An acquaintance of ours breeds standard poodles.  I recently was watching a dog training class and thought "Boy, I'd like to own a poodle like that someday."  Turns out the breeder, Eve Baltzell, was sitting right next to me.

I really like standard poodles.  They are incredibly bright, full sized dogs.  The well-bred ones make terrific house dogs.  I've seen a few of Liz's progeny and they are consistently good.  She seems to breed for many of the same reasons we do and strives for consistency in each litter. 

If you are looking for a pet dog, consider poodles.  When you are ready to get a poodle, consider Janeva Standard Poodles.  I know she has pups available right now.  janevastandardpoodles.blogspot.com/