I posted earlier about spaniels, we have actually got a puppy reserved, but on trying to find more about them, various sources said they aren't good left alone, and can be stubborn, hard to train, and noisy.  I am trying to find out from those that have them, whether any of this is true, as different websites etc contradict each other.
I was trying to find out whether this is the best breed for a family dog, or whether a cocker or springer would suit us better. 
We don't want a hyper-hyper dog, and had understood the field spaniels were calmer.
many thanks.

If you have not done so already, I would suggest you go and spend some time with your puppy's breeder's dogs and see how they suit you.

I spose all dogs are different and the info you read only gives a general idea. I have a field spaniel who doesn't fit all the criteria you mention, he isn't hyper, he is Ok on his own (but then he isn't left for long periods of time) he can be noisy but not often, he definately can be stubborn at times but is very easy to train - in fact I hardley did any basic training he just seemed to know what to do. He is a pleasure to live with and great with my toddler. My sister on the other hand has a young field spaniel and she is everything my dog isn't - she is mega hyper, makes loads of noise is really stubborn, she barely sleeps but she is the most loveable thing you could find. I can't imagine that you will ever be able to chose a dog that fits all the criteria the breed standard says it will and I am of the opinion that dogs are moulded by the people they are around all day. Going on my experience a dog that grows up with kids around it tends to be quite placid and quite good with kids and other people - obviously as long as the kids aren't allowed to torment the dog.
Hope this helps

To start off with, why don't you register so you can post more often.

My main worry is that you've already managed to find this dog since posting your earlier request.  Isabel is right, the breeder should be the person you discuss your worries and queries with.  Any reputable breeder will spend the time to get the match between owner and pup right.

Personally, I don't think working strains of spaniel make brilliant pets unless you're prepared to spend as much time training and occupying as you would if you were working it.  Dogs bred purely for their working instinct need lots of interesting things to do and don't do sitting down quietly very well at all.  That isn't to say they are all hyper.

Of course there are spaniels bred purely to be pets but why?  Why would someone breed a working strain of dog if it wasn't going to be worked?  You could go for a show variety but I don't know too much about them - there will be other knowledgable people on this forum who could help you.

My main concern is that you get your dog from a reputable breeder.  As was mentioned in your other thread, Field spaniels are hard to come by - I only know one.  If you've been on a waiting list that's great but if you've just struck lucky then perhaps you should ask yourself why that is.  Ask the breeder lots of questions, I wouldn't want one of my pups to go to a home that might not be suitable, and if I were a pup, i wouldn't want to live in a home that couldn't provide for my needs.

Good luck with your search.