People assume with the name "French" Poodle that they originated in France. Actually, the breed is so ancient that it dates back to the middle Ages, more specifically the 15th century. You can find it appearing in Roman art and writings. Going even further back in time than that, there were pictures of poodle-like dogs carved on Roman tombs and Greek coins in the 12th century. But since no one has been able to prove the Poodle's origin, historians have come to the conclusion that, as far as modern Poodles are concerned, the breed probably originated in Germany, France, and Russia simultaneously.

In Germany, they were called "pudel dogs". Translated, the word "pudel" means to splash in water. Their love of carrying things in their mouths meant that they could be easily trained to retrieve falled game-pheasant, grouse, and quail-for hunters. Add to that their love of swimming and you have a dog that can be taught to retrieve ducks downed over water.

This is where their haircut originated. The long heavy coats of the Poodle became a serious problem. On land they functioned exceedingly well, but once in the water the dogs frequently drowned as they swam to shore with the fallen game birds.

Hunters had to find a way to lighten the dogs coats, but still protect their vital organs from the cold. So they shaved all the unnecessary hair into what became known as the lion cut, a blanket of hair covering the chest area protected the heart and lungs from the icy waters. Leg joints were protected by sculpting pompoms around each joint. In short, all hair that did not serve a protective purpose was shaved away. The face, feet, sides, back hips, and thighs were kept clean. Even the tail which was left much longer in those early days, was shaved with exception of a tuft at the tip. Thus, the clip that you see on most poodles in the show ring, the continental, was created.