Standard Poodle vs. Brittany

Hello,

I am in a quandry and was wondering if anyone here has experience with
these two breeds. I would like a medium dog, good with children, not
protective - a "show the robber the silver" kind of dog. I like both
the Standards and the Brittanys I have met, but am open to other
medium-sized breeds. They both seem to have the size and intelligence
I am looking for.

I would prefer to wait to get a great pup from a top-quality breeder.
Our dog would be a house pet. We had a chocolate Lab for many years,
so we know about high-energy sporting dogs! I'd like to get away form
the hair and the size, although I loved our old Lab's temperment. I
think we will have an ideal situation - I work from home, so I am home
most of the time, and our kids are ages 6 and 8. Friendly,
non-aggressive temperament is much more important to us than "prey
drive" or show conformation, although of course we want a nice,
healthy dog.

I like the Standard Poodle's non-shed coat, and I understand about the
grooming commitment this dog requires. However, the Brittany seems
like such an intelligent Lab-like sporting dog, whose coat does not
need clipping, etc., (but does shed and require frequent brushing).

Are they both about the same in terms of exercise requirements and
"barkiness"? (Less barking is better in our opinion - is that
possible in a Poodle?)

I must say that there is a lot more information and potential pups in
the Standard Poodle lines - Brittanys seem quite rare in my area
(Ohio). But, I am willing to drive and meet and do what it takes to
get the right dog for our family.

Thanks for any info,

- Lisa