market: ThriftBooks, eBay, and local used bookstores often have earlier titles for $4–$7 each.
Pro tip for collectors: First-edition hardcovers of the original 2016 Dog Man now sell for $40–$80 on the collectibles market, especially copies in near-mint dust jacket condition. If you're buying for investment value, look for ISBN 978-0545873277 first printings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be more Dog Man books after #13?
Yes. Dav Pilkey has indicated the series will continue beyond Big Jim Begins (Book 13). Scholastic/Graphix typically announces new titles 6–9 months before release. Expect 1–2 new mainline books per year through at least 2027.
What age group is Dog Man appropriate for?
Scholastic officially rates the series for ages 7–10 (grades 2–5). The content is free of mature themes, violence is cartoonish, and the humor is accessible to early readers. However, the series has a wide readership — many adults enjoy the meta-humor and emotional storytelling.
Is Dog Man considered a banned book?
The Dog Man series has appeared on some school challenge lists due to its bathroom humor and mild cartoon violence, but it has not been widely banned. The American Library Association tracks book challenges annually, and Dog Man has not appeared on their most-challenged lists. Most challenges have been resolved with the books remaining available.
What is the Dog Man origin story?
In the first book, police officer Knight and his dog are injured by a bomb. Surgeons save them by attaching the dog's head to Knight's body — creating Dog Man. This origin story is revisited and expanded in Big Jim Begins (Book 13), which serves as a prequel exploring the backstory of Big Jim, Dog Man's commanding officer.
How does Dog Man compare to Captain Underpants?
Both series share Pilkey's signature humor style (flip-o-rama pages, irreverent jokes, hand-drawn aesthetic). However, Dog Man has more serialized storytelling and deeper character development. Captain Underpants (12 books, 1997–2015) is complete; Dog Man is still ongoing and has already surpassed it in total volumes and sales.
Can I start reading Dog Man at Book 13?
While Big Jim Begins functions partly as a prequel, starting at Book 13 means you'll miss nearly a decade of character development, especially Petey the Cat's redemption arc and Li'l Petey's origin. Starting from Book 1 is strongly recommended for the full emotional payoff.
Beth Carrasco
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
