ironranger,
Spaniels are great for pheasants. Tenacious dogs and very birdy. When I go pheasant hunting (pen raised and using a setter) I'll usually go to places other people have already covered as most pheasants are in the brambles and most dogs won't attempt it except spaniels. So, if I see someone hunting with a spaniel, I'll generally look elsewhere to hunt. The only problem is in open country as keeping the dog within shooting range limits you a bit.