Temperament and genetics/lines

[bondie]

This is a difficult one....... In order to get the facts and trace 'lines', owners have to admit to the line their dogs come from and some breeders do not want this as public knowledge. During my lifetime I have owned 6 cockers (show type) of various colours and lines. All have been absolute softies - except No 5 - who really was the puppy from hell. I had tremendous support from my vet and a specialist behaviourist,  and he was eventually diagnosed with limbic epilepsy. Watching his eyes change as "the red mist" descended was an unnerving experience. The breeder was supportive and that breeding line was quietly stopped. Now No 6 could not be more different - he is so laid back he's virtually horizontal, but never the less, enjoys his playtime and romps!  As I said, a difficult one to solve if everyone isn't 'open'

[Toni-UK]

It is a vast and complicated, but fascinating subject...  Perhaps something to focus on during my retirement (unless any kind soul is forthcoming with a sizeable research grant!) 

A while ago TopBarks did some research possibly linked to his degree? on aggression in certain colours and i think the outcome was loosely that it was likely in reds and goldens but that is was more down to certain lines than the actual colour.
I can't remember it all Michelle its a bit hazy.....but there was def a survey,poll or research done.
 

[sodpot2000]

Having had a cocker in the mid 1970's with limbic epilepsy I know just what Bondie means about the red mist. Very scary. In his case a (reputable and v responsible) breeder friend found the cause in the pedigree with appalling interbreeding. As I recall he only had one grandmother or something like that! It is difficult to get to the bottom of the causes. I have a pet theory that spaniels and probably other dogs are susceptible to the same food additive/colourant ADHD type reactions as many children and this confuses the picture even further.

Lots of research needed.