James Herriot’s Dog Stories was published by St. Martin’s Press in 1986. The book collects fifty dog-related episodes from across Herriot’s earlier volumes, arranged thematically rather than chronologically, with new introductions to each story providing context and Herriot’s reflections on the cases years later.
The selection demonstrates Herriot’s range within a single species: there are comic stories (the hypochondriac Pekingese owners, the uncontrollable large dogs), medical dramas (difficult surgeries, mysterious illnesses), poignant tales of loyalty and loss, and character studies of owners revealed through their relationship with their dogs. The new introductions add value — Herriot reflecting on how cases turned out years later, on what he learned from particular animals, on how veterinary medicine changed.
The book was clearly published to tap the dog-loving market specifically — readers who owned dogs but might not be interested in the cattle and sheep episodes that dominate the full-length books. It was commercially successful and spawned companion volumes (Cat Stories, Treasury for Children) that further segmented Herriot’s content for specific audiences.
Collecting James Herriot’s Dog Stories
First edition (St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1986): Cloth with dust jacket, illustrated.
Market values:
- First edition, fine/fine: $15–$35
- Signed: $60–$120
Projected values (2026–2036): Moderate appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Herriot write any books specifically about cats? Yes. James Herriot’s Cat Stories (1994) collected cat-related stories from across his career. He also wrote several children’s books including Moses the Kitten and The Christmas Day Kitten. However, his most celebrated animal stories feature dogs and the large farm animals (cows, horses, sheep) of Yorkshire.
Are these stories new material? Dog Stories is a curated selection from across Herriot’s career rather than new writing. The selection focuses on the most memorable canine patients and their owners, including the famous story of Tricki Woo, the pampered Pekingese.