What does your friend have against Wirehairs? I had Irish Setter bird hunters from the time I had just turned three years old. I hunted the first dog's son until I was about 17. He was the best pheasant dog I've ever had. He was the only dog I've ever seen that could work in standing corn. I try not to hunt in corn, but my Dad liked it. I don't think I will go back, plan to die with a Wirehair. Bill Murphy