[visualops]

I had a friend who had 2 standard poodles. They are big strong smart dogs. I could be wrong, but I believe they were originally bred as hunting or working dogs?

[Tench_Coxe]

Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs. The goofy haircuts you see on them are a poofed version of a method for the dog's owner to separate his dog from other poodles that might be hunting.
The AKC no longer classifies the standard as a hunting dog. Kind of a shame. They are indeed powerful, smart (to the point of being hard-headed), and work for the owner, not themselves.
I know one couple who had a standard. Heckuva nose. I took the dog for a walk in the woods-dog was naturally working the trail in front of me.
Saw the dog chase a deer once. Once the dog noticed the deer was running at a right angle, the dog changed his track to intercept the deer (i.e., the deer's movement was along two legs of the triangle, the dog took the hypoteneuse ). Pretty impressive for a dog that had no training as a pup.

[Tench_Coxe]

Oh, I also would add that I've found the temperment of standards to be quite different than that of their diminuitive relatives (toys--otherwise known as pesky,yappy footballs in waiting).

[word_warrior_bob]

I had a friend who had 2 standard poodles. They are big strong smart dogs. I could be wrong, but I believe they were originally bred as hunting or working dogs?

_____

They are big strong dogs (I have one and am getting another puppy in 3 weeks, you can see my big strong guy on my homepage and search Bob is getting a new puppy for pictures of the pup)

They were originally used to retrieve ducks, etc. from water. That's where the wierd hair styles originated, the large poofs of hair where there to keep their vital organs warm while swimming.

They were also used as guide, working dogs in wars and many other capacities, I want my dogs to be therapy dogs.