[brytlea]

I really love standard poodles. I can never figure out why anyone thinks they are improved by adding another breed (all the doodle mixes).
As for AKC, why would you be concerned about AKC requirements for showing if you don’t show? I think it’s great that you hunt with yours. And, have you ever seen pictures of them in the original coat (before the pom poms, which I do agree look silly)? They were quite striking looking!
Here are some interesting pictures of old poodles.
http://www.torontodoggroomer.ca/photo2.html

[colorcountry]

My son has a labradoodle. He is 3/4 poodle and 1/4 lab. He's a great dog, but I prefer regular poodles. The propblem I think is that the public has developed a distaste for the groomed, primped and prissy dog that the AKC has promoted and want a dog that shows the intelligence and non-shedding of a poodle along with the studiness, and personality of a lab. Little does the public know, but poodles ARE sturdy and have GREAT personalities. It is all a misperception (see post #23)

I've seen those corded poodles. The cords aren't practical when hunting in the bushes. They snag and tear, often causing injury. The best cut for a sporting poodle is the sporting clip. That's what I keep my dog in except in the winter I let him grow out for warmth.