RE: All around bird dog
A German shorthair would be a great dessert dog, some say they handle the heat even better than an english pointer. A Brittney would be okay as well. A Vizla is another choice that would work.
A lab? Perhaps a yellow or lighter collered one would suffice?
If you really want unique, there are dogs like the Braque De Burboinois that are rare but should do the job.