word-warrior-bob: I was the same with poodles until I got my first one, I don't mean to denigrate any other breeds when I talk about their intelligence which you've been exposed to. I would love a dumb, happy, mutt just as much.
If you ever told me I would be a poodle enthusiast I would probably have said there's about as much chance as that as me wearing a Tutu and becoming a ballerina.
I, too, had to eat my words about poodles. A poodle I rescued caused me to do a 180, and now I freely admit that I'm a poodleholic. It started out that I was looking to rescue a dog but one that didn't shed, and it has turned into an absolute devotion to the breed.
I like poodles of all sizes, from the tiniest to the largest. As a petite woman, my 2 toys are the perfect size for me. But all sizes share the same level of intelligence -- second only to the border collie.
I'm tired of poodles getting a bad rap, so it's refreshing to see some FReeper FRiends singing their praises!
My little ones hanging out on their mama's desk while she FReeps :)