Contrary to popular belief, the Poodle did not originate in France. It was originally a German breed used for hunting, water retrieving and even herding. You can see the breed’s similarity to other curly-coated herding breeds such as the Puli. Poodle coats will curl and even cord if allowed to grow out.
From PetYak.com
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
My understanding that the “poodle-cut/trim was to lower the drag/water logging effect leaving the joints and chest protected against the cold of the water as the dogs retrieved water fowl shot by their masters. The colored ribbon tied in the top-knot help identify whose dog was where out in the water.