I think the above makes the point that it is impossible to generalise...and that whatever type you go for you have to see the dam and other family members in order to forcast how your pup may possibly turn out.
One of my Nov 04 pups that was reserved for explosives work has been rejected after assessment. She is super intelligent - fantastic nose, one of my better retrievers, steady and obedient, been working on a harness to go into noisy and strange places with me in preparation for assessment - all the things the handler wanted BUT - too laid back - not enough go in her. )Her dam is very quiet - you never know she is there , her sire is a normal easy going dog.) Now - that may be partly because of the lines I breed and partly the way I have raised her in not actively encouraging boisterous behaviour. I dont know. I dont over exercise my youngsters as I am phobic about premature wear on joints but they get plenty of fresh air in the run during the day which seems to tire them...The handler is away to assess a springer that is bouncing off the walls so I suspect she will be taken on. The handler is a lovely guy and experienced with springers and labs. The cocker I think would have been an asset because if the handy size of checking out vehicles.. Still - it's a shame as I think had she been suitable she would have had a fantastic life and treated so well as they are such a scarce resource, but I think I will have to put a stick of dynamite up her proverbial as she will now have to settle for a less glamorous life style as a member of my shooting team..
