English Springer Spaniel James capped a successful career as a champion dog with his Best in Show victory at the 131st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This two-disc commemorative program includes hours of judging footage as the world's elite canine competitors strut their stuff in front of the crowd at Madison Square Garden. 3 3/4 hrs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; bonus footage; featurettes; interviews.

Two-disc set includes "A Pug's Life: The Dogumentary" and "American Pit Bull."

Sure, Helen Keller and the Little Rascals had pit bulls...but, should your kids? Trace the history of the controversial breed in this enlightening documentary, which reveals how the dog (and its reputation) evolved from a revered and loyal pet of the upper class to the reportedly combative, unpredictable, and dangerous guard dog of modern times. The film fully explores the breeding, training, exposition, and abuse of this fascinating canine. 63 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English.

What do Madonna, Jon Stewart, Ray Romano, Mary Tyler Moore, and Michael J. Fox have in common? They're all rich! I mean, they're all pit bull owners! This documentary will address your preconceptions about the dogs to show how some of them may not be the vicious, aggressive killers you and your little puppy have come to fear. 92 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English (SDH).

Five enlightening (and adorable) programs from National Geographic celebrate the many fascinating details about our favorite four-legged friends. "Those Wonderful Dogs" (1994) offers an absorbing look at how canines help humans, acting as messengers during World War II, Iditarod sled-racers, and more; "The Secret Life Of Cats" (2000) explores a housecat's secret world and reveals how cats were worshipped as symbols of life in Ancient Egypt, and in centuries past were adored by farmers and sea captains alike; "Science Of Dogs" (2007) and "Science Of Cats" (2008) provide an overview of the animals' special abilities and breeding history; "And Man Created Dog" (2010) examines how creative breeding has allowed man to evolve what was once a fearsome wolf into "man's best friend." 5 hrs. total on three discs. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1.

The prestigious, yet simultaneously offbeat, world of dog shows is explored in this profile from filmmaker Leslye Abbey. Every year hundreds of dog owners and their various breeds of canines compete in events across the country to be named "best in show." Follow four different breeders and their pooches to get a glimpse behind the scenes and witness the work, love, dedication, knowledge, and experience that's required for the glamour and excitement in producing a consistent champion. 61 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.

You already know they're "man's best friend," but there's plenty more to learn about dogs, and you'll be barking up the right tree with this reality series if you want an encyclopedic (and enjoyable) approach to the subject. Includes episodes 1-5 from the first season, spotlighting the French Bulldog, Poodle Airedale, Shar Pei, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Beagle, Dachshund, Irish Setter, and others. 3 1/3 hrs. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English.

Fetch this delightful "Nova" program if you want to learn all about the evolution of "man's best friend." Touring an Indiana research facility dedicated to the study of wolves and visiting a dog show in New York where the finest breeds go tail to tail in competition, the program offers an enlightening overview of canine facts and trivia. Bow-wow, are these four-legged folks fascinating! 60 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, DVS.

Researchers are quickly finding that among animals, "man's best friend" might also be man's smartest friend! This "Nova" program reviews the latest insights concerning the surprising intelligence of dogs and the special, very emotional bonds that are formed between these pets and their owners. Also examined are the fascinating comparisons between dogs and wolves, as well as recent Siberian efforts to domesticate foxes. 60 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English (SDH).

Four-disc set includes "Dogs And More Dogs," "Dogs Decoded," "Through A Dog's Eyes," and "How Smart Are Animals?"

Ten episodes--including "The Survivors," "Starting Over," "Life After DogTown," "Rescue and Renewal," and "Friends in Need"--are featured in a three-disc set. 8 1/3 hrs. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; bonus program; featurette. **10 episodes on 3 discs. 8 1/3 hrs.**

All five episodes from the second season--"Saving the Michael Vick Dogs," "New Beginnings," "Project Rescue," "Road to Recovery," and "New Lives"--are featured in a two-disc set. 3 1/3 hrs. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; deleted scenes. **5 episodes on 2 discs. 3 1/3 hrs.**

All three episodes from the debut season--"Crisis Dogs," "Second Chances," and "The Outsiders"--are featured. 150 min. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; featurettes. **3 episodes on 1 disc. 150 min.**

Highlighted by stunning computer-generated imagery, these National Geographic documentaries examine the fetal development of cats and dogs. First, "In the Womb: Cats" charts the in utero changes that a variety of felines--from house cats to lions--experience. Then, "In the Womb: Dogs" chronicles the evolution of the canine from fertilization through to birth. 90 min. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.

The unique relationship between humans and canines is explored in this fascinating documentary that promises viewers a dog-done good time. Join such celebrities as Glenn Close, Richard Gere, Edie Falco, Christopher Meloni, Isaac Mizrahi, Lynn Redgrave, Edward Albee, Greg Louganis, Richard Belzer, Cindy Adams, and others as they discuss how having a dog as a pet has enriched their lives. 50 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; deleted scenes; interviews.

Narrated by F. Murray Abraham, this two-part "Nature" special examines how dogs have impacted human society throughout history. First, "The Rise of the Dog" looks at various breeds of canines from across the globe and explores how they all evolved from wolves. Then, "Dogs by Design" focuses on how pooches have retained their basic instincts across the ages--and how their senses can be used to save lives. 120 min. total. Soundtrack: English.

Once a beloved house pet, the American Pit Bull Terrier has become the most feared and misunderstood dog in contemporary society. This riveting documentary traces how the canine breed has become an urban symbol for violence and aggression, while exposing the truth about the shocking world of underground dog fights. 50 min. Soundtrack: English; bonus footage; bonus shorts; music video.

Football gets a tail-wagging twist with this delightfully original program from Animal Planet. With bulldogs, boxers, and puppies of all breeds taking the place of two-legged pigskin stars, the Big Game has never been so cute and cuddly...until the play gets tough and it's "dog eat dog" until the last down! 128 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.

Witty and informative, these BBC documentaries present the truth about cats and dogs. First, "The Canine Conspiracy" examines if dogs truly are man's best friend--or if they are just leeching off the kindness of humans. Then, in "The Cat Connection," you'll learn how felines evolved from vicious predator to become the most popular pet in the United States and Britain. 96 min. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English.

The touching role of the service dog is explored in this "Nova" episode. Canine Assistants founder Jennifer Arnold is on hand to share her expert training techniques and the ways in which people with disabilities are matched up with animals appropriate to their special needs. This documentary provides a unique look at the heartwarming bonds that can be forged between people and their dogs. 60 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.

Journey to Petaluma, California, where the annual "World's Ugliest Dog" contest has become a civic institution and a media phenomenon. This documentary peek at the determined owner-competitors--and the pooches with pusses that only they could love--makes for a blue-ribbon diversion. 60 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; audio commentary; bonus shorts "Stringers" (2006), "Drag King" (2008); outtakes.