We have an ECS and a golden retreiver. The retriever is definately better at staying nearby when off leash on a hike, but I would NEVER have him off leash on a street--even though his is 11 and having trouble walking, if there was another dog, cat, squirrel, or person he would bolt. My ECS is very playful, LOVES to chase balls, loves the water. The ECS is a bit higher strung that labs/goldens, but not hyper and certainly a couch potato if you will cuddle with her. She is also a bit more "jealous" and jumpy and I wouldn't trust her around small children unsupervised (neither were raised with children), whereas the golden is totally mellow even if a toddler is wailing on him.

One thing to think about is the energy level--labs and goldens have tremendous energy and need LOTS of exercise when they are young, the ECS does as well but they are smaller, so its easier...

The ear thing and grooming is manageable but you do have to be dedicated.

Jake's mom