Poodles are actually a German water dog. The strange poodle cut you see with the "poofs" is actually a functional cut. The idea was to take of as much hair as possible so that the dog could swim easier. The reason behind the poofs on the dog is to keep hair around the joints to help keep them warm. That is also why the hair on the chest is left longer, so that the lungs do not have to work as hard to warm the incoming air.
Standard poodles are an awesome dog. My parents had miniatures when I was growing up

ray:, but would never consent to another large breed dog.:banghead:
Just sayin.....................