From the huskies of the frozen north to the basenjis of the Congo River basin and the golden retrievers in America’s backyards, dogs have carved a niche for themselves in every human society. How did this unique relationship develop? What can the latest breakthroughs in genetics tell us of the secrets of dog origins and breeding? And can dog sociologists and psychiatrists unravel the puzzling, lovable, and often maddening quirks of dog behavior? Despite such variation, all domestic dogs, as well as their common ancestor, the gray wolf, have virtually identical genes. How can science explain this incredible diversity?In Dogs, NOVA launches an entertaining and affectionate search for the secrets of dog variation and behavior. We’ll visit state-of-the-art dog labs where the latest developments in genetic mapping and even cloning are in the air. Along the way, breeders and dog experts as well as scientists will help explore the bond we share with these remarkable animals, seeking insights into the future of our oldest and closest relationship with another animal species.
