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TL;DR: In 1860s Texas, fourteen-year-old Travis Coates is left in charge of the family farm while his father goes on a long cattle drive. A big, ugly yellow dog shows up and steals meat. Travis wants to get rid of him, but the dog, Old Yeller, proves loyal and brave, saving the family from bears, hogs and wild animals. A terrible illness forces Travis into a heartbreaking choice.
Table of Contents
Old Yeller at a Glance
| Author | Fred Gipson |
| First published | 1956 |
| Type | Children's novel |
| Best for | readers who want a classic, emotional story about a boy and his dog |
Old Yeller is a children's novel by Fred Gipson, published in 1956. It won a Newbery Honor in 1957 and was adapted into a Disney film the same year. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes animal attacks, rabies and the death of a dog.
Main Characters
- Travis Coates: A fourteen-year-old boy who runs the farm.
- Old Yeller: A big, loyal yellow dog.
- Mama: Travis's caring, practical mother.
- Little Arliss: Travis's mischievous younger brother.
- Lisbeth Searcy: A girl who becomes Travis's friend.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The man of the house
Travis's father leaves to drive cattle to Kansas, telling Travis to take care of the family. Travis works hard: plowing, hunting and protecting the corn from raccoons. When a stray yellow dog steals a side of meat, Travis is angry and wants to drive him off. But Little Arliss loves the dog, and Mama lets him stay.
Proving himself
Old Yeller protects Little Arliss from a mother bear, earning Travis's respect. He helps Travis catch wild hogs and keeps animals out of the corn. Travis and Old Yeller become inseparable. A man arrives saying Old Yeller is his dog, but he lets the family keep him in exchange for a horny toad and a meal.
Danger
Travis is badly injured by wild hogs while marking their ears. Old Yeller defends him and is torn by the hogs, but both recover. Neighbors warn that rabies, called “hydrophobia,” is spreading among animals. Lisbeth, a neighbor girl, helps the family while Travis heals.
The wolf
One night, a rabid wolf attacks Mama and Lisbeth near the cow pen. Old Yeller fights it off and saves them. But Mama knows that Old Yeller may now have rabies. To protect the family, Travis must shoot his beloved dog. He does it, heartbroken.
A new start
Travis is grief-stricken. When his father returns, he talks to Travis about how life can be hard but must still be lived. A puppy fathered by Old Yeller has been born to Lisbeth's dog, and Travis decides to accept it. He names it Young Yeller and begins to heal.
5 Key Takeaways
- Loyalty can be shown in many ways.
- Responsibility can come early.
- Life can be hard and unfair.
- Grief must be faced.
- New beginnings can follow loss.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Courage means doing what is right, even when it hurts.
- Love leaves lasting memories.
- Growing up includes learning to accept loss.
Who Should Read Old Yeller?
Read Old Yeller if you enjoy classic animal stories and frontier adventures. It suits ages 9 and up, with tissues ready.
About Fred Gipson
Fred Gipson (1908–1973) was an American author from Texas. He worked as a journalist before writing novels. His books include Hound-Dog Man and Savage Sam, the sequel to Old Yeller. He drew on stories from his own family and the Texas Hill Country.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Old Yeller:
- Why does Travis change his mind about Old Yeller?
- Was shooting Old Yeller the right choice?
- How does Travis grow during the story?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Old Yeller is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Old Yeller, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is a timeless, powerful story, though very sad at the end.
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What to Read Next
- Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls: a boy and his hunting dogs
- Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor: a boy saves an abused dog
- Sounder by William H. Armstrong: a boy, his dog and a hard life
Related: 15 Books Like Old Yeller You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Old Yeller about?
A boy on a Texas farm bonds with a loyal stray dog.
Who wrote it?
Fred Gipson, in 1956.
Where is it set?
Texas, in the 1860s.
How does Old Yeller save the family?
From a bear, wild hogs and a rabid wolf.
Why does Travis shoot him?
Because he may have rabies.
Is there a film?
Yes, the 1957 Disney film.
Did it win awards?
Yes, a Newbery Honor.
Is there a sequel?
Yes, Savage Sam.
What age is it for?
Ages 9 and up.
How long is it?
About 160 pages.
Is it sad?
Yes, very.
Who is Little Arliss?
Travis's younger brother.
Is it good for reading aloud?
Yes, though families should be ready for the emotional ending.
Is Old Yeller worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a classic, emotional story about a boy and his dog. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.