I took my 12.5 year old lab pheasant hunting yesterday,and i had to bring her back to the truck after about 45 minutes. It was evident that this is her last hunt. I have had many memories with this dog from her first pheasant stalk and retrieve at 5 months to her first goose at 7 months. I've had 3 other labs that were all good hunters, but this one is different, she is almost human! All my buddies have dogs that i can hunt with,but it's just not the same without your'e own, one that know's you and you know when she's on a bird or one to build a bond and memories with. To answer your'e question on a GSP, sounds like you want a upland and waterfowl dog that has a lot of personality,and you can have in the house.My next dog will be a Puddle pointer, i had e female and she basically did it all. Their natural ability is uncanny,and are very easy to train.They will match up with most dogs in the water,and have no fear of any fur or fowl. They have a lot of personalty and make great house pets that don't shed! I live in Idaho,and we have abundance of upland and waterfowl to hunt, i even used mine to track a blood trail on an elk.They don't have a tendency to range out to far ahead,and are always checking back with the boss. I would contact Ceder wood kennels Bob Farris is the king of this breed in the west,and they are a little pricey,but he stands by his dogs,and will replace after a year if there is a heath or any other reason. Good luck in your'e search..