I don't really have any expertise with dogs...but I'll say this about one particular standard poodle that I was aquainted with. He was an AWEsome dog. Solid black...pretty big...gorgeous dog. There was nothing "poodley" about him except his keen desire to please. So long as you don't get them cut like a circus clown and put pink ribbons on their ears....they're really great dogs. I wouldn't mind having one...and I'm not at all a fan of your stereotypical "poodle."