Standard Poodles. They are delightful as pups and just as fun as dogs. Without a doubt they are the best breed of dog for children.  We've had our poodle for three years and she has been a treasure.

Poodles are dogs with a sense of humor...that's why they let us cut their hair in all those crazy -dos. Now I know what you're thinking...why would I want such a fru-fru dog? Before getting a standard poodle, I thought the same thing. But let me tell you...they are anything but frilly, sissy dogs. These are sturdy retrievers, amazing herders, incredible guard dogs and loveable friends.

Standard poodles are water dogs.  The strange haircuts were created to keep them warm as they jumped into frigid waters and retrieved birds or other water creatures.  Like other retrievers, they have soft mouths.  Also like other retrievers, labs and goldens, they have loving temperaments.

Our poodle is named Franki. Our son was 5 when we got her and he named her--hence the gender issues with the name and the "i" at the end. She has let him lie all over her, pull her tail and generally do what everyone who has a lab or golden tells you their dog lets their kids do.  The best part though is that she doesn't shed...she's hypo-allergenic. This was a really important part of why we chose the poodle. Another feature of poodles is they don't have a dog smell. [In fact, the only time she has a smell is if she is sick with an ear infection.]

She has a loud voice but she doesn't use it except when there's someone that she doesn't know around. Then she uses it until we say, "Quiet, Franki."  She doesn't bark and yap for hours on end.  One woof and we say quiet and it's over.  That's it. She is so smart that she trains very easily.

I have never seen such a laid back dog. In fact, I got her from a breeder in Alabama who had several adults at her house, just lying around enjoying their home and the company of their people.  Calm...

You can get a rescued poodle and find poodles that are less expensive than one from a breeder but if you do choose to find one through a breeder I recommend doing a lot of research first. 

Our breeder breeds pet and show dogs. One of the most important aspects of my search was to find a dog that was going to be the right size for our house.  I wanted a female that wouldn't try to be dominant over our son who was small at the time.  I also wanted a dog that was healthy and I needed a breeder who would work with me.    Annette Shephard, at www.standardpoodlesrus.com, worked with me to help me get a puppy with the  temperment that was right for our situation.  I liked the fact that she offers a guarantee with her dogs.  I also felt that her dogs were of excellent quality.  Finally, she allowed me to pay over time.  This feature was a significant factor in my decision because I knew that I couldn't pay for Franki in one payment but over period of time I could.   I would highly recommend her if you are looking for a standard poodle.

Check out my blog at www.answersformoms.org and www.brickhousemama2.blogspot.org for more insights into our life with a standard poodle.