I've shot over a lot of different breeds and my favourite thus far are German Pointers (short or wired). They're also amazingly versatile and as far as personality goes, they are awesome dogs (well, the ones I have known were). Springers are also great, guess it depends on personal preference, like with most things. I will say that I've hunted birds in the snow, so I won't comment on those sort of conditions.
The sweetheart bellow had such potential, sadly she was taken early thanks to a Cape Cobra.