Standard Poodles are incredibly smart dogs. Sadly there seems to be more demand to out-cross them with labrador or golden retrievers to get a cross with a low-dander coat. I guess if it keeps a worthy breed alive then it’s worth it?
I have a neutered male Portuguese Water Dog. Some say that they are a close cousin to the Standard Poodle. Another ‘smart’ dog. But it’s a dangerous kind of smart. He figures things out (like how to poach food when I’m not looking or how to let himself out of a gated fence). Plus he was raised with terriers and that messed with his psyche a bit!
A friend of mine had a beagle who was old and slow (he passed late last year). Except when there was food within easy reach; I saw him steal a tri-tip right off the grille once.
However, it chases deer. (woof woof whine woof howl woof woof). It runs out to the electric fence border, jumps up, and starts barking. The deer stare and ignore the dog aware of the fence for some reason.