I dunno about how smart they are, I haven't met too many that seemed to be any too bright. But the Standards are great dogs, as long as they get treated like dogs and not topiary. I used to nanny for a family that had a huge standard named Jake. He didn't have a clue that he was a pure-bred (actually, I don't think he had a clue at all). He was well-behaved, calm and always game for a romp, not to mention good with the baby.

What I find funny is all the designer mutts out there, like labradoodles, pekapoos, cockapoos, etc. My dog is a mutt, I don't care what his parentage was. He's a great dog and still healthy and active at 15 years of age.