Several people have made comments to me when I am with Bella that they didn't think she was a poodle because she is so big. I guess a lot of people just think "small dog" when they think poodle. The only person who has ever gotten confused about any of my dog's sexes is my mother. She has always said "he" when referring to female dogs I've owned and "she" when referring to my male. (She hasn't met Ripley yet but I am sure she will call him "her." I don't even bother to correct her any more)