It would be tough to beat a field-bred English Springer Spaniel for a first (and only) pheasant dog. They are easy to train (very natural), and they just have a knack about them when it comes to pheasants.
If you get one, though, be sure it is a field dog...don' t get one from show stock or from a backyard breeding where you may not be able to discern what lineage the dog has.
If you must get a pointing dog, the English Setter is the only breed to consider.
