RE: Bird dog opinions???
Oh how I love dog talk. You're getting a lot of good advice here. I would recommend joining a club of some type where hte members have many different breeds. This will allow you to see how the different breeds hunt before making your choice.
I have both a Setter and a Springer. I hunt primarily Grouse, and Woodcock. Both dogs work great, but if I had to have only one I'd go with the springer. The springer has hunter everything I've had the desire to chase, including ducks and geese. Her style of hunting works well for me, as she hunts quite meticulouslyon hot scent, handles easily, and retrieves beautifully.
There are situation when the Setter is the better dog to have on the ground. Up north I cover a lot more ground when I'm hunting, and the springer couldn't do this.
Either way, I'm having a good time.
Good luck