Dog Man Books in Order: Complete Series Guide
If you’ve got a young reader who’s burned through the Dog Man books and needs to know what comes next—or a parent wondering whether the series is right for their child—you’re in the right place. Dav Pilkey’s graphic novel series has grown into a 13-book main line, and this guide lays out the complete reading order, age guidance, and the real story behind the controversies that have followed the books.
Main series books: 13 (as of 2025, per The Popverse) ·
First book released: 2016 (Dog Man) ·
Author & illustrator: Dav Pilkey ·
Publisher: Scholastic ·
Reading level: Grades 1–3 (USA)
Quick snapshot
- All 13 main series books in order (The Popverse (pop culture analysis))
- Includes spin-off series (The Popverse)
- Publication years and key details (The Popverse (pop culture analysis))
- Reading level: Grades 1–3 (Scholastic (publisher educator list))
- Parent tips for content vetting (Scholastic (publisher educator list))
- Potty humor and LGBTQ representation (The Popverse (pop culture analysis))
- Library challenges and responses (The Popverse (pop culture analysis))
- 13 books published through 2024 (Clever Fox Books (book retailer guide))
- 14th book not yet confirmed (Clever Fox Books (book retailer guide))
Here is a summary of key facts about the Dog Man series.
| Label | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Creator | Dav Pilkey | The Popverse (pop culture analysis) |
| First book | Dog Man (2016) | Clever Fox Books |
| Latest main book | Dog Man #13 (2024) | Clever Fox Books |
| Total main books | 13 | The Popverse |
| Publisher | Scholastic | Scholastic |
| Target age | 6–8 years (Scholastic) | Scholastic |
What is the order to read Dog Man books?
Main series books in publication order (Dog Man #1–13)
13 main series books, one per year on average—here is the complete chronological-by-publication list. (Sources: The Popverse (pop culture analysis) and Clever Fox Books (book retailer guide).)
- Dog Man (2016)
- Dog Man: Unleashed (2016)
- Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
- Dog Man: Dog Man and Cat Kid (2017)
- Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
- Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)
- Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2020)
- Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2020)
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2021)
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2022)
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
- Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
- Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024)
Spin-offs and related series
The Dog Man universe extends beyond the main 13. There is Cat Kid Comic Club (a direct spin-off starring Petey’s cloned kitten) and the Captain Underpants series, which introduced the Dog Man character in its own comics within the books. The Popverse (pop culture analysis) notes that many reading guides conflate these separate series, but the core Dog Man story stands on its own. For fans who love following chronological lists, our guide to All Taylor Swift Albums – In Order with Release Dates offers a similar deep dive into a different kind of creative journey.
Sticking to the 13 mainline Dog Man books gives the purest reading experience. Adding spin-offs like Cat Kid Comic Club creates a much longer list, but that can distract from the core series’ unique charm.
The pattern is clear: start with book 1 for the full story, but letting kids jump around won’t break the experience.
Is Dog Man appropriate for a 7 year old?
Reading level and typical age range
The publisher Scholastic (tier-1 publisher) categorizes the Dog Man series for Grades 1–3, which typically corresponds to ages 6–8. The books use simple vocabulary, plenty of illustrations, and a comic-book format that lowers the reading barrier. If your child enjoys the Dog Man books, they might also be ready for other adventures like How to Train Your Dragon 2.
Parental concerns: humor, violence, and themes
According to The Popverse (pop culture analysis), the series has drawn criticism for its potty humor and mild cartoon violence—think over-the-top farts and slapstick chases. Most parents of 7‑year‑olds find this acceptable, but those sensitive to toilet humor or mild action may want to preview a book first.
The catch is that parental comfort with potty humor is the real deciding factor, not reading level.
Why is Dog Man controversial?
Potty humor and “dumb” jokes
A recurring complaint cited by The Popverse (pop culture analysis) is that the books rely on crude slapstick and jokes “that some adults find lacking in educational value.” The same humor that delights kids can frustrate educators looking for more substantive content.
LGBTQ themes and representation
According to The Popverse (pop culture analysis), the Dog Man series has been part of broader debates about LGBTQ content in children’s literature. Some readers interpret certain later-book characters as transgender or non‑binary; these claims have not been officially confirmed but have fueled both praise and pushback.
Police violence and ethics concerns
Less frequently, critics have raised questions about the police‑officer protagonist and the way force is portrayed. The series has not been formally challenged on this ground at scale, but it contributes to the overall controversy surrounding the books as noted by The Popverse (pop culture analysis).
Parents who prioritize reading engagement over “clean” content may happily accept Dog Man’s silly moments. Those who prefer sanitized humor should look elsewhere—or at least read along.
What this means is that the same books that get kids reading can also spark debates among adults about what’s appropriate.
Is there LGBTQ in Dog Man books?
Identifiable characters and themes
No official statement from Dav Pilkey or Scholastic has explicitly labeled a Dog Man character as LGBTQ. However, The Popverse (pop culture analysis) reports that the series has “generated recurring controversy in school/library contexts” over content that some view as gender‑identity‑related. Fans often point to characters like Petey’s father and the troll Yolr in later books.
Author and publisher statements
Scholastic has not issued a public statement on LGBTQ themes in Dog Man. Dav Pilkey has defended his work generally as a tool to get reluctant readers engaged, without addressing specific identity questions.
The implication for parents is that they should be prepared to discuss these themes, whether or not they are officially confirmed.
Is there a 14th Dog Man book?
Current series status
As of early 2025, 13 main series books have been published, the last being Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024). No official announcement for a 14th book has been made by Scholastic (the publisher) or Dav Pilkey’s team.
Unofficial vs. official announcements
The series has released one book per year since 2016, leading fans to expect a 2025 title. But as of now, no cover art, ISBN, or press release exists for “Dog Man #14.” Clever Fox Books and The Popverse (pop culture analysis) both list only 13 titles, with no mention of a confirmed 14th.
If the annual pattern holds, a 14th Dog Man could land in fall 2025. Until an official announcement, the series stands at 13—and that’s the count parents should use when buying the complete set.
The pattern of annual releases suggests a 14th book is likely, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Upsides
- Humor and fast pacing encourage reluctant readers (Scholastic).
- Simple vocabulary and visual storytelling lower the reading barrier.
- Loyal fan base keeps kids excited about reading.
Downsides
- Potty humor can alienate some parents and educators (The Popverse (pop culture analysis)).
- Controversy over LGBTQ themes may trigger school‑library disputes.
- Limited literary depth—not a substitute for more substantive reading.
Dog Man publication timeline
The series debuted in 2016 and has added a new book each year. Here is the complete release sequence, verified by The Popverse (pop culture analysis) and Clever Fox Books.
- 2016 – Dog Man
- 2016 – Dog Man: Unleashed
- 2017 – Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties
- 2017 – Dog Man: Dog Man and Cat Kid
- 2018 – Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas
- 2019 – Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild
- 2020 – Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls
- 2020 – Dog Man: Fetch-22
- 2021 – Dog Man: Grime and Punishment
- 2022 – Dog Man: Mothering Heights
- 2023 – Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
- 2024 – Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder
- 2024 – Dog Man: Big Jim Begins
The pattern: one book per year, with occasional double‑book years (2016, 2017, 2020, 2024). The implication for fans is that a 14th book, if it follows the pattern, could appear in late 2025.
Confirmed facts vs. what is unclear
Confirmed facts
- 13 main series books published through 2024 (The Popverse (pop culture analysis)).
- Reading level is Grades 1–3 (Scholastic).
- Dog Man is a spin-off of the Captain Underpants series (The Popverse (pop culture analysis)).
- The series has faced controversy over humor and LGBTQ‑related content (The Popverse (pop culture analysis)).
What is unclear
- Whether a 14th main series book has been officially announced.
- Exact release date of the next book, if any.
- Whether the LGBTQ representation is deliberate or incidental (no author/publisher confirmation).
- Long‑term availability of the series in all school libraries (controversy may affect adoption).
Scholastic’s Dog Man list includes the first six books in the series as a boxed set—a signal that the publisher sees the series as a core classroom resource for early readers. – Scholastic (publisher educator list)
A 2025 reading guide can include 15 core Dog Man books when counting mainline and spin-offs, but the pure Dog Man series numbers exactly 13. – The Popverse (pop culture analysis)
The picture that emerges is of a children’s series that has achieved remarkable commercial and cultural reach—yet triggers ongoing debate about what young readers should be exposed to. For parents choosing a child’s next book, the choice is clear: Dog Man offers a fun, accessible entry into graphic novels, but previewing a book first may save a conversation about its quirks.
Fans of Dog Man looking for similarly chaotic graphic novel adventures may also enjoy the Bunny vs Monkey books in order guide for another series filled with woodland mischief.
Frequently asked questions
How many Dog Man books are there?
13 main series books have been published through 2024, with no confirmed 14th as of early 2025.
Do I need to read the Dog Man books in order?
No—each book is mostly self-contained, though later books reference past characters. Starting with #1 gives the best continuity.
What is the reading level of Dog Man?
Scholastic lists the series for Grades 1–3, typically ages 6–8.
Are Dog Man books good for reluctant readers?
Yes—the comic format, humor, and short text blocks are designed to engage kids who struggle with traditional chapter books.
Who is the main character in Dog Man?
Dog Man is a half‑dog, half‑human police officer who fights crime with his friends and colleagues in the fictional City of Petolia.
How are Dog Man and Captain Underpants related?
Dog Man originated as a comic within the Captain Underpants books. The Dog Man series is a full spin‑off created by Dav Pilkey.
Is Dog Man based on a real story?
No—the series is entirely fictional, though Pilkey drew on his own childhood love of comics and humor.
What is the most popular Dog Man book?
Sales data is not publicly broken down by title, but early books like Dog Man #1 and #4 (Dog Man and Cat Kid) are frequently cited in bestseller lists.
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