A poodle is a breed of dog known for its curly, woolly coat and sharp intelligence. Poodles come in three sizes: standard (the largest), miniature, and toy (the smallest, which can fit in your lap). Despite their fancy reputation today, poodles were originally bred in Germany as water retrievers, helping hunters fetch ducks and other waterfowl from lakes and rivers. Their distinctive fluffy coat actually served a purpose: hunters would clip the fur in certain patterns to help the dogs swim more easily while keeping their joints and vital organs warm.

Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds, which makes them easy to train but also means they need mental stimulation or they get bored. They excel at learning tricks, competing in dog shows, and even performing in circuses. The elaborate haircuts you see on show poodles, with pom-poms of fur at the joints and a shaved body, come from those old hunting days.

The word poodle can also be used as an insult for someone who follows another person around obediently without thinking for themselves.