NATURE’s two-part special Dogs That Changed the World tells the epic story of the wolf’s evolution, how “man’s best friend” changed human society and how we in turn have radically transformed dogs.
From the tiniest Chihuahua to the powerful and massive English Mastiff, modern domesticated dogs come in a bewildering array of shapes and sizes, with an equally diverse range of temperaments and behaviors. And yet, according to genetics, all dogs evolved from the savage and wild wolf — in a transformation that occurred just 15,000 years ago.
In Part One, “The Rise of the Dog,” you’ll learn about how the domestication of dogs might have taken place, including the theory of biologist Raymond Coppinger that it was the animals themselves — and human trash — that inspired the transformation. The genetic analysis of Peter Savolainen of the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden has placed the origins of domesticated dogs — and those of the first dog — in East Asia. You’ll also discover 14 dog breeds that controversial genetic studies show are the most ancient — and the best living representatives of the ancestors to all living dogs.
Preview Part Two: Dogs by Design
Over 400 breeds of dog are recognized around the world, each unique for its personality, habits, and form. Most of these breeds exploded onto the scene over the past 150 years, spurred by the Victorian-era passion for the “dog fancy” — the selective breeding of dogs to enhance particular characteristics. By tinkering with its genetics, humans made the dog the most varied animal species on the planet — and also created a host of hereditary health problems.
Despite the plethora of new shapes and sizes, dogs have retained the instincts bred into their ancestors by thousands of years of work: the urge to herd or hunt, to dig and to guard. In Part Two, “Dogs by Design,” you’ll discover how these hard-wired behaviors help different types of dogs, from hounds to herders, excel at different tasks (and why it can sometimes be so difficult to train them to do otherwise). You’ll also learn how dogs’ finely tuned senses are serving humans and saving lives. Buy the DVD. This film premiered April 2007.
thanks for your thoughts on this, I felt a bit struck by this article. Thanks again!
I’m in no hurry on this, but maybe when I’m really old (but still mentally and physically competent) after having a wonderful dinner of steak or seafood (or both), dessert, and of course some good wine.
Linda recently posted..In Honor of a Principled Man
karen sa oled nii ilus
Bakemonogatari is definitely a anime series that made you go WOW at the end of each episode
Kimi ni Todoke will turn out to be a great one, if the plot keeps on the manga
I like cats better than dogs :)
this was so boring,i wanted to go to sleep. but, atleast i did noy half 2 wright anymor. were is dee pitbulls n dis? all de other dogfs r ugly as f***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How in de hex did we gets such lil dogs from such big doggies?
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So many breeds :O
You guys, why fight over grammer on PBS? By arguing, all you’re doing is showing the kids that come here for the education how to be violent with harsh words over the cyber-world.
Cheer up! Think of the dogs! :)
@Caralyne Lavinne
I know right? This is ridiculous. It’s supposed to be a educational site, not a war-party convention.
I learned a lot from this site…Thanks PBS!
I finally got my driver problem solved, your solution is perfect! man!!
im with ms/mrs lavine here kids come here for help dont teach them the wrong things
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I am not real good with English but I find this very leisurely to interpret .
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THERE IS NO BEST FRIEND AS A DOG.DOG IS A GREAT CREATION OF GOD.IT’S NOT LIKE A HUMAN.DOG WILL NEVER FORGOT THE HELP OF ANYBODY.EVEN IT’S OWNER PASSED AWAY,THE DOG REALISES THE OWNERS GOOD DEED TOWARDS IT,AND IT ALSO SACRIFIES IT,S LIFE TO HIM.THERE IS A TRUE STORY FOR THIS.YOU MUST WATCH THE MOVIE “HACHIKO”.THANKS!!!!!!!
I love PBS, you have the most extrodinary programs with great insight and knowledge to be obtained. This episode of the canine breeds was extremely informative, it’s one every dog owner and potential dog owner should see. When our dogs are giving a purpose or “job” , they actually make a better pet. Thank you PBS! This household is definately one of your biggest fans!
Wow, What a lovely video. I hated dogs three years ago, then got a Pom as recommended. The day he arrived as a shivering puppy, he changed my life forever. Now I am retiring and devoting the rest of my life to animal welfare. I spend at least 7 – 12 hours a day working on educational material in Zambia (great need) to help people learn about the benefits of pets and prevention of cruelty. This is mainly not be design but lack of knowledge.
It would help so much if I could use these videos for educational purposes. I am recording 20/24 videos on dog care, but as I have never filmed or taken pictures or produced shows am not very good at it.
These are so professionally done and look so good. Wish they would allow me to show them on TV here, would help millions of people who would be so happy. I cannot afford it . Great job, keep it up. Needs to be advertised more as I stumbled on it by chance when looking for the benefits of pet ownership. Thanks.
Dogs are very adorable. They are really man’s best friend as they will be loyal to you all throughout. Some people may leave but your dog will stay by your side.
I really like watching this video, and I think it is really informative. I just wrote almost all of my research paper on dog evolution from it! I love dogs and I volunteer at my local shelter and help train dogs. When I grow up, I want to be a police dog trainer, an animal behavior scientist,or a biologist- I love animals and science so its a great combo! And I agree that people should spell check- its really annoying and sort of pathetic that people can’t spell better, but you don’t have to be mean about it. Love PBS too! :)