Standard poodle size

Question
Our standard passed away a while ago at 15 years old.  We were devastated, but have decided it's time to have another. She was 60 lbs. (and not fat, strictly muscle - she loved to run).  We really would like another poodle of that size.  However, it seems the breeders I've been calling say that they are downsizing the standard and they would probably be about 40 lbs.  I love the breed and will most likely get one anyway, but would really like a larger size.  Do you happen to know of anyone in particular I might be able to call and why they seem to be downsizing the breed??  Thanks for any help you can give.

Answer
Hello Laura,
Most "fad" looks you see in all breeds in general are determined by judges.  A judge will pick a particular dog out of the line-up that say has a slimmer snout and is shorter.  All of a sudden, there is a mass production of that breed of dog with smaller snouts and shorter legs.  About 10 yrs ago it was larger Std Poodle that were winning in the ring, so you saw breeders producing larger dogs.  The Fads tend to go with the judges preferences.  
It happens in other animals also.  Years back, Western Pleasure Quarter Horses were chosen by judges based on their lower head carriage.  Over time, you saw the magnificent Quarter Horse having a lower and lower head carriage in the ring until the horses got the name "Peanut Rollers" because their heads were so low to the ground they could roll a peanut with their nose.  It was awful to see.  Thankfully, they are back now.

To find larger Std Poodles, check out these sites, and write some of the breeders.  Tell them you are looking for a larger dog.  Out of a litter of Poodles, there is usually one or two that are considered "Show Puppies", which leaves several other nice puppies to go to pet homes.  Check out Obedience dogs or those bred for Sport rather than the Show Ring.  Type in Hunting or Obedience Standard Poodle Breeders in (your Area) In your search engine.  

Check out  http://puppydogweb.com/breeders/poodle.htm  
http://www.puppyfind.com/for_sale/?breed_id=88
http://www.pets4you.com/spoodle.html

Give this a try and if you need other help or suggestions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim