David Tomlinson writes:

My research was based simply on conversations with flatcoated retriever owners, nearly all of whom have lost dogs to cancer. Your article on flatcoats made me seeth. Why would you cross the aristocratic flatcoat with a labrador? The reason flatcoats are chosen is so you do not have a labrador. If the gene pool is small then cross with a setter. Maybe the English setter?

We have had flatcoats for 21 years and before that labradors. They are very different in temperament. The flats are good company and love to play; they are clowns but when working are hard to beat, although at times headstrong and single-minded. It would be a great loss if these traits were watered down with labrador input.

The flat we have now is in his eighth year but everyone thinks he is about 18 months. The breed is so handsome – and don’t they know it.

Geraldine Goodjohn, by email