yeah, if one doesn't learn how to groom the dog themselves, it would be expensive to keep those coats cut and all that. I bet it is complicated, no idea, heard it is involved, and i heard that most ppl just take poodles to a pro for the hair care, and don't do it themselves.
I know some large poodles, too, a pal of mine has 3 large poodles, all 3 are different colors, with normal haircuts, not 'fancy' haircuts, so stunning all 3 walking along together.
and all 3 poodles are laid back, gentle, mellow dogs who are just brilliant dogs, not nutty like BCs are, but do love to play, and LOVE the water, too.
I've also heard that poodles are a lil but easier to train than BCs for the average dog owner................ now maybe i wont' say this part right, but, something about BCs are so so specific, in almost obsessive way, which despite a BC's smarts, sometimes a small shift in body posture can throw off some BCs, whereas poodles somehow lack that obsessive thing and get most cues a lil easier from average dog owners faster than BCs do....could be wrong, but, it makes sense to ME! lol, Buddy IS obsessive a bit....
lots of smaller dogs seem to bark more often, and i just like larger dogs really. Guess we all have our preferences. Although, it might be fun to have a dog i can pick up and would actually fit on my lap, too! I can see that.