As for the training differance i wouldnt really know, never had a pet/show type before, good working strains have the correct breeding and so you would be halfway there already. for the type of work and that the dog would be as a pet the temprament of a lab is best suited, much more layed back and easy going. i have a springer cross lab also and she is an absolute handful, when shes good shes really good, but when shes not shes bloody hard work! every breed throws dogs with differant temprements so its a bit of luck with the right dog really but a lab is the better option over the cross or a