The Poodle, called the Pudel in German and the Caniche in French, is a breed of water dog, used to retrieve ducks.
Their fancy haircut used to be all about function not
fashion!
Less hair would make the Poodle a more efficient swimmer, but more
vulnerable to cold water. To get the best of both worlds, Poodle owners
placed puffs of hair around the joints and the upper torso to protect
the joints and vital organs.