Chuck, maybe the Bracco Italiano is an option for you. I don't know if there are breeders of the Bracco in the U.S. but I breed them for 25 yaers and I also hunt with them for 25 yaers.
The Bracco is different from all others pointing dogs. He is not a fast working dog like English pointers, setters, horthairs or wirehairs. He works more slowly and what he point is always in reach of your shot. Hey are more intelligent then most of other pointing dogs and easy to learn.
I lost my last Bracco in 2005, due to other living circomstances I not have place enough to keep dogs, but if I live more rural and have the space to keep one you cant count on it that I take again an Italian Bracco. If you want a wirehair version of the Bracco there is the Spinone.
Chuck if you want more info about Bracco's you can ask me, my E-Mail adress in in my profile. B.T.W. I judge them also and I was the first official breeder of Bracco's in Belgium.
I still have contact with a breeder who want only improuve the quality of the "working" Bracco.
Here is his web:
http://www.dicacciola.be/Greetings from Belgium, Marc.
