I guess we are all different!
Hedley Millington started with a show type cocker, later getting a wcs and is one of the most famous cocker men of all time!
My show type passed away earlier this year. She worked 8 of her 9 years in the beating line, she wouldn’t retrieve , loved a cuddle but could be quite anxious.
We now have four wcs. Of the four - we have a trialling standard dog, a beating dog, a sweeper and Sally……
All the dogs vary in terms of energy level, their level of affection and when / how they want the affection. The show type was a difficult young dog, very demanding and hard work. The wcs have (mostly) been much easier although one has the prey drive - and explosive muscle power - of an Exocet missile!
All ours have crates. They choose to go to them in the day and especially at night. My two will ask as it goes dark and trying to prise Coral from her dog box (double size, built in, crate) is like trying to prise a clam open…..she’s the one likened to a missile.
The four have been out working today. All now asleep. If you train your dog to settle it will. Settle command is just as important as manners, basic obedience, recall and with wcs you need a STOP or set of brakes!
Before making the decision I would suggest contacting a local gundog trainer or Gundog Club and ask to see wcs in action. Well trained dogs are awesome to watch, those not well trained are a liability!
For me the main difference is the amount of time put into to training my dogs.