since this will end being entirely opinion based no matter who says what
and be a setter fella my self - here is mine
decide on the balance between waterfowl and upland -
if it tilts towards waterfowl - go lab or golden retreiver, if you like to hunt over flushing dogs.
Generally (remember as I have said here before "all generalizations are false" ) you will find goldens to be softer personalities. I fell in with a bad crowd once upon a time
and hunted waterfowl for several years. I had a golden then (how and why was a funny story). She was fantastic on water work and pretty good on upland especially pheasants (although she would retrieve a duck some one had shot days before, she could not be talked into picking up a woodcock)
The labs I have been around fit the same bill. Some Chessies will also do both as will. Just remember the old addage - you train a Golden with your voice, A lab with a stick and a Chessie with a 2x4
if the mix falls more to upland - go with a versitile breeds like the Germans or even a standard poodle- they will do water work just fine especially in the earlier season. I would not look for them to have the build for breaking ice.
IMHO - spaniels are great dogs for upland and ducks but a little light for geese, although I know some will handle them
ask around your local sportsmans clubs and find some examples of the breeds that interest you and ask owners to see the dogs or recommend breeders. Most dog folks love to talk about their hunting partners
just remember - a dog is a long term partner, choose carefully and the two of you will fill a book with memories to last a lifetime.
Hybrid Mode