The Incredible Story Of Dogs

In a dog show competition, how do you get a bulldog to look his best for the judges? Tickle his testicles. Of course, this might work for other breeds as well (not to mention other species), but the program doesn't elaborate. There are too many other interesting tidbits about canines to dwell on any one for too long. Produced by the BBC, and hosted by A & E regular Jack Perkins, The Incredible Story of Dogs (just called Dogs on the actual videos) is an ambitious 6-part exploration of the relationship between dogs and their humans. Each volume includes two episodes. Vol. 1 opens with "Fatal Attraction," which traces the evolution of the domesticated dog and examines a dog's role in various cultures: in Beijing, for example, dogs are illegal; in Japan, however, dogs are treated like royalty. Neurotic yappy dogs are given "volcanic sand bath" treatments; later, they might spend the night at a "dog hotel" where the rooms run $100 a night (but include a steak dinner: handfed, no less). The second episode, "Fame & Fortune," visits with Bob Weatherwax, owner and trainer of the current Lassie (the seventh, since the original), watches photographer William Wegman at work with his famous model dogs Fay and Bettina, and sits in on a support group for people who have lost their beloved pets. In one particularly poignant sequence, a young man struggles to keep his emotions in check as he describes his deep feelings for his dog Danny, who has just been diagnosed as having heart disease. Vol. 2 looks at the many roles dogs play in modern society, while Vol. 3 examines breeding questions and the pursuit of the "ideal" dog. Traveling all over the world to look at a wide variety of breeds, and talking with dog owners from all walks of life, The Incredible Story of Dogs is an excellent series for canine lovers. With the current popularity of Elizabeth Marshall Thomas' bestselling The Hidden Life of Dogs, this beautifully packaged set should do quite nicely. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)