This is probably the sort of thread that drives you regulars nuts, but I've read and searched before I posted so....

I am looking for a dual purpose dog and have pretty specific needs. I've read lots of opinions, and I don't really need anymore of those I need help finding a dog that'll fit these requirements.

Purpose #1 is family pet. We have a 2 year old, and will be adding another child in the next year or so, so it has to be kid friendly. The wife has also set a very firm NO SHEDDING requirement, and we prefer short hair. We live in the country and have invisible fence and lots of running room, and we enjoy taking walks and would of course play with the dog a lot. But we still don't want a spastic breed. It needs to be calm and collected when inside with the family. I don't really enjoy being around overly high strung and "needy" breeds.

Purpose #2 is pheasant hunting. I don't hunt waterfowl, just pheasants and an occassional chuckar or whatever upland birds we happen across. I don't go every weekend, but I do make a couple trips to the in-laws in SD and get out here in IA a few 3-5 times a season.

I also would like a breed that isn't too big. I have a small airplane that we take to SD, and a big bruiser dog simply won't fit in the back. Well, he might but our luggage wouldn't... So a medium size dog would be best.

So lets hear what you guys think would fit the bill. If I can't find one that satisfies the requirements, I'll have to keep hunting buddies' dogs. And nobody wants to have to hunt other peoples' dogs all the time