If you are looking for a canine family member, have you considered a standard poodle? Right off the bat, your probably thinking: "No foo-foo dog for me." Well, I used to have that same thinking until my wife surprised me with MAX, our male standard. Absolutely coal black and about 8 pounds, I thought, what am going to do with this little fur ball? So, I began to research the standard poodle.
Outside of the no sheding aspect, I was very surprised to find the standards background was that of a retreiver. Before the standard became the dog of choice for the aristocrat, they were the dog of choice for the waterfowl hunter. Even the fancy haircuts were founded in practicality. Designed to provide the dogs joints with warmth, while allowing mobility, it all had a purpose. Yes, the guys at the goose pit used to make fun of Max being "too pretty to hunt," but they only did it ONCE!
Being one of the smartest dogs, and one of the most willing to please, Max took to retreiver training like a duck to water (get the pun). He now duck and goose hunts, and is absolutely one of the best waterfowl dogs I have ever worked with. He will mark 2 or 3 birds, and simply loves his duties. He is ready to hit the truck as soon as I get my gun out.
Max now has a mate, Lacey, and is looking forward to being a father in about a week. There are a lot of reasons to have a dog as a family member, and I thin k even more reasons to have that family member be a standard poodle. Absolutely one of the best darned dogs you could share your life with.
However, DO find a good breeder who has good bloodlines. DON'T go to a puppy mill or a pet store. Find a breeder who has their dogs at home, because the pups will be much better socialized. GOOD HUNTING!!!!
