If a trainer had a crystal ball to predict a dog’s potential, it would save much heartbreak, quite a few bucks and countless hours of training. Here are key characteristics to help evaluate talent in young dogs.

Geneticists from around the world met last year at the fourth biennial international genomics conference, sponsored by Purina, to learn from one another and to share their findings and future goals. New frontiers are coming in genetics research that will benefit both dogs and humans, with technological advances paving the way.

Not only are English Setters beautiful to look at, they also have wonderful temperaments, making them "the best-kept secret in dogs," according to Chebaco English Setter breeders Eileen Hackett and Kate Hanlon. Over the past 33 years, they have bred some of the finest English Setters in the country, including 2008’s No. 1 setter, "Ross."

A new indoor Purina Event Center is being built at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Mo., to hold top caliber all-breed and specialty dog shows. Scheduled to open in fall 2010, the multimillion-dollar, world-class facility will have many features and a dedicated staff working to help ensure every dog show is a "Best in Show" event.

Challenging economic times require some belt-tightening to maximize a dog’s potential in the show ring. Steps can be taken to not skimp where it matters most: a dog’s campaign.

Greg and Liz Dixon discovered their fondness for German Wirehaired Pointers individually. Then they met, fell in love and began breeding top field-trial wirehairs, including four National Champions. Some of their wirehairs also carry dual Champion titles with Liz finishing them in the show ring.

Slick, fast and fun, flyball is an amazing team sport in which handlers and dogs compete to run the fastest time in a 102-foot relay race. Behind the scenes at the United Flyball League International Championship, top teams cheer on their highly revved canines in hopes of finishing first at this fiercely competitive event.