Caramel is a recessive mutant gene, so that stock could be a case of inbreeding with little concern for health and vigor. If so, outbreeding could be adventageous.
Kinking seems to be the problem with caramels, and I have never been convinced that kinking has a genetic basis in every case. Vitamin deficiencies can also cause problems with bone formation.
If I planned to work with caramels, I'd try to use a male caramel that did not have kinks and breed it to a couple of unrelated normal females. Babies would be het caramel. Then do half brother x half sister matings to get caramel babies. And give vitamin supplements. Not enough time or interest here, though. <sigh>