In praise of smaller dogs

They eat less, live longer, won’t knock you over when the postman calls and will take on most the tasks of their larger brethren. What’s not to like, asks David Tomlinson?

- David Tomlinson

FOR years, I’ve bemoaned the fact that working springer spaniels have got smaller, whiter and more whippety, and about as far removed from the breed standard as it’s possible to go and still call them English springers. I’ve also noted, without enthusiasm, the trend for trialling labradors to become faster, lighter and altogether more racey. However, I’m now having second thoughts. Who really needs a big dog when a smaller one will do the job just as well?

My change of opinion was prompted originally by the arrival of Emma the sprocker into the Tomlinson household. She was a small puppy but I assumed naively that, when she matured, she would fill out and become what I would call a proper-sized spaniel. Now, at three, she still weighs a mere 11kg and is regularly mistaken for a puppy. However, she is fast, very fast, and despite her small size can do everything my full-size springers could do. Pick up a cock pheasant? No problem. In car terms, she is the equivalent of an old-fashioned Mini Cooper S: great handling, extremely quick and highly entertaining. Who needs a big spaniel when a small one can do everything equally well?