Cocker Specific Discussion > General Cocker Spaniel Discussion

Do Reds see red?

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pwhite48:
I've heard a rumour from another Cocker owner that Reds aren't so good with children.  Is there any truth, or link between doggy colours and their behaviour?                    

TOPAZ BILLY:
I was told this by a breeder but she was selling me a blue roan at the time.

But I have met some lovely reds.

There is a link on here somewhere to an article about cocker rage, I am sure someone with a bit more knowledge than me will track this down for you.

M                    

Mike:
Reds are stereotypically associated with cocker rage syndrome, but although this condition does exist, it has been kind of sensationalised by the media (understatement  ;D). It's good to at least be aware of this condition, so take a look at this link here about the rage syndrome:

http://www.cockerspanielrage.org.uk/  

In all likelihood, your friend has perhaps seen a few cockers not behaving well around children, that happen to have been red. It goes without saying that any dog will only be as well balanced, socialised and trained as the amount of effort that you put into it - sadly, not everyone does this, hence there can be dogs unsociable with children in any breed. I know you're looking for a red or golden cocker, so I'd carry on with your search if I were you, just make sure that you stick to reputable breeders ;)                    

Anonymous:
Absolutely agree Mike!!  However may I add that it's not just Cockers that the "rage syndrome" affects I think dobbies, rotties, GSD and golden retrievers can be affected by this condition too.  Although when I bought my GSD nothing was mentioned ???  I think its very rare now as I know the GOOD breeders have been trying to breed this out of the lines, it was in the 80'S that all the bad press came about so there has been 20 years to right the wrong :)

I hope i'm right on this!!!

Emma and Indie                    

Mike:
There's a list on the cocker rage website of other breeds that the rage syndrome has been reported in - all those you say are included Emma.

As to whether it's more or less rare these days I guess is tricky to answer. It was never proven categorically that it was an inherited condition - indeed studies are still ongoing, and you can read a really good article about these on the Research page of the rage website:

http://www.cockerspanielrage.org.uk/rage_s...drome_ward1.htm

The only thing that makes me say it's tricky to know, is that all of these breeds in question have been bred numerically by non-reputable breeders during the last decade... if the reported numbers are up, then it could seemingly point towards the condition being due to poor breeding at least in part. I'd be very interested to know what other people think ;D                    

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