My family had a cocker spaniel back in the 1970s. He was a sweet and loving little dog, but he was in-bred, line-bred, and completely uncontrollable. Every time the doorbell rang or someone knocked on the door, he’d run around frantically and lose control of his bladder. We couldn’t take him anywhere; new places had too much sensory input, and he’d become distraught and over-excited.
@janbb‘s right about cocker spaniel breeding during the mid-20th century. This poor creature lacked the temperment for training or socializing.
My adult self would never have a pure-bred dog. Actually, I’d never have any bred animal, pure or otherwise. Every day, countless animals die homeless or get euthanized in shelters because supply far outweighs demand. We don’t need industries creating them or consumers paying money for them. My own little Sadie is a loveable, rescued mutt who couldn’t be any nicer, friendlier, or healthier.