I have been a GSP owner for 14 years. I have three 2yr olds, all brothers. The smartest dog I have owned was a knotheaded pup. He was good enough I kept his sons. In my opinion, for quail they are among the best. They range good, retreive decently, and have keen sense. They are a very wise & intelligent breed. I always tried to incorporate playing with training. My best pup lives with me. He has been housetrained since weaning. Great housedog, just don't get them started on cheese & bacon. As far as kids go. I have had excellent luck and no bad complaints. I take my pup with me to a friends house often. He owns two neurotic terriers with issues and I've had no problems. My pup rides to work with me often & stays with me at my biz. No issues there either, and the ladies love him. I would recommend that you construct a small well-built quail pen in your backyard. I have a flying pen next to my dog houses for the other two pups. They are never bored during the day and when you let them off their chain they have one thing on their mind, birds. We had a real problem here with the local quail population 6 -8 years back, kinda had to do it really. Good luck with your choice