Dog Man Books in Order – Do You Really Need to Read Them in Order?
Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants, struck gold again with Dog Man, a laugh out loud graphic novel series that blends superheroes, school friendly silliness, and comic book energy.
Dog Man is a crime biting hero who is part dog, part man, and all cop. The books are especially popular with kids who love cartoons, fast pacing, and visual storytelling, and they are often recommended for Grades 1 to 3 in the United States.
The good news is that you can read many Dog Man books in almost any order. The better news is that reading them in order makes the character growth, running jokes, and recurring villains land even harder.
Also worth knowing: the main series currently includes 14 titles, with Dog Man: Big Jim Believes released on November 11, 2025.
Dog Man books in order: full list with publication years
Main series and Big Jim titles
- Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024)
- Dog Man (2016)
- Dog Man: Unleashed (2016)
- Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
- Dog Man and Cat Kid (2017)
- Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
- Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2018)
- Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
- Dog Man: Fetch 22 (2019)
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
- Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
- Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024)
- Dog Man: Big Jim Believes (2025, November 11)
Note on the Big Jim titles: you will see Big Jim Begins described as part of the main series (often listed as #13) and also referenced as a prequel style entry because it focuses on origins. If you are reading with a kid, it is totally fine to read it at #13 where it was published, or earlier as an optional backstory.
Special edition
- Dog Man: World Book Day (2020)
What is Dog Man about and who is it for?
Dog Man is a police hero with the brain of a super smart dog and the body of a super strong cop. He tries to stop chaos caused by villains like Petey the Cat, while teaming up with friends who sometimes start as enemies. The humor is big, the art is energetic, and the stories are built to keep early readers turning pages.
If your kid likes:
- silly comedy
- comic books and superheroes
- short chapters and visual storytelling
then Dog Man is a strong pick.
And if you want bonus materials, Dav Pilkey’s official site has activities like coloring pages, games, and how to draw tutorials for Dog Man and friends.
What is the best order to read the Dog Man books?
For most readers, the best approach is simple: follow publication order for the main numbered books. That said, there is also a prequel style book centered on Big Jim, plus a special World Book Day title.
Below is the full list, including the Big Jim titles and the special.
Can you read Dog Man in any order, or should you start with Book 1?
You can read these books out of order and still have fun. But there are a few reasons publication order works best:
- recurring jokes build over time
- villains and side characters evolve
- relationships make more sense, especially Petey and the kids around him
If someone is brand new, start with Dog Man (2016). If someone already loves the series and just wants extra context, Big Jim Begins is a good add on.
Who are the main characters in Dog Man?
Here are the core players you will see again and again:
- Dog Man: the heroic cop who tries to do the right thing, even when things get ridiculous.
- Petey the Cat: Dog Man’s most famous enemy, often more complicated than a simple bad guy.
- Li’l Petey: a lovable character who brings heart and growth into later books.
- Chief: the police chief who gets frustrated easily, which becomes a running joke.
- Flippy: a classic villain type character who shows up in major story arcs.
What makes Dog Man great for early readers?
Dog Man is often recommended for younger grades because the format supports developing readers:
- visual storytelling helps with comprehension
- short chunks of text reduce fatigue
- humor keeps motivation high
- flip o ramas and “how to draw” sections encourage creativity
Dav Pilkey is also known for creating books that connect with kids who struggle with reading, and the Dog Man format is frequently praised for that reason.
Where can you find Dog Man activities, printables, and drawing tutorials?
If you want free extras, the official Dav Pilkey website includes Dog Man pages and links to activities such as games, coloring, and how to draw resources.
FAQ: Dog Man books in order
How many Dog Man books are there?
The main list is commonly described as 13 published titles plus a new one, bringing the total to 14 with Big Jim Believes.
What is the newest Dog Man book?
Dog Man: Big Jim Believes, published November 11, 2025.
What reading level is Dog Man?
Dog Man is often associated with early elementary readers, commonly Grades 1 to 3 in the US.
Is Dog Man related to Captain Underpants?
Yes. Dog Man is a spinoff created by Dav Pilkey, who also created Captain Underpants.
Summary: the best way to read Dog Man
If you want the cleanest experience, read Dog Man books in publication order, then treat the special World Book Day title as a fun extra. If your kid is already obsessed and wants more backstory, slide Big Jim Begins earlier as an optional origin story, but it also works perfectly as Book 13.
A University of Chicago graduate based in the U.S. with Polish roots. A lifelong book lover drawn to long, immersive stories and worlds worth returning to. Often rereads favorite passages instead of finishing new books and usually has at least one half-finished novel nearby. The Dark Tower remains a constant literary reference point.
