The only reason I've never owned a standard poodle is the embarrassment of being seen with them in my vehicle, LOL!
Also, the "fancy haircut" started when they were used as water retrievers. They bred them to have long thick coats for insulation against cold water, but it got so thick it slowed them down when swimming, so they started cutting the hair away from non vital parts while leaving it where they really needed it. Ears, cranium, joints and chest cavity.
