Best Dog Magazines: 13 Pawesome Publications (Yes, Magazines Are Still Cool)!

Lifestyle

WRITTEN BY:

Ben Team

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best dog magazines

Most people get their information and entertainment on the internet these days, but in years past, magazines were one of the most important ways by which dog owners could learn how to better care for a pup.

Even though they aren’t the go-to source they used to be, magazines still deserve a look, and you’d be well served to check out the best of the best for great tips, tricks, and advice for your canine companion. Below, we have the best dog magazines available today, along with some need-to-know info about each.

The 13 Best Dog Magazines: Barkin’ Good Reads

dog magazines

We’ve sniffed around for the best dog magazines and retrieved something for every pup parent, whether you’re looking for general advice for the care of dogs or a breed-focused find. Check out these must-read mutt magazines.

1. Modern Dog

Modern Dog

One of the most popular dog magazines around, Modern Dog helps owners navigate the trials and tribulations of pet parenthood. It tends to be more geared towards four-footed health care and wellness, but it covers all of the basic dog-related topics, from columns on pet nutrition to training tips to breed characteristics, and it also provides book recommendations, do-it-yourself tips, and reader contests.

In years past, each issue included a fancy-schmancy celebrity interview, cover, and photo spread. However, it appears that they’ve changed this practice. Now, the covers feature great-looking photos of dogs.

Modern Dog publishes four issues a year.

2. ShowSight Magazine

 ShowSight Magazine

Dedicated to the care and showing of purebred dogs, ShowSight Magazine is a very attractive publication, which has actually been voted the “Most Beautiful Dog Publication in the World.” Often described as “The Architectural Digest of Dogdom,” ShowSight Magazine has a little something for all dog owners, even those who have mixed breeds (we won’t tell if you don’t).

ShowSight is published on a monthly basis, and it has four smaller sibling magazines — Top Notch Toys, The Orient Express, The Doberman Digest, and Sight & Scent — that are published by the same company.

3. Dog’s Today

Dog's Today

Dog’s Today is a UK-based magazine (and an associated website) that covers most aspects of sharing your life with a dog, including feeding your floof the healthiest dog food and debunking the biggest mutt myths out there. You can also make your voice heard via online surveys or browse reader essays about dog-themed topics.

Dog’s Today is available for worldwide print and digital subscriptions with monthly runs.

4. Dogster Magazine

Dogster

Do you remember the magazine called Dog Fancy? Baby Boomers and Gen Xers certainly should. First published in 1970, the magazine became quite popular and eventually claimed to be the “world’s most widely read dog magazine,” with more than 200,000 paid issues in circulation. However, the magazine was shuttered in 2014 and replaced by Dogster.

Dogster is published every other month, with its sister publication Catster coming out during the months in between. Like its predecessor, Dogster is a general dog-topic magazine that covers all of the basic information dog owners – particularly first-time dog owners – could want. Like most other magazines, Dogster also publishes a companion website.

5. AKC Family Dog

AKC Family Dog

The American Kennel Club publishes Family Dog, and it is exactly as awesome as you’d expect an AKC-funded publication to be. It covers the same types of stuff that most other high-quality dog magazines do and is an informative source for dog-related topics, but it does so with a little bit more polish than most. It has gorgeous photographs, the areas covered are usually quite interesting, and the articles typically offer sage advice.

Family Dog is published six times a year, but you’ll have to subscribe to the magazine to get your paws on it, as it isn’t available at newsstands.

6. K9 Magazine

K9 Magazine

We obviously have to applaud this magazine’s name, but there’s plenty to love about it on the inside too. K9 Magazine covers all of the basic dog-related topics, including training tips, product recommendations, buyer’s guides on pet products, and so forth. Many of the issues feature celebrity cover art and interviews too.

K9 Magazine is available as a digital magazine on their website, but you can also subscribe to the print version if you like. The magazine is published every month, offering heaps of good reads to enjoy with your canine companion.

7. Gun Dog Magazine

Gun Dog Magzine

Dedicated to providing hunters and gun-dog enthusiasts the type of information they need to select, care for, and train dogs bred for the field, Gun Dog Magazine is also a great resource for lovers of retrievers, pointers, setters, and other hunting breeds. Note that it also covers a variety of hunting- and gun-related topics, so it probably isn’t ideally suited for all readers.

Gun Dog Magazine is published seven times a year, and it also has an associated website with plenty of additional gun-dog content. If you’re a lover of gun dog breeds, this is the magazine for you.

8. Best Friends Magazine

Best Friends

Best Friends Magazine is published by the Best Friends Animal Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness. According to the publisher, Best Friends Magazine is the “nation’s largest general-interest animal publication,” and it is published with a dedication to positive, uplifting stories.

Best Friends Magazine is published every other month. It isn’t available at newsstands; it actually comes as a gift whenever you donate $25 or more to the non-profit group.

9. Animal Wellness Magazine

Animal Wellness

Animal Wellness Magazine is a pet magazine dedicated to educating owners about the health and well-being of their pets, but it also covers subjects like training advice and lifestyle topics. Animal Wellness Magazine is published on a bi-monthly basis, and, like most other modern magazines, it is available in both print and digital formats.

You’ll get a few extras with your subscription, including a coupon book and 12 Natural Health Reports. You’ll also get access to more than 10 years of archived digital issues of Animal Wellness Magazine when you sign up for a subscription.

10. Whole Dog Journal

Whole Dog Journal

Whole Dog Journal provides readers with a wealth of information about dog care, canine healthcare, and training, but what distinguishes it from many other magazines is its dedication to natural techniques and solutions. This makes it a great choice for owners who like to embrace a holistic approach to pet care, including natural dog care and alternative therapies.

Whole Dog Journal is a monthly publication, and you’ll also get access to an impressive archive of old issues with your subscription. Whole Dog Journal also operates a companion website that is also full of holistic and natural therapies for taking care of your dog.

11. Best In Show Magazine

Best in Show Magazine

Best In Show Magazine is a fascinating read for breeders, show regulars, and breed fanciers alike. Featuring photos and stories of today’s dog show winners and standouts, it honors breeds of all types and has question-and-answer segments with breeders, handlers, and more.

You can access copies online and see dogs from all around the world doing what they do best in the show ring.

12. Just Labs

Just Labs

Just Labs dives deep into its featured breed, the Labrador retriever, from must-know health information to humorous tales of Lab shenanigans. It’s an excellent reference for Lab owners and breed fans interested in learning more about the beloved water dog, including puppy advice, training techniques, and heart-warming stories of service pups.

Just Labs publishes six times a year and has a website rich in Lab-centric information to explore, including online-only content. You can also purchase past issues to catch up on stories and helpful advice pertaining to Labrador retrievers.

13. American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette

American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette

Celebrate your love of pitties with the American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette, a magazine focusing on the sporty breed with the lovable boxy head and no-nonsense athleticism. Learn more about feeding your pit bull a nutritious diet, browse competition results, and more.

American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette is available for print subscription and can be upgraded to a digital subscription too. It’s released quarterly and available for annual and 2-year print subscriptions. You can also purchase past issues and bundles on their website.

Magazines vs Videos vs Websites: Where Should You Get Your Dog Info?

best place for dog info

The world is swimming with doggo information, which makes sorting the best resources from the fluff a challenge. Knowing what to look for in a resource can help you make an educated decision on what’s worth your time and what’s full of stuffing.

When browsing mutt media:

  • Pay attention to dates. Some old-school resources remain valuable sources of knowledge, but others offer outdated or doggone dangerous advice, particularly related to canine health and dog training methods. If you’re interested in those two areas specifically, opt for recent media for the most up-to-date information. If you see keywords like “alpha” or “dominance,” look elsewhere.
  • Look for credentials. Anyone can publish anything in a book, online, or even in a magazine, which makes knowing who to trust daunting. A good rule of thumb is to look for credentials, whether the author themselves is a veterinarian or trainer or if a vet has reviewed the article. This is especially important with dog training and medical articles where expert advice is a must.
  • Use a variety of sources. Never get all of your canine news or advice from one source. It’s too easy for bias to slip in, leaving you less than informed. Get dog information from several trustworthy websites, books, and magazines versus only getting it from one publication for a well-rounded picture of topics.
  • View social media advice with skepticism. Don’t believe everything dog-related you see on your newsfeed. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of bad canine information shared in memes or spewed by less-than-informed influencers. A prime example would be the demonization of grains in dog food that came with the rise of boutique dog food.
  • Ask your vet. When you have a medical question about your dog or need nutrition advice, turn to your vet, as they know what’s best for your pup and his individual needs. Veterinary advice is always best left to your actual vet.

Dog magazines and other media are full of amazing information, including quality articles about training, fascinating profiles of your favorite dog breeds, and so much more, but remember to turn to the experts when it’s important. If your dog has health or serious behavior issues, ask a pup pro like your vet or a certified dog behaviorist.

Best Dog Magazines: Frequently Asked Questions

Small dog wearing glasses

Magazines aren’t the juggernauts of media that they once were, so you may have some lingering questions about today’s selection of dog magazines. Let’s dig into the most commonly asked questions for some answers.

What is the number one dog magazine?

The top dog magazine today is Modern Dog. Going strong since 2002, this dog-devoted magazine is loaded with canine information ranging from everyday wellness and care for canines to DIY projects. It’s available in print and digital forms for a fee, but they also have a free newsletter.

Is Dog Fancy magazine still published?

No, Dog Fancy is no longer published. The magazine was replaced by the Dogster brand label in 2014 and is now a bimonthly publication, but fear not, as it still features the same amazing photos and informative articles people love.

Does the AKC have a magazine?

Yes, the AKC has two magazines: Family Dog and AKC Gazette. AKC Gazette is geared toward those interested in exhibiting dogs for show, hobby, or as a profession, while Family Dog is more focused on the wonderful world of dogs as pets and companions, including feature articles with real-life doggo stories and most of today’s favorite dog breeds.

Is Modern Dog magazine legit?

Yes, Modern Dog is a good resource for dog-related information, but as always, never get all of your information from a single source. Always consult your vet for health-related matters, too.

Can you get free dog magazines in the mail?

Some magazines do offer free copies in the mail, but read the small print, as they often require you to commit to a subscription. You’re more likely to find free digital versions or newsletters than print versions.

      

Do you know of any good dog magazines we missed? Let us know about your favorite dog lifestyle magazine – especially under-the-radar publications which we may have missed. Tell us what you like about them and the basic information, so we can check them out for future updates and articles.

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Written by

Ben Team

Ben is the managing editor for K9 of Mine and has spent most of his adult life working as a wildlife educator and animal-care professional. Ben’s had the chance to work with hundreds of different species, but his favorite animals have always been dogs. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA with his spoiled-rotten Rottweiler named J.B. Chances are, she’s currently giving him the eyes and begging to go to the park.

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  1. Roy Mills Avatar

    Just wanted to share with you guys what we do!

  2. Nancy Avatar

    Thank you so much for making the time and effort to list sites you’ve had a chance to look over!
    Being a busy farmer, I appreciate the effort!

  3. Lynn Barth Avatar
    Lynn Barth

    Sorry! I said THREE publications in my first comment. I meant two.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Lol.
      Glad you clarified, I kept re-reading your comment looking for the third magazine.
      Thanks, for the suggestions, Lynn.
      🙂

  4. Lynn Barth Avatar
    Lynn Barth

    Three exquisite magazines you missed: Four and Sons(not a US publication, but cutting edge and incredible), and Dog Eyes, the most incredible photography. Both very high quality.

  5. Gary Avatar
    Gary

    Qhy isn’t Dogs Naturally Magazine even included with top 5, top 10, or as ne of the beter ons to subscribe to?

    1. Meg Marrs Avatar

      Thanks for the suggestion – we’ll work on adding that when we update this article!

  6. Charla Appel Avatar
    Charla Appel

    Ben,
    Thank you for taking the time and effort to give some direction to what each publication is about. I recently got an ad for The Whole Dog Journal and as I read I was horrified about their comments on dog food and the ramifications on my pet. So trying to sort out if I can embrace a holistic approach to pet care as far as they seem to carry the ideas. However, in fairness, I will reserve my judgement until I read their magazine on that subject that they are sending along with new subscription.
    I see you are a Rottweiler lover. We had a beauty named Queen sheba. She lived until she was 14 and succumbed to stomach cancer. Thus my concern over diet, although I have read this is one of the breed’s weaknesses. We mourned her for over a year, and then got bro/sister boxers-6 mo-what were we thinking!!
    We grew to love them also, but they were energy suckers big time!
    We now have a Bull Mastiff and again are in love with her. What would the world be without dogs!!!!

    Thanks again for your website and look forward to exploring FootstepsinTheForest.com.
    BTW, we lived for 10-11 yrs around Atlanta, first in Marietta, then Jonesboro, and then on to Chattanooga, but always felt loyal to Atlanta and its vast culture! We are now back in the Pacific Northwest where we both grew up.

    The best to you!
    Charla