Expert: Delores Beck - 5/7/2011

Question
Me and my family are thinking of owning a Golden Cocker Spaniel Bitch puppy. However, we are hesitant with their temperaments as I have researched they can develop Rage Syndrome. If this is the case, could Golden Cockers still have Rage Syndrome if they have spots of white? For instance, white on the chest or head. Also if the bitch is spayed, could this help with their temperament? Lastly, me and my family do also like the Blue Roan Cockers, would this be a safer choice? Please could you contact me back asap, thankyou.

Answer
I have no idea where you got this information but it's not at all true.

I do hope you're dealing with a reputable breeder because you shouldn't remotely consider buying from a pet store.

Go and see the litter - see which pup is friendly and curious.  You also need to understand cockers are high maintenance dogs and need professional grooming monthly - a premium food - lots of exercise and socialization.  A puppy needs to be fed at least 4 times a day and to successfully housebreak you need to "take" them out on leash every few hours or they'll never learn.

So if this is a family where everyone is gone all day - a puppy isn't a good choice.  They just need far too much attention and cockers don't do well in an isolated situation.

And if the breeder isn't asking you a ton of questions - move on!  Good breeders care very much where their puppies go.  The bad ones just want the money.  Good breeders will ask if you have a fenced in yard - where the puppy will sleep - who's home during the day - what will you feed - how much do you know about training.  If they ask all this you can safely assume they're responsible breeders and you won't get a lot of inherited health problems.