Walking companions that set you up for life
sir – The study suggesting that “a pedigree chum can help you live longer” (November 18) is common sense.
Any and every dog needs a good walk every day. A good walk equals a healthier person.
Graham Mitchell
Haslemere, Surrey
sir – I am dismayed that owning a mongrel is associated with a mere two per cent reduction in one’s risk of early mortality.
My small lurcher and black-andwhite terrier are not aristocratic and were not expensive, but the three of us take much more exercise and have much more fun than many “well-bred” dogs that never go off the lead. We are all extremely fit and expect to live into ripe old age, ratting and rabbiting and generally scuttling around.
Caroline Coke
Slapton, Northamptonshire
sir – The fact that people in Sweden who own a pointer enjoy a substantially decreased mortality risk may be more to do with the type of person who owns these dogs than the animal’s exercise requirements.
In Scandinavia, pointers are used as tow dogs for cross-country skiers in skijoring races. Setters of all three types are very common in Norway and are also used as tow dogs.
The red, English and Gordon setters in Norway tend to have shorter legs than the British ones, and incredible amounts of energy. Gill Smith
Killearn, Stirlingshire