u/ParrotKING3

—Looking for advice from experienced owners, thanks in advance!
Which do you recommend and why?
I’ve narrowed down my next bird dog between an English Springer and English Cocker. Field lines obviously with proven ability, though desire a more balanced dog who can live well in the home.
Context:
-This will be my first personal bird dog.
I’ve trained several dogs before and lightly hunted over them (well trained but not proper bird dogs, so no long term potential). I’m familiar with spaniels, labs, and pointers, and have landed on spaniels for size, enjoyment, and general preference.
-I will be primarily rough shooting—not hardcore, but decent, weekends or at the least every other while the season lasts. I live in south central Alaska and the main game bird is spruce grouse. Long season from September-March.
-I prioritize a good house dog, good with children, able to hunt well but turn it off indoors (when old enough at least). Wife is sensitive to the lab oily coat and I am not keen on waterfowl (bit brutal even for me in Alaska).
-I’ve heard anecdotal pros and cons for each, but I’m curious about energy level comparison, biddability, general personal experience people have. Some of the springers I’ve seen seem leggier, more intense, and all around bigger/rangier than the ones I grew up with, and it’s pushed me away a bit. I thought I’d go back to springers (grew up with a bench/field mix), but lately I’ve been considering cockers based on size and just what I’ve seen out of some of the springers I’ve run across, some of which look more like a Britany at first glance.
Anything welcome. Thanks again!

Looking for recommendations for bird dogs from experienced hunters. What’s your preferred breed and what should I get? Upland bird dog for spruce grouse. Family focused with weekend hunting type deal. Trainable but manageable, able to settle indoors but still do those weekend upland hunts.
Context:
I am experienced with dogs, have a well trained Lagotto Romagnolo who’s getting up there in age—wonderful dog but 0 drive and far from the top of the class of the canine world. 0 chance of ever hunting him. I’ve owned a show line springer, labs, and huskies at various points. Springer was a lovely dog, got him as an old boy and lovely as all get out but horribly reactive to other dogs from poor socialization, and very sensitive stomach. Wasn’t there for the puppy years so couldn’t say what those were like. Labs have ranged from impressive to large smiling bags of sand as goes with the sheer variety of labs out there. Huskies as a kid—never again.
I am getting back into bird hunting, somewhat casual but a long season where I live in Alaska: all the way from August to April. This would be my first true bird dog. My area in Alaska is loaded with Spruce grouse but little else. Choppy, wooded terrain. Wet, hilly, and close hunting. It’d be close foot hunting for birds that don’t run, hunker down, and flush to the nearest tree. They’re not the most exciting bird but as good as any. I’m looking for a close hunting, trainable, more mellow dog (relatively) that would fit the bill. I mostly need a dog who will stay close and retrieve well hidden birds that are even harder to find when they’re shot. I already hear folks saying “lab,” but I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’d love to know if there’s any close hunting pointers, etc. Any thoughts are appreciated. Springer? Pointers? Setters? Let me know