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Dogs That Changed the World - a Review
A Nature Documentary Looks at the Impact of Dogs on Man's History
Feb 6, 2010 Barbara DeGrande
The unique relationship between humans and canines is the focus of this PBS presentation. Disputing long held beliefs that man tamed wolves, this film offers new ideas.
The intense loyalty and affection dogs offer to humans are only the tip of their generous contributions to mankind. Early hunters relied upon dogs for their prey; indeed some primitive people today still call their dogs their most valued hunting weapon, over even their bow and arrows. One of the interesting forces at work in this relationship is that the canine will put aside his own inclincations when hunting, and allow the man to take the prey. NATURE looks at the genesis of this unusual relationship from a global and historical perspective.
Mankind Has Relied on Dogs for 15,000 Years
The earliest historical findings seem to indicate that dogs and mankind began their long relationship some 15,000 years ago, possibly in East Asia. Dogs are now found all over the world. This interesting film shows how mankind has bred dogs for certain qualities, and then has found other qualities suddenly arising from that specialization. For example, foxes bred for tameness and gentleness also began showing unique fur patterns and textures.
Throughout the documentary, there is a very biased look at dogs as creatures in service to humankind. Used as hunters, herders and healers, dogs have also entertained men, served as alarm systems, and become protectors of their habitat. They have adapted to an array of climates, cultures, and diets and have specialized by breeding patterns. Today we have bloodhounds with sensitive smelling adaptations, greyhounds with speed built into their genetics, and specialty breeds designed to appeal to human idiosyncratic behaviors. There are rat terriers who were bred to catch and kill rats and artic dogs who survive the incredible cold of the Innuit people of the north.
Like many NATURE programs, this is an entertaining look at a relationship that is often take for granted. The importance to humans across the globe of these amazing animals is witnessed in the diverse people and dog breeds shown. However, what is missing is a look at the dog for the dog's own sake - what would dogs have been had they not become domesticated? How are men failing dogs by killing milions each year due to a lack of homes for them? What about puppy mills, animal hoarding, and the use of dogs for entertainment, food, and research? This film is beautifully done, but offers only a look at how man has used dogs in a narrow parameter, with an emphasis on an historical perspective. It lacks a breadth of what the dog is facing today because of this history. Still, it is an entertaining and interesting viewing of a significant human/animal relationship that has long endured.
* 108 minutes
* PBS / Nature film
* Movie Site
Read more at Suite101: Dogs That Changed the World - a Review: A Nature Documentary Looks at the Impact of Dogs on Man's History http://science-nature-documentaries...at-changed-the-world---a-review#ixzz0eoc4TCkz
A Nature Documentary Looks at the Impact of Dogs on Man's History
Feb 6, 2010 Barbara DeGrande
The unique relationship between humans and canines is the focus of this PBS presentation. Disputing long held beliefs that man tamed wolves, this film offers new ideas.
The intense loyalty and affection dogs offer to humans are only the tip of their generous contributions to mankind. Early hunters relied upon dogs for their prey; indeed some primitive people today still call their dogs their most valued hunting weapon, over even their bow and arrows. One of the interesting forces at work in this relationship is that the canine will put aside his own inclincations when hunting, and allow the man to take the prey. NATURE looks at the genesis of this unusual relationship from a global and historical perspective.
Mankind Has Relied on Dogs for 15,000 Years
The earliest historical findings seem to indicate that dogs and mankind began their long relationship some 15,000 years ago, possibly in East Asia. Dogs are now found all over the world. This interesting film shows how mankind has bred dogs for certain qualities, and then has found other qualities suddenly arising from that specialization. For example, foxes bred for tameness and gentleness also began showing unique fur patterns and textures.
Throughout the documentary, there is a very biased look at dogs as creatures in service to humankind. Used as hunters, herders and healers, dogs have also entertained men, served as alarm systems, and become protectors of their habitat. They have adapted to an array of climates, cultures, and diets and have specialized by breeding patterns. Today we have bloodhounds with sensitive smelling adaptations, greyhounds with speed built into their genetics, and specialty breeds designed to appeal to human idiosyncratic behaviors. There are rat terriers who were bred to catch and kill rats and artic dogs who survive the incredible cold of the Innuit people of the north.
Like many NATURE programs, this is an entertaining look at a relationship that is often take for granted. The importance to humans across the globe of these amazing animals is witnessed in the diverse people and dog breeds shown. However, what is missing is a look at the dog for the dog's own sake - what would dogs have been had they not become domesticated? How are men failing dogs by killing milions each year due to a lack of homes for them? What about puppy mills, animal hoarding, and the use of dogs for entertainment, food, and research? This film is beautifully done, but offers only a look at how man has used dogs in a narrow parameter, with an emphasis on an historical perspective. It lacks a breadth of what the dog is facing today because of this history. Still, it is an entertaining and interesting viewing of a significant human/animal relationship that has long endured.
* 108 minutes
* PBS / Nature film
* Movie Site
Read more at Suite101: Dogs That Changed the World - a Review: A Nature Documentary Looks at the Impact of Dogs on Man's History http://science-nature-documentaries...at-changed-the-world---a-review#ixzz0eoc4TCkz