If you want a poodle, get a poodle. You never know what you will get with a mix. My history with mixes means you get the worst of both breeds. My present poodle is the most entertaining and smartest I have had. Usually had females, but the last two have been males.
I am over 55 and I have Standard Poodles. The biggest problem is getting up at night to get a drink of water or use the restroom, and having one of them steal the spot in my bed... Sense of humor? Yes.