Too much ephasis on the retrieve. Retreving is great however, first you must find the bird, then shoot it.
All American Field trials are about pointing birds and steady to wing and shot.
Wonderful, that is the first part. As for most of us hunters we really want a dog to find birds first. Secound, Stand there for as long as it takes to get there to flush and shoot. Then and (Last) We want the dead bird.
We don't really care about the retrieving to hand, i just want my bird and i am not going in the thick nasty briars to get it. That is the dogs job.
Drop it by my feet, out in the field or hold it to the next point.
I don't care. I just want my bird.
Wild bird hunting is so different from preserve shooting that a special dog must be used if you ever want to find a covey of wild quail.
I do put an big ephisis on style. maybe, i just to like to hunt with alot of go, astylish, and pretty dog. Just like Dating, i want a good looking girl that is outgoing.Not just some dumpy looking thing thatcan make the retrieve.
If i was hunting ducks or doves sitting still i might want something different. That is why they make different dogs.
No one size fits all has ever been listed a true classic and never will.