I'm from Phx originally, but didn't hunt there. Logic would dictate that a smaller lighter breed would do better in the heat. My friend's Grandpa in Tucson uses Braque du Bourbonnais. I don't know much about them. They look like a smaller GSP and seem to be good dogs ( met a pup once). I know that I saw a lot of Brittany's when I lived there.

Good Luck!

Spud