What historical role in France led to the Poodle's classification as a Water Dog?

Answer

Hunting ducks

The Poodle lineage was famously refined in France where its primary historical occupation involved retrieving game from the water, specifically hunting ducks. This specialization in aquatic work resulted in their functional classification as water dogs. This role is intrinsically linked to the traits they pass on, such as renowned intelligence and a strong eagerness to cooperate with human handlers, necessary for complex retrieval tasks.

What historical role in France led to the Poodle's classification as a Water Dog?
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