I considered a doodle. But I spent 6+ years wanting a dog before I was in a position where I could have one, so I researched my way out of it.
A few reasons I see for their popularity
1) there aren't that many hypoallergenic large breeds. In my ideal world, with good health and no allergies, j would probably have a shepherd collie cross. Just think, I could have my ideal dog without the fur! Or at least that's the ad...
2) there is a perception that purebreds have health issues and mutts are healthier. Yes I know there are really good breeders now, but I think within living memory, that was probably often true.
3) definitely the perception of them being prissy dogs. I intended to give mine a retriever cut and not fuss... Instead she's all dolled up with a banded topknot, pom tail, and poodle feet

4) men think they are "girly", so wives don't want them (seriously, if I saw a guy my age with a well-behaved poodle, I would be all over him

)
5) you don't see them very often so they slip from mind. I get a lot of comments on Annie that she is the first standard poodle they have seen in decades.
6)well bred poodles are not often found on kijiji/Craigslist or ads in your local paper
7) breeders seldom list prices. A lot of people have assumed my dog must have been way more expensive than the 1500-2500 doodles.
I think the more poodles you see, the more people will consider them. I think Annie's a good ambassador... she is very pretty. I thoroughly enjoy watching doodle owners eye her up enviously, and start the poodle conversation

. I suspect a few of the women she has met will argue hard for a poodle rather than their shaggy straight haired partially shedding cross next time they get a poodle.