I cant decide between four different breeds, HELP!!!

Question
I appreciate your help! I have lots of company, I have a good sized property on the water, and I need a very active, but not hyper dog. I'll be using my dog for Indoor/outdoor, love and affection, lots of tricks (with naturally lots of training), running around playing games, intelligence, and hunting. I have narrowed my selection using lots of time and resources to four dogs: Flat Coted Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, or Labradoodle (Lab, Poodle mix). I have spent a lot of time looking and trying to decide, but I can't get more than standard breed type or comparison info on these dogs. If you could please give me your personal opinion, and/or personal info on these dogs; I would be very happy. Thank you for your time!
                                                                            Sincerely,
                                                                                   Marcus Burt  

Answer
Of the breeds you mentioned, poodles are the more intelligent of the breeds.  The standard poodle was used by kings as hunters because they were fearless on land and in the water.  Some poodles can be a little hyper, but it has alot to do with the early environment of the dog.  Labradoodles combine the intellect of the poodle with the desire to please the lab has.  Labs are wonderfully loyal dogs and very active. Standard Poodles are also very active - but can also be lounge lizards (as can the other breeds). I don't know anything about a Flat Coted Retriever....sorry.  Labs are steady strong loving dogs, and often used as seeing eye dogs.  My choice is a poodle because they are so darned intelligent and loyal.  They also (unlike most breeds) see in color.  They have hair instead of fur, and they do not shed.  They also need to be brushed regularly and groomed about every 6 weeks.  To add another to the mix, you may want to check the Bernese (sp) Mountain Dog.  I know of a charity that provides seeing eye dogs for children that is working on creating a new breed by mixing the Labrador and the Bernese Mountain Dog for a Labernese Dog - to get the best of both breeds for a seeing eye dog.  

And I blather on.

I wish you luck in your choice!!!

Kathryn

I wish you luck in your search.