PBS's Ode to Dogs

January 15, 2008

NATION – The PBS program Nature will be airing a special about dogs called, “Dogs that Changed the World.”

The piece delves into how canines have changed human society and how humans have changed them.

According to research done for the show, dogs are the most varied animal species on earth because of how we've bred them. They've also become integral to our lives thanks to the Victorian Era, when having dogs became fashionable. Since then we've helped them become productive members of our society – and hurt them through over-breeding.

“Dogs that Changed the World” covers everything from how dogs evolved from wolves over 15,000 years ago in east Asia to their participation in human society. Research shows that wolves first came out of the woods to eat human trash – and that's how it all began.

Follow this epic as it unravels the mysteries of canine evolution. The program airs Sunday, Jan. 20th at 8 p.m. (ET). Check your local listings for details or go to PBS.org for more info.

Tell us what you think about the program under this story. Post your favorite pet videos at the zootooTV tab. E-mail us your story ideas at news@zootoo.com or call us at 877-777-4204.