All handlers have at one time or another faced the challenge of getting a promising young dog that lacks the right temperament ready for the ring. As you realize how much work needs done, you can't help but wonder whether it can be accomplished.

More than once Joanne Reed thought about breeding a different breed of dog, only to return each time to "The Smiling Dutchman."

Socialization is fundamental to preparing show dogs for the ring. It should start early. In fact, the sooner, the better.

Intriguing developments in canine genetic and health research presented by experts made last fall's Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference one of the best ever. The seventh biennial conference, sponsored by Purina, provided insights and led to thought-provoking discussions among parent club health liaisons and researchers. Today's Breeder is pleased to share highlights from four presentations given during the two-and-a-half-day conference last October in St. Louis.

In the year since Parson Russell Terriers helped break ground for the new Purina Event Center, work has progressed ahead of schedule to create a world-class dog show facility that will open this fall at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Mo.

When building a kennel, breeders consider factors unique to their breed, their sport and their location. Today's Breeder recently asked the following kennel owners what one feature of their kennel they could not imagine living without. We hope you'll find their responses about their most useful kennel feature — or couple of features — as enlightening as we do.

When Karen and Marvin Stout, and their three daughters, Jennifer, Julianne and Jessica, decided to get a dog in 1982, they wanted a hardy one that would enjoy playing outdoors, yet be temperamentally sound. They had one breed in mind — until they visited a Brittany breeder. It changed the course of their lives.

For many sporting enthusiasts, the option of buying a puppy, seeing him through early socialization and keeping the dog on a good training regimen is not feasible. Jobs, travel, new carpeting — all these things — can conspire to keep retriever-ownership just a dream.