all of above seem about right.NO, i would not use golden for grouse or pheasants for that matter.i use SMALL BLACK LAB for grouse and i am only one,i mean only one....
but TOBY is better than golden for all reasons above mentioned.
every golden i ever saw does not listen,they just dont listen.that could be training BUT I DOUBT IT.
english setter is dog for grouse .but i like LAB for hunting and home.
see if you can talk family into getting a AMERICAN HUNTING LAB.
good at home and they listen.