The one family I know with a standard poodle is totally devoted to the breed. They're on their second standard poodle (only the second in 30 years, so even with a 5-year mourning period in between dogs, clearly not a delicate, fast-fading canine flower) and will probably never own anything else.

Cavalier King Charles

stinkystinkystinky dogs! i heartily don't recommend them.

Are you sure it's definitely the dogs themselves, and not your bosses' ability to care for them? Granted, I've only met two CKCs, but both of them were extremely affectionate and all over my face and hands with the licking and nuzzling and rolling around for scritches, and both were noticeably un-stinky -- even practically climbing into my nostrils, they barely smelled like anything at all, let alone dogstink.

And, yeah, I have allergies, but they're not, alas, so strong as to block out dog. English and French bulldogs, I'm looking at you. While holding my nose.

Are you sure it's definitely the dogs themselves, and not your bosses' ability to care for them?

one of the bosses doesn't take care of the dog the way he should, but the other two dogs get baths regularly. they seem to stink the worst after they've been taken outside and have been running around getting hot, which is why i think they sweat.

And, yeah, I have allergies, but they're not, alas, so strong as to block out dog. English and French bulldogs, I'm looking at you. While holding my nose.

We met a French Bulldog and a French Bulldog puppy on the way to breakfast this morning. Pretty freaking cute. Also a very young, but past puppyhood, Beagle. Also very sweet.

Experts say that the standard poodle is the best family dog to have, hands down. Smarter than Labs, less apt to jump and easier with small kids.

Plus, they don't shed.

No offense to any other breeds or cross-breeds, however. Puggles look cute.

Experts say that the standard poodle is the best family dog to have, hands down. Smarter than Labs, less apt to jump and easier with small kids.

Eventually, we will have one.

They're the only dog I like as much as I like cats, and I want Lillian to understand that not all dogs are annoying little yapfests like her paternal grandparents' freaking Westie.

We always had mutts in my family. Which I think could be a result of my mom growing up with a cocker spaniel that liked to bite people. It put her off pure breeds.

ETA: Also, I'm watching the GH marathon on SoapNet and I see that 75% of the city is getting on the same train to go to Manhattan. So now I'm wondering...who's gonna die in the inevitable train crash?

EATA: HA! I was SO right. Train crash.

We had standard poodles when I was growing up. They were wonderful except for the fact that they are smart and obdience training is a challenge for the lazy owner! We never put them in the lame poodle cuts except once 'cause my Mom wanted to see what it would look like. Totally hilarious! We mocked the dogs for months. When we bought our house we were going to get a standard poodle but I went to a greyhound rescue presentation and I was hooked. Our greyhound was the most mellow, wonderful dog to have. I still miss her. When we move back into a house, I'm thinking that we'll get a standard poodle and another greyhound.

Huh. Greyhound rescue. I just posted this in Natter:

This makes me sad....

Greyhounds can't outrun hard truth

The decline of racing in Wisconsin claims yet another track, and 250 dogs must now find new homes.

Any Midwestern Buffistas or friends/family need a dog?

Aw man, that's sad. All those dogs needing homes. Thankfully, according to the article they won't euthanise them, but boy what a job to place them. I can say that all of the greyhounds that I've met (that's quite a few since we belonged to Greyhound Pets of America) are really good housepets. BUT they take patience at first, especially a track dog. They don't know what stairs are, or what furniture is and most aren't housebroken. It was amusing and frustrating to try and get ours to use the dog door at first --- you have to picture my husband half in and half out of the door, trying to get her to come through. But they learn fast and just want some love. They really are big couch potatoes.

This face! [link] Schnauzer eyes are so expressive.