All the years that the Cocker Spaniel held this popularity caused great harm to the breed. It seems the Lab breeders are doing a good job of resisting the temptations that would lead to the destruction of the breed.
How so? I have had great cockers over the last 15 years, but maybe I didn't know what to look for.
I've had labs too, the "white" lab above looks just like our Maggie. She was one of the most intelligent dogs I've ever met. She learned to retrieve doves just from watching other dogs. Incredible dog.
But I love my two cockers who are just spoiled babies.
Backyard breeders and puppy mills did their best to ruin the Cocker (I have three well-bred, true to breed, Cockers)... I fear the movie Marley and Me will make everyone want a Lab and in a few months the shelters will be over run with puppy mill labs, like they have been with puppy mill cockers...and the fact Obama wants a labradoodle they will be overrun with that breed as well.