Could anyone please help with a couple of things that I have been told whilst looking to buy a show type cocker? 1. is I have been told rage syndrome is only in show type cockers never the working cockers and it is in all the colours not just the red, so naturally i am worried as dont particularly want a working cocker. The other thing is someone said that cocker spaniels in general sweat quite badly and smell more than any other breed has anyone else come across this?

If you want information about Rage Syndrome, have a look here but bear in mind that this is a rare condition & has been seen in other breeds, not just Cockers. You will find information about Cockers in general on the Cocker Club website. Make sure you read the Looking To Buy A Puppy page & also the Health page for information on hereditary conditions which occur in the breed.

Working Cockers are great dogs in the right home but many owners of Working Cockers do not believe they are suitable for the novice owner -they are busy, energetic little dogs who need plenty of time devoted to mental stimulation not just physical exercise. If you want advice on Working Cockers, have a chat with Mrs Rhodes, Field Trial Secretary for the Cocker Club, on 01273 890701 who will give you an honest opinion.

PS I've had Cockers for 20 years & they don't sweat at all or smell any worse than any other dog so you have been misinformed here.

Just seconding what Jane has told you-rage syndrome is extremely rare and also should not be confused with poor training or breeding.  I would recommend you look at the Cocker Club website Jane has linked for you, you will find information on how to find a reputable breeder and what sorts of things to be on the look out for.

Your question regarding whether cockers sweat or smell more than other breeds did bring a smile to my face- and again I am seconding jane here, I have never come across that. :)  There are a few stinky dogs lying at my feet at the moment, but I hasten to add that is because we are just back from our morning run and quite a few have been swimming, so it's off for bath time for us! :)

As a non spaniel owner I do know what you mean about smell, some dogs definately do smell more doggy than others, and the gundogs, and a number of short coated breeds to my nose smell doggy, but then the arctic breeds and Spitz in general have very little odour (though of course they fart and can have bad breath :D) 

This should not be confused with the fould odour that some neglected cockers can have.  I have smelt cockers with infected ears and mouths at freinds who groom.  These have usually been elderly animals with rotten teeth, and where ear care was previously neglected causing recurrent infections. 

Of course a dirty dog will smell, and cockers with their long ear feathers when sniffing the ground will get them wet and muddy, and of course even drag them through their own wee, so attention to hygene is essential.

So I woulld agree with the ladies above a well cared for Cocker fed correctly and maintained in a clean manner should not smell more than most other dogs, but they wil of course smell of dog, especially when wet.

read the rage site even if you dont decide on getting a cocker you will have a suprise because many other breeds stuffer . it really is so rare the site points that out . if you get any pup from a reputable breeder there shouldent be a problem , working cockers are very bouncy alot like springers so its better to decide if you can devote the time for lots of walks :) if you cant id go for a show type . please dont let rage rule you its in a tiny amount of cockers .register and we can help you search for a reputable breeder .
ps none of my cockers have smelt infact my show type people comment that she has no odor i know what you mean i used to have a lab and you would get the horrible doggy odor off her . every dog is different pot luck really .