Standard Poodle owners?

[piemama]

We are just about ready to get a standard poodle. I've joined a forum, started questioning breeders/owners, and have been researching and researching. Does anyone here own one and can tell me the pros and cons about them? My boys are turning 5 and 7 this year and are pretty good with respecting animals. Also, if you have a recommended breeder, can you PM me? Thanks!

[subtle]

So glad that you are doing your research! Have you visited Versatility in Poodles?
www.vipoodle.org
There is A TON of info on health issues (there are lots!) and selecting a breeder. Different lines have different temperaments so you want to be really careful and do your homework!
Do you know how to look up health testing on line? It is a start but not a guarantee.
-Mollie

[Ola_]

A friend of mine has one. I agree that health and temperament are paramount, as with most purebreds. Hope you're ready for energy, energy, energy! I'd plan several hours of exercise each day, my friend's standard has recently turned 7 and she's just starting to mellow a bit. She's crazy smart, can make you laugh (if she doesn't drive you crazy), but exercise and structure were key.

[robugmum]

We brought Clover (black standard poodle) home last summer. She's now 9 months old (born June 1 '09). I don't know where you live but the breeder is Paris Poodles, here in BC.

www.parispoodles.com

She's been pretty good so far. Smart as anything, tons of energy, loves to play with our 3 kids (aged 10, 8 and 4) but is infinitely gentle. Our very tiny 8 yr old dd walks her, no problem, even though the dog weighs more than she does! She crate trained and house trained pretty easily. Our biggest complaints are her unbounded energy when "greeting" us or guests and her tendency to grab whatever food she can get to on the kitchen counter or table! She is our first dog so we are definitely learning as we go!