THERE is a saying among dog owners that you can only ever own a dog of certain characteristics once, be they good or bad.

I am currently researching this statement; as there are many owners who see the same character in dogs that they now own, as in those that they have previously owned which have passed away.

I have come across many instances of this. Some have been dogs of the same breed, others have been of completely different types and sizes, yet behave so much like their predecessors that it is uncanny.

I am on the look-out for more representations of this phenomenon. Through your Letters page, I would like to ask any of your readers who have experienced this in dogs that they have owned, to write to me with their accounts.

Envelopes should be marked Research D and sent to: 18 Court Hill Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1JE.

This research is primarily for an article on the subject although, with further information, there are book possibilities.

Sue Robsinon,

Court Hill Road,

Swanage