How did dogs come to assist us not only in hunting, but in bomb disposal and cancer detection—and ultimately become our closest companions? Simon Garfield examines how this bond developed over the centuries, and how it has transformed the lives of both humans and canines. Along the way, we meet the legendary Corgis of Buckingham Palace, the dogs of the Soviet space program, the world's first labradoodle, and a border collie that can identify more than 1,000 different plush toys. Garfield also reveals the secrets of the world's best dog trainers, takes us inside the wild world of dog shows, and unearths the deep psychological roots of the human-dog link.