Why is it that humans have such a strong affinity to dogs, rather than many other animals? Dogs, Explained addresses this question through the exploration of humans and canines' history and modern science.

Of the 800 million dogs on Earth, half of them are pets. As a species, canines have prospered and proliferated by way of their proximity to humans.

The progression from wolf to dog was marked by a gradual attuning to human behavior and emotionality. Dogs have become remarkably skilled at understanding human emotions, which might explain the depth of our connection to the species.

Part of Netflix and Vox's collaborative Explained series, this episode combines recent scientific research, ancient history, and lived anecdote to approach the question of why and how the canine species has become man's best friend.

Narrated by the actor Jake Gyllenhaal, Dogs Explained collates interviews with prominent anthropologists and scientific studies from the likes of Stanford or Princeton.