Episode 1
A team of canine experts reveal the innermost secrets of man's best friend. This episode includes the origin of the poodle haircut, the greyhound's speed and dog breeds themselves.
From huge dogs to tiny dogs, working dogs to lap dogs, hairy dogs to hairless dogs - the team investigates why this single species comes in so many shapes and sizes. Set in a typical English village, the team uses DNA science to reveal the sometimes surprising family trees of some of the village dogs. The team also find out how the extraordinary genetics of modern dogs underlies the extreme differences we see between breeds.
Historian Ruth Goodman uncovers the surprising origins of the poodle's famous haircut; finds out what makes greyhounds the fastest dogs on the planet; and travels to the Guisachan Estate in the Scottish Highlands to meet hundreds of golden retrievers at the ancestral home of this popular breed.
Steve meets the hairiest dog breed of all and reveals how its dreadlocked coat once acted as lightweight armour. Kate investigates the remarkable story of dogs - from their ancient ancestor the grey wolf, through thousands of years as our working companions, to the Victorian creation of the dog breeds we know today.
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Golden Retriever
Duration: 02:23
Music Played
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Sufjan Stevens
Come on! Feel the Illinoise
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Daniel Pemberton
The Wonder of Dogs
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David Benoit
Linus and Lucy
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Derrick Morgan
Wigger Wee Shuffle
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Jos茅 Gonz谩lez
Hand on Your Heart
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Marilyn Monroe
I Wanna Be Loved By You
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Floyd Cramer
On the Rebound
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补濒迟鈥怞
Matilda
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Iggy Pop
Lust for Life
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Isaac Hayes
Run Fay Run
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补濒迟鈥怞
Something Good
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Robbie Williams
Beyond the Sea
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Quincy Jones
Soul Bossa Nova
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Joey Dee & the Starliters
Peppermint Twist
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补濒迟鈥怞
Fitzpleasure
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Vaya Con Dios
Vaya con dios
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Louis Armstrong
We Have All The Time In The World
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Belle and Sebastian
The Boy with the Arab Strap
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Irving Anderson
Let's Misbehave
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The Divine Comedy
Assure the Perpendicular Instrumental
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Lita Roza
How Much is that Doggy in the Window
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The Kolettes
Who's That Guy
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Arthur Fiedler
Grande Valse Brillante
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Belle and Sebastian
Sleep Around the Clock
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Lita Roza
Rinse Me Down
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Nouvelle Vague
Just Can't Get Enough
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Ella Fitzgerald
Too Darn Hot
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Kate Humble |
Presenter | Steve Leonard |
Executive Producer | Leesa Rumley |
Series Producer | Jamie Lochead |
Director | Jamie Lochead |
Presenter | Ruth Goodman |
Visit The Wonder of Dogs on OU's OpenLearn website
Discover more about genetics and the changing roles of dogs in our everyday lives