For most hunters these days, a springer or cocker from working lines will do a better job for just about everything. Springers are the acme of pheasant dogs (sorry GSP flushers work pheasants and grouse better than pointers), can work on ducks if the weather isn't too cold, and do well on quail when in heavy cover. What can be said of springers can be said of cockers from working lines. Whatever dog you decide on (I have an esoteric German breed, a Deutsches Jagdterrier), it will come down to which will thrill you. If I had to choose a retriever, it would be a Ches, a spaniel, English cocker (this is where you find the working lines), long tailed pointer, red setter, short tailed, toss up between a wirehaired pointing griffon or a pudelpointer. I like all of these breeds but have settled on a terrier. 20 lbs of training nightmare. To each his own poison.

Dr Fatguy