Cocker Specific Discussion > General Cocker Spaniel Discussion

Do Reds see red?

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Jane S:
Inbreeding (breeding together close relations like mother & son) can cause health & temperament problems but only if there are problems there in the background to be brought out. Only very experienced breeders with a lot of knowledge of their lines would attempt very close matings for this reason. Line breeding (breeding together less closely related dogs but with some common ancestry) is more commonly carried out but again should only be attempted by breeders with good knowledge of the lines involved. Obviously no sensible breeder would mate 2 aggressive Cockers together (can't speak for the puppy farmers though :() as this would be asking for trouble. Having said that, some Rage cases have been produced by parents with excellent temperaments themselves although they may have dogs way back in their pedigree who are thought to be "suspect".

As everyone else has stressed, its important to put this subject into perspective. Any dog has the potential to have a poor temperament if the conditions are right eg ignorant or bad breeding practices, lack of socialisation by the breeder, poor training by the new owner etc. If you want a happy, healthy puppy (whatever the colour), be patient & find a reputable breeder who will help you whenever you need it & then put in the necessary work to socialise & train your pup the right way :)                    

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