Here's my .02 I have always has "Cowboy" dogs. (Heeler, Catahoula, border collie, etc) They tore things up, had to have something to do all the time, every second, or they were awful.
About 4 years ago, we got our first standard poodle. (I take offense to the yappy thing, btw,

it's allot more about how the dog is raised, our toy is less barky than some of our big dogs.) They are definitely a sporting breed, they can be kept in a sporting, or "doodle" clip, they look really stupid in the AKC conformation ring. AKC's required show clips for poodles are gross overstatement of an actual working clip designed to protect the dog in cold weather/water hunting conditions. (My Grandad made fun of one that I had in a working Continental, until I was there one day when he unloaded his shorthairs after a day of hunting. His dogs were wearing vests to keep them warm and protected, boot/leg shields, and antennas with a flag to keep track of them. My dog grew his own vest/boots/leg shields, and a brightly colors ribbon on his head told me where he was out in the field... Whose dog looked silly no, the one with clothing, or the one with his own hair???)
My opinion on any designer dog (any dog not recognized by a reputable breed organization), is if you want a MUTT go to the pound. Any one breeding mutt dogs is out for money, not breed improvement. (Mixing breeds/colors in edible animals is fine by me, the mistakes can be eaten, mixed breeding of pets is unacceptable, visit any shelter to see why.)
Our Standard poodles have learned to herd goats, love rally, obedience, and agility. They are wonderful to play fetch with, and love long walks, they even go out on the trails with us when we ride our horses. They
do not shed. I have 4 dogs and 3 people in my house, and vacuum up people hair, not dog hair. Labs, and Labradoodles shed. (I am a groomer, I know).
A poodle's primary goal in life is to please their person, that's what makes them happy. Most dogs do this because you make them.