Here is something for any pet owner whose canine is more diva than dog. How To Be A Dog is the soon-to-be-released guide on "living with humans and getting the upper paw" – written by pedigree cocker spaniel Maxwell Woofington III.

Max, as he is more commonly known, wrote the guide with the help of his "owner and collaborator" Mark Leigh, from Surrey, an author of humorous books.

Max's cultural preferences include a love of gefilte fish, Mr Leigh said. "Just one whiff and he goes berserk for it. Barking, even."