I am a gentleman of impeccable taste so I would only ever run birddogs (English pointers and setters). But, I do have to say that if I were to go outside of these breeds a GSP would be the way to go, but maybe not for reasons you'd suspect.
1) They are very popular, therefore there are lots of breedings around, and they are also very diverse. You can find 75 lb GSP's and you can find 35 lb GSP's. Some are athletic and fast and wide ranging, some are more mopey and plodding and slow boot lickers. Really you can get any flavor you'd like. And like pointers/setters, you can get a nice puppy for $600, but you could spend more if it were a breeding you absolutely wanted.
2) They are generally pretty tough dogs, handle pain well, don't take too much water, aren't a pain in the ass maintenance wise. Many you could run 6 hours a day.
3) Generally strong retrieving and "hunt dead" desire. Makes a great "one dog guy" kind of dog. The right dog can do it all, but it's a generalist, so it might not retrieve like a lab, or find birds like a setter. Every one I have been around has had a pretty good nose, "birdy" dogs for sure.
I like the white ones with some spotting or ticking in the 45-50 pound range.
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