Pumpgun,<P>I live and hunt in Nebraska. I have Pudelpointers. (Looks like a dark brown Wirehair). greifdogs said it, GSP's are a dime a dozen in the northern states. Some of which are used in duck hunting as well.<P>Many of these dogs are outstanding water retrievers. But no one would say they can take the icy cold water that is common to late season duck hunting like a dog with a coat that is better suited to ice water.<P>If you plan to hunt ducks late into the season on a regular basis, when the lakes and ponds are frozen, I would suggest a GWP, Pudelpointer, Griffon, Lab, Golden, etc. But, if late season duck hunting is not a regular part of your hunting plans I think you would be just as happy with a GSP.<P>Are you familiar with NAVHDA? (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) (
www.navhda.org) I highly recomend obtaining a GSP or GWP from NAVHDA tested parents. You can review the pups ancestors hunting test scores to see their strengths and weaknesses in the field. <P>For example, a NAVHDA hunt test consists of both field and water work. Depending on the level of the test, there can be blind retrieves in a marsh, search for duck in the marsh, and field work where the dog is evaluated in several ways.<P>Nose, co-operation, retrieving, pointing, (in higher level test's - steady to wing, shot & fall), and tracking are all judged. It is not a competition against another dog, it is a test against the test itself.<P>I highly recomend a visit to their website. <A HREF="http://www.navhda.org" TARGET=_blank>www.navhda.org</A> <P>Good luck at whichever breed you decide on.<P>Mark.