rwallner,

I went through the same process less then a year ago. Both breeds are excellent. I picked the G.S.P. with German lines. They are breed to work closer then the American lines. The American line was a lot of times bred for trials and those dogs can run. I hunt mostly upland a G.S.P has more range in the hunt. Therefore more acreage probably more birds.( not as much as a Pointer or Setter but more then a lab) Waterfowl they are fine. If you hear the can't handle the cold thats wrong they were breed to be a complete dog. (it is the density of their hair not the length)They also require a lot more excerise time then a lab. I have had labs and hunt with guys with labs and the G.S.P will out last a lab. My dog is a nutcase if it doesn't get a good hour of running a day walking does nothing. I also know my dog is pretty laid back compared to other shorthairs. I have a cat the dog gets along fine with it but I have heard from many people lots of times they don't. This is my first G.S.P and I will never have another breed. The main thing is if you can't run the dog 1-2 hours 4-5 days a week I think you would be happier with the Lab.

Goodsen