need some dog input

[Copperwood]

My personal opinion is go with a lab. You can get a smaller one to please the wife and still have a great bird dog. I got mine from this guy and will never go back. http://longhollowretrievers.com/. Mine weighs 70lbs and is a great bird dog.

[adam.WI]

Hey thanks guys what about a britany or springer 

some brittany's are good in the water and love to retrieve, but I would look at that as the exception, socializing and training do help. Mine will get the job done but isn't excited to do it. Springer's that I've seen are labs with shorter tails and more hair. My friend just picked up a two year old springer from a fellow member and he is nuts about retrieving and the water.

[huntingfool7]

Field bred springer spaniel.  My pup is on the small side @ 35#.  Loves the water and bird crazy.  Small dogs are more sensitive to cold water than a heavier   lab.  I've been putting a neoprene vest on mine.