Jill Harness
And Man Created Dog
by Jill Harness - August 24, 2010 - 8:36 AM

Dogs just might be the only animal man can actually take credit for creating. A new National Geographic special, And Man Created Dog, explores the evolution of the dog and their special role with humans. It is ripe with fascinating information about the animals and inspiring stories about human/K-9 relationships. I think my favorite part is the facts page on the site though. Take for example, the following bits of trivia:

  • The only animal that can accelerate faster than a greyhound over a short distance is a cheetah.
  • Dogs can be taught to understand well over 100 spoken words. Dr. Stanley Coren says the average dog can be taught as many as 165 individual words – more words than an ape can recognize.

    • Be sure to check out their page to learn more. And if you find out when they will be re-airing the program, let us know!

    [Image courtesy of TheGiantVermin's Flickr Stream.]

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    Comments (11)

    1. Dogs are also one of the very few species that understand pointing. Even chimps don’t get that pointing to an object means they should check it out. Scientists covered a few theories as to why this is true on “The Human Spark”, a three-part television series on PBS with Alan Alda. I highly recommend it!

      posted by Cathy in NH on 8-24-2010 at 9:04 am

    2. I really enjoyed this show – great for dog lovers and those who should be dog lovers (everyone!).

      Please consider finding a local rescue group to support – there are so many dogs out there that need some help and love

      posted by Kevin on 8-24-2010 at 10:41 am

    3. “the human spark” is great!

      posted by kat on 8-24-2010 at 11:13 am

    4. I agree with Kevin, please adopt!

      posted by Amy on 8-24-2010 at 11:43 am

    5. I was working the night this came on and only caught the last couple of parts of it, and I loved it. I’m still trying to find out when it will air again and if NatGeo releases it on DVD I will snap it up. As someone who has had basset hounds for 15 years, I can attest that there is something special about the bond between humans and dogs. (Definitely on board the adoption train here, I’ve worked with Basset Hound rescue for several years now as well)

      posted by GoF on 8-24-2010 at 12:31 pm

    6. I third the enthusiasm for a shelter dog! Particularly when you ask the volunteer what breed they are and s/he just kinda shrugs. ;)

      Also dogs have the uncanny ability to know exactly when you have guests over so they can plant themselves in the middle of the living room floor to noisily take care of, um, “personal” grooming.

      posted by BorgQueen on 8-24-2010 at 12:39 pm

    7. Add another vote for adoptions! We have a Rottweiler mix and a Dingo mix, and they’re both excellent dogs. Pound puppies seem to be more, I guess, grateful. They require some special attention at first, but once they trust that this is home, there are none more loyal.

      posted by Jon on 8-24-2010 at 1:06 pm

    8. My dog is a rescue as well. It took us 2 years of diligent work to potty train her, but she is the best dog I’ve ever shared my house with. She’s never met a stranger in all her days and lives life to the fullest.

      posted by Kate on 8-24-2010 at 2:39 pm

    9. Dogs rule.

      posted by Deb on 8-24-2010 at 4:04 pm

    10. Oh, how my husband wants a dog…..if only we didn’t both work 1hr+ from home. :( We both want a German Shepherd-adopted, of course!!!

      posted by Kate on 8-24-2010 at 9:52 pm

    11. I like dogs but not in my small house – I want a medium to larger dog but with as small as my house it there’s just no room.

      posted by Beth on 8-27-2010 at 9:47 pm

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