I'm looking at breeds right now, and in one of them, tails are docked, but you sometimes see one with a natural tail. One breeder of this breed told me he will leave the tail, but pretty much under the conditions Tollerowner mentioned the Brittany breeder gave her. He also admitted that he would pick the puppy in the litter he considered the least (i.e., the one furthest from the standard to be met for a show prospect) for that person. I think what Tollerowner did - go for a different breed - is the best solution for someone who really wants a natural tail on a docked breed.