Well been kicking around the idea of a new size dog. Looked into Jack Russells but the price is a bit high. Plan is to have him not only as a pet but working dog. We love dove hunting so retrieving is a must, I would also work on blood trailing. Anyone have some good working experience with them on this?

I have one. I take her woodcock and late season dove hunting sometimes. Not a natural retriever but she flushes fine and can find a dead bird in thick brush. I'll take her to the dove field when I want to jump shoot birds sitting down in goat weed and such. You may get lucky and get one that's birdy or you may not. There's lots out there that have bird dog in their bloodlines, so maybe hunt around. Look on squirrel dog pages on FB. In fact, I gave away a litter from an accidental breeding between her and my springer spaniel. However, I would not get one if your main interest was dove hunting. If you wanted to hunt squirrels chiefly and then rough hunt rabbits and other small game, jump shoot some birds maybe. Size wize, my springer is about the same height but almost double the weight! She's small and lithe and he's a brush busting tank. She takes heat better than he does, though.