Best Netflix Dog Documentaries That Animal Lovers Need To Watch

Unsplash/Rob Wingate

You can find some real gems on Netflix, and these dog-related documentaries are no exception. On this list, you’ll find light-hearted docuseries that delve deeper into the unique relationships between dogs and humans. You’ll also find more informative films that discuss hot-topic issues in the canine world, like scandals surrounding the pet food industry and what happens to ex-fight dogs after they “retire” or are rescued. Whether you want to learn more about man’s furry best friend, or just want to watch cute puppies walking around for an hour, we’re willing to bet that one of these dogumentaries will appeal to you.

1. “Dogs“

This six-part Netflix original docuseries celebrates the special bond between humans and our four-legged partners in crime. Each episode spotlights different dog and owner pairs from around the world. You’ll meet pooches working in a variety of different fields, including health services, security and even fashion.

2. “A Dog’s Life“

This 45-minute Netflix documentary explores the unique way in which dogs experience, perceive and understand reality and how it’s different from the way that we experience our own. During the course of this film, the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of various pups are put to the test through a variety of different exercises. You’ll be surprised by some of the things that these pups are able to do really well, and by the way that they struggle to do other things that for us humans seem so simple.

3. “Pet Fooled“

If you want to take a deeper look at the inner workings of the pet food industry, check out this documentary. With commentary by two established veterinarians, the film looks at how the unregulated territory and corporate structure of the pet food industry influence what we end up putting into our dogs’ food bowls. It’s worth the watch if you’re a pet owner who’s looking to learn more about what’s actually going into your animal’s food.

4. “Martin Clunes: A Man and His Dogs“

Follow English actor Martin Clunes as he travels the world to dive deeper into the true ancestry of pups and where they came from. In the first of two episodes, Clunes meets with dog’s wild ancestors, the wolf and the wild dingo, to understand more about the habits of his own dogs. In the second episode, Clunes visits highly trained border collies in the hope of unlocking the secret to training his own unruly young labrador.

5. “The Champions“

This tear-jerker of a documentary follows the life of dogs (mostly Pitbulls) rescued from the Michael Vick dog fighting ring. The film delves deeper into the struggles that these pups face and the stigma that often keeps them from getting adopted. It brings awareness to the fact that, although these pups were bred to fight, they can actually be real sweethearts capable of becoming awesome pets.

6. “Cesar 911“

This show is essentially about a “dog whisperer” who’s called upon to help families with unruly pets learn how to better train their dogs. Watch how dog behavior specialist Cesar Millan helps various dogs go from terror to tame in the span of 45-minute-long episodes.