Merry Christmas!

Please reference my post from October 24th, 2007.

We finally did it! We took a deep breath and made the plunge into the world of dogownership. The children have been asking for a puppy - literally everyday for 12 years. So we finally did it.
I have done some decent research over the past few years on dog breeds. We have known we wanted something sporty (had a Jack Russell for 5 months - way too high maintanence) and something strong (had a Brittany Spaniel for 3 months - way too "tackle my kids and bite them"). So as I surveyed the puppy parks and interviewed dog-walking neighbors, I came across a breed I never suspected to fall in love with. Poodle.
To our credit, it is not the yappy, froofy poodle. This is the STANDARD Poodle. There is a vast difference.

FYI:
The FCI lists the country of origin as France; although some experts believe poodles may have originated in Russia or Iberia. However, it is commonly agreed that the French are responsible for developing the modern breed into its current three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Poodles have been popular all through Europe for several hundred years, and poodle-like dogs are found depicted on Roman sculptures.[1]
Poodles are retrievers; or gun dogs, and can still be seen in that role. The show clips evolved from working clips, which originally provided warmth to major joints when the dogs were immersed in cold water. The rest of the body is shaved for less drag in the water. Poodles are skilled at most other dog events including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. (MY SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA)

Anyhoo. We got not one, but two Standard Poodles - brothers. Their names: Apollo and Starbuck. I know, I am exposing our sci-fi geekiness.
They are fantastic.
At first, I was concerned about getting puppies, no matter how cute or well bred. Puppies are puppies. But we actually have reallly had good fortune with these puppies. They are well mannered and smart. Learning the potty thing fairly quickly.
I am certain that soon they will be winning all kinds of awards. :)