We have an extraordinary relationship with dogs - closer than with any other animal on the planet. But what makes the bond between us so special? Research into dogs is gaining momentum, and scientists are investigating them like never before. From the latest fossil evidence, to the sequencing of the canine genome, to cognitive experiments, dogs are fast turning into the new chimps as a window into understanding ourselves. Where does this relationship come from? In Siberia, a unique breeding experiment reveals the astonishing secret of how dogs evolved from wolves. Swedish scientists demonstrate how the human/dog bond is controlled by a powerful hormone also responsible for bonding mothers to their babies. Why are dogs so good at reading our emotions? Horizon meets Betsy, reputedly the world's most intelligent dog, and compares her incredible abilities to those of children. Man's best friend has recently gone one step further - helping us identify genes responsible for causing human diseases.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 48 Episode 8 of Horizon resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

Horizon Season 48 Episodes...

• s48e01 - Do I Drink too Much?
• s48e02 - The Secret You
• s48e03 - Fix Me
• s48e04 - Who's Afraid of a Big Black Hole?
• s48e05 - Why Do We Talk?
• s48e06 - How Long is a Piece of String?
• s48e07 - How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?
• s48e08 - The Secret Life of the Dog
• s48e09 - Why Do Viruses Kill?
• s48e10 - Pill Poppers
• s48e11 - Don't Grow Old
• s48e12 - To Infiity and Beyond
• s48e13 - What Makes a Genius?
• s48e14 - Did Cooking Make Us Human?
• s48e15 - Is Everything We Know About The Universe Wrong?

Horizon Show Summary

Horizon is BBC Two's flagship 50-minute science documentary series.

Recognised as the world leader in its field, it regularly wins a sweep of international science, medical and environmental film accolades, and has recently won the Royal Television Society Award and the Prix Italia.

In 2002, the British Academy of Film & Television Arts presented Horizon with the BAFTA Television Award for Best Factual Series or Strand.

In 2003 it won the prestigious Images et Science award for best medical documentary and the Carl von Linne Award at the Living Europe film festival in Sweden. That year, a Horizon co-production with WGBH Boston won the Emmy for best documentary.

In September 2014 it celebrated its 50th anniversary and it continues to enjoy outstanding critical acclaim.