Poodles have a long and colorful past as working dogs in a variety of capacities.

• Originally bred as a water dog. Poodles have webbed feet and a water resistant coat because originally they were bred as hunting and water retrievers.
• Clipped coat had a purpose. The typical poodle cut that we see today was primarily done for very practical reasons. Poodles used for hunting and retrieving had their coats clipped to allow them to swim easier.
• Versatile and strong. Poodles have been used as sniffer dogs, search and rescue dogs and as guide dogs for the blind.
• Best companion dog. Today, most poodles are companion dogs. This is a job in which they excel. Poodle people will attest to the devotion, intuition and sense of humor of the poodle. They are elegant, lively, affectionate and reliable.

Poodles are often cited as a hypoallergenic dog breed. The word hypoallergenic can be somewhat of a misconception; all dogs shed. Poodles shed hair in minimal amounts, and also release dander, but are not as likely to trigger allergies as much as many other breeds. Additionally, poodle maintenance must include some amount of regular grooming, which removes hair and dander.