If you don't what a lab. Do what I did. I got a Boykin Spaniel. Some people use them for upland birds but they love the water and are mostly used for duck hunting.
the males will get about 40 lbs and females 35

here is my pups dad. just to give you an idea
http://www.boykinspaniel.com/studs.html#Ripley

I have hunted over alot of dogs of all breeds. The biggest thing is how much time training you do. Go hunting with a few guys dogs and the one you like the best try to get a simular breed stock.

I would get a lab from field lines, there is no better breed for waterfowl than a lab. Labs have dominated the field trials for over fifty years.

I don't think there'll ever be a solution to lab vs. chessie. It's a matter of personal preference and personality types. IMHO, how you raise the dog will determine the outcome. My buddy's chesapeake used to nip at our hands if we took them out of our pockets andgrowl at us in the blind if there were birds in there.

BUT...

He allowed it.

I think in fairness to Chesapeake's and they're loyal owners (and I've got two labs), you've got to spend time with the dogs. All dogs. The trips to the store, and loafing around the yard while you cut grass, etc, is as important as introducing pup to birds. Good luck to you.

(And I'm still thinking about getting a chesapeake someday)