I've always had GSPs, My Stepdad is 100% setter, and my Grandpa was the same with pointers. I've hunted over all three extensively. My stepdads last setter was one of the finest birdogs I've ever hunted over, but I still love the GSP. My current one is vicious, she sleeps under the covers cuddling with my wife. I have to fight to keep her out of the hot tub, and she loves my kids unconditionally. I've found that I have better luck getting GSPs to listen to what I tell them to do and doing it. My experience is also that there isn't a better birddog in the water. The long coat on the Setters drive me crazy with all the cockleburrs we have around where I hunt.

To each his own. I hunted over great dogs of all varieties, and they all have their good points and bad points. I've also hunted over junk of all varieties. Mean dogs are usually a product of their raising not a product of their breeding. None of my GSPs has ever offered to bite anyone. Whichever one you choose, go to a reputable breeder and you will probably be happy.