I don't have a much experience, started with 3 hives. I bought a queen last spring that was a Cordovan/ Russian cross. She has filled the hive with bees and they are gentle. If when I check hives brood, if I need a queen I will probably get that cross again. I am fairly new at this, just what I have seen from this one queen. I like the yellow bees, they are a kind of Italian's I think. Good luck
Joe