Re Useless: Well Done! He is an English Springer Spaniel.

Regarding the Brittany, I think you are right. I have hunted over several and that does seem to be the trend. I split the blame equally between the Field Trialing community and the breeders. I'm sure not all Brits are that way as every dog has it's own personality.

As for other breeds you might also consider:

-The French Brittany Spaniel (Epagneul Briton) as opposed to the American.
-The Welsh Springer Spaniel (Pointing breed, though might be difficult to find a field line)

In any case, I don't think you can go wrong. Just be prepared with an extra dose of patients if you get a Brit.