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I am looking for a big miniature or smallish standard. My husband has prejudices against poodles so we need a pup who is playful and wants to catch frisbees and swim in the sea, but who also can be alone and happy when we are at work during the day.

Do any of the poodle owners on here have poodles who like to retrieve/ play ball? Also there is are a lot of comments about finding a good breeder. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? I have looked on dogzonline but any additional advice would be welcomed.

Thanks mfch. My experience as a child with a poodle was similar- I got a mini male poodle for my 10th birthday- he was on the large side for a miniature (the breeder had originally intended to keep him to show but he grew too big). He was sweet and lovely, I can't remember him ever growling or getting impatient with our games- I used I carry him around on my hip like a baby! I think standard poodles are beautiful but our yard isn't huge and I was worried about the exercise needs of a standard compared to a mini? Ideally we would like a dog somewhere between the size of a miniature and a standard. Perhaps I should ring some breeders to discuss. Can you recommend a great breeder?

Thanks heaps tintin jac, that is such useful information. I've enquired about a deelee lagotto, she has two litters due in May. I also know someone else with a deelee dog who they also say is wonderful, so seems like the way to go. One more question- how much exercise does tintin get/need?

Hi Cali- could you let me know the breeders name? Sounds promising!

Thanks tintin jac. I'd be interested to know who you got your pup from and whether you specifically said you wanted a more cruisy, laid back temperament? And does he dig? And is he left at home much by himself. I'm nervous about getting a lagotto if we can't meet his attention/energy needs, although they do seem like great, fun dogs. Because I have had a poodle in the past (who was sweet and gentle and chills out too) I feel like I understand more what they are like.

Thanks dancingbcs. I agree non-shedding and low maintenance are exact opposites - I'm happy to meet the grooming needs of a poodle or conversely have low grooming needs like a whippet- but I don't want a long haired dog like a lab or retriever that sheds their hair anywhere.

Thanks everyone for your responses, all of the advice is terrific. The comments about lagottos confirm my suspicions. I think my short list is down to poodle and whippet. I still like Boston terriers too but they are much harder to find. Will check out soft coats now!

Shapeshifter- all the lagotto pups from breeders in Victoria bring born in the next month or so are $2000.

Thanks all! I've never heard of a Keeshond, will read up about them. I love whippets but was a bit worried they would be too fragile- my four year old boy is very sweet and will be gentle with a pup but he is four after all and he does bowl around the house!

I think a bichon is a bit smaller than what I am after. Will research further though

We will do obedience training. I am not concerned about the cost of grooming, I have had a poodle in the past so am familiar with the requirements. Are there other breeds you would recommend I consider?

@aussielover. I will definitely consider a mini schnauzer too. What in particular about lagottos would you say is challenging? @showdog- I agree the Boston seems an odd choice with the others but it appeals to me because of its small size but big personality. Also, whilst it is not non-shedding I think it has a relatively low maintenance coat?

@aussielover. I will definitely consider a mini schnauzer too. What in particular about lagottos would you say is challenging? @showdog- I agree the Boston seems an odd choice with the others but it appeals to me because of its small size but big personality. Also, whilst it is not non-shedding I think it has a relatively low maintenance coat?

Trainability is also important