Ricoh's pic was too big so I put Marilyn the Diva exttrodinaire up.

Oooohhh Gail, she is a pretty girl!

I like a poodle cut when I can see their eyes.

My Mom has a miniature poodle that I really adore -- he is great on a tug.

Katie

Edit timed out -- sorry I misspelled your name Gayle.

Nice lookin' Standard you got there.

I must admit, after getting to know my mom's SP, "Titan", I seriously considered a SP... no shedding, agile, intelligent, lots of personality...

My husband brought me back to reality, and you can see what I "settled on", but I might consider a SP down the road, as a pet dog for my son.

16 years ago when I was looking for a dog, a poodle was the last thing on my mind. Think "show poodle" and funny hair and most people who have never had dogs are like "What the???" I liked dobes and shepherds and several sporting breeds. However, reading about the personalities and temperament of the different breeds as well as the hair issue (I have allergies and although I am not a neat freak I can't stand hair in the house, but don't want to be vacuuming every hour :crazy I decided on a standard and that hair can be shaved (although some of it does grow on you). I needed a dog that was biddable, not too big, intelligent, and non shedding. I don't like beards (I also looked at bouvs and schnauzers). Love the standard and it is my breed of choice for the rest of my life. I have no doubt that I would have loved another dog/breed as well, but when I found my perfect match....it was like peanut butter and jelly coming together.
P.S. It's so hard taking a picture of a black dog!

Melissa I understand completely! My thinking is similar to yours. GSDs have been my first love since I was a toddler. Having had them in the past I also know what is required, especially through the early years, to raise them properly. I was recently dx with MS and so I can no longer keep up with them with regards to settling them physically or the huge "hair in the house" issue. My biz partner had a standard boy who died, but, he traveled with us aand I came to genuinely love the breed. I have 3 youngsters now and although trying at times, they still do not require as much of me as one GSD toddler would. I also like the fact that people do not shy from them. The fear factor with regards to the public, is not there and that makes it easier for them to go with me more places. Many folks don't know all of the nuances of this breed, but, I could never imagine being without this versatile breed in my life. BTW, a lot of not so nice people would be surprised by the fierce loyalty and physical prowess of these guys either. I have a boy that smiles and is happy most of the time, but, God help anyone that appeared as a threat to this household. I tell people that he is a GSD in Poodle clothing. I have seriously thought about training him in some basic protection work and my female show girl, with all the hair, comes from a line of #1 obedience dog, high skilled service work and would definitely defend her people and her home in a manner that would leave no doubt. As for photographing a black dog; I have struggled with that for a while and have not come up with the perfect lighting solution yet. BTW, tell me the pedigree of yours. I am fascinated by Poodle pedigree and familar with most lines. If you decide that you want to have an introduction to some breeders of good lines, p.m. me