Characteristics in Dogs

Question
Recently ive been noticing a lot of dogs mainly spaniels having similar facial characteristics. It cant really be breeding as they are pedigree and springer spaniels so wouldnt be cross bred. They seem to exhibit facial features similar to down syndrome in humans, all bearing a resembelance to each other. They are working lines and not show lines. I understand that dogs dont get downs syndrome but was wondering if there is something similar ?

Answer
Hi Lawrence,

Inbreeding or extensive line breeding could be the cause.  Both are done to narrow in on a desired trait or ability.  But because the gene pool is narrowed it will be bring out the POSITIVE and NEGATIVE (hip dysplasia, cherry eye...and facial features).

Linebreeding is the method most commonly used and is safe when used to enhance an attribute but it should only be done on SUPERIOR animals.  It does nothing for a breed to double up on a mediocre dog.