Don't overlook two spaniel breeds: the Boykin and the English cocker. Both are flushing dogs, but they are also excellent retrievers and companions (make sure you get an English cocker from field stock, not pet or show stock).
Good advice above. We have FBECS and I think they would be just about ideal for the criteria you have mentioned. They are used extensively on the quail plantations in the South to flush up the coveys the big white dogs have gotten pinned down.
NB
