SEVERAL months ago, I entered the institutionalised and show business world of the pet dog. I have two American cocker spaniels and together we transcend the mundanities of everyday life, climbing hills or losing our way in woodland. For me, this is the very essence of pleasure for man and his dog.

Whilst I love the natural and private side of life, I, like many people, like the fantasy, glamour and prestigious representations of life, hence my decision to frequent dog shows. Initially, I found the exhibitions interesting and most enjoyable, articulating with fellow dog lovers and endeavouring to learn more about the disciplined life of the show pet. The problem I now have is that I am beginning to frown upon the whole concept of the dog as an exhibit, a form of social status and identity.

When these dogs arrive at the venue, there can be six or more dogs squeezed together in a container where they will remain until it is their turn for the pre-show grooming session. Further, these dogs once released from their cages demonstrate very little emotion in the same manner a pet dog would. With regard to their appearance, of course they are well turned out, defined and cute, but they look so thin and deserving of a good meal.

What concerns me is their lack of spirit and interest in their surroundings as though they have been conditioned and drained of natural instinct. You might say they should be compliant in readiness for the show appearance but no one can tell me that this is normal canine behaviour. One lady at the Stoneleigh show recently told me she didn’t walk her show dog in order to keep the coat clean and to prevent him developing muscles. She intimated that I like fat dogs. That afternoon at the show, I stumbled on a big dog who had done his stint in the ring and was so fatigued that when I tried to rouse the sleeping dog, he wouldn’t rouse or budge.

I have met many fellow dog breeders, many of them ladies of varying ages but have been unable to discern the gains they make from the hectic schedule of dog shows. Surely they must be very thick-skinned and relentless when you know there are one or two only reaching ascendancy and dominance at every show. I believe the top few breeders are churning out puppies in great numbers, just to find that perfect show exhibit. I also believe that breeding is carried out on an experimental basis, breaching ethical guidelines but as yet I have no evidence. I myself have had problems recently regarding a transaction with an egotistical top breeder but was able to force him/her to concede and perform the contract without invoking litigation.

There is clearly a minority who are making a name for themselves and a living, by producing, ‘the perfect dog’ (their ego is being fed and is bulging), but this practice and the show business fiasco can never be kind and a welfaring activity for my canine friends.

In addition, I have a six-month-old ferocious little pup whose father is a renowned champion and who has snapped at several judges according to many breeders. The ‘top’ breeder needs to address these matters when searching for his or her ideal canine. I have communicated with all the renowned canine institutions about many questionable practices but they are not concerned. It should be pointed out that the top breeders are also judges and very much part of the establishment. Apart from the showing ordeal for the dogs we have recently heard via the media of ailments and deformities in dogs caused by breeding.

Regulation is urgently needed to stop the wholesale production of dogs on a commercial basis and we need real dog people managing the dog clubs. Welfare, temperament, fewer pups and a regulatory framework has to be the way forward.

Peter A Goring, Amblecote