[West Ender]

I have no problem with dogs being bred for the "best" points of their breed as long as the breed hasn't become something barely natural. The poor bulldog springs to mind; bred, over many generations, for a flat muzzle and severe underbite (and breathing problems) and narrow hind quarters (and whelping problems). This is "fancying" that's gone too far. There are plenty of other examples but I'm sure you don't need me to tell you.

I also don't like tail docking and I'm pleased to see one of my favourite breeds, the Cocker Spaniel, is now often seen with a natural tail, though I don't know if the Kennel Club has accepted it yet. The reason for docking the spaniel's tail - so as not to get it entangled in undergrowth when retrieving game - never did sit easy with me, bearing in mind the spaniel's long, easily tangled, ears, And, yes, I've had spaniels - and with docked tails.