For a companion dog that is also a good upland bird dog, I would look to a Vizsla or a Weimaraner. Both train easily, point and retrieve well and generally like to be around people. Another breed that might surprise you is the miniature or standard poodle.
http://www.harmonyhuntingpudels.com/index.htmlhttp://www.thepoodleguy.com/about-us/Volhard�s Puppy Aptitude Testing:
http://www.volhard.com/pages/pat.phpWhen picking a puppy for an upland game dog, I put a dead mouse in my pant cuff, and then walk around and through the litter. The first couple that chase after and scratch at the cuff I evaluate by Volhard�s scale.
